The Independence Cup between Pakistan and the World Xi begins from September 12, 2017. The first of the three T20 matches between the teams will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore today, at 7:00 pm PST. The games in this tournament have been accorded International status, and this makes this series a very significant one.

Final score: Pakistan win by 20 runs.

World XI 177/7 in 20 overs.

Pakistan 197/5 in 20 overs [Babar Azam 82 from 56 balls.]

World XI have won the toss and chosen to bowl first.

This series is a golden opportunity for Pakistan to guarantee their security measures for International games, as the country has not hosted any International matches after the bomb blasts which happened outside the cricket stadium during Zimbabwe's tour to Pakistan in 2009.

Team news

Pakistan has picked their strongest side for this tournament, and the Pakistan Cricket Board is keen to win this series at any cost which will bring back the lost glory of their team. The team comprises of big names like Shoaib Malik, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, and Sohail Khan. Veteran pace bowler Mohammed Amir will miss out this series, as he is in England with his wife as they are expecting their first child.

On the other hand, the World XI led by South Africa's Faf du Plessis is a very strong side, and their lineup is packed with some of the big names in contemporary International cricket.

Tim Paine will open the innings for the team along with the skipper, followed by David Miller, George Bailey and Paul Collingwood in the middle order.

Darren Sammy will lead the bowling department, and he will be given support by Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir.

This match will be special for cricket fans in England, as it will feature Paul Collingwood wearing an International cricket jersey since 2011.

Darren Sammy, in a recent press conference, told that he is quite happy to play this tournament, as this is the first step to bring back International cricket to Pakistan's soil. He also added that being a part of a good cause is always a matter of happiness.

Pitch and weather conditions

The pitch at Lahore is flat, and the curator has predicted a run feast in this game. The team winning the toss would love to bat first, as chasing will be pretty difficult in a dew filled outfield. Experts predict no chances of rain in Lahore on today night.

Television telecast and online streaming details

Viewers in Pakistan will be able to watch the match on PTV Sports. The live stream will also be available on the official website of PTV Sports starting 7:30 p.m. PST. Willow Tv will broadcast the series in the US.

In India, this game will be shown live on DSports from 07.30 PM IST.

Watch the highlights.
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