LAHORE, SEPT 12 (DNA) – Opener Babar Azam’s swift 86 runs helped Pakistan beat the all-star World XI during the first Independence Cup clash in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Tuesday.

Earlier, World XI won the toss and opted to bowl against Pakistan in the first match of three-match Twenty20 (T20) series.

World XI fell 20 runs short of victory after Pakistan put a competitive 197 with some fantastic knocks from the batsmen.

There was some vintage hitting from Shoaib Malik (38 for 20) down the batting order. Ahmed Shahzad also played his part by steady 39 for 34.

Babar was handed Man of the Match award in the award presentation ceremony.

“It started slow, but I had in my mind to carry the motion till the end,” said Babar Azam.

On the other hand, Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla and Darren Sammy were the top performers from the other side and neither of them could reach the 30 runs mark.

Pakistan’s Sohail Khan, Shadab Khan and Rumman Raees got two wickets apiece to help seal the first win.