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As the summer season approaches, Visit Qatar has unveiled a variety of indoor experiences and activities to entice both residents and transit passengers.With a blend of adrenaline-pumping thrills, serene retreats, and cultural experiences, the offerings promise something for different age groups seeking respite from the heat.For those craving an adrenaline rush, Doha Oasis offers the indoor amusement park Doha Quest.Housing several exhilarating rides, simulators, virtual reality (VR) experiences, arcade games, and bowling alleys, Visit Qatar said it guarantees endless entertainment for visitors of all ages.At the Royal Plaza Mall lies the tranquil Salt Cave, offering a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.Guests can unwind in the soothing ambiance as they indulge in holistic therapies aimed at revitalising the body and mind.The Sub Zero Cafe promises a frosty paradise with its intricately-carved ice sculptures and furniture, complemented by temperatures plunging to -9° Celsius.Visitors can savour hot chocolate and warm bites while sheltering themselves in Arabian “Farwas” for a cozy winter experience.CurioCity at the Gate Mall invites exploration with its diverse districts brimming with imaginative activities. From dress-up sessions to city-building in the sandbox, the venue fosters creativity and curiosity among its patrons.Despite the allure of indoor indulgences, outdoor adventures remain a staple for many, experienced during the recent Eid al-Fitr holidays.Al Maha Island hosts the Lusail Winter Wonderland, offering a blend of fine-dining restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes against the picturesque backdrop of Lusail and Doha Skyline.Katara – the Cultural Village continues to captivate tourists with its art galleries, luxury shopping centre, and culinary delights while The Pearl Island lures luxury-seekers with its stunning districts boasting cafes, restaurants, and shops.In the heart of Old Doha Port, the Mina District stands out as an open art gallery, showcasing stunning murals and providing a scenic setting for leisurely strolls and activities.The Gewan Golf Club serves as a haven for golf enthusiasts, catering to both beginners and seasoned players.Nestled amidst natural lakes and lush grasslands, the club boasts a floodlit par-3 golf course where families and avid golfers can tee off and enjoy the scenic surroundings.Discover Qatar presents an array of transit tour packages for passengers designed to make the most of layovers in Doha, it is learnt.From city tours to desert adventures, these curated experiences offer a glimpse into Qatar’s rich heritage and natural wonders, ensuring a memorable stopover for travellers.“We have made this as simple as possible for you, taking care of all arrangements for your transit,” said Discover Qatar, stressing the convenience and accessibility of these tours for transit passengers.

Qatar Foundation (QF) will host its annual Autism Awareness Family Fun Day at Al Shaqab Longines Arena on Saturday. The event, in co-operation with Al Shaqab, a QF member, aims to raise awareness and foster understanding of autism through a variety of engaging and educational activities, workshops, and games, a statement said.Part of a series of events throughout April, it is a collaborative effort coordinated by QF’s Pre-University Education, alongside 27 partnering entities including Renad Academy, Awsaj Academy, The Learning Center, and the Ability Friendly Programme.Lulwa al-Darwish, integration coordinator at Renad Academy, said: "As we mark Autism Awareness Day, let us celebrate the unique talents and abilities of individuals on the autism spectrum. This day is not just about raising awareness but also about fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance in our communities."Al-Darwish addressed the need to challenge the stigma and misconceptions surrounding autism, highlighting the valuable contributions that individuals with autism make to society. She spoke about the importance of promoting inclusion and providing the necessary support to help those on the autism spectrum thrive."It is essential that we continue to educate ourselves and others about autism, recognizing that every person, regardless of their abilities, has inherent value and deserves respect,” she said. “Together, let us create a world where individuals with autism are embraced for who they are, where their strengths are celebrated, and where they are afforded every opportunity to shine."Nouf al-Mansoor, head of the Equestrian Institute at Al Shaqab, emphasised the importance of Autism Awareness Day, and noted its significant impact on children and their families. "As we come together to celebrate and honour Autism Awareness Day, we recognise the profound impact it holds for children and their families,” she explained.“It's a day not just to raise awareness, but to challenge the prevailing stigma surrounding autism in society. Raising community awareness about Autism Awareness Day is crucial in building a more inclusive society,” she continued. “It's a call to action, urging us all to embrace diversity, dismantle barriers, and champion acceptance, and acknowledge the unique abilities that children on the autism spectrum possess, talents that enrich our communities."Al-Mansoor also mentioned that by fostering understanding and acceptance, society can empower individuals on the autism spectrum to fully participate, bringing their valuable perspectives and creativity into the fabric of our community.Remarking on the importance of educating the public about autism, and discussing how initiatives like Al Shaqab's Equine Assisted Therapy demonstrate the transformative power of support and inclusion, she said: "By providing innovative avenues for communication and growth, programs like these pave the way for individuals with autism to thrive and fulfill their potential."This year celebrates the 17th anniversary of World Autism Awareness Day. Proposed by QF Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, to the United Nations in 2007, it highlights QF's sustained commitment to promoting acceptance and inclusion within the community. The first World Autism Awareness Day was celebrated on 2 April 2008.

Qatar Airways’ Destination Management Company, Discover Qatar (DQ), will re-introduce B12 Beach Club as ‘Doha Beach Club’, and The Bistro by B12 as ‘Beach House’ as the two venues were re-branded recently.Discover Qatar on Thursday said Beach House and Doha Beach Club will host Qatar’s first-ever ‘Premier League Watch Party’ in partnership with beIN Sports and sponsored by Qatar Airways. The action kicks-off tomorrow (April 27) at 2:30pm with West Ham vs Liverpool.Beach House will then show three more League games on the large screen including Manchester United vs Burnley starting at 5pm, Everton vs Brentford at 7.30pm, ending with Aston Villa vs Chelsea at 10pm.beIN Sports’ accompanying pre-and post-match studios will be presented live from Doha Beach Club, hosted by beIN’s presenters and broadcasting icons Richard Keys, Andy Gray and Nicky Crosby, with expert analysis from Premier League winners Peter Schmeichel and John Obi Mikel.In addition to the exclusive event, Doha Beach Club delivers entertainment and activities for all, including DJ and live music over the weekend, and engaging activities for children.The family-friendly beach club on West Bay’s coastline now offers complimentary entry for children up to 15, the entrance charge for visitors 16 and above, on weekdays is QR75, and QR100 over the weekend. It also provides a combination beach and lunch deal on weekdays for only QR120 and brunch on weekends starting from QR280.Doha Beach Club also introduces an exclusive Ladies-only area that features dedicated showers, changing rooms, and an all-female staff. Additionally, every Tuesday is ‘Ladies Day’ at Doha Beach Club with complimentary entry for women.Beach House bistro remains free to enter and welcomes everyone, serving food and beverages.The outdoor mega-screen, which was successful during the AFC Asian Cup, will remain in place until the end May, broadcasting the exciting conclusion of the English Premier League, Champions League, F1 races from Miami, Italy and Monaco and much more.Qatar Airways senior vice-president (Discover Qatar) Steven Reynolds, said: “As the operator of the Doha Beach Club, Discover Qatar is excited to lead this new chapter of this beachfront venue.”Doha Beach Club and Beach House also offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, The Pearl, and Lusail.Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a guardian. Every Tuesday, the Beach House is offering a Pizza Night from 6pm to 8pm for QR99 for adults, and QR50 for children aged 7-15.Through Qatar Airways Privilege Club, the airline’s loyalty programme, members can now collect and spend their Avios at Doha Beach Club and Beach House by using the debit or credit cards linked to their membership account through the “Card-Linked Offers” platform.

The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has received a Chinese delegation from the Weifang Municipal Government, Changda Construction Group and Shandong Weifang Special Steel Group. According to a statement on X, the Chinese delegation led by Liu Yun, secretary of the CPC Weifang Municipal Committee was received by Ashghal’s Project Affairs director Yousef al-Emadi and a number of officials. The meeting discussed areas of mutual interest and future collaboration between the two sides. Ashghal gave a presentation about its upcoming projects and its focus on the use of innovative technology and sustainability strategy. Changda Construction Group’s presentation covered the company’s organisation and wide experience in delivering projects aligned to Ashghal’s workload and their use of the latest technology and methodologies.

The media in Nepal, including newspapers, television channels, and news websites, celebrated yesterday through comprehensive press coverage the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Kathmandu, which concluded on Wednesday as part of an Asian tour.The media in Nepal covered many aspects of the visit, reviewing the strategic importance and promising results from His Highness’s visit to Nepal.Nepalese television channels followed with great interest the news of the visit of His Highness the Amir, highlighting the outcomes that resulted from the signing of several agreements concerned with sports, arts, culture, and scientific research. In this context, a report by Kantipur TV (KTV) said that during the state visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Nepal, the labour agreement between the two countries was discussed with great interest.The report included in the news bulletin added that the visit of the the Amir of the State of Qatar culminated in the signing of six Memoranda of Understanding concerned with sports, arts, culture, scientific research, and news exchange.For its part, Republica newspaper said in a report under the title ‘Cabinet approves memoranda of understanding to be signed between Nepal and Qatar,’ indicating that the Nepalese government approved the joint memoranda of understanding between Nepal and Qatar, adding that the agreements and memoranda of understanding include vital areas for bilateral co-operation relations and vary from the fields of education, culture, youth, sports, media, training, and co-operation in the field of diplomatic work.It affirmed that the visit of the Amir to Kathmandu witnessed calls for investment in the tourism, agriculture, and hydroelectric energy sectors in Nepal, highlighting the contribution of Nepalese workers to the development of Qatar. The newspaper added in a report entitled ‘Prez Paudel solicits Qatar’s investment in Nepal’s water resources, agriculture and tourism sectors’ and that informed officials believe that the discussions and agreement between the two countries on Wednesday would pave the way for new opportunities for Qatari investment in Nepal’s water resources, agriculture, and tourism sectors.The officials expressed optimism that the visit would identify more areas of co-operation and strengthen relations between Qatar and Nepal, pointing out that the visit of His Highness the Amir of Qatar just before Nepal’s investment conference, is expected to send a positive message about Nepal at the international level, the paper added. In turn, a Nepali TV correspondent said that the visit of the Amir of the State of Qatar to Nepal gains its importance because it is the first visit by a Gulf ruler to Kathmandu on a historic state visit, indicating that Nepal celebrated the distinguished diplomatic relations with Qatar, and designated this visit as an honorary one when it declared on Tuesday a national holiday.The correspondent added in an interview with the news bulletin that a large number of Nepalese workers live in the State of Qatar. Therefore, it is natural that the relationship between the two countries is so friendly, pointing out that the largest part of Nepalese economic revenues comes from the State of Qatar being one of the richest countries in the world, which makes remittances coming from this country very high, out of every five Nepalese families there is a family with an individual working in Doha.For its part, Nepalese The Kathmandu Post newspaper said that the visit of the His Highness the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the country is the highest-level visit from Qatar after the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1977.The newspaper said in its report that the Amir pledged to strengthen bilateral relations with Nepal and diversify the economic and social support provided to Nepal, adding that the Qatari side also expressed great interest in increasing investment in the hydroelectric sector in Nepal.According to the newspaper, the two parties reached an understanding in areas such as hydropower, agriculture, tourism, water resource conservation, and climate change. The two sides are expected to discuss many issues of bilateral interest, including inviting Qatari investments in various sectors in Nepal and renewing the working agreement, it continued.Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is likely to submit a request for Qatari investment in a major project, either building an international airport or a hydroelectric project, according to officials familiar with the meeting’s agenda, the paper added.

Turkiye’s central bank kept its main interest rate steady at 50% on Thursday as expected, citing a big tightening in financial conditions since its last hike, and again pledged to tighten policy more if needed in its campaign to cool inflation.Analysts said the central bank has likely ended its aggressive, nearly year-long tightening cycle.Last month, it unexpectedly raised its one-week repo rate by 500 basis points, citing a deteriorating inflation outlook and pledging to keep a tight monetary stance.The annual inflation rate climbed to 68.5% in March and is expected to rise for another few months before easing. The central bank has forecast it will dip to 36% by year-end, a bit lower than market expectations.“The monetary policy decisions in March have led to a significant tightening in financial conditions,” the bank’s policy committee said.“Considering the lagged effects of the monetary tightening, the Committee decided to keep the policy rate unchanged, but reiterated that it remains highly attentive to inflation risks.”It also reiterated it would tighten again if a “significant and persistent” deterioration in inflation is foreseen, and would maintain a tight stance until a “significant and sustained” drop in underlying trend inflation is seen.The lira was unchanged at 32.5170 against the dollar after the announcement.Rate hikes are “on hold once again, with no changes to the rate likely until the fourth quarter 2024”, Andrew Birch, economics associate director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said in a note.Reuters polling shows the bank was expected to hold rates this week and to leave it at 50% until the fourth quarter when cuts are to begin. Only two of 14 respondents expected a hike.The years-long cost-of-living crisis for Turks is expected to begin easing in the second half of the year due to the monetary tightening cycle, which began in June last year with a U-turn toward a more orthodox economic programme.Rates have risen from 8.5% in the cycle, which reversed the previous policy of low rates and credit-fuelled growth that sparked a series of currency crashes and sent inflation soaring in recent years.The central bank had held rates steady in February.

The US economy grew at its slowest pace in nearly two years in the first quarter amid some moderation in consumer spending and a wider trade deficit, but an acceleration in inflation reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve would not cut interest rates before September.The cooler-than-expected growth reported by the Commerce Department in its snapshot of first-quarter gross domestic product on Thursday also reflected a slower pace of inventory accumulation by businesses and a downshift in government spending. Still, domestic demand remained solid, underpinned by business investment and a recovering housing market.“This report comes in with mixed messages,” said Olu Sonola, head of economic research at Fitch. “If growth continues to slowly decelerate, but inflation strongly takes off again in the wrong direction, the expectation of a Fed interest rate cut in 2024 is starting to look increasingly more out of reach.”Gross domestic product increased at a 1.6% annualised rate last quarter, the slowest pace since the second quarter of 2022, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Economic Analysis said. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast GDP rising at a 2.4% rate, with estimates ranging from a 1.0% pace to a 3.1% rate.The economy grew at a 3.4% rate in the fourth quarter. The first quarter growth’s pace was below what US central bank officials regard as the non-inflationary growth rate of 1.8%.Price pressures heated up by the most in a year, with a measure of inflation in the economy increasing at a 3.1% rate after rising at a 1.9% pace in the October-December quarter.The personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index excluding food and energy surged at a 3.7% rate. That was the fastest rise in that measure in nearly a year and followed a 2.0% pace of increase in the fourth quarter.The so-called core PCE price index is one of the inflation measures tracked by the Fed for its 2% target. Inflation was boosted by increases in the costs of services like insurance and housing, which offset a decline in goods prices such as motor vehicles and parts. The strong readings pose an upside risk to March PCE inflation data due to be released on Friday.The Fed is expected to leave its policy rate unchanged in the 5.25%-5.50% range next week, having hiked it by 525 basis points since March of 2022. It has kept the benchmark overnight rate at this level since July.Financial markets initially expected the first rate cut to come in March, which then got pushed back to June and now to September as data on the labour market and inflation continued to surprise on the upside this year.Stocks on Wall Street were trading lower. The dollar rose against a basket of currencies. US Treasury yields rose.A significant slowdown in the labour market is not evident as yet. The Labor Department’s weekly jobless claims report showed initial claims for unemployment benefits fell 5,000 to a seasonally adjusted 207,000 in the week ending April 20.The number of people receiving benefits after an initial week of aid, a proxy for hiring, declined 15,000 to 1.781mn during the week ending April 13. The so-called continuing claims data covered the period during which the government surveyed households for April’s unemployment rate.Continuing claims fell between the March and April survey periods, implying the unemployment rate was likely unchanged after dipping to 3.8% last month from 3.9% in February.Low layoffs are keeping wages high, sustaining consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of economic activity. Consumer spending grew at a still-solid 2.5% rate, slowing from the 3.3% growth pace rate notched in the October-December quarter. Spending was driven by healthcare, financial services and insurance, which more than offset a decline in goods, including motor vehicles and gasoline.

Liudmila Samsonova brought former world number one Naomi Osaka’s return to clay to a halt in the second round of the Madrid Open on Thursday with a 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 victory.Elsewhere, American Coco Gauff sailed through to the third round with a 6-0, 6-0 thumping of Arantxa Rus.Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka twice battled back from a break down in the second set to force a decisive third but world number 17 Samsonova eventually ground out the victory.Japanese star Osaka returned to tennis in January after a long break and earned her first victory on clay for two years on Wednesday against Greet Minnen.However Russian 15th seed Samsonova, whom Osaka beat at Indian Wells in March, was able to end a four-match losing streak with her victory in two hours 22 minutes in the Spanish capital.Hard-court expert Osaka, 26, is not overly fond of the red dirt and has not won back-to-back matches on the surface since 2019.She lost last week at the Rouen Open in France against Martina Trevisan in her first match back on clay but improved this week.“I felt – I don’t want to say happy – I felt good that I was able to fight back,” said Osaka.“I think it’s a big difference from my match in France, so I was happy that I learned from that match, but obviously really sad that I lost.”Samsonova raced into a 4-0 first set lead, breaking in the first and third games as Osaka struggled.“Honestly, it’s not the sliding part for me, it’s the touch,” said Osaka.“I feel like I’m getting the balls, I’m just not really placing them well.”After recovering an early break Osaka was broken again in the fifth game and Samsonova took a 4-2 lead. However Osaka battled back and won the next four games to take the set.In the decider the players exchanged breaks before Osaka eventually blinked in the 11th game, with Samsonova wrapping up victory on serve. She will face Madison Keys in the next round.Gauff, 20, romped to a ‘double bagel’ triumph in only 51 minutes against her 33-year-old Dutch opponent Rus.The American saved four break points in the match to become the third player ever to win 6-0, 6-0 in the Madrid Open main draw.World number three Gauff will face Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska in the third round.

Rafael Nadal breezed to a straight sets victory over 16-year-old Darwin Blanch to reach the Madrid Open second round on Thursday as he began his farewell appearance in the Spanish capital.The 37-year-old said this week he was not fully fit but demolished his American opponent 6-1, 6-0 in one hour and three minutes as he continues his comeback from injury.Nadal, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, is expecting 2024 to be his final season in tennis and this his last appearance at the Madrid Open.He made his first competitive appearance since January at the Barcelona Open last week, where he was defeated in the second round by Alex de Minaur.The Australian will be Nadal’s second round opponent in Madrid too as the Spaniard tries to find form and fitness ahead of Rome and then the French Open, where he is the record 14-time winner.“I am hoping to do as well as possible and I hope to be competitive against De Minaur,” said Nadal.“For me it has always been a pleasure to play in front of you all... the support I’ve received here since the first time I played is hard to compare to anywhere else, so I can only say thank you.”Nadal broke in the second game against the overpowered and initially overawed American, ranked 1,028th in the world.Blanch got on the board in the fourth game but Nadal broke again in the sixth after the youngster drove a forehand into the net.Blanch saved two break points at the start of the second set but Nadal converted the third to take further control. The merciless tennis great broke again after an entertaining rally for a 3-0 lead and once more when Blanch went long to make it 5-0.Nadal served it out, triumphing on his second match point with a powerful serve that Blanch could not control.Nadal seeding for FO not being considered, says MauresmoFormer world number one Rafael Nadal is unlikely to be seeded at next month’s French Open, Roland Garros tournament director Amelie Mauresmo said on Thursday.On Wednesday, the Spaniard said he was not sure if he would be able to play at this year’s French Open, which he has won a record 14 times.The 37-year-old Nadal, a 22-times Grand Slam champion, has plummeted to 512 in the rankings after a long spell on the sidelines, having missed almost a year with a hip flexor injury.He is entered in the main draw for the French Open thanks to his protected ranking but that ranking does not apply for seeding, with the 32 highest-ranked players being seeded.With no seeding, Nadal could be drawn against top players in the early rounds of the tournament.Until 2020, Wimbledon was the only one of the four Grand Slams that did not stick to the ATP and WTA rankings, opting instead to also factor in a player’s past performances on grass.Wimbledon’s seeding formula was criticised by players, including Nadal, before it was abandoned.Asked about Nadal being seeded at this year’s French Open, Mauresmo told reporters: “Right now it’s not a topic...“Wimbledon did it for a very, very, very long time, and it certainly brought some advantages but we also saw all the disadvantages it could bring. For the moment, it’s not on the table.“We’re keeping our fingers crossed for him above all, for us too obviously. We’re keeping a close eye on what’s happening for him on court. We’re in touch with his team. Whether there’s a tribute depends very much on him. We’ll follow his wishes.”

The under-fire World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Thursday it would launch an independent review over its handling of a case that allowed 23 Chinese swimmers who tested positive for a banned substance to avoid punishment.The investigation will be led by Swiss prosecutor Eric Cottier, a former attorney general of the canton of Vaud, who WADA said will have access to all files and documents related to the case and will be free to consult any independent experts.Cottier will begin his work in the coming days and is expected to deliver his findings within two months.“WADA’s integrity and reputation is under attack,” said WADA president Witold Banka in a statement. “In the past few days, WADA has been unfairly accused of bias in favour of China by not appealing the CHINADA case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” he said referring to China’s anti-doping agency and sport’s highest court respectively.“We continue to reject the false accusations and we are pleased to be able to put these questions into the hands of an experienced, respected and independent prosecutor.”Calls for an independent investigation have grown since a New York Times report on Saturday said 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for the banned drug trimetazidine (TMZ) months before the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics in July 2021.The swimmers avoided sanctions after an investigation by Chinese authorities ruled the adverse analytical findings, or AAFs, were the result of being inadvertently exposed to the drug through contamination.A report determined all the swimmers who tested positive were staying at the same hotel where traces of trimetazidine (TMZ), which is found in heart medication, were discovered in the kitchen.WADA has defended its handling of the case, saying it had no evidence to challenge China’s findings and that external counsel had advised against appealing them.The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has led the call for an independent investigation along with an overhaul of WADA to restore confidence in the global body ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.USADA chief Travis Tygart has accused WADA of being involved in a “potential cover-up” and the global anti-doping has responded by threatening legal action.

Entertainment, star names and awareness of culture are the three key ingredients Greg Norman has used to build LIV Golf, with the Australian confident the formula can be transplanted anywhere to capitalise on pent-up demand.Now in its second full season, spanning 14 tournaments, the Saudi-backed league and its 54-hole format, punctuated by thumping music, has injected itself as a rival to the PGA Tour, poaching a slew of high-profile talent.Its fledgling success is nowhere more evident than in Norman’s homeland, with fans flocking to the tour’s Adelaide stop last year and capacity expanded at this week’s event to cater for demand.“This event here, from last to this year, is the benchmark for LIV,” said Norman.“We get all the other events, 13 events around the world to take a look at what we’ve delivered here and what Adelaide has delivered and what the state government has delivered and what the local community and the region has delivered, and you go, it can be done. Here it is.”South Australia state premier Adelaide was named the world’s best golf event of 2023 by the World Golf Awards, which are part of the World Travel Awards.“We always took a calculated risk as a government that Australian golf fans had been starved of high-quality professional golf for decades ... and they responded in droves,” he said.“What I think will take this event to another level this year is that there are a lot more people here. We’ve increased the capacity of the facilities here at Grange (Golf Club).”Norman is already planning LIV’s 2025 and 2026 schedules, despite uncertainty around what the global golf calendar may look like.

Experienced allrounder Jimmy Neesham kept his cool to defend six off the last ball to clinch a four-run victory for New Zealand on Thursday in the fourth Twenty20 international against Pakistan in Lahore.Pakistan needed 18 off the last over in their chase of 179 but Neesham came out in flying colours despite being hit for a boundary off the first ball, giving a packed Gaddafi Stadium crowd heartbreaks.Opener Tim Robinson hit a maiden half century to lift New Zealand to 178-7 in 20 overs before pacer William O’Rourke claimed 3-27 to keep Pakistan down to 174-8.Returning allrounder Imad Wasim (22 not out) managed to hit the last ball for a single as New Zealand take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the five-match series with the last game tomorrow, also in Lahore.Pakistan also lost the third match by seven wickets after winning the first by the same margin while the first match was abandoned after just two balls – all three in Rawalpindi.The defeats are a jolt to a full-strength Pakistan side in their preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup to be held in the United States and the West Indies in June.New Zealand, missing a host of players due to Indian Premier League, injuries and unavailability, can feel elated at their bench strength going into the World Cup. Pakistan sensed they were in with a chance when Fakhar Zaman, who made 45-ball 61 with three sixes and four boundaries, lifted Pakistan from 79-4 with a 59-run stand for the fifth wicket with Iftikhar Ahmed who made a 20-ball 23.But O’Rourke, playing only his fourth T20I, dismissed Ahmed to add to his wickets of Babar Azam (five) and Saim Ayub (20) to give New Zealand a boost.Fellow pacer Ben Sears (2-27) claimed Zaman’s wicket with 33 needed off 14 balls.Earlier, Robinson batted with aggression. Robinson’s 36-ball 51 with two sixes and four fours lifted New Zealand – who were sent in to bat – to 93-1 in 10 overs before Abbas Afridi’s career best 3-20 helped Pakistan pull back. New Zealand started briskly with Robinson and Tom Blundell, who made 28 off 15, putting on 56 for the opening stand in five overs.But from 94-1 New Zealand lost three wickets, including that of dangerman Mark Chapman for eight, as Pakistan’s fielders held catches to back some good bowling by Abbas. Dean Foxcroft chipped in with 34 off 26 deliveries and skipper Michael Bracewell added 27 to keep the scoreboard ticking as New Zealand managed 43 in the last five overs.BRIEF SCORESNew Zealand 178-7 in 20 overs (T. Robinson 51, D. Foxcroft 34; Abbas Afridi 3-20) v Pakistan 174-8 in 20 overs (Fakhar Zaman 61; W. O’Rourke 3-27)Result: New Zealand won by four runsToss: PakistanSeries: New Zealand 2, Pakistan 1, No result 1