8216can8217t wait watch
|

‘Can’t wait to watch Abdullah Shafique in England’, says Ian Bishop

Former West Indies fast bowler and renowned cricket commentator Ian Bishop believes Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique has the temperament and technique to succeed in English conditions, saying he is eager to watch the young batter during the upcoming Test series against England.

Shafique has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most dependable red-ball batters following his remarkable performances against the West Indies, and Bishop feels the 26-year-old has all the qualities needed to handle one of cricket’s toughest challenges.

Speaking about the Pakistani opener, Bishop described Shafique as a calm and composed batter who remains patient even in difficult situations.

“Abdullah Shafique is a composed batter who knows how to build an innings under pressure,” Bishop said, adding that such qualities are crucial for success in England, where swinging conditions and disciplined bowling regularly test even the world’s best players.

The former West Indies pacer acknowledged that English pitches present a unique challenge but noted that Shafique already has valuable experience after representing Yorkshire in county cricket. Although that exposure will help him adapt more quickly, Bishop stressed that delivering consistently in England remains a demanding task for any international batter.

Shafique’s confidence has soared after his outstanding performance in the recently concluded Test series against the West Indies. Drafted into Pakistan’s squad after Shan Masood suffered an injury, the right-handed opener seized the opportunity in spectacular fashion.

He remained unbeaten on 160, producing one of the finest innings of his career and becoming the first Pakistani batter in 49 years to score 150 or more runs in a Test innings in the West Indies.

The memorable knock not only strengthened Pakistan’s batting lineup but also reinforced Shafique’s reputation as one of the country’s brightest Test prospects.

With Pakistan set to face England in a highly anticipated Test series, fans and cricket experts alike will be watching closely to see whether Abdullah Shafique can carry his superb form into English conditions and establish himself among the world’s elite opening batters.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Nicole Kidman reunites with Practical Magic cast at screening

    Nicole Kidman reunited with her Practical Magic castmates for a memorable evening as the beloved 1998 fantasy film received a special outdoor screening, delighting fans with a surprise appearance from the stars. On Saturday, August 1, Kidman joined Sandra Bullock, Joey King and Maisie Williams at a screening of Practical Magic held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. The event drew a large crowd of movie lovers, many of whom were thrilled when the cast unexpectedly appeared before the screening began. The gathering quickly turned into a celebration of the enduring popularity of the film, which has remained a fan favorite for nearly three decades. The cast greeted the audience, shared laughs and reflected on the lasting connection people have with the magical story. Bullock joked that there could not have been a more fitting place to watch Practical Magic than a cemetery, playfully thanking the “spirits” around them for sharing the evening with the audience. Her lighthearted comments were met with laughter from the crowd. Kidman then took the opportunity to thank fans for their years of support, saying their enthusiasm played an important role in making the long-awaited sequel a reality. She expressed her gratitude and shared her excitement about the upcoming film, promising that audiences would soon be able to return to the magical world of the Owens family. The evening also introduced two of the newest additions to the Practical Magic franchise. Joey King and Maisie Williams, who have joined the sequel, stepped on stage alongside Kidman and Bullock to celebrate the next chapter of the story. King shared her excitement about becoming part of the beloved franchise, revealing that she and Williams will portray Kylie and Antonia in the new film. She told the audience they were honored to join the “coven” and hoped viewers would enjoy watching the sequel as much as the cast enjoyed making it. The stars later raised a toast together with the audience, creating a heartwarming moment that highlighted the strong bond among both the cast members and the devoted fan community. Following the event, Kidman reflected on the special night by sharing a video from the screening on Instagram. She described the gathering as a family reunion and thanked fans for joining them for what she called a magical evening with their fellow witches. Her post quickly generated excitement online, with many fans expressing their anticipation for the sequel. Practical Magic 2 is directed by Susanne Bier and brings audiences back to the enchanting world of the Owens sisters. The sequel follows the family as they face a powerful curse that threatens their future, blending mystery, magic and heartfelt family drama with the charm that made the original film so beloved. The upcoming movie reunites Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock while introducing fresh faces to the franchise, creating a mix of nostalgia and new adventures. With excitement continuing to build after the surprise fan event, audiences are eagerly awaiting the film’s theatrical release on September 11, 2026.

  • | |

    US awards Raytheon $22.9 billion deal to expand To…

    WASHINGTON: The US military has awarded Raytheon, a unit of RTX, a massive $22.9 billion contract to significantly increase production of Tomahawk cruise missiles as Washington moves to replenish stocks of advanced weapons. The Pentagon’s decision comes after the United States supplied substantial quantities of military equipment to its allies while also using large amounts of precision-guided munitions during the conflict with Iran. The heavy use of weapons has raised concerns over the country’s remaining inventories, particularly air-defence systems and precision-strike capabilities. Acting US Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said the agreement would help the defence industry rapidly expand ammunition production and ensure that American forces maintain sufficient combat capabilities. The contract represents one of the largest recent investments in Tomahawk production and underscores Washington’s effort to strengthen its weapons reserves amid growing global security challenges. Moreover,  The United States has approved the sale of advanced Tomahawk cruise missiles and Typhon ground-based launchers to Germany, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral defense cooperation and significantly enhancing NATO’s military capabilities in Europe. According to international media reports, the announcement followed high-level discussions held during the NATO summit, where German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described meetings with US officials as more productive than expected. He confirmed that Germany had reached an agreement with Washington to purchase the long-range missile system and eventually deploy it on German territory. The decision is widely seen as a strategic move to close a key gap in Germany’s long-range strike capabilities at a time of growing security concerns across Europe. Speaking after the summit, the German chancellor said the acquisition would strengthen the country’s defense posture while complementing broader European efforts to modernize military infrastructure and improve collective deterrence against emerging threats. Reports indicate that the US government signed a Letter of Intent earlier this week, assuring Berlin that formal approval for the sale of the Tomahawk missiles and Typhon launchers is expected to be finalized in August. German officials, however, declined to reveal how many missiles or launchers the country intends to purchase, citing national security and operational sensitivity. Defense sources said details regarding the size of the deal remain classified. The Tomahawk is one of the world’s most advanced long-range cruise missiles, capable of striking targets with exceptional precision hundreds of kilometers away. The missile has been extensively used by the US military in multiple operations and is valued for its ability to engage strategic targets while minimizing collateral damage. The Typhon launcher is a mobile ground-based missile system designed to fire multiple types of long-range precision weapons, providing greater operational flexibility and rapid deployment capabilities. Defense analysts believe the agreement reflects NATO’s broader strategy to reinforce its eastern flank and improve Europe’s long-range strike capacity amid an increasingly complex security environment. The move is also expected to deepen defense cooperation between Washington and Berlin while accelerating Germany’s military modernization program. Although officials have not disclosed a delivery timeline, the proposed acquisition is already being viewed as one of Germany’s most significant defense procurement decisions in recent years. Analysts say the deployment of Tomahawk missiles on German soil could reshape Europe’s strategic military balance, strengthen NATO’s deterrence posture and send a strong signal of allied unity as the alliance continues adapting to evolving geopolitical challenges.

  • | |

    War leaves Gaza zoo animals malnourished

    GAZA/CAIRO: The war in Gaza has taken a heavy toll on animals, with shortages of food, medicine and vaccines leaving many of them weak and malnourished. At a zoo near the Nuseirat refugee camp, visitors found animals showing clear signs of the difficult conditions. A lion remained largely inactive inside its cage, while chimpanzees sat quietly in their enclosure. The zoo is being operated by Mahmoud Gomaa, who has worked to keep the animals alive despite the continuing crisis. He previously ran a zoo in Rafah but was forced to leave the area after Israeli military operations reached the city in 2024. Gomaa said saving the animals became a priority for him during the war. He moved the surviving animals from one location to another before eventually settling in Nuseirat, where he reopened the zoo earlier this year. He said he had faced enormous difficulties in finding food and providing basic care for the animals. Before the war, Gaza had several zoos that housed wild and exotic animals. The conflict, however, has made maintaining such facilities extremely difficult. Veterinarians say the shortage of suitable food has affected the animals’ health. Some zoo owners have been forced to feed animals frozen meat because fresh food is difficult to obtain. The war has also caused direct losses among Gaza’s animals. When Gomaa left Rafah, he said he had to abandon three lions, several crocodiles and African ostriches. When he later returned, he found only the bones of the crocodiles and ostriches. The lions had also disappeared. Animal welfare experts say the impact of war extends beyond food shortages and physical injuries. Continuous explosions, aircraft noise and fighting can cause severe stress among animals. Veterinarian Amir Khalil, who has visited Gaza with the animal welfare organisation Four Paws, said animals can detect sounds and disturbances that humans may not notice. He said the constant conflict creates fear and extreme stress for them. Despite the harsh conditions, the zoo has become a temporary place of relief for some children. Children visiting the facility were able to interact with parrots and smaller monkeys. For many, it offered a rare opportunity to step away from the destruction surrounding them. Residents say children have few places left where they can play. Large parts of Gaza have been reduced to rubble, while many families continue to live in tents. The zoo therefore serves a purpose beyond displaying animals. It provides children with a brief moment of normality amid a devastating humanitarian crisis. Yet keeping the facility operating remains a major challenge. Limited supplies, damaged infrastructure and the continuing conflict threaten both the animals and the people caring for them.

  • |

    Mamdani opposes NYC event featuring RSS chief

    NEW YORK: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced opposition to an upcoming Manhattan event featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, while questioning whether city authorities have the legal power to stop the private gathering. Bhagwat, who heads the Hindu nationalist organisation widely regarded as the ideological parent of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is scheduled to address an event in Manhattan on August 29. Mamdani said he did not support the event but acknowledged that the city might not have jurisdiction to cancel a privately organised gathering. The mayor, who is New York’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor, said his understanding of India was shaped by a vision of the country as a pluralistic and secular republic where people of different backgrounds could belong equally. He said he was deeply concerned by the growth of political movements based on what he described as an exclusionary vision of India. Organisers have described the Manhattan gathering as the “Universal Oneness Celebration”. The event is being promoted as a gathering of Hindu Americans focused on cultural heritage, dialogue and interfaith unity. The organisers, American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue, say the programme has support from several Hindu American organisations. However, a number of local groups have criticised the event because of Bhagwat’s participation and allegations surrounding the RSS. The RSS is a highly influential Hindu organisation in India. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has historical ideological links to the group. The organisation has rejected accusations that it promotes intolerance or violence against minorities. It describes itself as a Hindu-centred cultural and civilisational movement and says its objective is to unite Hindus and strengthen the nation. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has previously raised concerns about the RSS and alleged involvement in violence and intolerance against minority communities. The controversy surrounding Bhagwat’s visit comes amid wider international debate over religious freedom and minority rights in India. United Nations bodies and human rights organisations have raised concerns over reported hate speech, citizenship policies, demolitions of properties belonging to Muslims, changes to the constitutional status of occupied Kashmir and laws related to religious conversion. The Indian government has rejected allegations that its policies discriminate against minorities. It maintains that its welfare and development programmes are designed to benefit citizens across religious and social groups.

  • | |

    Security forces eliminate militants in KP intellig…

    Security forces have intensified intelligence-based operations across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past two months, resulting in the killing of multiple militants and the destruction of several militant hideouts, according to security sources. The operations were conducted under Operation 11 Gurj, which is aimed at dismantling militant networks and preventing terrorist activities in the province. During the campaign, security forces carried out a series of targeted raids based on intelligence reports in different districts. According to the sources, several militants were killed during these operations, while their hideouts were successfully destroyed. The forces also apprehended a number of suspected facilitators believed to have been providing logistical and operational support to militant groups. Security personnel recovered a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment during the raids. Officials said the seized material was intended to be used in future terrorist attacks. One of the major operations was conducted in the Shakro area of Bajaur district, where security forces targeted militant hideouts after receiving credible intelligence. Reports indicated that several militants were killed, while others sustained injuries during the operation. The forces also located and destroyed multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) found in the area. Officials said eliminating these explosives helped prevent potential attacks and improved the safety of local residents. Ground troops, supported by quadcopter surveillance, were used throughout the operations to identify militant positions and monitor movements before launching precise strikes. Security officials said the use of modern surveillance technology enhanced the effectiveness of the operations and reduced risks to security personnel. According to security sources, the operations form part of an ongoing campaign to eliminate militant infrastructure, disrupt terrorist networks and strengthen peace and stability across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Authorities reiterated that intelligence-based operations will continue until all militant elements are dismantled and the security situation is fully brought under control.

  • | | |

    Four injured after house roof collapses in Lahore

    Four members of the same family were injured after the roof of a house collapsed in Lahore’s Shalimar area on Sunday. Rescue teams responded quickly to the incident, rescuing the victims from the debris and transporting them to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. The accident occurred in Pathan Colony, located near Ghausia Chowk on Shalimar Road. According to Rescue 1122 officials, emergency responders reached the scene shortly after receiving reports of the collapse. Rescue personnel carried out a search operation, safely removing the injured individuals from beneath the rubble before shifting them to hospitals. Authorities said the house had a traditional roof made of mud and T-R girders, which collapsed unexpectedly. The exact cause of the incident has not yet been confirmed, and officials are expected to investigate whether the collapse was caused by structural weakness, aging construction, or other factors. The injured victims have been identified as three-year-old Rajab, 35-year-old Zainab, 35-year-old Shahid, and 20-year-old Mujahid. Rescue 1122 confirmed that all four belong to the same family. Two of the injured were taken to Kot Khawaja Saeed Hospital for treatment, while the remaining victims also received immediate medical care. Fortunately, rescue officials stated that all four injured individuals are in stable condition and are out of danger. Medical staff continue to monitor their recovery, and no fatalities have been reported. After completing a thorough search of the damaged building, Rescue 1122 confirmed that no additional people were trapped under the debris. The rescue operation was officially concluded once authorities ensured the site was clear. Building collapses remain a concern in parts of Pakistan where older structures and traditional construction methods are still common. Experts have frequently emphasized the importance of regular structural inspections and timely maintenance, particularly for buildings constructed with aging materials. They also encourage homeowners to seek professional assessments if signs of cracks, weakened roofs, or structural damage become visible. The latest incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and the rapid response of rescue services. Prompt action by Rescue 1122 helped prevent further casualties and ensured that the injured received immediate medical attention. Local authorities are expected to assess the condition of the damaged property and determine whether additional safety measures are required to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *