Pakistan women announce squads for Asia Cup and Asian Games

GILGIT: Search and rescue teams resumed their operation on Saturday morning to locate seven climbers who remain missing after a deadly avalanche struck Broad Peak earlier this week. The mission restarted after weather conditions improved, allowing rescuers to return to one of the world’s most challenging mountain environments. The rescue operation had been suspended late Friday because of heavy snowfall, poor visibility and the continuing risk of avalanches. Officials said improving weather conditions enabled both ground and air teams to resume the search. The avalanche occurred on Thursday while a 10-member international expedition was climbing Broad Peak, an 8,047-metre mountain in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. According to regional authorities, the climbers were ascending at an altitude of around 6,600 metres when they were caught in the massive avalanche. Three climbers were confirmed dead after their bodies were recovered on Friday. The deceased were identified as Omani climber Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, Nepali mountaineer Pur Bahadur Gurung and American climber Mallory Geis. Their bodies were later airlifted to Skardu. Seven climbers are still missing. They include internationally renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, fellow Nepali climbers Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa and Gyalu Sherpa, Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi and Chinese climber Wang Zhong. According to the local administration, a three-member civilian rescue team led by renowned Pakistani mountaineer Sarbaz Khan resumed the ground search on Saturday morning. Experienced Nepali climbers already stationed at the Broad Peak base camp also joined the rescue effort to assist in locating the missing mountaineers. Pakistan Army helicopters have also been deployed to support the operation. Rescue officials said helicopters are assisting with aerial surveillance, transporting rescue personnel and assessing areas that remain inaccessible by foot. Officials from the Alpine Club of Pakistan said the search operation remains extremely difficult because of steep mountain slopes, unstable snow, harsh weather and the constant threat of further avalanches. These conditions continue to slow rescue efforts and increase risks for search teams. Rescuers have also been using drone technology to scan the mountain. During the operation, drone footage reportedly identified signs of additional climbers at an altitude of around 6,000 metres. Ground teams are attempting to reach the location despite dangerous terrain and difficult weather conditions. The international rescue effort has also received support from renowned Nepali climber Mingma David Sherpa, who travelled to Pakistan to assist in the search for Nirmal Purja and the other missing climbers. Authorities said the expedition team was last in contact on Thursday morning before communication was lost. Data from the climbers’ tracking devices later suggested that several members of the team had been swept hundreds of metres down the mountainside by the avalanche.

Former West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has praised Pakistan captain Babar Azam for his outstanding leadership, describing his captaincy as a tactical masterclass during the ongoing Test against the Caribbean side. Speaking during his analysis of the match, Brathwaite highlighted Babar’s calm decision-making and ability to read the game under pressure. He said the Pakistan skipper showed excellent awareness by slowing the pace of play at key moments and making smart field changes that unsettled the West Indies batters. According to Brathwaite, one of Babar’s best tactical moves was the field placement against experienced batter Roston Chase. The carefully designed field forced Chase to rethink his natural game and prevented him from scoring freely. “Babar’s field settings kept Roston Chase under constant pressure,” Brathwaite noted. “He had to keep adjusting his approach, and eventually that pressure led to a mistake.” The former all-rounder added that Babar’s leadership reflected a high standard of captaincy, saying every move appeared to be planned according to the match situation rather than following a fixed strategy. Brathwaite believes the Pakistan captain demonstrated maturity, patience and tactical intelligence, qualities that helped his team remain competitive during crucial stages of the contest. Meanwhile, the Test match remains finely balanced. West Indies reached 103-6 in their second innings and currently hold a lead of 60 runs, setting up an intriguing finish over the remaining sessions. Pakistan will now look to capitalize on any opportunity to wrap up the innings quickly, while the West Indies hope to extend their advantage with the lower order. Brathwaite’s glowing assessment has once again placed the spotlight on Babar Azam’s leadership, with many cricket fans praising the Pakistan captain for his strategic approach and composure in high-pressure situations.

DAMBULLA: Pakistan women ended their Sri Lanka tour on a positive note as Ayesha Zafar produced an all-round performance to guide her side to a four-wicket victory in the third and final T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Tuesday. Although Pakistan claimed the final match, Sri Lanka secured the three-match T20I series 2-1 after winning the opening two encounters. Chasing a modest target of 114, Pakistan reached 117 for six in 18.2 overs, with Ayesha leading the run chase through a composed 39 off 31 balls. Her innings featured six boundaries and came at a crucial stage when Pakistan needed stability after losing early wickets. Young batter Shawaal Zulfiqar provided valuable support with a quick 21 from just 12 deliveries, striking three fours and a six to keep the momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari picked up two wickets each, but the hosts were unable to defend their total as Pakistan finished the chase with 10 balls to spare. Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 113 for six in 20 overs. Athapaththu was once again the standout performer for the home side, scoring 34 runs and hitting five fours during her innings. Pakistan’s bowling attack was led by 23-year-old Momina Riasat, who delivered an impressive spell of 2 for 18 in four overs. Ayesha Zafar also contributed with the ball, claiming one wicket before making the decisive impact with the bat. The victory gave Pakistan a much-needed confidence boost after a difficult tour, where they managed two wins from six matches across the ODI and T20I series. Despite losing the T20I series, the final-match triumph offered encouraging signs, particularly through the performances of Ayesha Zafar and Momina Riasat. With several young players stepping up under pressure, Pakistan will take valuable positives from the tour as they begin preparations for upcoming international assignments.