Month: March 2025

President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi has stoked a controversy by calling Indian-cricketer Mohammed Shami “a criminal” for not observing ‘Roza’ during Ramzan.

Speaking with ANI, Maulana Bareilvi said, “By not keeping ‘Roza’ he (Mohammed Shami) has committed a crime. He should not do this. In the eyes of Shariat, he is a criminal. He will have to answer God,”

Maulana Bareilvi said that ‘Roza’ is one of the compulsory duties and anyone who doesn’t adhere by it is a criminal.

“One of the compulsory duties is ‘Roza’ (fasting)…If any healthy man or woman doesn’t observe ‘Roza’, they will be a big criminal. A famous cricket personality of India, Mohammed Shami had water or some other beverage during a match.” Maulana Bareilvi said.

“People were watching him. If he is playing, it means he is healthy. In such a condition, he did not observe ‘Roza’ and even had water…This sends a wrong message among people,” he said.

Maulana Bareilvi’s comment came following India’s four-wicket win against Australia in the first semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai. Shami, who played a key role in India’s victory with figures of 3/48 in 10 overs, has now climbed to the top wicket-takers list alongside New Zealand’s Matt Henry, both have eight wickets in the tournament.

However, the Maulana’s comments have not gone down well, with NCP SP leader Rohit Pawar criticising the Maulana for questioning Shami.

” While representing the country, if Mohammad Shami feels that his performance might get even slightly affected due to fasting and what if something happens, then he will never be able to sleep. He is a hardcore Indian who has made the team win many times. Religion should not be brought up in sports. If you ask any Muslim person today, he/she will say that they are proud of Mohammad Shami,” Rohit Pawar said.

Shia Cleric Maulana Yasoob Abbas also slammed the Maulana claiming that the statement was made for cheap publicity.

“The statement given by a Maulana of Bareilly is only for cheap publicity while aiming at Mohammad Shami… Where there is compulsion, there is no religion. Where there is religion, there is no compulsion. Every Muslim knows that he has to keep Rozas after they are adult and if a person has failed to keep fasts, it is his personal failure and has nothing t do with communilty or religion. There are various people who are not fasting during Ramadan. Why hasn’t he said anything about them?.. It is wrong to involve Roza and Ramzan in controversy,” he said

Ramzan is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar that falls in the ninth month of the Hijri (the Islamic lunar calendar). During this holy period, Muslims observe fasting from dawn until sunset, a practice called Roza, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, signifying values of devotion, self-restraint, and spiritual contemplation. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday encouraged the people to diversify the Uttarakhand tourism sector while promoting the Winter Tourism Programme, saying that no season should be off season.

Addressing a public rally in Harsil, PM Modi said that the tourists need to witness the “glory” of Uttarakhand in winter, urging the need to make it ‘Barahmasi.’ (Twelve month feature).

“The tourism sector needs to be diversified and we need to make it ‘Barahmasi’, 365 days. This is very important for Uttarakhand. I want no season to be off-season in Uttarakhand. Even during the off-season, tourism should be ongoing (in Uttarakhand,” PM Modi said.

“As you all know, tourists come in large numbers in the months of March, April, May, and June, but after that, the numbers reduce. In winter, hotels, resorts, homestays remain empty this creates an imbalance. If people visited the Devbhumi in winter, then they will witness the glory of Uttarakhand,” he added.

PM also reaffirmed his belief that the next decade is going to be of Uttarakhand, adding that the blessing of Kedarnath is already turning it into a reality.

“A few years ago when I went to Baba Kedarnath’s feet for darshan, after Baba’s darshan and worship, suddenly some feelings came out of my mouth and I said that this decade will be the decade of Uttarakhand”.

“Those words were mine, the feelings were mine but the power to give strength behind them was given by Baba Kedarnath himself.I see that with the blessings of Baba Kedar, those words, those feelings are slowly turning into reality.This decade is becoming the decade of Uttarakhand.” PM Modi said.

Further PM Modi highlighted the development the state has made under the ‘double-engine’ government, noting the Kedarnath Ropeway Project and the Hemkund Ropeway Project.

“Our double engine government is working together to make Uttarakhand a developed state. Chardham All Weather Road, modern expressway, railway, aircraft and helicopter services in the state have expanded rapidly in the last 10 years. Just yesterday, the Union Cabinet has approved the Kedarnath Ropeway Project and the Hemkund Ropeway Project. After the construction of the Kedarnath Ropeway, the journey which used to take 8 to 9 hours, will now be completed in about 30 minutes. This will make the Kedarnath Yatra easier for the elderly and children.” PM Modi said.

PM Modi also expressed his condolences to the victims of the avalanche that hit Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district.

“I express my condolence over the unfortunate incident that happened in Mana a few days back and the people who lost their lives…during this difficult situation, the unity country showed, gave a lot of strength to the families of the victim,” PM said.

The Uttarakhand government has initiated a Winter Tourism programme this year. Thousands of devotees have already visited the winter seats of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The program is aimed to promote religious tourism and boost the local economy, homestays, and tourism businesses, among others. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that the government has launched a campaign to rehabilitate the villages evacuated during the India-China war of 1962.

Addressing a public rally in Harsil, PM Modi said two villages in the Uttarkashi district were evacuated during the war in 1962, and the government is making efforts to make them major tourist destinations.

“People might know that when China attacked India in 1962, these two villages of ours were evacuated. People have forgotten, but we cannot forget. We have launched a campaign to rehabilitate those two villages and are moving towards making it a major tourist destination,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi further said that border villages are the first villages and not the last villages, emphasising on their development and special benefits that they should get for tourism.

“Our effort is that the border areas of Uttarakhand should also get special benefits of tourism. Earlier, the border villages were called the last villages. But we changed this thinking, we said that these are not the last but our first villages. ‘Vibrant Village’ program was started for their development. 10 villages of this area have also been included in this scheme,” the PM said.

Further PM Modi highlighted the development the state has made under the ‘double-engine’ government, noting the Kedarnath Ropeway Project and the Hemkund Ropeway Project.

“Our double-engine government is working together to make Uttarakhand a developed state. Chardham All-Weather Road, modern expressway, railway, aircraft, and helicopter services in the state have expanded rapidly in the last 10 years. Just yesterday, the Union Cabinet has approved the Kedarnath Ropeway Project and the Hemkund Ropeway Project. After the construction of the Kedarnath Ropeway, the journey which used to take 8 to 9 hours, will now be completed in about 30 minutes. This will make the Kedarnath Yatra easier for the elderly and children.” PM Modi said.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi flagged off the trek and bike rally in Harsil after offering prayers at the winter residence of Maa Ganga Mukhwa. He was accompanied by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami.

The Uttarakhand government has initiated a Winter Tourism programme this year. Thousands of devotees have already visited the winter seats of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The program is aimed to promote religious tourism and boost the local economy, homestays, and tourism businesses, among others. (ANI)

Amid the ruckus over the statement made by Samajwadhi Party MLA Abu Azmi, AIMIM Bihar president and MLA Akhtarul Iman has expressed strong support for Azmi after his suspension from the Assembly over comments on the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Iman criticized the BJP for using “politics of hatred” to gain political mileage, stating, “BJP has no other work but to have political gains through politics of hatred.”

Iman defended Aurangzeb, calling him a “noble emperor” and highlighting his contributions.

“Aurangzeb was a noble emperor. He earned a livelihood by stitching caps. He didn’t use taxpayers’ money on himself. He was buried here. He didn’t loot and leave like the British but he served this country. He unified India, stretching it from Afghanistan to Burma (Myanmar), and made it ‘Akhand Bharat. He treated both temples and mosques equally,” he said.

Iman also criticized the controversy surrounding the remarks, questioning why such a debate was being stirred up. “So, why such a controversy is being stoked?” he asked. He further condemned the actions taken against Abu Azmi, labeling them as unconstitutional. “The action (against Abu Azmi) is unconstitutional,” Iman remarked, urging the Supreme Court to take suo-motu cognizance of the situation.

Meanwhile, Delhi BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay said on Thursday that these (Abu Azmi) are the people who consider invaders as their ideals.

“There is a section in the country and Abu Azmi is one of them who consider invaders as their ideals. These are the people who consider those as ideals who came from outside and attacked our country. Not standing with those who made real sacrifices for the country is a reflection of their political mentality,” Upadhyay told ANI.

Earlier on Wednesday, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar suspended Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi for the entire duration of the ongoing budget session over his remarks on Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Azmi had reportedly said that Aurangzeb was not a “cruel administrator” and “built many temples”. He added that the battle between the Mughal emperor and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was for state administration and not about Hindu and Muslim. (ANI)

Former cricketers Aakash Chopra, Ajay Jadeja, and Anil Kumble paid tribute to the bond that MS Dhoni shares with the city of Chennai, as the veteran wicketkeeper batter continues to walk through the twilight phase of his illustrious career.

As the cricketing calendar year heads to the time of year when the headlines are dominated by the Indian Premier League (IPL), Dhoni and Chennai Super Kings have been the talk of the town during the build-up of the cash-rich league, just like in previous chapters.

The inseparable franchise and player duo could potentially be looking at having their last dance together in the upcoming season. CSK retained Dhoni as an uncapped player before last year’s mega auction in Jeddah.

The former cricketer-turned-commentator, Aakash, reflected on the “heartwarming” bond that Dhoni and Chennai share.

“The bond between MS Dhoni and Chennai is truly heartwarming. It’s rare for a player from another city to be embraced so completely as one of their own,” Aakash Chopra said on the JioHotstar series called ‘Power Play.’

Ajay Jadeja believes that when the IPL made its debut in 2008, nobody would have ever expected that Dhoni would become the “son” of Chennai.

“It’s been a beautiful journey. When the IPL started in 2008, every team had its own icon–Yuvraj Singh for Punjab and Virender Sehwag for Delhi. No one could have imagined back then that Dhoni would become the son of Chennai,” he said.

“Tamil Nadu has a history of hero worship, so it was only a matter of time before MS Dhoni earned that status, where fans truly idolized him,” Kumble added.

With Dhoni choosing Ruturaj Gaikwad as his successor and limiting his duties to just the gloves and the bat, signs have silently pointed towards the dawn of a new era in CSK.

With Gaikwad at the helm, the five-time champions finished the last season in the fifth spot, missing the qualification mark by a whisker.

“I think the planning for the post-Dhoni era has begun. Because now we can see that a time is coming when Dhoni as a player will not be a part of that group,” Aakash said.

Despite still being part of the squad, Kumble doesn’t expect Dhoni to take the field. The former Indian head coach believes the wicket-keeping stalwart’s presence can still be valuable even if he doesn’t play every game.

“With Ruturaj leading the side, this could be a season where Dhoni may not even take the field. He might still be part of the squad, thanks to retention rules, and with the impact player rule, his presence can still be valuable without playing every game,” he said.

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers hailed Dhoni for encouraging millions to watch cricket and be inspired.

“Gotta give credit to him for encouraging millions of fans out there to watch the game of cricket and to be inspired. It’s because of guys like him who have really carried the game well over a very long period of time. Touch wood; hopefully, it continues for a few more years to come,” he said. (ANI)

Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut’s ‘Fashion’ is set to return to theaters in a grand re-release on March 7.

PVR INOX is all set to celebrate the day in a grand way from March 7 to March 13. They announced this news on their Instagram by sharing a video of Madhur Bhandarkar.

He said, “Hi everyone, I am filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, and I am super excited to announce that the film Fashion is re-releasing as part of the Women’s Day Film Festival at PVR INOX. The film is very close to my heart and it’s incredible to see after so many years also it resonate with the audiences.”

He added, “I am truly grateful for the love Fashion still receives. Fashion returns on big screen on 7th March 2025. Don’t miss the amazing National Award Performances by Priyanka Chopra, Kangana Ranaut and all the talented other actors. The soundtracks remain favourite of countless playlists.”

“Be sure to check out the show on the PVR-INOX app,” he concluded.

Along with the post, the caption read, “Stories that empower. Characters that inspire. Madhur Bhandarkar invites you this Women’s Day to relive the magic of Fashion and witness its fierce women once again on the big screen! Celebrate the women who redefined cinema at the PVR INOX Women’s Day Film Festival from March 7 to March 13! Bookings opening soon!.”

Other than ‘Fashion’, ‘Queen’ and ‘Highway’ will also return to cinemas in the International Women’s Week. (ANI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin took to social media website X to evoke the spirit of the 1967 Tamil language protests, urging Tamil Nadu to rise against what he called the imposition of Hindi.

Sharing a photograph of former CM Annadurai, Stalin reminded the people of the 1967 Anti-Hindi movement in the state.

“1967: Anna sat down; Tamil Nadu rose! If any harm comes to the proud Tamil Nadu, let us roar like wildfire! Let us celebrate the victory!” he posted on social media website X, drawing parallels between past struggles and current challenges.

In another post on X, Stalin expressed his strong opposition to the imposition of Hindi and defended Tamil’s rightful place. Referring to a popular quote, Stalin stated, “When you are accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.”

He went on to remind the public of the accusations directed at his party, the DMK, by certain bigots. “Some entitled bigots brand us chauvinists and anti-nationals for the ‘crime’ of demanding Tamil’s rightful place in Tamil Nadu,” Stalin added.

The Chief Minister raised pointed criticisms of those who he said glorify Nathuram Godse’s ideology.

“The very people who glorify Godse’s ideology have the audacity to question the patriotism of DMK and its government,” Stalin remarked, highlighting the significant contributions Tamil Nadu has made in past national efforts, including the Chinese Aggression, the Bangladesh Liberation War, and the Kargil War. He also reminded critics that their ideological forefather assassinated Mahatma Gandhi,” he said.

Stalin emphasized that demanding Linguistic Equality is not chauvinism, and stressed that true chauvinism is seen when laws that govern all citizens are written in a language that Tamils cannot comprehend.

“Chauvinism is naming the three criminal laws that govern 140 crore citizens in a language that Tamils cannot even pronounce or comprehend by reading,” he stated.

The Chief Minister further spoke about what he called were the inequities Tamil Nadu faces, despite being the most contributing state to the nation.

“Chauvinism is treating the state that contributes the most to the nation as second-class citizens and denying its fair share for refusing to swallow the poison called NEP,” he posted on X.

Stalin in his post stated that the imposition of any language breeds division and enmity, threatening national unity.

He asserted, “The true chauvinists and anti-nationals are the Hindi zealots who believe their entitlement is natural but our resistance is treason.”

In the last few days the Tamil Nadu CM has constantly taken on the centre on the twin issues of 3 languages issue and the upcoming delimitation exercise. (ANI)

US President Donald Trump has issued a final warning for Hamas, demanding the release of all hostages and return of the dead bodies of the people who have been “murdered” by them or “it is over” for them.

Trump stated that the US is sending Israel with everything it requires to finish the job and not a single Hamas member will be safe if they don’t release the hostages. He urged the Hamas leadership to leave Gaza while they still have a chance.

In a post on X, Trump stated, “‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”

He further added, “I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance. Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”

In a statement on March 5, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump met eight of the hostages released from Gaza and listened to their heartbreaking stories. Trump met hostages – Iair Horn, Omer Shem Tov, Eli Sharabi, Keith Siegel, Aviva Siegel, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher and Noa Argamani.

“Today, President Trump took time to meet with eight of the released hostages from Gaza. The President listened intently to their heartbreaking stories. The hostages thanked President Trump for his steadfast efforts to bring all of the hostages home,” Leavitt stated.

Officials of the US and Hamas held a meeting in Qatar regarding hostages in the Gaza Strip, The New York Times reported, citing two Israeli officials, a Western official and a diplomat briefed on the matter. According to the diplomat, Trump’s nominee to be special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, participated in the meeting held with Hamas officials this week. All four officials discussed the meetings on the condition of anonymity as they were not allowed to speak publicly regarding the sensitive diplomacy.

The talks during the meeting in Qatar’s Doha were focused on securing the release of Edan Alexander, the only Israeli American hostage still believed to be alive and bodies of four other Israeli Americans who were taken hostage in Gaza on October 7, 2023 after Hamas launched an attack on Israel, according to one of the Israeli officials and the Western official, The New York Times reported.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt did not deny that direct talks between the US and Hamas were underway. When asked why the US administration was holding talks with Hamas during the press briefing on Wednesday, Leavitt stated that Boehler, “who is engaged in those negotiations,” had “the authority to talk to anyone.”

After the White House confirmed that the Trump administration has been holding direct talks with Hamas, Israel expressed its position to the US regarding the contacts but did not share further details, The Times of Israel reported. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated, “In our contacts with the US, Israel expressed its stance on direct talks with Hamas.” (ANI)

The Haryana police on Wednesday brought accused Sachin to recreate the crime scene at the residence of deceased Congress worker Himani Narwal in Rohtak, whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase near a highway last week.

Amid the ongoing uproar over the murder of Congress worker Himani Narwal, the mother of the deceased victim, on Monday expressed her dissatisfaction over police action while demanding the death penalty for the accused.

She warned that she would die by suicide if the accused, Sachin, was not awarded the death penalty.

Expressing dissatisfaction over police action in the case, she urged the administration to investigate the “main reason” for her daughter’s death.

“The main reason should be told to us. I am not satisfied with the police’s actions. I want him (accused) to get the death penalty. If the accused is not given the death penalty, I will commit suicide, and the Haryana government and administration will be responsible for this,” Savita Narwal told ANI.

The mother also refuted the claims that her late daughter was “friends” with the accused, saying that Himani was a leader who stayed connected to people. Savita said that the accused was trying to cook up stories to save himself.

“My daughter did not have close friendships with anyone. She was a leader, and she used to stay connected. He (the accused) was making up stories to save himself. I want the administration to tell me why my daughter was killed. Money cannot be the reason. If he (accused) killed her, then how can he be her friend?” Savita added.

Her remarks come after ADGP Rohtak Range Krishan Kumar Rao said, “Accused Sachin, who runs a mobile shop in Jhajjar, has been arrested. The accused and the deceased had met through social media, and he used to visit her house. She used to stay alone in Vijay Nagar Rohtak. On February 27, he came to her house, and they had a fight over something, and he killed her with the help of a mobile charger cable.”

Following the arrest of one person in connection with the murder case of Congress worker Himani Narwal, whose body was found inside a suitcase in Rohtak, police on Monday said that they will take the remand of the accused and, after interrogation of the accused, will be done to ascertain details of the crime.

On March 2, the Haryana Police arrested an accused in connection with the murder case of Congress worker Himani Narwal. (ANI)

Another heartbreak for South Africa as New Zealand enters Champions Trophy final

Lahore [Pakistan], March 5 (ANI): Another clutch century by David Miller and half-centuries by skipper Temba Bavuma and Rassie Van Der Dussen went in vain as South Africa continued to add to the list of heartbreaks, succumbing by 50 runs to New Zealand in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy at Lahore on Wednesday.

After a semifinal loss in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and a seven-run loss to India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 finals among many other knockout stage losses in the past, the list continues to pile on for Proteas. Yet again, it was Miller, who delivered a warrior-like knock only to end on the wrong side of the result.

During the run chase of 363, Ryan Rickelton started with some boundaries against Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, with skipper Temba Bavuma watching the show from the non-striker’s end. However, his eagerness to drive cost him his wicket as the ball landed into the hands of Michael Bracewell at covers region, with Henry getting him for 17 in 12 balls. South Africa was 20/1 in 4.5 overs.

From then on, Bavuma was joined by Rassie Van Der Dussen and both started collecting boundaries against Jamieson and Henry, with a pullover backward square leg for six by Bavuma helping Proteas reach the 50-run mark in 9.2 overs. The fifty-run stand came up in just 40 balls.

A free-flowing drive by Bavuma against Bracewell helped Proteas reach the 100-run mark in 17.2 overs.

Bavuma’s seventh ODI fifty came in 64 balls, with four boundaries and a six while Dussen reached the milestone for 17th time in ODIs with three fours and a six.

In the 23rd over, skipper Mitchell Santner delivered a game-changing moment as a thick edge off Bavuma’s bat was caught by Kane Williamson at backward point, removing him for 56 in 71 balls, with four boundaries and a six. The 105-run stand was over, with SA at 125/2 in 22.2 overs.

In the 26th over, Dussen and Aiden Markram relieved some pressure by hitting Will O’Rourke for three fours, looting 14 runs. One hundred and fifty runs came in 25.3 overs.

However, the partnership lasted for just 36 runs as Santner cleaned up a set Dussen for 69 in 66 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes. The score was 161/3 in 26.5 overs.

Spinners then squeezed the Kiwis’ run rate from then on, with Santner getting his third wicket, a big scalp of Heinrich Klaasen for just three. However, the catch injured Henry on his shoulder. Markram was caught and bowled by Rachin Ravindra for 31 in 29 balls, with three fours and Wiaan Mulder was picked up by Bracewell for eight. SA was 200/6 in 36 overs, a long way from the target.

Glenn Phillips also joined the party, pocketing the wickets of Marco Jansen (3) and Keshav Maharaj, causing SA to sink to 218/8 in 39.3 overs.

David Miller and Kagiso Rabada tried to delay the inevitable, with Rabada cleaned up by Matt Henry for 16 in 22 balls, after Henry returned to the field. SA was 256/9 in 45.3 overs.

Miller reached his half-century in 46 balls, with three fours and two sixes. Though he kept slogging fours and sixes, the net-run-rate was simply out of reach. He did complete his century on the final ball, but the team fell short by 50 runs. Miller ended unbeaten at 100* in 67 balls, with 10 fours and four sixes.

Santner (3/43) was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis, delivering a game-changing spell. Henry and Phillips picked up two wickets while Ravindra and Bracewell got one.

Coming to the match, NZ won the toss and opted to bat first. After losing Will Young (21 in 23 balls, with three fours) following a 48-run stand, Rachin and Kane Williamson (102 in 94 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes) had a 164-run stand, which helped Kiwis cross the 200-run mark in 32 overs.

Even other batters pummeled Proteas bowlers, with Daryl Mitchell (49 in 37 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Glenn Phillips (49* in 27 balls, with six fours) delivering fiery knocks.

Mitchell and Glenn had a 57-run stand for the fifth wicket, pushing NZ to the 300-run mark in 45.3 overs.

NZ made 362/6 in their 50 overs.

Lungi Ngidi (3/72) and Kagiso Rabada (2/70) were the top bowlers for South Africa. (ANI)Lahore [Pakistan], March 5 (ANI): Another clutch century by David Miller and half-centuries by skipper Temba Bavuma and Rassie Van Der Dussen went in vain as South Africa continued to add to the list of heartbreaks, succumbing by 50 runs to New Zealand in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy at Lahore on Wednesday.

After a semifinal loss in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, and a seven-run loss to India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 finals among many other knockout stage losses in the past, the list continues to pile on for Proteas. Yet again, it was Miller, who delivered a warrior-like knock only to end on the wrong side of the result.

During the run chase of 363, Ryan Rickelton started with some boundaries against Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, with skipper Temba Bavuma watching the show from the non-striker’s end. However, his eagerness to drive cost him his wicket as the ball landed into the hands of Michael Bracewell at covers region, with Henry getting him for 17 in 12 balls. South Africa was 20/1 in 4.5 overs.

From then on, Bavuma was joined by Rassie Van Der Dussen and both started collecting boundaries against Jamieson and Henry, with a pullover backward square leg for six by Bavuma helping Proteas reach the 50-run mark in 9.2 overs. The fifty-run stand came up in just 40 balls.

A free-flowing drive by Bavuma against Bracewell helped Proteas reach the 100-run mark in 17.2 overs.

Bavuma’s seventh ODI fifty came in 64 balls, with four boundaries and a six while Dussen reached the milestone for 17th time in ODIs with three fours and a six.

In the 23rd over, skipper Mitchell Santner delivered a game-changing moment as a thick edge off Bavuma’s bat was caught by Kane Williamson at backward point, removing him for 56 in 71 balls, with four boundaries and a six. The 105-run stand was over, with SA at 125/2 in 22.2 overs.

In the 26th over, Dussen and Aiden Markram relieved some pressure by hitting Will O’Rourke for three fours, looting 14 runs. One hundred and fifty runs came in 25.3 overs.

However, the partnership lasted for just 36 runs as Santner cleaned up a set Dussen for 69 in 66 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes. The score was 161/3 in 26.5 overs.

Spinners then squeezed the Kiwis’ run rate from then on, with Santner getting his third wicket, a big scalp of Heinrich Klaasen for just three. However, the catch injured Henry on his shoulder. Markram was caught and bowled by Rachin Ravindra for 31 in 29 balls, with three fours and Wiaan Mulder was picked up by Bracewell for eight. SA was 200/6 in 36 overs, a long way from the target.

Glenn Phillips also joined the party, pocketing the wickets of Marco Jansen (3) and Keshav Maharaj, causing SA to sink to 218/8 in 39.3 overs.

David Miller and Kagiso Rabada tried to delay the inevitable, with Rabada cleaned up by Matt Henry for 16 in 22 balls, after Henry returned to the field. SA was 256/9 in 45.3 overs.

Miller reached his half-century in 46 balls, with three fours and two sixes. Though he kept slogging fours and sixes, the net-run-rate was simply out of reach. He did complete his century on the final ball, but the team fell short by 50 runs. Miller ended unbeaten at 100* in 67 balls, with 10 fours and four sixes.

Santner (3/43) was the pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis, delivering a game-changing spell. Henry and Phillips picked up two wickets while Ravindra and Bracewell got one.

Coming to the match, NZ won the toss and opted to bat first. After losing Will Young (21 in 23 balls, with three fours) following a 48-run stand, Rachin and Kane Williamson (102 in 94 balls, with 10 fours and two sixes) had a 164-run stand, which helped Kiwis cross the 200-run mark in 32 overs.

Even other batters pummeled Proteas bowlers, with Daryl Mitchell (49 in 37 balls, with four boundaries and a six) and Glenn Phillips (49* in 27 balls, with six fours) delivering fiery knocks.

Mitchell and Glenn had a 57-run stand for the fifth wicket, pushing NZ to the 300-run mark in 45.3 overs.

NZ made 362/6 in their 50 overs.

Lungi Ngidi (3/72) and Kagiso Rabada (2/70) were the top bowlers for South Africa. (ANI)