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World News / International

Babar Azam breaks world record as fastest to 12,000 T20 runs

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Babar Azam

KARACHI: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has set a new world record in T20 cricket by becoming the fastest player to score 12,000 T20 runs.

Representing Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Babar achieved this milestone during a match against Karachi Kings. He reached 12,000 runs in just 338 innings, surpassing the previous record held by West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who had taken 345 innings.

For comparison, Indian stars Virat Kohli and David Warner achieved 12,000 T20 runs in 360 and 368 innings respectively.

Babar Azam is now the 12th player worldwide and the second Pakistani to reach this landmark, following former national cricketer Shoaib Malik.

This remarkable feat further cements Babar Azam’s status as one of the premier T20 batsmen in the world.

Mass rallies held across Iran to mark 40th day of Ayatollah Khamenei’s death

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Mass rallies held

TEHRAN: Millions of people took to the streets across Iran, including in the capital Tehran, to mark the 40th day (Chehlum) of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and schoolchildren who were killed in recent attacks.

According to Iranian media, the main rally began Thursday morning from Jomhuri Square and proceeded toward the site where Khamenei was killed. Similar gatherings and processions were held in multiple cities and districts across the country.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also joined the procession, mingling with the public as citizens interacted with him during the event.

Reports state that Khamenei was killed on February 28, along with several family members, during the first day of attacks on Iran attributed to the United States and Israel.

Several top Iranian military officials and advisers were also killed in the incident, including Abdolrahim Mousavi, Ali Shamkhani, and Mohammad Pakpour.

Peshawar Zalmi edge Hyderabad Kingsmen in thrilling last-ball finish

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Peshawar Zalmi

KARACHI: In an exciting contest of HBL PSL 11, Peshawar Zalmi defeated Hyderabad Kingsmen by 4 wickets at the National Bank Stadium.

After winning the toss, Peshawar Zalmi opted to field first. Hyderabad Kingsmen posted 145 runs, with Kusal Perera scoring 58 and Marnus Labuschagne contributing 27. Peshawar’s Sufiyan Muqeem and Fakhar Ahmed picked up four wickets each.

Chasing 146, Peshawar Zalmi reached the target on the last ball, losing six wickets. Babar Azam top-scored with 46 runs, while Kusal Mendis and Michael Bracewell added 27 and 25 runs respectively. Hyderabad’s Saim Ayub took two wickets for 19 runs.

Before the toss, PSL CEO Salman Naseer released a symbolic peace dove, with Babar Azam, Marnus Labuschagne, and match referee Roshan Mahnama present, recognizing Pakistan’s role in the recent US-Iran ceasefire efforts.

Rawalpindi signs New Zealand’s Ben Sears for PSL 11

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Rawalpindi signs

ISLAMABAD:  Rawalpindi has secured an agreement with New Zealand pacer Ben Sears for the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Sources report that Sears is currently with New Zealand A in Sri Lanka and will join the Rawalpindi squad tomorrow once permission is granted. The 28-year-old fast bowler will be making his PSL debut.

With injuries to Zaman Khan and Naseem Khan, Rawalpindi is hopeful that Sears’ inclusion will strengthen the squad. Injured pacer Naseem Shah remains part of the team, with his next test scheduled for April 15.

Rawalpindi’s next PSL fixture is set for April 10 in Karachi.

Israel’s strikes in Lebanon put ceasefire under threat, says Iran

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Israel’s strikes

TEHRAN:  Iran may reconsider its commitment to the ceasefire agreement if Israel continues military operations in Lebanon, according to reports.

As reported by Tasnim News Agency, sources said Tehran is weighing the option of withdrawing from the truce if the “Zionist regime” persists with attacks against Lebanon.

The report stated that under the two-week ceasefire plan, the United States had agreed to halt hostilities on all fronts, including actions against Hezbollah.

However, Israel’s renewed strikes on Lebanon were described as a clear violation of the agreement.

Sources further indicated that while Iran is reviewing its position on the ceasefire, its armed forces are simultaneously identifying potential targets in response to Israeli actions.

They warned that if the United States fails to restrain its regional ally, Iran may take matters into its own hands and respond with force.

Israel launches deadly airstrikes on Lebanon despite Iran ceasefire

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Israel launches

Beirut: Israel Defense Forces carried out one of its most intense air campaigns on Lebanon despite the ongoing ceasefire with Iran, leaving hundreds dead and injured.

According to Lebanon’s Civil Defense, the death toll has risen to 254, with at least 1,165 people injured in strikes across the country. In the capital Beirut alone, 92 people were killed and 742 wounded, while heavy casualties were also reported in southern suburbs, Baalbek, Hermel, Nabatieh, Aley, Sidon, and Tyre.

The Ministry of Public Health Lebanon said that Wednesday’s attacks alone resulted in 112 deaths and more than 800 injuries, as hospitals declared emergencies and appealed for blood donations.

Eyewitnesses reported continuous explosions across Beirut, with plumes of smoke rising from multiple areas of the city.

The Israel Defense Forces said it targeted over 100 sites linked to Hezbollah, including command centers and military installations in Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon, describing it as one of its largest coordinated operations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire with Iran does not apply to Lebanon, while Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed the strikes dealt a major blow to Hezbollah.

Authorities warned that rescue operations are ongoing and the death toll may rise further.

Global study ranks smartest countries in world

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Global study

What defines a truly “smart” country? Is it high IQ scores, prestigious universities, or a history of Nobel Prize laureates? A new global study seeks to answer this question by ranking countries based on a combination of education, intelligence, and academic achievement.

The study, conducted by World of Card Games, evaluated countries using three key metrics: average IQ scores, the total number of Nobel Prize nominations, and the percentage of adults with higher education degrees. Each factor was assigned a numerical value between 0 and 100 and combined through weighted averages to calculate the final Smart Capital Score.

Data for the study was sourced from the Nobel Prize Foundation, the World Bank, and the World Population Review. The methodology also accounted for countries with limited available data, ensuring a balanced global comparison.

Top 10 Smartest Countries in the World:

Switzerland

United Kingdom

United States

Netherlands

Belgium

Sweden

Germany

Poland

Denmark

Finland

According to the researchers, the world’s smartest countries often share common characteristics: robust education systems, significant investment in research, and cultures that encourage critical thinking and intellectual growth.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei warns of strong response

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Iran’s Supreme Leader

TEHRAN: Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has asserted that Iran’s armed forces are stronger and more united than ever and vowed to respond decisively to any cowardly attacks.

In a statement, Khamenei emphasized that acts of murder and violence cannot weaken Iran’s military, noting that both the United States and Israel have faced repeated setbacks within Iranian territory.

He condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, including bridges, power plants, and schools, calling them crimes against humanity, and said that enemies continue to issue daily threats and warnings of destruction.

Khamenei also praised the bravery of Intelligence Chief Major General Majid Khadami and other officers, asserting that Iran’s armed forces will continue their fight against hostile forces.

Naseem Shah ruled out of PSL indefinitely due to injury

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Naseem Shah

KARACHI: Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the Pakistan Super League for an indefinite period due to injury.

Franchise Rawalpindi Pindiz confirmed the development, stating that Naseem sustained a side injury during a match against Karachi Kings.

According to team management, the fast bowler will remain unavailable until further notice. The medical staff is closely monitoring his recovery, with hopes that he may return in the later stages of the tournament after completing rehabilitation and obtaining fitness clearance.

The franchise also expressed full support for Naseem Shah, assuring that he will receive complete backing throughout his recovery period.

Fakhar Zaman dismisses T20I retirement rumors

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Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman has broken his silence on reports suggesting his retirement from T20 internationals, clarifying that he has no immediate plans to step away from the format.

In a statement, Fakhar said that while he had initially considered retiring from T20 cricket after the World Cup, he has now decided to continue playing and has no intention of retiring at this stage.

“I want to finish my T20 career on a high note,” he added.

The 35-year-old has been a key performer for Pakistan in T20 internationals, scoring 2,494 runs in 120 matches at an impressive strike rate of 132.51, including 14 half-centuries.

Fakhar has also been a consistent performer in the Pakistan Super League, representing Lahore Qalandars and remaining part of the squad for the 11th consecutive season.