Archive May 10, 2025

10 batters retired out – UAE cleverly beat the rain

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In cricket you have never seen it all.

At the Asia qualifier for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in Thailand, the United Arab Emirates were getting twitchy.

They had raced to 192-0 in 16 overs against Qatar but rain was looming in Bangkok.

With only one team progressing from the group, the UAE needed the win against the side ranked 32 places below them, at 52 in the world, to guarantee reaching the next stage.

In a Test a side could declare to save time but in T20s declarations are not allowed.

So instead the two UAE openers – with captain Esha Oza on 113 and left-hander Theertha Satish 74 – retired out and the rest of the batting line-up each came to the crease and did the same under the instruction of coach Ahmed Raza.

It resulted in the remarkable scorecard of UAE being 192 all out in 16 overs – 10 batters retired out and no Qatar bowler taking a wicket.

And afterwards UAE dismissed Qatar for 29 in 11.1 overs to complete a 163-run win.

“Whilst the innings was going on we started hearing thunder and slight drizzle started,” Raza said.

“I went to the umpires and checked whether we could declare but in white-ball cricket you can not declare.

“I then asked the match referee if I could retire my whole team out.”

The win means UAE progress to the Super 3 stage of the Asia qualifier, meaning they remain in the hunt for one of the two spots that would take them to the Global Qualifier.

From there four teams will qualify for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England.

“With the thunder and drizzle we just had to make sure the whole game was played because the weather has been around,” Raza said.

“At the start of our bowling innings it was already drizzling and we were scared of the thunderstorm. There was not enough time. It was all done purely to get a result.

“By doing this I meant no disrespect to anyone involved, our opposition. Everything that happened was within the laws and was well communicated with the match referee.

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Northern Governors, Traditional Rulers Meet In Kaduna Over Insecurity, Others

Insecurity will form a major discourse as the Northern governors and traditional rulers meet in Kaduna today over pressing issues affecting the region.

The meeting is taking place at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna.

Key issues such as the lingering insecurity bedevilling the North,  poverty, a high rate of out-of-school children, and other socioeconomic challenges affecting the region, will also be discussed at the meeting.

Already,  the governors of Zamfara, Kebbi,  Gombe,  Niger and Zamfara States have arrived for the meeting. Traditional rulers present are the Sultan of Sokoto,  Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar,  the Emir of Zazzau  , Ahmed Bamalli,  Etsu Nupe , Emir of Zamfara,  Emirs of Bauchi  , Katsina,  Emir of Ilorin, Emir of Keffi , among others.

READ ALSO: Zulum Bans Petrol Sale In Bama LGA Over Insecurity

Johnny Rodriguez dead: Country music star dies as family pay emotional tribute

Country music star Johnny Rodriguez has died aged 73, with his family describing him as “irreplaceable”. The singer was best known for his hit song Ridin’ My Thumb To Mexico.

Sharing a statement on Instagram, Johnny’s daughter Aubry revealed that he died at home on May 9. “It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Johnny Rodriguez, who left us peacefully on May 9th, surrounded by family,” she said. “Dad was not only a legendary musician whose artistry touched millions around the world, but also a deeply loved husband, father, uncle, and brother whose warmth, humour, and compassion shaped the lives of all who knew him.






Johnny Rodreguez’s family have paid tribute to the country star, describing him as “irreplaceable”
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“While the world has lost an extraordinary talent, we have lost someone irreplaceable – and we ask for privacy as we navigate this painful moment together.”

Fans and followers flooded the comments section with condolences and memories. One fan wrote, “Oh honey 🙁 I’m so sorry. I love you and I’m praying! ! !” Another shared a personal memory, saying, “He was always very kind to me. He left a great legacy.”

A third added, “I am so sad to hear this and so very sorry for your loss. I will always be a fan of his music. Praying for you and your family.”

A devastated fan lamented: “The world lost a great one tonight. God Bless you all,” while another offered their condolences: “Sorry for yours and your families loss. Johnny was a great man.”

Johnny’s illustrious career was marked by chart-toppers like ‘Pass Me By’, ‘I’m Not Up to Feelin’ Down Tonight’, and ‘You Always Come Back to Hurting Me’, his first country number one hit.

Known for his distinctive fusion of Spanish lyrics with country melodies, the singer set a pioneering trend in the 1970s music scene.

Johnny broke out into the country music scene with his first single Pass Me By (If You’re Only Passing Through) in 1973, before topping the American country music charts with songs You Always Come Back (To Hurting Me), Ridin’ My Thumb to Mexico and That’s the Way Love Goes.

His most recent musical endeavours include his 2012 album Live from Texas, while throughout his lifetime, he was honoured by presidents Jimmy Carter, George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush.

Two years after the release of his final single in 1998, the singer was charged with murder after shooting and killing a man in his Texas home who he believed to be a burglar. A year later, he was acquitted of murder by a jury.

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P Diddy case has ‘significant complexity’, says legal expert as trial begins

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces trial on charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex ­trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution. He denies the allegations

The trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is under way

The trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is under way, with jury selection taking place this week. However, it’s already faced a delay with selection having been postponed until Monday due to concerns that jurors might drop out over the weekend if the panel was finalised on Friday as originally planned.

Combs’s defense team had requested the delay, but prosecutors had opposed the postponement. Now, a US legal expert has revealed the “significant complexity” to the case.

Potential jurors in the trial had to answer written questions in a test to see what they knew and heard about the case and whether they could be fair. They were also asked if they could handle a two-month trial which may feature sexually explicit evidence.

The rapper, 55, is accused of a number of charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex ­trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in prostitution. He has continued to deny all allegations since he was charged and put behind bars, with his multiple bail pleas rejected.

Sean Diddy Combs sits at the defense table before the start of jury selection at Manhattan federal court,
Sketch of Sean Diddy Combs at the defense table before the start of jury selection at Manhattan federal court(Image: AP)

Legal expert and Managing Partner of Sweet James, Bobby Taghavi, admits Combs’ case is “absolutely” more complex due to the accused being such a prominent figure in the public eye.

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Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Taghavi said: “When a defendant is a high-profile public figure like Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, it adds significant complexity to a criminal case—especially during jury selection.”

He went on: “Public notoriety means that most potential jurors have already heard about the allegations, and many may have formed opinions based not on evidence, but on media reports, social media, or the defendant’s public persona.

“Some jurors may feel a sense of admiration or loyalty to the figure, while others may harbour skepticism or bias due to prior controversies. This creates a minefield of implicit and explicit biases that both sides must navigate carefully.”

Taghavi said that when the charges involve sexual assault, there is a greater difficulty in picking a fair and impartial jury. “Sexual assault is a uniquely personal and emotionally charged issue,” he said.

Sean Combs
Combs could face life behind bars(Image: Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

“Many jurors bring deeply rooted beliefs or lived experiences to the courtroom—whether they’ve survived assault themselves or know someone who has. These experiences can shape how they view credibility, power dynamics, and trauma. As a former Sexual Assault Prosecutor, navigating these topics with potential jurors was extremely complex in and of itself.”

He continued: “The intersection of celebrity status and the emotionally complex nature of sexual assault allegations makes every stage of the trial—particularly jury selection—extraordinarily challenging.

“Both the defense and prosecution must work diligently to seat jurors who can genuinely put aside personal views and public perceptions, and decide the case solely on the facts and the law.”

Combs believes the jury will clear him of the devastating accusations made against him. The 12 people on the jury are set to hear shocking evidence that could put him away for life with allegations that he drugged and abused a number of victims during drug-fuelled sex parties dubbed “freak-offs”.

Federal prosecutors in New York alleged the rapper “abused, threatened and coerced women” into long, drug-fuelled orgies with male prostitutes he called “freak offs” and even threatened them into silence.

The indictment against Combs said: “After Freak Offs, Combs and the victims typically received IV fluids to recover from the physical exertion and drug use.”

Combs has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution charges, which is five counts in all. His defence attorneys, who include Marc Agnifilo and Teny Geragos, claim his sexual encounters were all consensual and said Combs is a swinger who occasionally invited people into his bedroom.

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Lisa Armstrong splashing £31m Ant McPartlin divorce payout on third house

Ant McPartlin’s ex-wife has bought a new house in Oxford as she builds an impressive property portfolio in the wake of her divorce from the TV star

Lisa Armstrong is building a property portfolio (Image: PA)

Lisa Armstrong has splashed out on another house – as she builds an impressive property portfolio in the wake of her divorce from Ant McPartlin.

The make-up artist, who was said to have been awarded £31million in a settlement from the TV star, snapped up a four-bed house near Oxford last year for more than £700,000.

She already has the former family home, a £2.3million five-bedroom west London mansion, which she kept as part of the divorce. Lisa then bought a £3.8million house in west London in 2020, two years following her split from Ant after 11 years of marriage.

She is expected to undertake extensive renovations of her latest purchase. It is not known if she is set to live there but she grew up in Oxford and knows the area well.

Lisa is fast becoming a savvy property developer. She completely renovated her 2020 house purchase installing a pool, a gym, outhouse and gazebo.

However she has less luck with the former marital home after it suffered a fire in September 2023, causing £1million worth of damage. Lisa had been renting the property to a family of six, it was reported at the time.

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READ MORE: David and Victoria Beckham feud with Nicola Peltz explodes after ‘deeply unpleasant’ claims

Lisa Armstrong with her ex Ant McPartlin
Lisa Armstrong with her ex Ant McPartlin (Image: Getty Images)

The Mirror told last year how she was looking to move on after a “topsyturvy few years to say the least.” “She is very much focused on the future and is in a really good place after what was a difficult period,” our source said.

Lisa and Ant announced they were to divorce in January 2018, two months before he crashed into two other cars while more than twice the drink-drive limit.

He later admitted drink-driving and was fined £86,000 and given a 20-month ban.

He went into rehab after the crash and took a 10-month break from TV presenting. The presenter went on to marry his former personal assistant, Anne-Marie Corbett, in 2021 and the pair welcomed their first child together, son Wilder Patrick McPartlin in May.

Lisa then went on to date Sky electrician James Green in 2020 but their split came ‘out of the blue’ in August 2023.

Speaking at the time a friend said that the end of their three-year relationship had been amicable and that the former couple would remain friends.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat,

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Multifunctional rattan loveseat that’s perfect for sunbathing this summer gets a massive £150 off

Step up your patio, decking or garden this spring with a stylish wicker loveseat that can be used three different ways – and right now, it’s got a massive £150 saving up for grabs

Multifunctional rattan loveseat that’s perfect for sunbathing gets mega £150 off(Image: Debenhams)

Elevate your outdoor seating set up this spring with a covetable rattan loveseat. This 2-seater sofa promises to be the perfect place to relax on long summer evenings or curl up with your favourite book.

Its luxe design ensures it will step up any area, whether it’s beside the pool, on the porch, patio, or in the garden. And what’s more, adding a stylish piece of furniture to your garden won’t break the bank, as this beauty is currently offering shoppers a chance to save £150 thanks to Debenhams’ spring sale.

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Patio Rattan Loveseat
This Patio Rattan Loveseat is on sale at Debenhams for £150 off(Image: Debenhams)

This patio loveseat sofa set will satisfy any demands you may have for outdoor relaxation. Boasting multifunctionality, this loveseat isn’t just your average sofa. The rattan set includes a loveseat sofa and a multipurpose ottoman, which can be stored under the sofa to save space, used as a side table for your summer beverages, or used as a double chaise lounge to transform the sofa into a comfy and indulgent loveseat.

Featuring a four-position backrest, the loveseat allows you to sit, recline, or even lie flat on it, making it the ideal choice for sunbathing through summer afternoons and holding company after the sun’s gone down. Coming with three cushions and two pillows that are filled with elastic sponge, making the seat super comfortable to relax on, this set is for easy removal and maintenance of the cushion covers.

The ottoman can also be used as a storage box, a side table, or an extra seat, boasting plenty of potential and convenience for reclining in sunny weather. With two retractable side trays, drinks and snacks will be easy to reach as you sit back and relax. This two-piece patio sofa and ottoman set is the perfect addition to any outdoor space that promises comfort and style.

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Normally retailing for £449.95 at Debenhams, shoppers seeking this must-have seating set up without splashing too much cash can pick one up for £299.95 while this spring deal lasts.