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The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa was set for a thrilling conclusion after rival spinners Noman Ali and Senuran Muthusamy wrought destruction on day three in Lahore Tuesday.Muthusamy took a maiden 10-wicket match haul to help bowl Pakistan out for 167 in their second innings on another day dominated by spin and give South Africa a target of 277 for victory.But Noman, following up his 6-112 in the first innings, dismissed captain Aiden Markram for three and Wiaan Mulder (nought) to keep the visitors down to 51-2 at the close.Ryan Rickelton, 29 not out, and Tony de Zorzi, unbeaten on 16, fought till stumps with South Africa needing another 226 runs.Pakistan need eight wickets for a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.With the threatening spin duo of Noman and Sajid Khan the home team will fancy their chances, especially because no visiting team in Pakistan has ever chased more than the 220-8 Sri Lanka did in Rawalpindi in 2000.Pakistan head coach Azhar Ali was in buoyant mood."We will definitely defend this target," said the former Pakistan all-rounder."The state of the pitch and our spinners make us favourites, despite our batting not up to the mark in the second outing."De Zorzi, who hit a century in South Africa's first innings, acknowledged the pressure was on."These are tough conditions for batting, but hopefully myself and Rickelton can build tomorrow," he said."We will definitely give our best tomorrow, knowing that partnerships will be like gold."As a gripping match approaches its climax, Muthusamy destroyed Pakistan with figures of 5-57 to add to his 6-117 while fellow spinner Simon Harmer took 4-51 as Pakistan lost their last six wickets for 17 runs.The hosts were fairly well placed at 150-4 but Saud Shakeel holed out for 38 off Muthusamy to trigger a collapse in the last over before tea.Harmer bowled Mohammad Rizwan for 14 before Muthusamy ran riot.He dismissed Salman Agha for four, Noman Ali for 11 and Shaheen Shah Afridi for nought to finish with match figures of 11-174, taking four wickets off 21 balls.Harmer ended Pakistan's sloppy batting display by removing Sajid Khan for one.Earlier, South Africa were dismissed for 269 an hour before lunch, conceding a lead of 109 after Pakistan's first-innings 378.Noman took 6-112 for his ninth haul of five wickets or more in Tests.Muthusamy magicWith the Gaddafi Stadium taking big turn, South Africa tossed Harmer the new ball in Pakistan's second innings.The 36-year-old had Imam-ul-Haq stumped by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne for nought before trapping captain Shan Masood lbw for seven.Muthusamy then had Abdullah Shafique for 41 and pacer Kagiso Rabada trapped Babar Azam leg-before for 42.Azam has now failed to score a hundred in 28 Test innings dating back to December 2022.Earlier, South Africa's De Zorzi resumed on 81 at the start of the day and carried the fight to Pakistan, completing his second Test century with a six and two singles off Noman.The left-hander finally holed out for 104 to long-on off Noman, where Shaheen Shah Afridi took a low catch, ending a 208-minute innings containing 10 fours and two sixes.Noman, who bowled a probing 35 overs, also removed Prenelan Subrayen for four during the session.Fellow spinner Sajid took the first wicket of the day when he had Muthusamy caught by Salman Agha for 11.He then wrapped up the innings when he bowled Rabada for nought to finish with 3-98 off 33 overs.BRIEF SCORES:outh Africa 51 for 2 (Rickelton 29*, Noman 2-20) and 269 (de Zorzi 104, Noman 6-112, Sajid 3-98) need another 226 runs to beat Pakistan 167 (Babar 42, Muthusamy 5-57, Harmer 4-51) and 378 (Agha 93, Imam 93, Muthusamy 6-117)

Spinner Noman Ali grabbed four wickets to restrict South Africa to 216-6 at the close of play on day two of the first Test in Lahore on Monday, despite a fighting half century from Tony de Zorzi.Spinners dominated on a turning Gaddafi Stadium pitch as all the day's 11 wickets went to slow bowlers, with South African left-armer Senuran Muthusamy taking a career-best 6-117 to dismiss Pakistan for 378.De Zorzi was holding the fort at the close with 81 not out and Muthusamy on six as South Africa trail by 162 runs in the first innings.De Zorzi batted with guts, knocking nine boundaries and a six, combating Noman who claimed 4-85.South Africa started off well with 45-0 on the board when Noman removed touring skipper Aiden Markram for 20 and Wiaan Mulder for 17 -- both caught behind by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.Ryan Rickelton, who scored a punishing 71 with two sixes and nine boundaries, and De Zorzi added 94 for the third wicket, taking on the spinners with some aggressive shots.It was part-timer Salman Agha who broke the stand by forcing an edge from Rickelton with Babar Azam taking a smart low catch in the slips.Noman returned for his third spell to get Tristan Stubbs caught behind for eight and Kyle Verreynne leg-before for two while Sajid Khan removed Dewald Brevis for a golden duck."We need to get them out as early as possible and a 120-run lead would help us win this Test," said Noman."This pitch will further help spinners in the coming days so it's good for us."Earlier, it was Noman's like-for-like left-armer Muthusamy who destroyed Pakistan after they resumed on 313-5, losing their last five wickets for just 16 runs.Muthusamy, who bettered his previous Test best of 4-45 against Bangladesh in Chattogram last year, said: "It was really nice to add value to the team by getting wickets."It was not ideal to have lost wicket close to stumps, but we will fight back tomorrow."Agha hit five fours and three sixes in his 93 and was last man out, caught in the deep off spinner Prenelan Subrayen, who took 2-78.Agha added 49 with Rizwan to take their sixth-wicket stand to 163 before Muthusamy ripped out the middle order with three wickets in the 12th over of the day.Rizwan was the first to go, for 75, when he edged a sharply turning ball to wicketkeeper Verreynne after a knock containing two fours and two sixes.Two balls later Noman went without scoring, bowled when he played down the wrong line and then Sajid Khan followed first ball, caught in the slips.It became 378-9 when Muthusamy bowled Shaheen Shah Afridi, on seven, for his sixth wicket.BRIEF SCORES:South Africa 216 for 6 (De Zorzi 81*, Rickelton 71, Noman 4-85) trail Pakistan 378 (Agha 93, Imam 93, Masood 76, Muthusamy 6-117) by 162 runs

Qatar has expressed concern over escalating tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and the potential repercussions for regional security and stability.In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on both sides to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy, exercise restraint and work to defuse differences in ways that de-escalate the situation to achieve regional security and stability.The ministry reaffirmed Qatar’s support for all regional and international efforts to bolster global security and peace, underscoring its commitment to fostering security and prosperity for the peoples of Pakistan and Afghanistan.Saudi Arabia has also expressed concern over the tensions and clashes taking place in the border areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan.In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for restraint, avoiding escalation, and embracing dialogue and wisdom, which would help reduce tensions and maintain the security and stability of the region.The ministry affirmed its support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability, and its continued commitment to ensuring security in order to achieve stability and prosperity for the Pakistani and Afghan people.

Pakistan rode on a brilliant 93 from Imam-ul-Haq to reach 313-5 after a brief fightback from South Africa on the opening day of the first Test in Lahore on Sunday.Shan Masood hit 76, but Haq missed out on his hundred and Pakistan slumped to 199-5 as four wickets fell quickly.Mohammad Rizwan, 62 not out, and Salman Agha, unbeaten 52 at the close, rebuilt the innings during an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 114 in the final session on a spin-friendly Gaddafi Stadium pitch.Rizwan hit two fours and two sixes in his 12th Test half-century while Agha had two fours and a six in reaching his 10th fifty.Pakistan dominated most of the first two sessions, but then had a mini-collapse from 163-1 to 199-5 as they lost four wickets for 36 runs, the last three without adding a run either side of the tea interval."We have batted us to a good position," said Haq, playing his first Test since December 2023."We must score over 400 to get us in a strong position. Regarding missing a hundred, that's always disappointing."Spinner Prenelan Subrayen trapped Masood lbw for 76, including nine fours and a six, to end a 161-run stand with Haq.Left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy then had Haq caught at short-leg by Tony de Zorzi, after a 236-minute knock that included seven fours and a six.Next ball - the last before tea - Muthusamy had Saud Shakeel caught and bowled to bring South Africa back into the game at 199-4.Local hero Babar Azam fell for 23, trapped leg-before by Harmer after the interval to make it 199-5 and leave a good 10,000 holiday crowd disappointed.South Africa could have been in a better position had they not dropped Masood on 61 and Haq on 72 with Subrayen the unlucky bowler on both occasions.South Africa spinner Simon Harmer hoped they could finish off the Pakistan innings quickly on day two."We had a good day and now need to take positives from today and keep Pakistan under 400," he said."That would be great because this pitch will take more spin as the match progresses," said Harmer, who had figures of 1-75.With the pitch likely to turn, Masood opted to bat after winning the toss and named specialist spin duo Noman Ali and Sajid Khan in the teamPakistan lost opener Abdullah Shafique leg before to pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada off the third ball of the day.South African captain Aiden Markram turned to his spinners in the sixth over and by lunch had used all three -- Subrayen, Harmer and Muthusamy.But there were no further dramas in the opening session as Pakistan reached 107-1 at lunch after Haq had brought up his 10th Test fifty.The two-match series is part of the new World Test Championship two-year cycle. South Africa won the title by beating Australia in June.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Friday his country's condemnation of the treacherous Israeli attack that targeted Qatar on Sept 9.In his address to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Sharif affirmed Pakistan's condemnation in the strongest terms of the Israeli violation of Qatar's sovereignty, in the attack that targeted residential buildings in Doha, and its violation of the sovereignty of other countries in the region.Separately, the Pakistani prime minister said that the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the genocide against innocent Palestinian civilians represent a stain on the global conscience and a collective moral failure, reiterating the demand to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes and crimes against humanity.He also welcomed the official recognition of the State of Palestine by a number of countries, calling on other countries to do the same. He recalled Pakistan's supportive position for the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.Sharif also addressed the Ukraine-Russia crisis in his speech, affirming his country's support for all efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution of the conflict between the two countries in accordance with the UN Charter.He also spoke, in separate contexts, about climate change, world peace, and Islamophobia.

Pakistan kept their Asia Cup campaign alive with a hard-fought five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a Super Four clash in Abu Dhabi Tuesday.With both teams having lost their opening fixtures of the second round, defeat wasn’t an option and Pakistan’s bowlers rose to the occasion tying Sri Lanka down to 133-8 on a featherbed of a pitch.Chasing what looked a modest target, Pakistan made heavy weather of it.After a brisk opening stand of 45, their innings went into free fall at 80-5.But a cool-headed 58-run partnership off 41 balls for the sixth wicket between Mohammad Nawaz and Hussain Talat steadied the ship and saw them home with 12 deliveries in hand.Nawaz struck a breezy 38 off 24 balls, while Talat anchored the innings with an unbeaten 32 off 30.Earlier, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi set the tone with the new ball, nipping out Sri Lanka’s in-form openers inside his first two overs.The left-arm quick returned at the death to dismiss top-scorer Kamindu Mendis and closed with figures of three for 28 – a spell that put Pakistan on the front foot.Talat and Haris Rauf chipped in with two wickets apiece, while leggie Abrar Ahmed bowled with miserly precision, giving away just eight runs in his four overs and dismissing fellow leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga.Sri Lanka, unbeaten in the first round with three wins on the trot, have hit a brick wall in the Super Four, losing to Bangladesh on Saturday and now to Pakistan.With only India left to play, their chances of making the final are hanging by a thread.Put in to bat, Sri Lanka slumped to 58-5 and looked set to be bundled out inside 20 overs.But Kamindu Mendis dug in, compiling a fighting 50 off 44 balls with three fours and two sixes, his third half-century in T20Is.He stitched together a 43-run stand with Chamika Karunaratne for the seventh wicket, but the former champions were still left high and dry.BRIEF SCORES:Pakistan 138 for 5 (Nawaz 38*, Talat 32*, Theekshana 2-24, Hasaranga 2-27) beat Sri Lanka 133 for 8 (Kamindu Mendis 50, Afridi 3-28, Talat 2-18, Rauf 2-37) by five wickets

The speech of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar, at the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly represents the conscience of the Arab and Islamic Ummah and reflects the shared sentiments of humanity against the continuing atrocities in Palestine. Pakistan fully aligns with HH Amir’s vision of peace and stability in the region and beyond.Pakistan reiterates its strong condemnation of the recent treacherous Israeli attack on a residential area in Qatar, which was a blatant violation of international law and a shocking act of aggression against a country that has consistently pursued peace and mediation. Such an act, committed while Qatar was engaged in sincere efforts to mediate for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza, amounts to nothing less than a betrayal of humanitarian values, international norms and diplomacy.The extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit convened in Doha on September 14–15 under the leadership of HH the Amir was a historic moment of unity, in which the Ummah expressed its firm rejection of Israel’s aggression and its solidarity with the people of Palestine. Pakistan pays tribute to Qatar for its decisive and principled leadership at this critical juncture.We fully endorse HH the Amir’s bold and principled stance at the UNGA for a rule-based international order, particularly his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for renewed commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the principles of justice and international legality.Pakistan reiterates its complete solidarity with the brotherly State of Qatar. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Qatar in its efforts for peace, justice, and the protection of innocent lives. Pakistan will continue to support Qatar’s tireless mediation role as well as its broader vision to consolidate peace, security, sustainable development, human rights, and the rule of law at all levels.

Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar discussed recent regional and international developments with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to Radio Pakistan, the discussion took place during a phone call received last night by the Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister from the US Secretary of State last night. During the call, both sides expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of Pakistan-US ties and discussed recent regional and international developments. They also reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations across multifaceted areas.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting at the Amiri Diwan on Thursday, where they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to support them across various fields, in addition to discussing regional developments and efforts to achieve peace and stability for the benefit of all peoples of the region. At the outset of the meeting, HH the Amir welcomed the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the accompanying delegation, expressing his pleasure with this visit, which reflects the depth of relations between the two countries. For his part, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, reiterated the Islamic Republic of Pakistan's full solidarity with the State of Qatar and its people, and its support for all measures that Qatar may take to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed that the blatant Israeli attack constitutes a violation of Qatar's sovereignty, contravenes all international laws and norms, and undermines the security, stability, and prospects for peace in the region. He commended the efforts of HH the Amir to achieve peace and stability in the region. In this regard, HH the Amir voiced his deep appreciation to the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for his solidarity, sincere fraternal feelings, and his country's supportive stance toward the State of Qatar and its people. During the meeting, HH the Amir and the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual concern, particularly the current situation in the Middle East. The two sides stressed the importance of strengthening dialogue and diplomatic solutions as the optimal way to overcome regional crises and maintain regional and global security. The meeting was attended by His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi, HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, and a number of their senior officials. On Pakistan's side, the meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister of Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, and a number of senior official members of the accompanying delegation. Following the meeting, HH the Amir and the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan held a bilateral meeting during which they exchanged views and opinions on a number of issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Doha Thursday, on a fraternal visit to the country.The Prime Minister and the accompanying delegation were welcomed upon arrival at Doha International Airport by His Excellency Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al-Thani, and the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Qatar Muhammad Amir.

The Pakistani community in Qatar has spoken in unison, condemning Israel’s latest attack on their adopted homeland as “patently unjust, unethical and deplorable.” For a diaspora that proudly calls Qatar “our second home,” the assault is not only seen as a violation of sovereignty but as an affront to a nation admired worldwide for its steadfast role as a mediator and voice of reason in one of the world’s most turbulent conflicts. Talking to 'Gulf Times' last night, these community leaders from across business, education, and civic forums rallied in solidarity, pointing to Qatar’s “unwavering moral clarity and compassion” in pursuing dialogue over confrontation.Fawad Rana, Chairman, Pakistan Business CouncilThe Israeli attack is a continuation of its policy of using brutal force instead of dialogue, but in this case it is particularly reprehensible given that Qatar has, in the face of huge odds, continued to mediate in good faith to resolve the conflict. The dastardly attack on a sovereign state that is admired globally for its role as a mediator and facilitator across the board is patently unjust, unethical and deplorable. We stand in complete solidarity with the State of Qatar and its honourable citizens, and believe that eventually, the high moral ground that it always holds, will eventually prevail.Riyaz Ahmed Bakali, Director, The Next Generation SchoolQatar stands out on the world stage for its unwavering dedication to diplomacy, peaceful dialogue, and its significant role as a mediator in international disputes. Qatar, our beloved second home, serves as a haven of safety and security, consistently demonstrating its genuine desire for peace and harmony. As residents of Qatar, we express our strongest condemnation of the Israeli infringement upon Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Such actions undermine the principles upon which Qatar was founded and threaten the peace and security that we, as a community, cherish.Mohsin Mujtaba, Director, Product and Market Development, Qatar Stock ExchangeQatar has been our home for 22 years. What has kept us rooted here is our heartfelt conviction that Qatar stands with courage and dignity on the right side of history. Living here, we have been privileged to witness its unwavering moral clarity and compassion. The recent attacks, including yesterday’s, are a blatant violation of its sovereignty, targeting its principled stance on the two-state solution and its tireless efforts to secure a ceasefire through mediation and dialogue. But I’m confident history will honour Qatar, and we will remember this.Anwar Ali Rana, Chairman, Sohni DhartiAs a representative of the Pakistani community forum in Qatar, I strongly condemn the Israeli attack on Qatar, which is a clear violation of its sovereignty and international law. This act of aggression threatens peace and security, but we resolutely stand behind a country that has warmly welcomed and supported our community. The Pakistani diaspora stands in full solidarity with Qatar’s leadership and people, reaffirming their commitment to the nation’s safety, stability, and dignity. Such cowardly attacks only strengthens our resolve to support Qatar in its pursuit of justice and peace.Haroon Qureshi, Editor-in-Chief, Rahbar Kisan InternationalThe world has long admired Qatar’s foreign policy, built on friendship and peace for all nations. Yet Israel’s strike — carried out under the pretext of targeting Hamas inside Qatar — shocked everyone, and in reality, it must be seen as an attack on Qatar itself. Striking civilian areas and innocent people has always been Israel’s calling, and this latest act is nothing short of criminal, deserving the strongest condemnation. I pray that God keeps Qatar as a beacon of peace in the world, gives it the strength to stand firm against fascist regimes like Israel, and continues to protect and support this nation.

The Al Jaber Lusail Twin Tower is seen lit in the colours of Pakistan flag to mark the Pakistan Defence Day Saturday.