Pakistani players express their delight after cricket makes home return

New Delhi: Pakistan had a big reason to celebrate as cricket returned to the country after a gap of six years. To top that the side beat visitors Zimbabwe in the first Twenty20 international by a five-wicket margin.

Cricketers expressed their delight on social micro-blogging site, Twitter after witnessing a packed Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Thanks to all crowd coming in to the maximum capacity of Qaddafi stadium..I m sure Millions wana come.Thanks 4 ur support 4 both teams.. — Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) May 22, 2015

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also ful of the overcoming of it. And 2day Pakistan proved it Alhamdolilah. #CricketComesHome — Ahmad Shahzad (@iamAhmadshahzad) May 22, 2015

Thank you all you showed enthusiasm sportsmanship n peace N yes thanks team Zimbabwe for trusting us — Umar Akmal (@Umar96Akmal) May 22, 2015

The crowd! The team! The stadium! What a Country! What a WIN! Cricket is back in Pak! #CricketComesHome #TheRealPCB #Cricket #Pakistan

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) May 22, 2015

Pakistan had not hosted any international cricket since terrorists attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009.

Strict security was in place Friday with 4,000 policemen on duty but that did not stop cricket-deprived fans from packing the 27,000 capacity stadium.

Opener Mukhtar Ahmed hit his maiden half century during his rapid 45-ball 83 with 12 fours and three sixes to help Pakistan achieve their target in 19.3 overs and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

The Pakistani fans will hope to enjoy the series and look forward to more cricket playing nations visiting their land which was parched with lack of the game.