South Africa have romped to an eight-wicket win over Pakistan on the fourth day of the second cricket Test in Rawalpindi, claiming victory before lunch to level the two-match series.
The home side were dismissed cheaply in the opening hour, collapsing from 94-4 overnight to be all out for 138 on Thursday.
South Africa then took 12.3 overs to reach the 68-run target with captain Aiden Markram scoring 42 before being trapped leg before wicket by Noman Ali, four runs from victory.
Tristan Stubbs was caught in the slips in the same over without scoring, leaving Ryan Rickelton (25 not out) and Tony de Zorzi, who did not face a ball, to complete the job.
It was the 11th win in 12 Tests for South Africa, with the only blemish their 93-run loss to Pakistan in last week’s first match of the series in Lahore.
“There were moments where guys had to put their hands up and stand up for the team and they really did that and excelled in that. It took a lot of confidence and a lot of belief from wins, but when your character’s tested and you managed to come out on the right side, I think that means quite a bit more”, said Markram.
Simon Harmer took 6-50 as Pakistan collapsed with fellow spinner Keshav Maharaj adding two more wickets to the seven he took in the first innings.
Keshav Maharaj (right) and Simon Harmer took 17 of Pakistan’s 20 wickets in the second Test]Aamir Qureshi/AFP]
Pakistan lost their last six wickets for 44 runs to continue their trend of lower-order slumps despite starting the day with high hopes.
They needed a major contribution from star batsman Babar Azam, whose appearance at the stumps throughout the series saw a sudden spike in spectators and a noticeable increase in excited noise from the stands.
Babar, however, has not scored a century in his last 15 Tests since 161 against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022.
He was on 49 overnight, sharing a 34-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan that held out promise of getting Pakistan back into the contest with six wickets in hand and a 23-run lead.
But after going to his 50 with a single off the second ball of the morning, the 31-year-old Babar was trapped leg before wicket by Harmer in the first over.
After that, the home innings came tumbling down like a pack of cards as the 36-year-old Harmer, who has had a long career in county cricket in England but only 12 test appearances, bagged his first five-wicket haul in test cricket.
He had Rizwan caught at short leg for 18 and then Noman Ali nicked behind without scoring to mark a 1, 000th first-class wicket.
New Zealand 38-1 (3.4 overs): Seifert 23* (11), Carse 1-25
England: Did not bat.
England win series 1-0; match abandoned.
In Auckland, rain caused Harry Brook’s side to win the series opener 1-0. England’s third T20 match against New Zealand was washed out by the rain.
On either side of the initial interruption, just 3.4% overs were possible. with a 38-1 record for the Black Caps.
In New Zealand, thousands of people have been without power due to severe weather, but the majority of the disruption has occurred south of Auckland.
Tim Robinson and Tim Seifert both hit short sixes in Eden Park’s 11-ball 23 with one out and Tim Robinson was caught on the deep square-leg boundary at Brydon Carse.
The match was halted at 10:10 BST despite numerous attempts to restart.
This series was scheduled for a particularly early start to New Zealand’s season, which was preceded by Australia hosting New Zealand in three T20s.
Before Brook’s side dominated the second match to claim a 65-run victory in Christchurch, England’s batting innings shaded by the hosts was only 20 overs.
As England’s white-ball captain, Brook now has his first overseas series win. Since he took over England’s white-ball teams in April, they have won seven of their eight T20 victories.
Before the T20 World Cup in February, Brook has had less time to adjust his team, despite the fact that the Ashes, which kick off next month, were always expected to dominate.
Before their World Cup campaign kicks off, England will only have three more T20 matches against Sri Lanka’s hosts starting on January 30.
When Ashes players Joe Root, Ben Duckett, Jofra Archer, and Jamie Smith join the squad for a three-game one-day international series against the Black Caps on Sunday at 11:00 BST, a three-game international series will begin.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, Strictly Come Dancing’s hosts, announced this morning that they are leaving.
In a video that Tess and Claudia shared their decision to “pass the baton” on to new presenters, the pair made an appearance together and posted it on Tess and Claudia’s Instagram pages. Claudia, 53, has been her co-host for 15 years while Tess, 56, has been hosting the program for 21 years.
The Strictly actors also posted their own separate statements on social media to confirm the news, along with the joint video.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly exit Strictly Come Dancing in a joint video.
Claudia began the video by saying, “Hi, it’s Claud and Tess. We want to hear from you about some rumors that have occurred. “.
Tess then stated, “Yes, we have news.” We’ve decided that it’s time to step aside and carry on the Strictly legacy for 21 wonderful and joyful years. “
“The very sparkly baton,” the author says. Before she turned to Tess, Claudia continued, “You’ve been here since the beginning.”
Strictly Come Dancing is no longer a reality show. Tess and Claudia have left.
In a joint video, the two made up an appearance.
Tess then responded, “2004 with Brucey, lovely Bruce.” That was over 20 years ago, and you have retained much of it. Hasn’t it been a significant part of our lives? Since our children were sexy babies in the beginning, we have cherished every second, in my opinion.
We have, we’re so fortunate to have been a part of this amazing show, Claudia continued, “We just want to thank the Strictly team because Strictly is the person who makes it so thank you.” They are the best television team we’ve been so fortunate to have,” Tess said. They’ve also had a great time with the audience. They have been with us for the past 21 years, and they have provided us with such a show.
Then Claudia said, “We’re loving this series, and we’re going to have a brilliant…” Tess continued, “It’s the best series, isn’t it?” “Series to come, and we can’t wait to get to Blackpool,” Claudia continued.
Tess then stated, “And we can’t wait to do that show dance that we have long-awaited and longed to do.” After the pair said goodbye, Claudia interrupted the show dance while she said, “Applaud from the side.”
They also included a caption that read, “We have loved working as a duo, and hosting Strictly has been a dream. We had planned to leave together before, but now it seems appropriate. We just want to say a huge thank you to the BBC and to everyone who volunteers for the show so that we can watch it for the longest while it lasts. We’ll miss them every day because they are the most brilliant team. When we say the final, “keep dancing,” we will cry, but we’ll keep saying it to one another. Possibly while eating some pizza while wearing tracksuit bottoms at home. Tess &, Claud”.
Full statement by Tess Daly
As the news was shared, Tess Daly also released a separate statement.
The show was first hosted by Tess and Bruce Forsyth.
Additionally, the two made separate news releases. The time has come to bid Strictly Come Dancing adieu, Tess said in a statement that read “After 21 unforgettable years.”
“It’s difficult to express in words what this show has meant to me,” he said.
“Strictly has been more than just a television program. Since that very first show in 2004, I’ve had a second child, a second family, and it’s felt like having a third child. I was aware of the magic it would create when it first arrived, but I never had.
Strictly has always been about bringing people together, and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that still means a lot to so many.
“From the very beginning of the series, I had the great honor of standing alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth.”
Tess continued, “Brucie set the tone for everything Strictly became: warmth, wit, connection, and pure showbiz magic.”
“I have always been in awe of our superbly talented professional dancers, our exceptional judges, and all the famous people who participated.” Every single member of the Strictly team who has worked so tirelessly to make this show what it is, is absolutely wonderful. You are the best in the industry; you are the most amiable, most devoted, and unquestionably the most difficult working team in television.
“Thank you for the years of laughter, friendship, and countless memories. You have touched my heart in a way that I’ll never forget. You’ll be sorely missed.
The viewers at home, thank you in particular for what you do. Thank you for more than 20 years of welcoming us into your homes.
Tess continued, “Your love, loyalty, and unwavering support have meant the world.” You have endured the entire series without ever taking anything for granted. I feel so fortunate to have shared this show with you because you are the show’s heart. One of my greatest pleasures and privileges has been spending your weekends from September to Christmas for the past 21 years.
What a wonderful experience it has been sharing this adventure with you, dear Claud. You’re unique, and I’ll treasure every moment we spend together on the stage. I’ll treasure every giggle, every live performance, and every moment we’ve had. I’m so blessed to have you as my forever friend.
I can’t ever say goodbye to glitter, sequins, or Saturday night sparkle (I can never do that!). Strictly will always be special to me, but it definitely feels like the right time to transition. Tess x, with all of my love and unending gratitude,
Full text of Claudia Winkleman’s statement
Following the announcement, Claudia Winkleman also made a statement.
Claudia raved about Tessa’s relationship with her.
Claudia also shared heartfelt photos of her time on Strictly with Tess in the Instagram caption.
It’s very difficult to express what Strictly has meant to me in words, Claudia said. The best relationship I’ve ever had has been. It has been my life’s work since I started working on It Takes Two in 2004. I’m forever grateful for this. Len Goodman’s attempt to explain what a cucaracha is (which I still don’t know) and the incredible honor and thrill of cohosting with Tess on the results show will never go away.
It’s been a privilege to be a small part of the magical, glittery, fake tanned train, “Strictly is a beautiful, glittery, and real train.” The incredible talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup, and costume teams, as well as the incredible production team and creatives, are all truly amazing. I’ve always believed that leaving a party before you’re ready to go is best, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Strictly fared.
“I’m so lucky that I got to stand next to you, Tess,” she said. I love you because you’re funny, kind, smart, and a true friend.
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After taking over from Bruce Forsyth, Claudia Winkleman joined the Strictly Come Dancing presenting team in 2004 and has been hosting the main show since then.
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Despite a pact with Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman threatened to leave Strictly this year.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have stunned fans today by announcing they are quitting Strictly Come Dancing.
They stated in a statement that Strictly is a “absolute dream” and that we have enjoyed working together. We had planned to leave together before, but now it seems appropriate. We just want to say a huge thank you to the BBC and to everyone who volunteers for the show so that we can watch it for the longest while it lasts. We’ll miss them every day because they are the most brilliant team. When we say the final, “keep dancing,” we will cry, but we’ll keep saying it to one another. Just possibly while eating some pizza while wearing tracksuit bottoms at home.
Claudia and Tess always leave Strictly at once, a secret that has endured for years.
Claudia has argued that her family should always be first.
The popular host of the long-running Saturday night show once told BBC bosses that she refused to work on a certain date because it fell on the same day she was due to take her eldest son to university.
Mum-of-three Claudia said she was determined to be with Jake, 18, on his first day of school because it was “something parents have to go through.”
Claudia acknowledged that there were “a lot of tears” during her ultimatum phone call and that she had been informed that the dates had scuffled.
Claudia recalled her emotional turmoil from BBC Women’s Hour when she said, “I rang the boss of Strictly quite dramatically and said, Sarah, I love you.
If Strictly and Tess [Daly] leave with us on September 13th, I’m out and you’ll have to go with someone else, but I’ve agreed to do it and we’ll do it together.
There did a beat, too. She responded, “Quite dramatic. That week doesn’t start.
” I was like, “alright”. I need to go up his posters. Parents have to go through this, not just because I love him more than other people do their kids, but I do.
Jake, Matilda, and Arthur are the children of Claudia and her 21-year-old husband, Kris Thykier.
The TV presenter previously disclosed that she and Tess Daly have made a do-or-die agreement to leave Strictly at the same time.
Since the passing of former host Bruce Forsyth in 2014, the pair have been hosting the show.
Claudia claims that they are now inseparable and that they can’t possibly continue their relationship.
“Tess and I will leave at the same time,” she previously told the Mirror.
We made a pizza-related pact, they say. When they finish with us, we’ll go together.
Claudia acknowledges that she still has imposter syndrome despite their successful relationship.
She explained, “I have Imposter syndrome, and I have it in capital letters.”
I still believe I have had the best career possible, even if they called me right away and said, “You’re done.”
If you compare yourself to others, I believe your mental well-being is impacted.
“I’m completely content where I am right now.” Although I’m not in the top, I’m incredibly appreciative of what I have.
The tragic petrol tanker explosion that occurred on Tuesday at the Essa community in Katcha Local Government Area, which claimed several lives and injured many others, has been condolened by the Niger State Government.
The government expressed its support for the victims and their families in a statement released by Murtala Bagana, the governor’s special adviser to the governor on special duties.
“We feel heavy in our hearts as the people of Essa and the surrounding communities deplore.” Our state suffers greatly from this. We show our support for all those who have been affected, according to Bagana.
A powerful delegation led by Bagana visited the scene of the incident and the hospitals where the injured victims are being treated, following Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s orders.
He made it clear that the governor had approved comprehensive and cost-free medical care for all the explosion victims.
Niger Tanker Explosion victims receive relief.
Read more about the Niger State Tanker Explosion: Residents Blame Bad Road, Death Toll Hits 42.
He claims that people who have sustained serious injuries are being transported to the National Hospital, Gwagwalada, for advanced treatment, while others are receiving care at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Bida and Agaie General Hospital.
Bagana rebuked the bereaved families while offering condolences for the dangerous practice of scooping fuel from tankers that have caused numerous tragedies throughout the nation.
We grieve with the affected families and offer our prayers for the departed’s souls. Additionally, we urge people to refrain from hurling fuel from accident-planning. He stated that our administration is “remaining fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our citizens.”
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the tanker explosion in the Niger state affected the affected areas.
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the Niger State Government reiterated its commitment to improving road safety, emergency response, and infrastructure rehabilitation across the state.
42 people were killed in the explosion, and more than 60 were hurt.
A tanker flipped on the deteriorating Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road, causing an explosion as locals attempted to remove fuel from the fallen vehicle.
The injured, which included men, women, and children, each had varying degrees of burns, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
Niger state’s affected area by the tanker explosion
For the rescue operations, which continued as some residents were still unaccounted for, emergency responders, including the police, DSS, NSCDC, FRSC, and local volunteers, were dispatched to the scene.
Palestinian displaced people who have been living in the area since Israel’s devastating homes have pitched tents in graveyards as a last resort because the humanitarian crisis there is still severe despite the fragile ceasefire agreement.
According to Hind Khoudary, a reporter for Al Jazeera from Khan Younis, this graveyard was not intended for the living. However, dozens of families have no where to go right now, in this case.
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Khoudary claimed that the site was the last free space available, and that Palestinians were camping there because they didn’t want to.
“Graveyards have turned into shelters out of desperation rather than of choice,” she continued.
The graveyard was the only option Rami Musleh, a father of 12, could not find for him because he had been driven from Beit Hanoon, a town in northern Gaza.
The emotional strain is severe for parents. Musleh told Al Jazeera, “Having children raised among tombstones only makes the psychological trauma of war worse.”
Many families in Gaza are now pitching tents inside graveyards because they have no safe place to live and no land to return to.
Sabah Muhammed, a resident, claimed that the cemeteries have since lost all of their significance.
“Graveyards are now obedient witnesses to a living crisis,” the poet writes. She told Al Jazeera, “The bare minimum to survive is nothing more than water, electricity, and privacy.”
The only place for the living in Gaza is now the land of the dead.
Approximately 90% of the population in the Gaza Strip has been displaced as a result of the conflict, according to the UN. Many people have been displaced repeatedly, sometimes ten times.
As a result of Israel’s forced orders to evacuate residents of northern Gaza and Gaza City, Palestinians are forced into overcrowded shelters in southern Gaza.
Many displaced Palestinians, who lack a stable income and rely on insufficient humanitarian assistance, find it expensive to rent even a square meter of land to pitch a tent.
According to UNRWA, Gaza has been completely cleared of its debris, with 61 million tonnes of it now covered by UNRWA. Families were reportedly searching for water and shelter in the ruins.
Israel continues to severely restrict humanitarian aid to Gaza despite a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since October 10. Israel can’t use starvation “as a method of warfare,” according to the International Court of Justice’s decision on Wednesday.
