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Published 16 Sep, 2017 01:20am

In pictures: Pakistan, World XI face off in gripping Independence Cup finale

A thrilling contest for the Independence Cup found Pakistan triumphant with a 33-run victory over the visiting World XI team.

Although the green shirts began their innings strong, the pace of play seemed to slow down as the game progressed, with the team piling up a steady 183 runs for the international side to chase.

The World XI also opened on strong footing, but as crucial wickets fell, the game changed and suddenly the confident side was found floundering as Pakistani bowlers struck again and again.

The successful completion of the much-awaited tournament, which sought to revive international cricket in the country, was as much a victory for cricketing fans and the sport as it was for the national team.

Scenes from Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium showed charged spectators holding up placards praising the World XI team and highlighting Pakistan's victory over terrorism.

Passions ran high on the field, with big hits and big wickets causing a flurry of excitement.

Man of the Match Ahmed Shehzad today became the first Pakistani cricketer to smash three back-to-back sixes in the T20 format.

Sarfraz Ahmad (R) celebrates with teammate Babar Azam after winning the third and final Independence Cup T20 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. —AFP

Spectators display a huge national flag before the start of the match. —AFP

An elite policeman uses binoculars to monitor the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium before the start of the match. —AFP

Police officers check cricket spectators who arrive at Gaddafi Stadium to watch the match. —AP

Pakistani batsmen Fakhar Zaman (L) and Ahmed Shehzad run between the wickets during the match. —AFP

World XI cricketer Darren Sammy (3L) celebrate with teammates after the dismissal of Pakistani batsman Fakhar Zaman. —AFP

Pakistani batsman Ahmed Shahzad hits a six during the final T20. —AFP

Fans celebrate the final match between Pakistan and World XI at Gaddafi stadium in Lahore. —AP

Ahmed Shahzad hits boundary against World XI at Gaddafi stadium. Shahzad scored 89 runs in the match. —AP

Pakistani batsman Shoaib Malik hits a six during the third and final T20. —AFP

Former Pakistan captain Misbah ul Haq (L) rides on an auto-rickshaw as he waves to the crowd during a "lap of honour". —AFP

World XI batsman Tamim Iqbal (R) hits a shot as Pakistani captain and wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmad looks on. —AFP

World XI batsman Tamim Iqbal is bowled out by Pakistani bowler Usman Shinwari during the third and final Twenty20. —AFP

Pakistani bowler Usman Khan Shinwari celebrates after taking the wicket of World XI batsman Tamim Iqbal, who became his first T20i victim. —AFP

Pakistani spinner Imad Wasim (L) celebrates with captain and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmad (C) after taking the wicket of World XI batsman George Bailey (R). — AFP

World XI batsman Ben Cutting is bowled out by Hassan Ali during the third and final T20. — AFP

World XI batsman David Miller (R) plays a shot as Sarfraz Ahmad looks on. —AFP

World XI batsman Thisara Perera (R) plays a shot as Pakistani captain and wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmad looks on. Perera hit three back-to-back sixes facing Shadab Khan. —AFP

World XI cricketers Darren Sammy (4R) and Samuel Badree (3R) congratulate Pakistani cricketers for winning the match. —AFP

Spectators cheer at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore. —AFP

Sarfraz Ahmad (R) celebrates with teammate Ahmed Shahzad after winning the game and the series. —AFP

Pakistani cricketers celebrate after winning the third and final Twenty20 International match against World XI. —AFP

A cricket fan holds a placard during a final of T20 International match between World XI and Pakistan at Gaddafi stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. The series is aimed at reviving international cricket in Pakistan, since terrorists attacked the Sri Lanka cricket team bus in Lahore in 2009. —AP

Pakistani captain Sarfraz Ahmad (C) celebrates with teammates as they walk back to pavilion after the win. — AFP

Pakistani cricketers pose for a photograph with trophy after winning the third and final Twenty20 International match against World XI at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on September 15, 2017. —AFP

Pakistan's captain Sarfraz Ahmed, right, receives a trophy from Najam Sethi, Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board after beating the World XI in final of Twenty20 International match. —AP

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