The stands of Karachi's National Stadium roared with the chants of a packed crowd as international cricket returned to the metropolis after a nine-year break with the Pakistan Super League final on Sunday.

The PSL final — in which Islamabad United beat title holders Peshawar Zalmi by three wickets — is a major step towards reviving international cricket, that was suspended in 2009 following attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore.

Islamabad, who won the inaugural PSL champions titles in 2016, rode on a brisk 26-ball 52 by Luke Ronchi spiced with five sixes and four boundaries which anchored his team's successful chase of 149-run target in 16.5 overs.

Ronchi also finished as top run-getter with 435 runs in 11 matches. Asif Ali smashed three sixes in his 26 not out.

Chris Jordan of Peshawar Zalmi takes catch to dismiss Shadab Khan of Islamabad United. —AFP