ICC backs return of international matches

The ICC has vowed to help Pakistan's return to hosting international cricket as the World XI snatched a dramatic victory in game two of a three-match series.

Thisara Perera and Hashim Amla.

Thisara Perera, left, bats with Hashim Amla during the World XI's dramatic chase against Pakistan. (AAP)

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed to back Pakistan's efforts to resume international cricket in their own country and said it would provide financial assistance for security needs.

Pakistan is currently hosting a World XI cricket team for three T20 games in the eastern city of Lahore, a series that is being touted as a watershed moment for those bidding to restore international cricket in the country.

The World XI ensured the three-match series would go down to the wire after securing a dramatic seven-wicket victory with one ball remaining.

Sri Lankan allrounder Thisara Perera arrived at the crease with World XI needing 69 from the final six overs and he provided the fireworks to snatch victory with an explosive 47 from just 19 deliveries.

In a devastating spell, which saw him smash five maximums, he hit a match-winning six off Rumman Raees.

ICC chief executive David Richardson called the matches an "important stepping stone" for Pakistan to earn the "confidence of the international sporting community".

Pakistan has hosted only one international series since militants attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in 2009, wounding six players and killing two civilians and six security officials.

"The ICC has already agreed to invest in security and improving the security capabilities for a three-year period," Richardson said, adding that he would like to see other countries sending their teams to Pakistan.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday ahead of the second match at the Gaddafi Stadium, Richardson said the matches were an example of the "the cricket family ... sticking together to help a particular member country."

Pakistan won the series opener on Monday by 20 runs, spurred by a quick-fire 86 by batsman Babar Azam before holding off a star-studded World XI batting line-up led by South African captain Faf du Plessis.


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world