Fireworks on and off the field mark return of PSL to Pakistan - in pictures

It was a night to remember at the National Stadium in Karachi as the Pakistan Super League returned home in its entirety. A full house of 33,000 witnessed defending champions Quetta Gladiators take on Islamabad United on Thursday night; the country was hosting the entire T20 tournament for the first time after four years. In the match, Azam Khan hit a half century to lead Gladiators to a tense three-wicket win over Islamabad. Azam, son of former Pakistan wicket-keeper Moin Khan, was playing only his second PSL match and proved his mettle by hitting 59 off 33 balls with five fours and three sixes as Quetta reached the target of 169 with nine balls to spare. Azam, who had been criticised over his fitness, silenced his critics with a composed knock that held the chase together. Earlier, two-time champions Islamabad were bowled out for 168 after Quetta pace ace Mohammad Hasnain finished with figures of 4-25. All-rounder Ben Cutting, who got the wicket of top-scorer Dawid Milan (64), took 3-31 while Sohail Khan ended up with 2-21.

Fireworks on and off the field mark return of PSL to Pakistan - in pictures

Quetta Gladiators beat Islamabad United by three wickets in Karachi