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TAROUBA: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has created a new national record in Test cricket. Abbas has surpassed legendary former captain Imran Khan to achieve Pakistan’s best bowling average among pacers with at least 100 Test wickets. The 36-year-old reached the milestone during Pakistan’s first Test against the West Indies at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba. Abbas dismissed Brandon King and Kavem Hodge during the West Indies’ second innings. He had already taken three wickets in the first innings. The performance took Abbas to 115 Test wickets in 30 matches. His bowling average improved to 22.78. Imran Khan previously held the record with an average of 22.81. He took 362 wickets in 88 Tests during his career. Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis is third on the list. He claimed 373 wickets in 87 Tests at an average of 23.56. Abbas made his Test debut against the West Indies in Kingston in 2017. He received his Test cap from then Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq. Despite his strong domestic record, Abbas spent more than three years away from Pakistan’s Test team. He returned to the side during the tour of South Africa in December 2025. Since his comeback, he has once again become an important part of Pakistan’s pace attack. In 2026, Abbas has taken 15 wickets in three Tests. His performances also include a five-wicket haul. Abbas has also built an impressive record in first-class cricket. He has taken 894 wickets in 220 matches at an average of 20.36. Among active first-class bowlers, Abbas ranks fourth for wickets. James Anderson leads the list with 1,181 wickets, followed by Simon Harmer with 1,054 and Malinda Pushpakumara with 1,010. Abbas’ latest achievement adds another milestone to his career. His accuracy and consistency have helped him become one of Pakistan’s most effective Test bowlers.

PESHAWAR: A nine-member mountaineering team has successfully climbed the 6,050-metre Thalo Zom peak in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The achievement is being seen as an important milestone for mountaineering and adventure tourism in the province. The team completed the difficult expedition after spending eight days on challenging mountain routes. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority said Thalo Zom is one of the most difficult and less frequently climbed peaks in the Hindu Kush mountain range. Its difficult terrain makes the climb demanding even for experienced mountaineers. The expedition started on July 9. The team continued its journey through difficult mountainous terrain before reaching the summit on July 17. After reaching the top, the mountaineers raised the national flag. The moment marked the successful completion of a challenging expedition in one of the region’s difficult mountain areas. The climbers had to pass through difficult routes in Kumrat and Chitral during the expedition. The journey involved steep and rugged terrain. The team also crossed glaciers and areas containing deep cracks in the ice. Glacial crevasses can make high-altitude expeditions particularly dangerous. Mountaineers must carefully choose their routes while crossing such areas. The difficult conditions required careful planning and sustained effort from the team. The eight-day expedition tested the climbers as they moved through remote and challenging parts of the Hindu Kush. The successful ascent also highlights the potential of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for adventure tourism. The province is home to several high-altitude mountains and remote valleys. The region’s mountainous landscape attracts climbers and adventure enthusiasts. However, many peaks remain difficult to access because of their rugged terrain and limited routes. The Tourism Authority said Thalo Zom has a notable history in international mountaineering. Australian climbers first reached the summit in 1971. The peak was climbed again in 2019 by Italian mountaineers. The latest expedition adds another successful ascent to the mountain’s history. The achievement also draws attention to the broader tourism potential of Kumrat and Chitral. Both areas are known for their mountainous landscapes and challenging terrain. Successful mountaineering expeditions can help promote lesser-known destinations among domestic and international adventure tourists. They can also bring greater attention to the natural attractions of the province. The latest climb demonstrates the determination and endurance required to reach high-altitude peaks. The team had to overcome glaciers, steep routes and dangerous ice formations during the journey. The successful ascent of Thalo Zom is therefore more than a mountaineering achievement. It also showcases the natural beauty and adventure tourism potential of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

France have appointed former midfielder and Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane as their new head coach, beginning a new era for the national team. The French Football Federation confirmed the appointment on Tuesday. The 54-year-old succeeds Didier Deschamps, who stepped down after 14 years in charge. Deschamps guided France to the 2018 World Cup title and the 2020-21 Nations League trophy. He also led the team to the Euro 2016 and 2022 World Cup finals. Zidane now returns to the national setup more than two decades after helping France win the 1998 World Cup on home soil. He played a key role in that historic campaign and won the Ballon d’Or the same year. The appointment brings together Zidane’s successful playing career and an impressive managerial record. As Real Madrid coach, he won three consecutive Champions League titles and established himself as one of Europe’s most successful managers. Zidane’s first major challenge will be to build on France’s strong squad and prepare the team for the next international cycle. His appointment is expected to bring a fresh tactical approach while maintaining France’s status as one of the world’s leading football nations. His tenure is set to run through the 2030 World Cup. The new France boss is expected to begin his international campaign with a Nations League match away to Turkey. France will then host Italy at the Stade de France on October 2.

Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing for a surprising new chapter away from the football pitch, with the Portugal superstar reportedly set to make his acting debut in an upcoming football drama series. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is expected to appear in “Day 1s”, a new series centred on the world of football agents. According to British media reports, Ronaldo will make a cameo appearance while also taking on the role of executive producer. The move marks an intriguing expansion of Ronaldo’s already wide-ranging career, as the football icon increasingly explores projects beyond playing the sport that made him a global superstar. Ronaldo moves from football to the screen “Day 1s” is reportedly built around the story of a fictional football agent and the pressures, ambitions and personalities surrounding the modern game. British actor Damian Lewis is set to play the lead role, while British rapper Dave and newcomer actress Carlotta Banat are also part of the cast. Ronaldo’s involvement is expected to add an extra layer of attention to the production, particularly because of his enormous global following and deep connection with football. The series is already in production, with some scenes reportedly filmed at The Hive Stadium, home of English League Two club Barnet. Thierry Henry also joins the cast Ronaldo will not be the only major football name making the jump into the fictional world. Former France and Arsenal star Thierry Henry is also expected to appear in a cameo role. Interestingly, the concept for “Day 1s” was reportedly developed by Darren Dean, Henry’s former agent, who is also involved in the project as an executive producer. The involvement of major football personalities could make the series particularly appealing to fans who want to see what happens behind the scenes of the sport. Streaming battle could be next Reports suggest that several major streaming platforms could show interest in acquiring the rights to “Day 1s”, potentially triggering strong competition for the series. For Ronaldo, the project represents more than just a brief appearance on screen. In addition to his football career, he has expanded into business, media and other entertainment ventures in recent years. His role as both actor and executive producer could therefore signal the beginning of another major chapter in his career. After years of dominating football headlines, Ronaldo may soon have audiences watching him for a completely different reason — not for what he does with a football, but for what he does in front of a camera.

Pakistan’s Better Future football team continued its impressive run at the Norway Cup 2026, battling to a 2-2 draw against Norwegian club Trygg/Lade in their second group-stage match in Oslo. The Karachi-based side, which won the tournament’s Boys Under-15 event last year, once again showed determination and attacking intent as it secured another positive result against international opposition. According to reports from Oslo, Better Future Pakistan produced an energetic performance against Trygg/Lade, with Yasin and Shahid finding the net for the Pakistani team. Both players played a key role in keeping their side level during a competitive encounter. The draw follows an encouraging start to Pakistan’s campaign. Better Future Pakistan opened its Norway Cup 2026 journey with a narrow 1-0 victory over Norwegian club Saudaku, giving the team an early boost in the group standings. The Pakistani youngsters will now turn their attention to their third group match on Wednesday, where another strong performance could strengthen their hopes of progressing further in the competition. Better Future Pakistan’s participation is particularly significant because the team is made up of young footballers from Lyari, Karachi, an area widely associated with Pakistan’s football culture. The players have the opportunity to showcase their talent on an international platform while competing against youth teams from different countries. Last year, the Karachi side made headlines by completing an unbeaten campaign to win the Boys Under-15 event. Their latest performances in Norway suggest that the young players are again determined to make their mark. The Norway Cup is organised under the National Council of Norwegian Children and Youth Organisations, an umbrella body representing more than 100 organisations working for the welfare of children and young people in Norway. The tournament attracts boys’ and girls’ teams from around the world, with many participants travelling independently to compete at one of the world’s major youth football events. For Better Future Pakistan, the competition is about more than results. Each match provides the young players with valuable experience against international opposition and offers a glimpse of the potential emerging from Karachi’s grassroots football scene. With one win and one draw from their opening two group matches, the Pakistani youngsters have made a promising start. Now, all eyes will be on Wednesday’s crucial third group game to see whether Better Future Pakistan can continue its impressive Norway Cup adventure.

  TAROUBA: Pakistan’s batting line-up came under early pressure as the visitors slipped to 25-3 while chasing a target of 211 against the West Indies on the fourth day of the opening Test at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Tuesday. West Indies fast bowler Jayden Seales made an immediate impact with the new ball, removing Pakistan’s top order during an impressive opening spell. His early breakthroughs left the tourists struggling before lunch and handed the hosts complete control of the contest. Pakistan’s chase began on a disappointing note when opener Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for just five runs. Azan Awais also failed to settle at the crease, contributing only three runs before returning to the pavilion. With both openers dismissed inside the first five overs, Pakistan found themselves under significant pressure at 21-2. Seales continued his destructive spell by trapping Salman Ali Agha leg before wicket without allowing him to score. The dismissal reduced Pakistan to 25-3, placing the visitors in a difficult position with a challenging target still well out of reach. Experienced batter Babar Azam then joined wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan in an attempt to stabilize the innings. The pair negotiated the remaining overs of the morning session without losing another wicket, providing Pakistan with some much-needed resistance after the early collapse. Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s bowlers wrapped up the West Indies’ second innings for 181, setting a victory target of 211. Veteran fast bowler Mohammad Abbas starred with the ball, producing another outstanding spell to claim his seventh five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The West Indies resumed play at 126-7, hoping their lower order could stretch the lead and make Pakistan’s chase more difficult. Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach responded with an aggressive counterattack, frustrating the Pakistani bowlers with a valuable lower-order partnership. The pair added 28 runs during the morning session to extend their stand to 61 runs. Their attacking approach pushed the West Indies’ overall lead beyond 180 runs, strengthening the hosts’ position in the match. Shamar Joseph played an entertaining innings, scoring 38 runs from just 27 deliveries. His knock featured four towering sixes and one boundary, allowing the West Indies to score valuable quick runs before Pakistan finally broke the partnership. Mohammad Ali provided the breakthrough by deceiving Joseph with a slower delivery, bringing an end to the dangerous stand. Despite the dismissal, the West Indies tail continued to add useful runs as Kemar Roach and Jomel Warrican frustrated Pakistan with another steady partnership. Roach contributed 18 runs before becoming Mohammad Abbas’ fourth victim of the innings. Warrican also added an important 14 runs, helping the West Indies move their lead closer to the 200-run mark. Abbas then completed the innings by dismissing Warrican, finishing with exceptional figures of 5 wickets for 22 runs in 15.5 overs. His disciplined pace bowling proved crucial in preventing the West Indies from posting an even bigger target. Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad also played important supporting roles with the ball. Ali picked up two wickets in his 14-over spell, while Khurram Shahzad claimed two scalps after bowling 15 overs. Although Pakistan succeeded in restricting the West Indies to 181 in the second innings, the visitors’ difficult start with the bat shifted the momentum back in favour of the home side. With Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan at the crease, Pakistan will rely heavily on their experienced pair to steer the chase and keep hopes of victory alive as the first Test heads toward an exciting finish.