The World around U

  Imran Khan, born on October 5, 1952, in Lahore, Pakistan, is a former Pakistani cricketer, cricket captain, and one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport. Beyond cricket, Imran also had a highly successful career in politics, culminating in his tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan from 2018 to 2022. Imran Khan's name is synonymous with cricketing excellence, leadership, and an enduring legacy both on and off the field. Style of Play Imran Khan was a fast bowler and middle-order batsman, known for his ability to swing the ball, generate pace, and lead the team by example. He was a genuine all-rounder, capable of turning matches both with the ball and the bat. Bowling: Imran was known for his lethal pace and swing, especially the ability to reverse swing the ball, which made him dangerous in both home and away conditions. His bowling style combined aggression, accuracy, and intelligence. Batting: As a batsman, Imran had a solid technique, and although h...

  There are moments when courage is not a choice but a responsibility, when a few seconds can separate life from death and when the actions of one individual can determine the fate of hundreds. Captain Smit Machchhar found himself in precisely such an extraordinary situation on September 30, 2026, when Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, plunged into a terrifying mid-air crisis. Seriously injured after being attacked inside the cockpit, Machchhar nevertheless summoned remarkable courage and presence of mind to help prevent what could have been a catastrophic aviation disaster. The Indian captain was at the controls of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 when he was attacked by his co-pilot, identified in reports as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami. The aircraft was carrying 174 people, including children. In the ensuing struggle, the aircraft began a terrifying descent, losing more than 17,000 feet in a short period. For the passengers inside the aircraft, it was a nightmare...

  The 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, came to a close on October 4 after more than two weeks of competition. With 43 sports, 71 disciplines and 45 participating National Olympic Committees, the Games produced an exceptionally high sporting standard. The final medal table was dominated by China, Japan and South Korea, while India delivered one of its strongest-ever Asian Games campaigns, finishing fourth with 85 medals, including 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze.  Top six nations at Asian Games 2026 Medal table ranked by gold medals. China — once again the dominant force China finished overwhelmingly on top with 169 gold, 89 silver and 83 bronze medals for 341 overall, underlining its extraordinary depth across virtually every major sport. Its dominance was particularly evident in swimming, diving, gymnastics, shooting, table tennis, badminton, weightlifting and many of the combat disciplines. China also demonstrated the strength of its next generation, ensuring that its A...

  South Africa produced a highly impressive 2–1 series victory over Australia in the three-match ODI series played at Durban, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom from September 24 to 30. The series was particularly significant as both teams are looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. South Africa not only won the series but also demonstrated that their batting depth, spin bowling and ability to perform under pressure are developing strongly.  First ODI – South Africa win by 67 runs South Africa began the series in commanding fashion at Kingsmead, Durban. After being asked to bat, they posted 297/8, with young opener Matthew Breetzke making an outstanding 112 off 106 balls. Marco Jansen also contributed a powerful 75. Australia started their chase aggressively, particularly through captain Mitchell Marsh, who smashed 60 from only 36 balls, but the visitors suffered a dramatic collapse and were dismissed for 230 in 41.2 ove...

  India won the three-match ODI series against West Indies 2-1, making a strong start to their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. India dominated the first two matches at Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati, but West Indies produced a remarkable response in the finale at New Chandigarh. The series was notable for extraordinary batting performances, with Shubman Gill emerging as the biggest star and Shai Hope providing a spectacular final-day answer.  First ODI – India win by 8 wickets The opening match at Thiruvananthapuram established India's superiority. West Indies made 295/7, with Justin Greaves scoring 101 and John Campbell contributing 62, but Kuldeep Yadav changed the complexion of the innings with an outstanding 4/40. India then chased the target in only 41.4 overs. Shubman Gill scored 110 from 108 balls, while Virat Kohli produced a magnificent unbeaten 139 from just 88 balls. Kohli's innings also took him past 15,000 ODI runs.  Second ODI – Gill's historic dou...

  The UEFA Nations League 2026/27 produced another action-packed round of matches on October 2 and 3, with Matchday 3 reaching its conclusion. The two days featured major victories for England, Spain, Belgium, Poland and Northern Ireland, while France were held by Italy in Paris. England's extraordinary 7-0 demolition of Croatia was the standout result, while Spain maintained their perfect record at the top of Group A3.  October 2 – Belgium dominate Türkiye: Belgium strengthened their position in League A Group 1 with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Türkiye. Kevin De Bruyne was the star of the night, scoring twice, including a spectacular long-range effort, before Romelu Lukaku added the third. Belgium's victory moved them onto six points from three matches, while Türkiye remained without a point after three defeats.  France held by Italy: France's perfect start under Zinedine Zidane came to an end as Italy earned a 1-1 draw in Paris. Michael Olise put France ahead with an e...

   The final competition day of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games produced a spectacular finish, with several of the continent's biggest sporting powers securing important gold medals. China retained its overwhelming supremacy at the top of the medal table, while Japan completed a record-breaking home campaign. South Korea enjoyed major victories in men's football and golf, Iran added another taekwondo gold, and India produced a magnificent late surge to finish fourth overall after winning five gold medals on the final day. China: China finished the Games as the undisputed leading sporting power in Asia, collecting 169 gold medals and 341 medals overall. One of its notable Day 15 successes came in men's golf, where China won the team competition, ahead of South Korea and Japan. China also had a representative in the women's individual golf podium, with Yin Ruoning finishing behind India's historic champion Pranavi Urs. The Chinese delegation's enormous medal haul...

  Raymond Russell Lindwall, born on October 3, 1921, in Mascot, New South Wales, Australia, is considered one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of cricket. Renowned for his deadly pace, smooth action, and sharp swing, Lindwall was a key figure in Australia's post-World War II cricketing success. Alongside his bowling partner Keith Miller, Lindwall formed one of the most feared new-ball pairs in cricket. Style of Play Ray Lindwall was a right-arm fast bowler with a natural athleticism and a smooth, classical bowling action. He was known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and to generate genuine pace, often clocking speeds that troubled even the best batsmen of his era. Lindwall’s bowling was not just about raw speed; his control and tactical acumen made him equally dangerous on pitches that did not assist fast bowlers. Lindwall could move the ball both in the air and off the seam, making him highly effective in a variety of conditions. He also possessed ...

  The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League entered its third matchday on October 1, with nine matches producing several important results. Portugal maintained their perfect record with a 4-2 victory over Denmark, Germany finally secured their first win under Jürgen Klopp, while the Netherlands fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Greece. Wales also came from behind to beat Norway 2-1.  Portugal continue perfect run: Portugal produced the outstanding attacking performance of the evening, defeating Denmark 4-2 in Copenhagen in Group A4. João Cancelo, Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha and João Félix were on target for the visitors, while Denmark replied through Mikkel Damsgaard and Rasmus Højlund. Portugal therefore made it three wins from three matches and moved six points clear at the top of their group. The victory was particularly notable because Portugal played without Cristiano Ronaldo.  Germany finally claim first victory: Germany recorded their first win of the Nations Leagu...

  The penultimate major competition day of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games produced several memorable performances, with China continuing to dominate the medal table while Japan and South Korea maintained their positions behind the leaders. India enjoyed a spectacular day, winning gold medals in women's recurve archery, three boxing categories, men's freestyle wrestling and women's hockey. Japan also added important football and wrestling golds, while South Korea continued to collect medals across several disciplines.  China: China remained comfortably ahead of every other country and added several important medals on Day 14. Wu Yu won the women's 51kg boxing gold after defeating Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Tam, while Yang Chengyu settled for silver after losing to Taiwan's Lin Yu-ting in the women's 60kg final. China also reached the women's hockey final but lost 0-1 to India, with Lalremsiami scoring the decisive goal. Despite that defeat, China's enormous l...

  The 13th day of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games was dominated by wrestling, sailing, squash and the major team-sport semi-finals. China continued to lead the overall medal table by a huge margin, while host Japan enjoyed an important day in wrestling. South Korea, Uzbekistan, Iran and Thailand remained among the leading medal-winning nations. India had a particularly significant day, adding silver and bronze medals while its men's cricket and hockey teams both reached their respective gold-medal finals.  China: China remained firmly at the top of the standings and continued to add medals across several disciplines. In tennis, Wang Xiyu defeated the Philippines' Alex Eala 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to reach the women's singles final, where she will face compatriot Zhang Shuai. Zhang also reached the final after defeating Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva 6-4, 6-2, guaranteeing China the women's singles gold and silver. China also won the men's skiff sailing event, finishing ahead ...

    The second matchday of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League concluded on September 29 with ten matches across Leagues A, B and C. The biggest results came in Group A3, where Spain continued their perfect start with a convincing 4-1 victory over Croatia, while England recovered from their opening defeat to beat Czechia 2-0. Switzerland also produced an emphatic victory over Scotland, while Slovenia, Albania, Iceland and Slovakia recorded important wins.  Spain continue impressive start: Spain strengthened their position in Group A3 with a 4-1 victory over Croatia. Lamine Yamal was the star of the evening, scoring twice as Spain followed their 3-2 victory over England in the opening round with another three points. Marc Pubill and Nico Williams were also on the scoresheet, while Croatia's only goal came from Dion Beljo. Spain have therefore won both of their opening matches and extended their unbeaten run to 40 matches.  England bounce back against Czechia: England regi...

  The 12th day of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games produced another dramatic reshuffling of the medal standings, with China continuing its extraordinary dominance while Japan and South Korea remained comfortably in second and third positions. Uzbekistan, Thailand and Bahrain also maintained their positions among the leading nations. India, meanwhile, enjoyed its most productive day of the Games, winning four gold medals and adding further medals in boxing and wrestling. China: China continued to set the pace and crossed the remarkable landmark of 150 gold medals. One of the biggest highlights came in diving, where Lian Junjie won the men's 10m platform title. His victory gave China its 100th consecutive Asian Games diving gold since the sport's debut for the country at the 1974 Games. China also reached the men's football semi-final, but its campaign ended with a 1-2 defeat to South Korea. Japan: The host nation remained second in the standings and continued to add medals acros...

  Franklin Edmundo Rijkaard, born on September 30, 1962, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a Dutch former football player and manager, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive midfielders in football history. Rijkaard had an illustrious career, excelling at both the club and international levels, and later became a highly successful coach. His combination of technical skills, tactical intelligence, and leadership made him a standout figure in football. Style of Play Frank Rijkaard was a versatile player, known for his ability to operate as both a defensive midfielder and a central defender. He was celebrated for his strength, athleticism, and intelligence on the field. Rijkaard’s greatest attributes were his ability to anticipate opponents' movements, his calmness under pressure, and his excellent passing ability. His defensive awareness and ability to break up opposition attacks were key elements of his game, but he also had the technical skills to contribute offensivel...