LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) A brisk half-century by Babar Azam helped Pakistan to a 20-run victory over a World XI on Tuesday, the first match of a Twenty20 series which the hosts hope will lead to international cricket returning to their country. Azam entertained the near-capacity crowd of 25,000 at the Gaddafi Stadium by smashing 86 off 52 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes in Pakistan’s total of 197-5. The World XI’s star-studded batting lineup was then restricted to 177-7 as Pakistan took the lead in a three-match series. ”I want to dedicate this innings to the people of Pakistan because it’s always nice to play in front of home fans,” Azam said of his man-of-the-match winning knock. Eight years after a terror attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore caused major teams to shun Pakistan, the country’s cricket board is hoping the series will help to win back the confidence of test-playing nations. The second game will be played on Wednesday, followed by the last match on Friday. ”It was a good game, I thought Pakistan played exceptionally well,” World XI captain South Africa’s Faf du Plessis said. ”I thought it was a 180 wicket, so maybe… Read full this story
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