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Zelenskyy Warns World of “Most Destructive Arms Race” at U.N., Urges Action Against Russia

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Zelenskyy Warns World of “Most Destructive Arms Race” at U.N., Urges Action Against Russia

United Nations, New York — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday delivered a stark warning to world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly, describing the current global situation as “the most destructive arms race in history” and calling for immediate international action against Russia.

Addressing delegates in New York, Zelenskyy said that the conflict in Ukraine was no longer confined to his country. “Ukraine is only the first,” he said. “Russian drones are already flying across Europe, and Russian operations are spreading across countries. Putin wants to continue this war by expanding it.”

RELATED NEWS : At U.N. General Assembly, Trump says world leaders are driving their nations “to hell,” mocks NATO and rejects Palestinian statehood

Zelenskyy’s speech underscored the growing concern in Kyiv that Russia’s military ambitions extend beyond Ukraine’s borders, posing a threat to the stability of the European continent. The Ukrainian president stressed that the world must act collectively to prevent further escalation and contain Russia’s expansionist efforts.

The address followed Zelenskyy’s meeting on Tuesday with former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump expressed support for Ukraine’s efforts and praised Kyiv’s resilience, marking a notable shift from his previous stance urging Ukraine to consider concessions to end the conflict. During the meeting, Trump said he believed Ukraine could regain all territory lost to Russia, signaling strong political backing for Kyiv’s ongoing military and diplomatic campaign.

Analysts noted that Zelenskyy’s message at the U.N. comes amid mounting international concerns over the proliferation of advanced weapons systems, including drones, and the potential for the conflict to spill into neighboring European nations. The speech was seen as an appeal for increased military aid, economic sanctions, and coordinated diplomatic pressure on Moscow.

The U.N. General Assembly, traditionally a forum for multilateral dialogue, has increasingly become a platform for leaders like Zelenskyy to seek global solidarity in confronting security threats that transcend borders. Zelenskyy’s address highlighted the urgency of international cooperation to prevent a further escalation of hostilities in Europe.

European leaders attending the session expressed grave concern over the warnings, with many signaling a need to reinforce NATO commitments and strengthen regional defense measures. Zelenskyy concluded his address by urging immediate action: “The world cannot wait while aggression spreads. Europe and the international community must respond decisively before it is too late.

SOURCE : AP NEWS & UN |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Typhoon Ragasa Slams Southern China After Leaving 17 Dead in Taiwan

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Typhoon Ragasa Slams Southern China After Leaving 17 Dead in Taiwan

Hong Kong/Shenzhen, China – Typhoon Ragasa, the world’s most powerful tropical cyclone this year, made landfall in the southern Chinese city of Yangjiang on Wednesday after killing 17 people in Taiwan and bringing Hong Kong to a halt with ferocious winds and torrential rains.

The storm, which reached Category 5 strength earlier this week, was tracking towards Maoming, home to one of China’s largest oil refining hubs in Guangdong province.

RELATED NEWS : Hong Kong Shuts Down as Super Typhoon Ragasa Nears with Winds of 220 km/h

In Taiwan, 17 people remain missing in Hualien county after a barrier lake overflowed during Ragasa’s downpour, sending a wall of water into a town. In Hong Kong, massive waves battered the coastline, flooding roads and properties, including the upscale Fullerton Hotel, where videos showed seawater surging through glass doors.

China’s marine authorities issued their highest red wave warning for the first time this year, forecasting storm surges up to 2.8 meters in parts of Guangdong, including the densely populated Pearl River Delta.

Ragasa, which formed over the Western Pacific last week, rapidly intensified to super typhoon strength with winds exceeding 260 kph (162 mph) before weakening slightly. Even so, the storm uprooted trees, knocked down power lines, and forced the evacuation of more than 2 million people across Guangdong province.

Authorities deployed tens of thousands of tents, folding beds, and emergency supplies, state media reported. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Foshan, and Dongguan – cities home to nearly 50 million people – were directly in the storm’s path.

“The weather experienced in Hong Kong this summer is only a taste of what is to come,” warned Benjamin Horton, dean of the School of Energy and Environment at the City University of Hong Kong, citing climate change as a driver of more frequent and powerful typhoons.

In Hong Kong, officials confirmed at least 90 people were injured and nearly 900 residents sought refuge in temporary shelters. A woman and her five-year-old son were swept into the sea while watching the storm; both are in intensive care, according to local media.

Macau also felt the brunt of Ragasa, with casinos forced to shutter gambling areas and staff sealing doors against wind and debris.

Despite the damage, analysts said the Pearl River Delta is better prepared than in past years when storms like Hato (2017) and Mangkhut (2018) caused billions in damages. The Hong Kong stock exchange even stayed open through the storm, a sign of growing resilience.

Still, businesses were not spared: Zijin Gold International postponed its planned $3.2 billion Hong Kong IPO on Wednesday, citing the typhoon’s disruption.

With storm surge alerts expected to remain in place until Thursday, officials across southern China continued urging caution as Typhoon Ragasa moved inland, threatening widespread flooding.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

4 Killed, 50 Injured as Ladakh Statehood Protest Turns Violent in Leh

Ahsan Ansari
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4 Killed, 50 Injured as Ladakh Statehood Protest Turns Violent in Leh

Le-Ladakh, India – At least four people died and more than 50 were injured on Wednesday as a statehood protest in Leh escalated into violence. Demonstrators torched the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council office, the local BJP office, and CRPF and police vehicles, leading to clashes with security forces.

The protest was organized by the youth wing of the Ladakh Apex Body, demanding full statehood for Ladakh and implementation of the Sixth Schedule in the region. The demonstration followed the hospitalization of two young protesters who had been on a hunger strike since September 10, after their health deteriorated.

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Climate activist and prominent Ladakh figure Sonam Wangchuk lamented the deaths, saying the unrest reflected “the welled-up anger of Ladakh’s youth.”

In response to the violence, Kavinder Gupta, Ladakh’s lieutenant governor, appealed for an end to unrest and the restoration of peace in a video message circulated by his office. District administrator Romil Singh Donk announced a ban on demonstrations, public gatherings, and inflammatory speeches to maintain law and order.

Ladakh, which shares a long and strategically sensitive border with China, has seen heightened security measures in Leh and surrounding areas. Authorities continue to investigate the violent protests and monitor the situation closely in this key frontier region.

SOURCE : DT & AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Ahead of Bihar Elections, Omkar Yadav Draws Attention in Delhi

Ahsan Ansari
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Ahead of Bihar Elections, Omkar Yadav Draws Attention in Delhi

New Delhi, India — The Bihar Assembly election dates are likely to be announced soon, with the Election Commission expected to hold a press conference in the first week of October. Both the ruling NDA and the opposition Grand Alliance are grappling with internal conflicts as they prepare for a high-stakes battle to secure a majority and return to power.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is aiming to maximize the Janata Dal (United)’s performance, while RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav is aggressively positioning himself for the top post. To avoid repeating past mistakes, JDU is conducting detailed surveys on every seat, evaluating the five-year performance of its MLAs and gauging public satisfaction with their tenure.

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In the 2020 Assembly elections, JDU contested 122 seats but won only 43, a setback the party is determined not to repeat in 2025. Among the constituencies drawing significant attention is the Belhar Assembly seat in Banka district.

Currently represented by JDU’s Manoj Yadav, who defeated RJD’s Ramdev Yadav in 2020, Belhar may witness an intra-party clash this time. Senior JDU leader and social worker Onkar Yadav has also submitted his claim for the ticket. Known for his long-standing dedication to the party, Onkar Yadav has played a pivotal role in ensuring JDU’s victories across Banka — in Assembly, MLC, and Lok Sabha contests.

Adding momentum to the campaign, an NDA workers’ conference is scheduled for September 25 at the high school in Chandan, Belhar, with Onkar Yadav spearheading preparations.

The big question remains: Will JDU renominate sitting MLA Manoj Yadav, or turn to Onkar Yadav as its candidate for Belhar? The decision could shape the party’s prospects in one of Banka’s most closely watched constituencies.

SOURCE : DT |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Trump Blames UN for Fueling Illegal Migration in Fiery UN General Assembly Speech

Shasi Kumar
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Trump Blames UN for Fueling Illegal Migration in Fiery UN General Assembly Speech

United Nations, New York — U.S. President Donald Trump unleashed a blistering attack on the United Nations during the General Assembly on Tuesday, accusing the world body of enabling illegal migration into the United States and failing to address mounting global crises.

Speaking before world leaders in New York, Trump charged that the UN has become part of the problem rather than the solution, claiming that international aid programs have “funded and encouraged” record levels of migration under President Joe Biden.

RELATED NEWS : At U.N. General Assembly, Trump says world leaders are driving their nations “to hell,” mocks NATO and rejects Palestinian statehood

The United Nations does not solve problems — it promotes them,” Trump said. He alleged that UN agencies provided $372 million in cash assistance that he argued helped drive “millions of people” to cross the U.S. southern border.

“Under Joe Biden, millions have poured across our borders. The United Nations has become part of the problem, not the solution. We will not allow foreign bodies or so-called allies to dictate who comes into our country,” he declared, drawing a mix of muted applause and visible unease in the chamber.

The 45th president’s remarks marked a sharp break from the typically cooperative, consensus-driven tone of the General Assembly. Instead, Trump doubled down on his nationalist message, insisting that the U.S. must reclaim full control over its borders and end what he described as “foreign interference” in its sovereignty.

He vowed that, if returned to office, his administration would cut off U.S. participation in UN-backed migration programs and implement the “strongest border enforcement in history.”

The fiery speech underscored Trump’s broader campaign message heading into the 2025 political season — casting himself as the defender of U.S. sovereignty against multilateral institutions and foreign influence.

SOURCE : UN |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

At U.N. General Assembly, Trump says world leaders are driving their nations “to hell,” mocks NATO and rejects Palestinian statehood

Diplomat Times
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At U.N. General Assembly, Trump says world leaders are driving their nations “to hell,” mocks NATO and rejects Palestinian statehood

United Nations — U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a combative, wide-ranging speech to the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, arguing for lower levels of global migration, dismissing climate change policies, and unleashing sharp criticism at world leaders.

In the 56-minute address, Trump told assembled leaders their countries were “going to hell” and described today’s world as “empty.” The remarks marked a return to his trademark defiance of international institutions, echoing his first term, when he regularly lambasted the United Nations. Delegates offered polite applause as he exited the chamber.

Much of Trump’s speech centered on two of his biggest grievances: immigration and climate change. He showcased his U.S. border crackdown as a model for other nations to follow in curbing mass migration, while human rights groups countered that migrants are simply seeking safety and better lives.

“I’m really good at this stuff,” Trump declared. “Your countries are going to hell.” He went on to call climate change a “con job” and warned that Europe’s push toward clean energy was “suicidal.” Referring to his recent meeting with Britain’s King Charles, an outspoken advocate of environmental protection, Trump said: “Immigration and their suicidal energy ideas will be the death of Western Europe.”

Trump’s administration is expected to propose narrowing the right to asylum at the United Nations later this month, in what critics say would dismantle key elements of the post–World War II humanitarian system.

The former president also sprinkled his remarks with false or misleading claims — alleging that London Mayor Sadiq Khan supports “sharia law” in the British capital and incorrectly declaring that inflation in the U.S. had been defeated, despite the Federal Reserve reporting an increase only days earlier.

Rebukes for Allies, Threats to Russia

Turning to foreign policy, Trump ridiculed NATO allies for continuing to buy Russian oil while simultaneously opposing Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. “They’re funding the war against themselves,” he said. Trump threatened sweeping economic measures, including new tariffs on Russia and potentially on countries that continue doing business with Moscow, singling out India and China as examples.

“For those tariffs to be effective, European nations would have to join us in adopting the exact same measures,” he added, without detailing specifics.

Later in the day, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who appealed for more U.S. support. Asked by reporters whether NATO nations should shoot down Russian aircraft that cross their airspace, Trump replied: “Yes, I do.”

RELATED NEWS : France joins other Western nations in recognizing Palestinian state

Middle East and Gaza Conflict

On the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Trump rejected growing calls for recognition of a Palestinian state, saying such a move would “reward Hamas terrorists.” He repeated demands for the release of all hostages taken during the Gaza conflict, calling for a ceasefire-for-hostages deal and urging immediate negotiations for peace.

“We have to stop the war in Gaza immediately. We have to immediately negotiate peace,” he said, before heading into meetings with Gulf leaders to discuss Gaza’s future.

Personal Grievances at the UN

Trump, who has openly cast himself as a peacemaker deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize, used part of his platform to air personal frustrations with the U.N. itself. He joked about being stranded on a malfunctioning escalator with First Lady Melania Trump and complained about a faulty teleprompter at the podium.

“These are the two things I got from the United Nations — a bad escalator and a bad teleprompter,” he quipped, noting that Melania nearly fell when the escalator abruptly stopped.

The speech drew mixed reactions — applause from some, silence from others — but made clear that Trump, seeking to reassert himself on the global stage, intends to challenge both allies and rivals with an “America-first” agenda, unapologetically rejecting climate science, migration frameworks, and the multilateral traditions of the United Nations itself.

SOURCE : REUTERS & UN |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Ms. Gloria Gangte Appointed as India’s Next Ambassador to Norway

Shasi Kumar
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Ms. Gloria Gangte Appointed as India’s Next Ambassador to Norway

New Delhi, India – The Government of India has appointed Ms. Gloria Gangte as the next Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway. Currently serving as India’s High Commissioner to Malta, she is expected to assume her new role shortly, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

A 2000-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Ms. Gangte brings over two decades of distinguished diplomatic experience. Her previous assignments include serving as Joint Secretary in the Latin American and Caribbean Division at the Ministry of External Affairs, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of India in Rome, and Counsellor (Political) at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva.

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India and Norway have maintained diplomatic relations since February 1947. Both nations share strong commitments to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Observers anticipate that Ms. Gangte’s appointment will further enhance the longstanding bilateral ties between the two countries, particularly in trade, culture, and international cooperation.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh of Manipur congratulated Ms. Gangte on her new role, acknowledging her exemplary achievements in the Indian Foreign Service.

As she prepares for her posting in Oslo, Ms. Gangte’s extensive experience and diplomatic expertise are expected to play a key role in advancing India’s engagement with Norway and strengthening multilateral collaboration on global issues.

SOURCE : MEA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Hong Kong Shuts Down as Super Typhoon Ragasa Nears with Winds of 220 km/h

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Hong Kong Shuts Down as Super Typhoon Ragasa Nears with Winds of 220 km/h

Hong Kong – Hong Kong shut down on Tuesday as Super Typhoon Ragasa, the world’s most powerful tropical cyclone this year, bore down on the city. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors, with schools and businesses closed and most passenger flights suspended until Thursday as the massive storm approached.

Scenes of panic buying played out across the city, with supermarkets quickly emptied as people stocked up on food, water, and other necessities in anticipation of being cut off for days. In neighborhoods across Hong Kong, windows in apartments, offices, and shops were covered with tape, a measure residents hoped would help minimize the dangers of flying glass if strong winds shattered panes.

RELATED NEWS : 1 dead, 1 injured as heavy rain, winds lash Tokyo area

Ragasa is currently packing sustained winds of around 220 kilometers per hour, equivalent to 137 miles per hour, and the Hong Kong Observatory described it as posing a severe threat to the coast of Guangdong, the southern Chinese province that borders the city. The storm, which swept through the northern Philippines on Monday, is expected to maintain its super typhoon strength as it edges closer to Guangdong, threatening Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan.

Chinese state media reported that Guangdong province had already evacuated more than 370,000 people in preparation. The country’s National Meteorological Center forecast landfall along Guangdong’s southern coast between midday and late Wednesday, likely between the cities of Zhuhai and Zhanjiang.

In Hong Kong, the typhoon signal number 8 was raised at 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday, one of the highest levels in the city’s warning system, which requires schools, offices, factories, and most public transport services to suspend operations. More than 700 flights were canceled or delayed, affecting not only Hong Kong but also Macau and Taiwan.

Weather forecasters warned that conditions would deteriorate rapidly overnight, with hurricane-force winds expected to hit offshore areas and high ground by Wednesday. Heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding are likely, with sea levels projected to rise by as much as two meters in some coastal areas. The maximum surge could reach between four and five meters, raising fears of damage on a scale not seen since Typhoon Hato in 2017 and Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018, which caused billions of dollars in losses in the city.

The Hong Kong Observatory said it would reassess conditions between late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning to determine whether to raise the warning further. The next stage, signal number 9, would indicate significantly strengthening gale-force winds, while the highest, signal number 10, would mean sustained hurricane-force winds exceeding 118 kilometers per hour with gusts over 220 kilometers per hour.

Across southern China, schools were ordered closed, factories suspended work, and ferry and rail services were halted as Ragasa advanced. In Hong Kong, streets were eerily quiet by late afternoon, with only emergency vehicles and last-minute shoppers venturing outside. The normally bustling financial hub had effectively shut its doors, bracing for what forecasters warn could be one of the most destructive storms in years.

SOURCE : AGENCIES |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

France joins other Western nations in recognizing Palestinian state

Diplomat Times
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France joins other Western nations in recognizing Palestinian state

United Nations, USA – France recognized a Palestinian state at a world summit in New York on Monday, nearly two years into the war in Gaza, joining Britain, Canada and other Western allies who made the same historic move on Sunday and were rebuked by Israel.

While the announcement at the event convened by France and Saudi Arabia could boost the morale of Palestinians in their long search for statehood, it was not expected to deliver change on the ground.

The most far-right government in Israel’s history has declared there will be no Palestinian state as it pushes on with its fight against militant group Hamas in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed some 1,200 people.

Israel has become increasingly isolated and drawn global condemnation over its military conduct in Gaza, where more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities. In recent weeks, Israel has begun a long-threatened ground assault on Gaza City with few prospects for a ceasefire.

“We must pave the way for peace,” French President Emmanuel Macron said at the beginning of a planned three-hour session at the United Nations.

“We must do everything within our power to preserve the very possibility of a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security,” he said before announcing the diplomatic move drawing lengthy applause from the audience.

Macron outlined a framework for a “renewed Palestinian Authority” under which France would open an embassy subject to factors such as reforms, a ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages taken from Israel and held by Hamas in Gaza.

Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg and San Marino were also expected to recognise a Palestinian state on Monday ahead of this week’s U.N. General Assembly, after Australia, Britain, Canada and Portugal did so at the weekend. Malta made the announcement earlier on Monday.
Israel has said such moves will undermine the prospects of a peaceful ending to the conflict in Gaza.

“We call on those who have not yet done so to follow suit,” Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said via video link, as he was unable to attend the milestone events after being refused a U.S. visa.

“We call for your support so that Palestine becomes a full-fledged member of the United Nations,” he added, promising reforms and elections within a year of a ceasefire.

A delegation representing the State of Palestine has observer status at the United Nations – but no voting rights. No matter how many countries recognise Palestinian independence, full U.N. membership would require approval by the Security Council, where the U.S. has a veto.

The two-state solution was the bedrock of the U.S.-backed peace process ushered in by the 1993 Oslo Accords. The process suffered heavy pushback from both sides and has all but died.
No such negotiations over a two-state solution have been held since 2014.

The United States and Israel boycotted Monday’s meeting. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said Israel would discuss how to respond to the announcements of recognition after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returns to Israel next week.

“Those issues were supposed to be negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians in the future,” Danon told reporters ahead of the meeting. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday in Washington before returning to Israel.

The United States has told other countries that Palestinian recognition will create more problems, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this month.
Amid Israel’s intensified Gaza offensive and escalating violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, there is a growing sense of urgency among some nations to act now before the idea of a two-state solution vanishes forever.

France has driven the move, hoping that Macron’s announcement in July that he would recognise a Palestinian state would give greater momentum to a movement hitherto dominated by smaller nations that are generally more critical of Israel.

EUROPEAN DIVISIONS AND ISRAELI RESPONSE

While the majority of European countries now recognise a Palestinian state, two of the continent’s largest economies, Germany and Italy, have signalled they are unlikely to make such a move soon.
Germany — long a strong supporter of Israel because of its responsibility for the Holocaust — has grown more critical of Israeli policy, while insisting that recognition of a Palestinian state should come at the end of a political process to agree on a two-state solution.
The German government spokesperson also said on Monday there must be no further annexations in Israeli-occupied territory.

Italy said recognising a Palestinian state could be “counterproductive”.
On the ground, Netanyahu has rejected numerous calls to end the campaign until Hamas is destroyed and has said he will not recognise a Palestinian state.
Israel is considering annexing part of the occupied West Bank as a possible response as well as specific bilateral measures against Paris, Israeli officials have said, even though the recognitions are expected to be largely symbolic.

Annexation could backfire and alienate such countries as the United Arab Emirates, a global oil power and trade hub with wide diplomatic clout across the Middle East.
The United Arab Emirates, the most prominent of the Arab states that normalised ties with Israel under the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020, has said such a move would undermine the spirit of the agreement.

The U.S. has warned of possible consequences for those who take measures against Israel, including France as host of the summit.

SOURCE : REUTERS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

No handshakes yet as India defeats Pakistan by 6 wickets in the Asia Cup

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No handshakes yet as India defeats Pakistan by 6 wickets in the Asia Cup

Dubai, UAE — Abhishek Sharma smacked five sixes in a 39-ball 74 as India beat Pakistan by six wickets in Super Four cricket at the Asia Cup on Sunday, with still no handshakes before or after the game between the archrivals.

India is the designated host of the eight-nation Asia Cup, but the Twenty20 tournament is being played in the United Arab Emirates because the India and Pakistan cricket teams don’t play on each other’s territory.

RELATED NEWS : India Beats Pakistan by 7 Wickets in Asia Cup, Players Skip Handshake

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has previously said that the Indian team was aligned with the Board of Control for Cricket in India and government instructions that players wouldn’t shake hands with Pakistan players.

Sharma’s half-century — including a six off the first ball — led India’s successful chase as vice captain Shubman Gill hit 47 runs off 28 balls. Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson then helped finish off the chase as India scored 174-4 in 18.5 overs.

Earlier, Pakistan scored 171-5 in 20 overs. Opener Sahibzada Farhan led the way with 58 off 45 before the innings lost momentum in the middle overs.

Faheem Ashraf’s 20 not out helped Pakistan finish with a par score, but it quickly appeared to be not enough as Sharma went on the attack.

It was the second encounter at this Asia Cup between the two teams – India had beaten Pakistan in Group A a week ago by seven wickets.

Handshake dispute

There was no handshake between Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Agha ahead of Sunday’s game. India won the toss and chose to bowl.

Pakistan’s midweek game against the United Arab Emirates had been delayed by an hour in the fallout over Indian players refusing to shake hands with Pakistan’s players at the toss and after their group match on Sept. 14. Pakistan proceeded to play UAE after claiming match referee Andy Pycroft had apologized for the “miscommunication” at the game against India. Pycroft was again the ICC’s appointed match referee for Sunday’s Super 4 match.

The group game was the first between the India and Pakistan cricket teams since the Pahalgam attack in April, when gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Pakistan loses momentum

Fakhar Zaman moved back to the opening spot and scored 15 off nine balls, before he was adjudged caught behind off Hardik Pandya in the third over. The TV umpire’s decision caused some debate over whether the catch had been taken cleanly.

India’s fielding was below par, especially in the powerplay overs, as Pakistan reached 55-1 in six overs.

Farhan reached 50 off 34 balls, including five fours and three sixes, as the momentum continued through the first half of the innings – Pakistan was 91-1 in 10 overs.

Saim Ayub (21) put on 72 off 48 balls with Farhan before Shivam Dube provided the breakthrough. Dube struck a second time to dismiss Farhan in the 15th over and Pakistan’s run-scoring almost crawled to a halt.

Wrist spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav bowled eight overs for 56 runs – unlike the earlier game, they took only one wicket between them.

Mohammad Nawaz was run out by Yadav for 21 off 19 balls.

Ashraf scored an eight-ball 20 not out, hitting two sixes, as Pakistan crossed 170.

Sharma lights up Dubai skyline

Sharma hit Shaheen Afridi for a first-ball six to signal his intent for the rest of the evening, which included a heated exchange with Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf.

“They were coming at us without any reason, and I did not like it at all. That’s why I went after them. I wanted to deliver for the team,” Sharma said. “I showed my intent as the team backs me. If it is my day, I am going to win it for my team.”

Player-of-the-match Sharma and Gill enjoyed good batting conditions under lights at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With the ball coming onto the bat, the duo put on 69-0 in the powerplay overs.

The left-hander was dropped twice – in the third and seventh overs – and he exploited the two escapes to score 50 off only 20 balls.

Sharma also hit six fours, with Gill claiming eight fours to recover his form as India set a hectic pace and crossed 100 shortly before the halfway stage.

Pakistan pushed India back thereafter – Ashraf bowled Gill while skipper Yadav was out caught for a three-ball duck.

A big moment came when Sharma was caught off Abrar Ahmed in the 13th over – India was down to 123-3.

But Varma and Samson (13) added a sedate but important 25 runs to stabilize the innings, before Samson’s dismissal.

Varma helped India ease home with more than an over to spare.

Upcoming games

Pakistan next plays Sri Lanka in a must-win Super Four game in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

India will face Bangladesh in Dubai on Wednesday.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

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