Pakistan win by 49 runs against South Africa

Michael Bracewell will captain New Zealand for the first time on their Twenty20 tour of Pakistan this month, with a host of top names missing because they are playing in the Indian Premier League.

Pakistan host New Zealand for five Twenty20 internationals, starting in Rawalpindi on April 18, as both teams warm up for June's T20 World Cup in the United States and the West Indies.

All-rounder Bracewell was named captain Wednesday on his return from more than a year out with a ruptured Achilles and broken finger in the absence of regular skipper Kane Williamson, who is playing for Gujarat Titans in the IPL.

The 33-year-old said that being informed he would captain New Zealand had capped a "golden three days" last month when he also took eight wickets for his club Wellington and had a hole-in-one playing golf.

"It's three days that I'll never forget," Bracewell said.

"I'm very excited, it's a huge honour just to be picked again for New Zealand and then on top of that selected as captain. I wasn't expecting that."

IPL contracted players Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner and Williamson are all missing.

New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee is being rested after a busy summer of cricket across all formats while Will Young, Tom Latham and Colin Munro are also unavailable.

Big-hitting batsman Tim Robinson and fast bowler Will O'Rourke received their first T20 squad call-ups.

"We have picked a squad with a lot of power and exciting bowling options," said New Zealand selector Sam Wells.

New Zealand won 4-1 in a home five-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan in January.

New Zealand squad:

Michael Bracewell (capt), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O'Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

In spring, the world is an exquisite place. The days are longer with endless opportunities for adventure, the flowers are in full bloom, and the sun is beaming. So, there is no doubt that it is one of the finest seasons for vacations. While there are many destinations to visit in spring, a few stand out. So, take a look at these 5 best places in the world, which are ideal for springtime travel!

Photo: Collected / Yusheng Deng / Unsplash

Kyoto, Japan

Spring in Japan can bring to mind the image of lush pink cherry blossoms. Well, Kyoto is among the greatest locations in the world to see the wonderful cherry blossom trees that are a hallmark of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Wandering around the city's historic temples and gardens, especially at the Ryoanji Temple, one may take in the exquisite pink petals of the blossoms in all their splendour. Another option to enjoy the captivating city view would be to wander along the Philosopher's Path, which is a walkway bordered by cherry blossom trees that circle a canal and give life to pink magnificence.

Photo: Collected / Despina Galani / Unsplash

Istanbul, Turkey

Often referred to as the "city between two continents," Istanbul presents a distinctive fusion of Asian and European cultures, and in spring it is a traveller's paradise. Its many attractions include wonderful buildings such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, as well as excellent shopping options in its vibrant bazaars.

However, nothing is more brilliant than seeing its several parks, such as Gulhane Park and Emirgan Park, in their full glory during the spring, while enjoying börek or köfte. Travellers should be sure to get an accommodation featuring a view of the Bosphorus Strait since it provides unmatched views of Istanbul's skyline!

Franschhoek, South Africa

When springtime in the north approaches, one may escape to Franschhoek, a town renowned for its cuisine and a centuries-old winemaking legacy. Here, visitors have the opportunity to discover the intricacies of grapes, which are regarded as nature's most adaptable fruit.

Moreover, Stellenbosch, a university town with bustling streets brimming with shops, galleries, and cafés is only a short drive away. Travellers may explore the roads in the Franschhoek Valley, which curve around multi-coloured floral meadows bathed in mild sunshine, from March to May and spend pleasant days at Maison Cabrière — Boutique rooms, that open directly onto private terraces, each patio overlooking a manicured garden.

Photo: Collected / Josh Hild / Unsplash

Cinque Terre, Italy

In spring, the Cinque Terre seaside towns are a sight to behold. Visitors may choose from a variety of activities, such as wandering down the cobblestone streets or riding the train to tour each of the five towns, all of which provide stunning sunrise and sunset views of the Mediterranean Sea and hilly landscapes.

Additionally, visitors may spend some beach time at Monterosso al Mare or take a boat trip down the Italian Riviera to see the raw and rugged scenery. While in Cinque Terre, visitors should try various Italian cuisine as the region produces an abundance of mouth-watering seafood!

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The ideal time for travelling to Amsterdam is probably in the spring when the whole nation blossoms. The fields that stretch between Amsterdam, Leiden, and Haarlem come alive with a burst of colour as the landscape emerges from the enchantment of winter. The horizon is filled with breath-taking flowering, such as tulips and hyacinths, which one may easily explore by bicycle, vehicle, or on foot.

A destination on many people's bucket lists is the Keukenhof. From March on, this enormous floral garden is a sight to see. However, if a tourist is interested in seeing tulips in their native environment, then they need to consider going to the charming village of Lisse. Located near the tulip fields, the Hotel Restaurant de Engel allows guests to begin their spring adventure as early as possible with the best views to offer!

Ahead of Pakistan's home assignment against New Zealand, newly appointed head coach Azhar Mahmood spoke in detail about his squad, player combinations, and strategies.

Pakistan play 12 T20Is – five against New Zealand, three against Ireland, and four against England – in preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

The first of these series against the Black Caps sees the return of veterans like Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim. Both players, who weren't a part of the Pakistan setup in recent times, reversed their international retirements and made themselves available for the Men in Green.

In the PSL, Amir picked 10 wickets for Quetta Gladiators, while Imad showed exceptional all-round form (126 runs and 12 wickets) to lead Islamabad United to the title.

Mahmood was pleased to have the two experienced campaigners back in Pakistan colours and believes that their returns give his team an edge.

"We cover all aspects of the game with this squad," Mahmood said. "We've two all-rounders, and our fast bowling department is also very strong. The return of (Mohammad) Amir and Imad (Wasim) also gives us an edge, because we can use them at any given time.

"Our batting lineup possesses the best possible talent in Pakistan."

Mahmood expressed strong belief in the talent and skill of the Pakistan team, who will be hoping to go one step further after making it to the semi-final and final in the last two editions of the T20 World Cup.

"Our strength is pure talent and skill. We've performed decently on the world stage in the format, and we've recently featured in the World Cup finals (2022) and semi-finals (2021).

"We know we haven't won a big tournament since 2009 (Men's T20 World Cup) or the Champions Trophy (2017). But you can never write off the Pakistan team, especially in the T20 format."

With Pakistan's squad boasting depth and strength, Mahmood will use the upcoming series to seek clarity on their best possible XI ahead of the global mega-event while also wanting to test their bench.

"We've the depth and strength, but there are always areas for improvement. Looking at those aspects, especially in the areas that we've lagged behind, is something that I've worked on.

"So till the World Cup, we'd like to develop a structure and game plan, to give role clarity to players. In our squad, we've young talent Irfan Niazi, Azam (Khan) and Usman Khan. So definitely, we've to give these players a look. We need to use our bench strength.

"But at the same time, from the discussion I've had, we should be aware of our best XI when we play our first game on 6 June in the T20 World Cup."

Pakistan's squad has several top-order options including Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan and Fakhar Zaman. Despite the top-heavy batting lineup, Mahmood believes that there is enough prowess in the middle-order with a balance of touch and explosive hitting.

"We've a number of top-order batters, but we've played Fakhar Zaman at four before. We've brought in Irfan Niazi and Azam into the middle order so that we've a good mix of power with deft touch. We have a good mix with these players."

When questioned about the absence of first-team regulars from New Zealand, Mahmood emphasized that they aren't underestimating the visitors and reiterated that there are no "weak teams" in T20 cricket.

"The New Zealand team that has come might not have their leading players, but it has their future stars. Though they fall short on international experience, but they've a lot of domestic T20 experience.

"Even their players would try to put their best foot forward to put up a strong case for selection in the World Cup. There are no weak teams in the T20 format."

The five-game series kicks off in Rawalpindi on 18 April.

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Amir, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman Khan.

Pakistan are in Group A of the T20 World Cup, alongside India, USA, Ireland and Canada. Their T20 World Cup campaign kicks off against USA in Dallas on 6 June.

What looked to be an interesting run chase at the half way stage of the chase turned out to be a one sided event as England won by 31 runs against India.

England moved a step closer to the World Cup semi-finals after Jonny Bairstow's 111 set up a crucial 31-run win over India in Birmingham on Sunday.

Eoin Morgan's side posted 337-7 thanks Bairstow and a dashing 79 from Ben Stokes.

Needing a record World Cup run chase to win, India finished on 306-5 as they were beaten for the first time in this year's tournament.

England can book a semi-final berth if they beat New Zealand in their final group match on Wednesday, while India, who have two games left, must wait to confirm their last four spot.

After the early departure of KL Rahul, Indian captain Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma shared a 138 run stand which was broken as Kohli was caught by Vince. Sharma continued as he reached his century. However, the celebrations were cut short as Rohit departed soon after. 

Rishab Pant never looked settled in the middle as Hardik Pandya hit the English bowlers all over the park. As Pant was sent back, there was pressure on Pandya since the next to bat MS Dhoni was out of his usual touch in the mega event. 

Pandya was sent back at 45 as he was caught at long on. 

India never seemed to put any effort behind the chase after Pandya's wicket. Kuldeep Yadav and Dhoni looked to rescue the team run rate as they took the safety first approach by not giving away their wicket. 

India's loss meant the fate of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka hang on a thread to qualify for the final four. 

Rohit Sharma scored a scintillating century before being caught by Buttler from behind the stumps as India looked to chase down the mammoth total. 

Sharma reached his century in 109 balls as the ball came off a neat little chop behind point. There was really not enough room for the full blooded shot. So he checked himself. Which he did all innings considering this is a two-paced pitch. 

Sharma started off his innings nervously being dropped early in his innings by Joe Root but found his flow in the later half. However, India find themselves in a spot of bother after his departure. Hardik Pandya took the field.

Virat Kohli departed for 66 as India were 146 for two.

The 138 run stand between Rohit Sharma and Kohli came to an end as Liam Plunkett scalped the prized wicket of Indian captain Virat Kohli. Steered a length ball to backward point. Another fifty but no cigar for Kohli, who has given England an opening just when things were beginning to get itchy. Eager to get bat on ball, skidded through a touch, and Vince swallowed a fat outside edge.

Rohit looked to get in his groove as he looked to power his innings. He scored 78 off 85 balls and is in search for his hundred. It is up to Rohit to carry India to the finish line if the men in orange look to chase down the total today.

 

Indian skipper Virat Kohli reached the half century mark in 59 balls at the end of the 20th over.

Runs have been hard to come for the Indian batsmen as the English bowlers have been tight with their line and length. The fielders have done their part as well except of missing a few half chances provided by Rohit Sharma. Virat on the other hand looked solid as he timed the balls to milk runs from the middle.

 

India scored a mere 28 for one at the end of the first power-play against England.

KL Rahul went early in the innings as Chris Woakes caught Rahul off his own bowling. There was an edge to the slip by Rohit Sharma but Joe Root could not hold on to it. 

The English pacers have done well till now to contain the Indian batsmen from scoring runs freely. However, Virat Kohli and Sharma look to build a much needed partnership in the middle in chase of a mammoth 338 runs.

England end their innings at 337 for seven at Birmingham against India.

Jonny Bairstow hit a hundred and Ben Stokes added a blistering 79 as England posted an imposing 337-7 against India in a crunch World Cup match for the tournament hosts on Sunday.

England had to win at Edgbaston to keep qualification for the semi-finals in their own hands following successive defeats by Sri Lanka and reigning champions Australia.

Their favoured aggressive batting game came to the fore as they capitalised on captain Eoin Morgan's decision to bat first on a good pitch.

Opener Bairstow made 111, while Jason Roy more than justified his recall after missing three matches with a torn hamstring by making 66 in a first-wicket stand of 160.

Mohammed Shami, roared on by a hugely partisan crowd clad mainly in blue India shirts, took a career-best 5-69, his first five-wicket haul in a one-day international.

But despite the paceman becoming just the second player to take three successive four-wicket hauls in World Cup cricket after Pakistan's Shahid Afridi, India faced a tough task if they were to achieve a win that would guarantee their place in the last four.

"It was good to be back out there after some time on the bench. We have put a competitive total on the board," Roy said.

"We got a good start. We thought 320ish after the two openers were out so we are happy with that."

India have had 12 targets of 300 or more since the last World Cup, but have only enjoyed a successful chase in three of those matches.

Pre-tournament favourites England, looking to win the World Cup for the first time, had badly missed Roy.

Roy, however, was quickly into his stride, with the Surrey star chopping his second ball from Shami for four.

- Lucky breaks -

Bairstow, involved in a pre-match spat with former England captain Michael Vaughan after suggesting pundits wanted England to lose, had two lucky breaks when big inside edges missed the stumps.

India captain Virat Kohli brought on leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in the sixth over but Bairstow soon hit him down the ground.

Roy could have been out on 21 when India all-rounder Hardik Pandya appealed for a caught behind down the legside off his fourth delivery.

But Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar signalled a wide instead and Kohli opted against a review, although replays suggested the ball had touched Roy's glove.

Roy then hit Pandya's next ball for six.

Bairstow went to fifty when he launched Chahal for a six that just cleared the back-pedalling KL Rahul at long-on, the fielder landing awkwardly as he made a desperate attempt at a catch.

Roy then followed Bairstow to the landmark in just 41 balls before, on 66, Ravindra Jadeja, the substitute for Rahul, ran in from long-on to hold a low diving catch.

Bairstow twice more clubbed Chahal over long-on for six.

A single off Pandya saw Bairstow to a 90 ball-hundred, including eight fours and six sixes. But his innings ended when he carved Shami to Rishabh Pant at deep cover.

Stokes maintained the momentum in a 54-ball innings before he was caught off Jasprit Bumrah in the last over. (AFP)

The patience of the Indian bowlers brought fruit as Bairstow and England skipper Eoin Morgan were sent back in quick succession.

Jonny Bairstow was caught at deep point as Mohammad Shami scalped the prized wicket. Bairstow looked to play pre-meditated shots as soon as he reached his hundred. He could not rotate strike as easily as he did earlier in his innings and in the process lost his wicket.

Morgan never looked comfortable in the middle as Shami scalped his wicket in the over after Bairstow's wicket. Morgan scored one off nine balls before getting giving a top edge to Kuldeep Yadav, who came diving forward from fine leg. 

Ben Stokes took the field and looked to build a partnership with Joe Root as the runs looked hard to come.

Jonny Bairstow reached his maiden century in this World Cup in just 90 deliveries as England power through. 

Bairstow scored runs all over the field as Indian bowlers can not find the answer to his rampage yet. As a result of his century, England were in the driving seat as Indian skipper Virat Kohli was still looking for a way to scalp Bairstow's wicket.

Jason Roy was sent back to the pavilion by Kuldeep Yadav as India got their first breakthrough. 

The England openers Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow rampaged through the Indian bowlers as they reached 150 within 21 overs. 

However, Jadeja pulled off a blinder at long-on as Roy was in disbelief, but he had to go. This was a bit of a top-spinner, Roy got to the pitch to cart it down the ground but did not get the elevation. It still looked like a one bounce four until Jadeja came sprinting to his left, dived full length and plucked the ball inches from the ground. He is a wonder in the field, and it needed that moment of outlandish brilliance to break this opening stand.

Joe Root came to the field after the loss of the first wicket.

England won the toss and elected to bat first in their World Cup fixture against India at Edgbaston in Birmingham today.

England made two changes for this crucial game. Fit-again Jason Roy replaces James Vince while Liam Plunkett comes in for Moeen Ali. 

India have one change too, with Rishabh Pant getting a game in place of Vijay Shankar.

England: 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jonny Bairstow, 3 Joe Root, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Ben Stokes, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Chris Woakes, 8 Liam Plunkett, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Jofra Archer, 11 Mark Wood

India: 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 KL Rahul, 3 Virat Kohli (capt), 4 Rishabh Pant, 5 MS Dhoni (wk), 6 Kedar Jadhav, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Kuldeep Yadav, 9 Mohammed Shami, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Jasprit Bumrah

The two teams come into this match at opposite extremes. India, the only unbeaten team of the World Cup so far, have 11 points from six matches and a win today will confim their semifinal spot and will go a long way to ensuring top-two finish in group stages.

A win for India would also bolster the hopes of the other contenders for the semis -- Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. 

England, meanwhile, come into the match on eight points from seven matches and a defeat would mean they would rely on the other results for their chances of sealing a last-four berth. 

Lighthouses are often deemed as entities which beaconed travellers setting sail in ships, a landmark which held an utmost importance only to them. But with time, their fascinating stories have touched the surface of human history, pristine for mankind to see and instilling a want to behold their lonesome marvelousness. So, here are 5 most beautiful lighthouses around the world awaiting your visit, placed in faraway lands like Ireland to nearer ones like China.

Fanad Lighthouse, Ireland

Fanad Lighthouse was inaugurated in 1817, overlooking Porsalon and Ballymastocker Bay in Donegal County. The 22-metre long (minus the lantern at its crown) structure was made because of a ship unaided by direction struck against the rocks overlooking Fanad Head. The light is 39 metres above the sea level, with 76 steps within the tower to climb, allowing you to see the blue reservoir permeating the Fanad Peninsula.

The scintillating ivory, with an accent of red, is soothing to the eye, along with the serene bellows of the waves and the seabirds. After landing at Donegal Airport, a 71-kilometre car ride will take you to the destination. After comforting yourself for an overnight stay or a simple day visit, let the cerulean tides lead you to the otherworldly experience you yearn for as the light beams permeate across the darkness.

Photo: Collected / Samantha Kennedy / Unsplash

Fire Island Lighthouse, USA

The first ever lighthouse built in Fire Island in 1826 is in its western end under Suffolk County. Previously bricked in red, where a creamy hue hugged the figure has now changed into alternative black and white bands. It was lit for the first time in 1858 and ever since, stood 51 metres tall with pride.

After climbing through the 182 steps of the tower to the top, the bird's eye view of the ocean, Fire Island, the Long Island on its north, and the skyline of New York City will weave a lucid perception in your senses. With an entry fee depending on your age, starting from Tk 550 and parking facilities at the east of Robert Moses Water Tower, within the park of the same name, a walk through the boardwalk tailing it leads you right into a heaven on earth.

Slangkop Lighthouse, South Africa

The tower is situated in the town of Kommetjie, Cape Town. It came into fruition in 1914, but shone its first light in 1919. Vivid in ivory amidst the green background of the Table Mountain, one needs to climb 144 steps within to reach the crown of the majestic structure. 

Walking through the winding road that is paved along the Atlantic coastline towards Kommetjie will usher you to the lighthouse, after a 43-kilometre trip from Cape Town. After soaking in the picturesque outlook from the top of the tower, a leisurely walk along the boardwalk trail heading back around to Kommetjie is recommended. The breath-taking ocean view and awe-inspiring surroundings are surely an experience not to miss.

Guia Lighthouse, China

The edifice is situated at the Macau Special Administrative Region, atop the Guia hill as a part of the Guia Fortress and Chapel. Coated in ivory, with accents of yellow and crowned with a red roof, this beauty, as old as 1865, is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. With 15 metres of height, the structure upholds its history spanning 400 years of Macau's military, missionary, and maritime past.

With a very promising and striking view of the Macau Peninsula cityscape from its stature, hiking up the hill to breathe in clean air or a cable car ride worth Tk 28 will take you to your destination. A few hiking trails and series of tunnels and bunkers are open as well as the fortress and chapel, inviting visiting tourists all over the year. The interior of the lighthouse is up for viewing only on May 20.

Photo: Collected / Jean Vella / Unsplash

Svortuloft Lighthouse, Iceland

The vibrant orange hued building in the westernmost Snæfelsnes Peninsula is atop a 4-kilometre-long cliff consisting of black rock, forged through many years of volcanic activity. The lighthouse, whose name means pitch black lava, stands 12.8 metres high, and originally built in 1814 with a renovation in 1931. Birdwatching from the lighthouse is one of the most popular activities here; with a viewing panel set to watch the seabirds dwelling on the cliffs, especially Brünnich's guillemot and European shag.

A visit in the summer ensures a magnificent view of the blue sea and sky merging into one, the olive-green moss smeared across the cliff, the western coast and a meticulously formed natural arc by the lighthouse along the seabirds. Distance from the capital city of Reykjavik to Svortuloft is 214 kilometres and takes 3 hours of travel time, driving north to the Ring Road from Reykjavik to Borgarnes. A turn to Route 54 towards West Iceland will lead you to Utnesvegur and Olafsvik, after which, a 10-kilometre drive will lead you to your destination.