The World around U

  A surprising turn of events at the US Open. In just two consecutive days, two stars have exited the final Grand Slam of the year. Carlos Alcaraz was defeated in the second round, and on Saturday, Novak Djokovic's journey ended in the third round. The holder of 24 Grand Slam titles lost to Alexei Popyrin, with the match ending 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in Popyrin's favour. Saturday's defeat was scripted by Djokovic himself. He had never committed 14 double faults in any previous Grand Slam match. This year, Djokovic and Popyrin faced each other in three Grand Slams. Popyrin had lost to Djokovic at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. After defeating Djokovic at the US Open, Popyrin remarked, "There were battles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. I had opportunities in those matches but couldn't capitalise on them. This match was different. I seized the opportunity and played well." Saturday marked one of the biggest wins of Popyrin's career. He said, "I ha

  Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historic sites. It is home to some of Africa's most famous natural wonders, including the majestic Victoria Falls. Zimbabwe's vibrant culture is influenced by its ancient civilizations, such as Great Zimbabwe, and is reflected in its art, music, and traditions. Despite its turbulent history, Zimbabwe remains a fascinating and rewarding destination for travelers seeking adventure, wildlife, and a deep connection to Africa's past. Best Spots to Visit in Zimbabwe 1. **Victoria Falls**    - **Description:** One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls, or "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (The Smoke That Thunders), is a breathtaking waterfall on the Zambezi River, straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.    - **Highlights:** The falls are best viewed from the Zimbabwean side, where visitors can explore the Victoria Falls National Park. A

  Javagal Srinath, born on August 31, 1969, in Mysore, Karnataka, is celebrated as one of India's finest fast bowlers and a trailblazer for pace bowling in a country traditionally known for its spinners. Renowned for his speed, accuracy, and unwavering determination, Srinath was the spearhead of India's pace attack during the 1990s and early 2000s. His ability to generate pace and movement, both off the pitch and in the air, made him a formidable opponent across all formats of the game. ### Style of Play - **Fast, Furious, and Relentless:**   - Srinath's bowling style was characterized by his ability to bowl consistently at high speeds, often exceeding 140 km/h (87 mph), which was a rarity for Indian bowlers at the time. He was known for his smooth, rhythmic run-up and a strong, upright bowling action that allowed him to generate both pace and bounce.   - Srinath could extract movement off the seam and swing the ball both ways, making him particularly dangerous in co

  Clive Lloyd, born on August 31, 1944, in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana), is revered as one of the most influential and charismatic leaders in the history of cricket. Standing tall with his imposing physique, Lloyd was both a destructive middle-order batsman and an astute captain who led the West Indies to unparalleled dominance during the 1970s and 1980s. His leadership and powerful batting style made him a cornerstone of West Indies cricket and a global cricketing legend.   Style of Play - **Powerful and Commanding:**   - Lloyd's batting style was characterized by his power and authority at the crease. With his tall, broad frame, he could unleash a barrage of aggressive strokes, often dominating bowlers with his fearsome hitting, especially through the off-side and down the ground.   - Lloyd was particularly known for his ability to take the attack to the opposition, changing the course of a match with his explosive batting. Despite his attacking instincts, he wa

  One of the biggest upsets in recent tennis history occurred on Friday morning at the US Open. Third seed Carlos Alcaraz was defeated in the second round by the Netherlands' Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets. The match ended with scores of 6-1, 7-5, 6-4. Botic, ranked 74th in the world and unseeded in the US Open, managed to defeat Olympic silver medallist Alcaraz. Alcaraz, who had earlier won the French Open and Wimbledon this year, saw his dream of securing three Grand Slam titles in a single year come to an abrupt end in the second round. Speaking after his victory in the men's singles match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Botic said, "I am at a loss for words. It was an incredible night. It was my first time playing at night in this stadium, and the crowd was amazing." In his previous match, Botic had defeated Denis Shapovalov. He added, "That win gave me a lot of confidence. I was fighting from the very first point and knew I had a chance to win this match.&

  Lesotho, known as the "Kingdom in the Sky," is a small, landlocked country entirely surrounded by South Africa. It is renowned for its mountainous terrain, with the majority of the country lying over 1,000 meters above sea level. This unique topography makes Lesotho a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, skiing, and horseback riding. Beyond its natural beauty, Lesotho is rich in culture and history, with a warm and welcoming population.   Best Spots to Visit in Lesotho 1. **Maseru**    - **Description:** The capital city and economic hub of Lesotho.    - **Highlights:** While in Maseru, visit the historic Thaba Bosiu, a plateau with significant cultural importance as the birthplace of the Basotho nation. Other notable sites include the Royal Palace and the National Museum. The city's markets offer traditional crafts, such as Basotho blankets and handmade jewelry. 2. **Sehlabathebe National Park**    - **Description:** Leso

  Eswatini, formerly known as Swaziland, is a small, landlocked kingdom in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. Despite its size, Eswatini boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The country is known for its traditional ceremonies, vibrant crafts, and diverse wildlife, making it a unique destination for travelers looking to experience authentic African culture. Best Spots to Visit in Eswatini 1. **Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary**    - **Description:** Eswatini’s oldest protected area, located in the Ezulwini Valley, offers a tranquil escape with a mix of savanna, forest, and mountain habitats.    - **Highlights:** Visitors can enjoy self-guided walking safaris, mountain biking, and horse riding. The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including zebras, wildebeests, antelopes, and hippos. Birdwatching is also popular here, with over 240 species recorded. 2. **Hlane Royal National Park**    - **Description:** The

  In a dramatic turn of events, Novak Djokovic advanced to the third round of the US Open after his opponent, Laslo Djere, withdrew during the third set. Meanwhile, Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova made an unexpected exit, losing in the second round to Elena-Gabriela Ruse. Djere, also from Serbia, started strong against Djokovic but ultimately struggled against the seasoned player. Although Djokovic had to work hard to win the first two sets, each ending with a 6-4 scoreline, Djere managed to hit 11 aces compared to Djokovic's three. However, Djere's lack of experience showed, and despite a spirited effort, he found himself trailing 2-0 in the third set before an injury forced him to retire, giving Djokovic a walkover victory. Meanwhile Carlos Alcaraz,  Jannik Sinner , Medvedev & Zverev have all moved past their initial rounds . Alcaraz had to win in 4th sets  but a record was set eleswhere  In a historic clash that broke the record for the longest match in the

Botswana, located in Southern Africa, is renowned for its stunning wildlife, vast landscapes, and stable democracy. Known for its commitment to conservation, Botswana is home to some of the most significant wildlife reserves in the world. The country offers an incredible diversity of ecosystems, from the arid Kalahari Desert to the lush Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a relatively low population density and a thriving tourism industry focused on high-end, low-impact experiences, Botswana is a top destination for those seeking an authentic African safari experience.   Best Spots to Visit in Botswana 1. **Okavango Delta**    - **Description:** One of the world’s largest inland deltas, the Okavango Delta is a unique ecosystem that transforms into a lush paradise during the annual flooding season.    - **Highlights:** The Delta is famous for its rich wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can explore the Delta by moko

  Namibia, located in southern Africa, is known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The country is famous for its vast deserts, particularly the Namib Desert, which is considered the oldest desert in the world. Namibia offers a unique mix of natural beauty, from towering sand dunes to rugged mountains and expansive savannas. Its capital, Windhoek, is a gateway to exploring this diverse nation, which is home to several ethnic groups, including the Himba, Herero, and San people.   Spots to Visit in Namibia 1. **Sossusvlei and Deadvlei**    - **Description:** Located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, Sossusvlei is a large salt and clay pan surrounded by some of the highest sand dunes in the world.    - **Highlights:** The red dunes of Sossusvlei, particularly Dune 45 and Big Daddy, are iconic landmarks. Deadvlei, a white clay pan dotted with ancient, dead camel thorn trees, offers a stark and surreal landscape. The area is ideal for photogr

  After losing the 2 match test series to South Africa 1-0 , the hosts West Indies showed their prowess in their strongest format the T20Is and whitewashed the Proteas 3-0 in the 3 match series played at Trinidad  .  In all the 3 games the margin of victory was substantial. Though the Proteas had their moments in at least 2 of the matches , they were not able to sustain the pressure which was needed to make the series more closely fought .  In the 1st game the South Africans had a horrendous start batting first having slumped to 42/5 before fast maturing Tristan Stubbs almost singlehandedly resurrected the innings scoring a breathtaking  76 off just 42 deliveries and well supported by Kruger (44) as the Proteas recovered substantially to reach a much healthy 174/7 . Forde bowled well for the hosts taking 3 wickets .  In reply the West Indies started superbly with  Athanaze (40) and Hope (51) smashing 84 in 7 overs and  then Nicholas Pooran tore apart the South African attack wit

  Mozambique, located on the southeastern coast of Africa, is a country renowned for its stunning Indian Ocean coastline, vibrant culture, and rich history. It boasts a blend of Portuguese colonial heritage and African traditions, which is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and arts. Mozambique's pristine beaches, coral reefs, and diverse wildlife make it a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. With a rapidly growing tourism industry, Mozambique is an emerging destination that offers a unique mix of natural beauty and cultural richness.   Best Spots to Visit in Mozambique 1. **Bazaruto Archipelago**    - **Description:** A group of six islands off the southern coast of Mozambique, within the Bazaruto National Park.    - **Highlights:** Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life, the Bazaruto Archipelago is a top destination for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The coral reefs are home to a variety of marine species, i

  Lasith Malinga, born on August 28, 1983, in Galle, Sri Lanka, is celebrated as one of the most innovative and deadly fast bowlers in cricket history. With his distinctive slinging action, pinpoint accuracy, and devastating yorkers, Malinga became a trailblazer in limited-overs cricket, earning a reputation as one of the greatest bowlers in the sport. His ability to perform under pressure, particularly in the death overs, made him a match-winner and a fan favorite across the globe.   Style of Play - **Unconventional and Devastating:**   - Malinga's bowling style is defined by his unique round-arm, sling-like action, which made it exceptionally difficult for batsmen to read his deliveries. This unconventional style, coupled with his ability to deliver searing yorkers at will, allowed him to dominate in limited-overs cricket, especially in the final overs of a match.   - Malinga's control, pace, and ability to vary his deliveries with slower balls and bouncers made him a formida