Pakistan v Zimbabwe: Security high for international cricket return

Pakistan reached 142-0 before a late collapse almost cost them victory

Thousands of police and paramilitaries were on hand for Pakistan's nervy win in their first home full international fixture since a terror attack in 2009.

Pakistan moved to within 30 runs of Zimbabwe's total of 172 without losing a wicket, before a batting collapse almost cost them the Twenty20 match.

Skipper Shahid Afridi hit his first ball for four to give his side victory with three balls to spare in Lahore.

Gunmen attacked buses carrying the Sri Lanka team in the city six years ago.

Beforehand, fans waited at the Gaddafi Stadium in temperatures of 43 degrees Celsius and faced frequent security checks.

Both teams arrived at the stadium in a fleet of vans carrying armed guards.

Dozens of CCTV cameras were installed in the surroundings of Nishtar Park, where the Gaddafi Stadium is located.

Tickets for both Friday's and Sunday's T20s in Lahore were sold out within two days, and the teams will also play three one-day internationals at the venue next week.

Security was heavily increased as international cricket returned to the Gaddafi Stadium

Security helicopters maintained a watchful presence

Pakistan president Mamnoon Hussain greets the Zimbabwe team

Spectators were subjected to stringent security measures before entering the Gaddafi Stadium