Pakistan mark return of international cricket by whitewashing Sri Lanka

Pakistan marked the return of international cricket to the country with a rip-roaring 36-run T20 victory over Sri Lanka in front of a packed stadium in the eastern city of Lahore Sunday. Powered by a lightning 51 off 24 balls by Shoaib Malik and a bowling attack led by paceman Mohammad Amir, the host made sure the fans would enjoy a night to remember as Pakistan finally hosted an international cricket fixture on home soil after being shunned by foreign teams for eight years due to security risk. Pakistan's isolation began when a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan team's bus in Lahore left six security personnel and two civilians dead while six players were injured.

It was great to see cricket back in Pakistan. Wonderful atmosphere and was good to see the @TheRealPCB players play at home.

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) October 29, 2017

Since then, Pakistan have been forced to play designated "home" matches primarily in the UAE. After Sunday's game, jubilant Pakistani fans exiting the stadium danced and played drums on the streets of Lahore. Security for Sunday's match comprised 16,000 police officials and over 250 surveillance vehicles deployed around Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, a police official said.

Pakistan in their last 14 T20Is: Won Won Won Won Lost Won Won Lost Won Won Won Won Won Won #Cricket

— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) October 29, 2017

Pakistan officials hope Sunday's match will encourage other countries to send their teams by next year. The West Indies have already committed to a tour although the dates have yet to be finalised, cricket board chairman Najam Sethi told Reuters. Plans to bring cricket to other Pakistani cities are also underway with four domestic T20 fixtures from the Pakistan Super League competition planned in southern metropolis Karachi.

Thank u @OfficialSLC for coming to Pakistan.Hopefully more international cricket to come to Pakistan. InshA Allah

— Azhar Ali (@AzharAli_) October 29, 2017

BRIEF SCORE Sri Lanka 144/9 (Shanaka 54, Amir 4/13) lost to Pakistan 180/3 (Malik 51, Amin 45) by 36 runs