Twenty20 win was icing on the cake, says Waqar Younis

Head coach says it is always good to play in front of the home crowd and winning

LAHORE: Pakistan celebrated on Saturday the return of international cricket to the country, with head coach Waqar Younis saying a Twenty20 win was the "icing on the cake.”

Friday's Twenty20 game between Pakistan and Zimbabwe was the first international match in Pakistan since terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in March 2009.

Read: Pakistan triumph as cricket returns home

Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by five wickets before a 27,000-strong crowd, who battled 42 degree heat and stifling security arrangements.

"It's always good to play in front of the home crowd and winning the game is like icing on the cake," said Waqar, who coached for the first time in a match in Pakistan.

"Playing on home soil in front of our own people gives you different feelings."

Read: Pakistani fans ride wave of emotion as #CricketComesHome

Pakistan achieved their best Twenty20 chase by overhauling a target of 173. Opener Mukhtar Ahmed hit a rapid 83 to steer the home team to a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Waqar said the occasion made Pakistan a proud nation.

"The way Lahore rose for us was simply the best. We are proud of our people and our nation. I had said (before the match) that people should keep some patience as they might face minor problems (amid extra security) but I am happy everything went well."

Read: Zimbabwe series more than just cricket for Pakistan

After Sunday's Twenty20 both teams will play three, one-day internationals on May 26, 29 and 31.

Waqar said he got emotional on arriving at the stadium.

"No doubt that the home crowd and home ground spark different emotions in you. The way we were welcomed on our way to Gaddafi Stadium, it was hard to control the emotions.

"We did speak in the morning (on Friday) about how to control it. But the way we played it was outstanding and the atmosphere was exhilarating."

Read: Cricket in Lahore: ‘2009 attack is best forgotten’

Pakistan Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi said his nation has given a positive message to the world.

"With this match we have given a loud and clear and a positive message to the world that we love cricket and want to hold international matches regularly," he said.

"Our stadiums will no more serve as marriage gardens but they will hold international cricket matches," said Afridi, who retired from one-day cricket after the 2015 World Cup.

Former captain and legendary paceman Wasim Akram praised the spirit of the fans.

"Full house, great game and a Twenty20 win all made the occasion more memorable," he told AFP. "We celebrated the return of cricket in a memorable manner and hats off to the people of this great nation."