Pakistan continued to celebrate the return of international cricket with a thrilling two-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the second Twenty20 on Sunday.
The hosts clinched the series 2-0 in what has been the first international cricket in Pakistan in six years due to security concerns after an attack on the Sri lankan bus in 2009.
Needing 12 runs off the last over with only two wickets in hand, No. 10 batsman Bilawal Bhatti (13 not out) kept his nerve in front of 27,000 fans to take Pakistan to 176-8 with two balls to spare.
Zimbabwe had earlier posted yet again a decent score of 175-3 with Sean Williams scoring an unbeaten 58 off 32 balls and Vusi Sibanda contributing 49.
Pakistan opener Mukhtar Ahmed scored a blistering 62 off 40 balls before Zimbabwe hit back with a flurry of wickets through some brilliant catching.
Howver, Bhatti ensured victory with a six off the first ball of the final over, two off the third and a boundary off the fourth.
The Twenty20s will be followed by three one-day internationals on May 26, 29 and 31.
Brief Score
Zimbabwe: 175/3 in 20 overs (Williams 58, Sibanda 49; Malik 1/23) lose to Pakistan: 176/8 in 19.4 overs (Mukhtar 62, Akmal 30; Mpofu 2/25) by 2 wickets with 2 balls remaining.