Security was tight on Saturday as Pakistan hosted the first international cricket match since 2009, when militants attacked a bus carrying the Sri Lankan team and brought tours to a standstill.

A sell-out 32,000 crowd at the well-cordoned National stadium watched Pakistan All Stars, led by Shahid Afridi win by 84 runs against an International World XI, led by former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya.

The unofficial T20 match, organised by the sports minister of Sindh province Mohammad Ali Shah, is seen as a small step towards reviving international cricket in Pakistan.

Batting first, the home team piled up 7-222 in their 20 overs.

Umar Akmal, playing at home for the first time since his debut in August 2009, top-scored with 67 not out while opener Shahzaib Hasan made 54.

The International World XI managed just 8-138, with paceman Tabish Khan taking 3-25, including a hat-trick. Afghanistan’s Shahpoor Zadran top-scored with 42.

The second match will be played on Sunday.

“It is a grand occasion,” Jayasuriya said at the toss. “All the players are excited to be the part of this match and the enthusiasm of the fans makes it a befitting occasion.

“Judging by the enthusiasm it is unfortunate that Pakistan has not been able to host international matches, but this match will definitely help, maybe in a small way to bring cricket back to Pakistan.”

The attacks in March, 2009, which left eight people dead and seven Sri Lankan players wounded, forced foreign teams to shun tours to Pakistan.

“A top-level security plan was devised for the match with around 5,000 policeman in and around the stadium,” said a police official.

“The sweeping of the entire stadium was done 24 hours before the start of the match to eliminate the likelihood of any explosive substance or devices planted by saboteurs.”

Around one dozen police vehicles led both the teams to the ground, with anti-explosive equipment and sniffer dogs on guard an hour before the scheduled start at 8pm.