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Clinical Pakistan keep World Cup hopes alive; Bangladesh knocked out

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Fakhar Zaman impressed on his return to the side (Cricbuzz)

A complete all-round performance from Pakistan enabled them to register a crushing seven wicket win against Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday (October 23).

The game was set up by Pakistan’s pace trio who shared eight wickets between them to skittle Bangladesh out for 204. Comeback-man Fakhar Zaman then blazed his way to a 74-ball 81 and his rapid century stand with Abdullah Shafique (68 off 69 balls) allowed Pakistan to get a huge net-run -rate boost. Meanwhile, the defeat has officially knocked Bangladesh out of the tournament.

With a not-so-threatening target to chase, it was Pakistan’s game to lose, given that the pitch had started to ease out under lights. The ball was coming onto the bat nicely and with Eden’s quick outfield, Zaman couldn’t have asked for better conditions on his return. Two imperious cross-batted sixes against Taskin Ahmed signalled his intentions and he was on a six-hitting spree even after the first Powerplay was over. His partner Shafique was relatively subdued but dished out his own set of classy strokes as the opening pair made short work of Bangladesh’s bowling unit.

Runs started to come at breakneck speed especially after the first ten overs and it was evident that Pakistan would want to finish the game quickly. Zaman and Shafique played to the plan perfectly as the platform was set for a brisk finish. Both of them along with skipper Babar Azam perished in a bid to hasten the finish, gifting Mehidy Hasan three scalps in the process but the result was never in doubt. Mohammad Rizwan and Iftikhar Ahmed gave the final touches to the game as Pakistan prevailed with 105 balls to spare. It was a ruthless run chase from Babar’s men although the job was virtually done at the halfway mark by their bowlers.

Opting to bat, Bangladesh produced another underwhelming performance with the bat. Shaheen Afridi dented them early with the twin strikes of Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain Shanto to set the tone for Pakistan. Haris Rauf then joined in with the big breakthrough of Mushfiqur Rahim to have Bangladesh tottering at 23/3. A crisp 79-run stand between Litton Das and Mahmudullah promised to put Bangladesh on course towards a strong score but once that partnership was broken, the innings went into a shell. Mahmudullah looked in good touch, as did Litton but Bangladesh needed one of them to bat very deep into the innings.

After their dismissals, the innings stagnated and while Shakib Al Hasan did get a start, his stay at the crease was very scratchy. Pakistan’s pacers were relentless as they hit the right lengths to trouble Bangladesh’s batters. Apart from Afridi and Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr also sent in a searing set of spells with his reverse-swinging final set being the highlight. There was no respite for Bangladesh who only got past 200 thanks to Mehidy’s cameo towards the end. The score was never going to trouble Pakistan who polished off the chase with ease.

Brief scores:
Bangladesh 204 in 45.1 overs (Mahmudullah 56, Litton Das 45; Shaheen Afridi 3-23, Mohammad Wasim Jr 3-31) lost to Pakistan 205/3 in 32.3 overs (Fakhar Zaman 81, Abdullah Shafique 68; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 3-60) by seven wickets



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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 17 April 2026, valid for 18 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.


Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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Navy seize 161kg heroin shipment in high-seas operation

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Being a key frontline stakeholder in the national mission, ‘A Nation United,’ the Navy continues to maintain a vigilant maritime shield to eradicate the drug menace from society.

During yet another successful operation on the high seas south of Sri Lanka, the Navy intercepted a local multi-day fishing trawler and apprehended four suspects  in connection with the
smuggling of a stock of suspected narcotics.

The intercepted trawler, along with  the suspects, was escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour today, (17 April 2026).

During a special inspection at the fisheries harbour, the Police Narcotic Bureau (PNB) confirmed the presence of over 161kg of heroin.

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekera (Retd), and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, to inspect seized narcotics.

Addressing the media, the Deputy Minister emphasized that drug trafficking has long persisted as an organized and sophisticated criminal enterprise. He highlighted that under the current government’s national mission, ‘A Nation United,’ a robust state mechanism is now in motion, integrating the Tri-Forces, Police, Special Task Force, PNB, and international agencies to dismantle these networks.

Underscoring the Navy’s operational success, the Deputy Minister revealed that in 2025 alone, the Navy seized narcotics valued at over Rs. 75,000 million. In the first four months of 2026, the momentum has continued with nearly Rs. 50,000 million worth of drugs intercepted and produced for legal action.

During this short period, 14 local multi-day trawlers and 127 suspects have been apprehended. He issued a stern assurance that seized drugs would never find their way back into society, as they are systematically destroyed under strict protocols.
“Human capital is our nation’s most vital asset,” the Deputy Minister noted, adding that a healthy population leads to a quality workforce and a resilient economy. He further remarked that the vision of a “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life”, extends beyond financial stability to include the dignity, discipline, and mindset of the citizenry.

“On the instructions of the President, new legislation is being drafted for Parliamentary approval to further empower this national mission and ensure a law-abiding, civilized society for future generations”, he stated.

Concluding the briefing, the Deputy Minister lauded the media for their role in drug prevention and urged continued responsible journalism to educate the public on the dangers of narcotics.

Meanwhile, the apprehended suspects, the multi-day trawler, and the 161kg heroin shipment were handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward investigation and legal proceedings.

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Minister of Power and Energy and Ministry Secretary resign from posts

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Minister of Power and Energy Kumara Jayakody and Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala have resigned from their respective positions today (17)

 

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