Batsman Craig Ervine hit a quickfire 69 to help Zimbabwe pull off a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the rain-shortened fourth one-day international and level the five-match series at 2-2 in Hambantota on Saturday (8).
Chasing a Duckworth-Lewis revised target of 219 in 31 overs, Zimbabwe rode on Ervine's 55-ball unbeaten knock to win with 10 balls to spare at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium.
Earlier, openers Niroshan Dickwella (116) and Danushka Gunathilaka (87) put together 209 runs in Sri Lanka's 300-6 -- becoming the first pair in ODI history to score back-to-back double century partnerships.
The left-handed batting duo had put on a 229-run match-winning stand in the previous ODI on Thursday at the same venue but their efforts went in vain the second time around.
Solomon Mire (43) and Hamilton Masakadza (28) set up the Zimbabwe chase before teenage leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who took three wickets, got the openers trudging back to the pavilion.
But Ervine and Malcolm Waller (20) made sure the chase remained on track with their 43-run sixth-wicket partnership after rain interrupted play for over one-and-a-half-hours.
"We knew we were ahead (of the rate) and we were always in the game and the way we batted was excellent," Zimbabwe skipper Graeme Cremer said in the post-match presentation.
"We have seen we can chase down a score and set a score and our batting has come right," Cremer said on the prospect of his side eyeing a major series win in over eight years.
Ervine, a left-handed batsman and a right-arm spinner, smashed eight fours and a six to get the man of the match award.
For the hosts, Dickwella hit his second successive century with a commanding knock, while Gunathilaka was bowled 13 short of what could have been his second ODI ton.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Dickwella, who scored 102 in the third ODI, played a patient 118-ball knock laced with eight boundaries before being trapped lbw.
Zimbabwe off-spinner Waller got the two prized wickets in successive overs to pull things back for the visitors.
Paceman Chris Mpofu also got two wickets to rattle the Sri Lankan middle-order as the hosts slipped from 216-1 to 263-5.
"The turning point was when we pulled it back in the last ten overs. Sri Lanka looked like getting 340-350, so the way the bowlers pulled it back was excellent," said Cremer.
Meanwhile Cremer was docked 20 per cent of his match fee for his team's slow over rate while the rest of the side was slapped with a 10 per cent penalty.
Zimbabwe were found to be one over short of their target after time allowances were taken into consideration by the International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Chris Broad.
Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews, who lifted his side's total with his 40-ball 42, said that even though he felt "300 was enough", the batsmen's shot selection was not up to the mark.
The fifth and deciding ODI is scheduled on Monday (10) at the same venue. The two sides will also play a one-off Test starting July 14.
Justin Bieber makes unexpected appearance at an Indian wedding in Los Angeles
Bride and guests left delighted as the pop star mingled and posed for photos
Videos and pictures of the moment spread widely online, with fans praising him
The singer recently released his new album Swag featuring multiple collaborations
Pop icon Justin Bieber surprised an Indian bride at her wedding in Los Angeles, turning her big day into an unforgettable celebration. The Justin Bieber wedding surprise quickly spread across social media, with photos and videos showing the star smiling, mingling with guests, and posing with the bridal squad. His warm gesture has been hailed by fans, with many calling it the best wedding gift ever.
Justin Bieber makes surprise entry at an Indian bride’s wedding in Los Angeles Instagram/justinstournews
What happened at the Justin Bieber wedding surprise?
A clip shared by a fan page showed Bieber walking into the wedding venue unexpectedly, leaving the bride and her guests visibly thrilled. The video carried the caption: “Justin Bieber surprised a bride for her wedding in Los Angeles, CA.”
For the occasion, the Canadian singer kept his look relaxed in a plain white T-shirt and blue shorts, paired with a bold blue fur jacket. The bride dazzled in a traditional green saree, accessorised with gold jewellery and kaleeras tied to her wrists. The mix of Hollywood cool and Indian tradition clearly gave the ceremony a unique charm.
How did fans react to Justin Bieber at the wedding?
The candid footage of Bieber chatting and taking photos with the bridesmaids quickly drew attention online. Admirers flooded social media with heartfelt comments. One wrote, “He’s the sweetest.” Another said, “She is so lucky – best surprise and wedding gift for her.”
A different fan gushed, “SO CUTEEE OMGGG she’s so lucky! @lilbieber I don’t even have a man but come to my wedding pls.” Some even joked that they would have cried if they were in the bride’s place. While many praised his kindness, a few questioned his unusual choice of outfit for the occasion.
Has Justin Bieber attended Indian weddings before?
This is not the first time Bieber has been part of an Indian wedding celebration. In 2024, he performed at the sangeet of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai. The high-profile event also saw international stars Rihanna and Katy Perry perform.
The Los Angeles appearance, though far more casual, showcased a more spontaneous side of the pop star and delighted fans who are used to seeing him only on global stages.
Beyond weddings, Bieber recently made headlines for his return to music. On 11 July 2025, he dropped his seventh studio album Swag without prior notice. The album features collaborations with artists including Gunna, Druski, Dijon, Lil B, Sexyy Red, Cash Cobain, Eddie Benjamin, and gospel legend Marvin Winans.
The unexpected release has been widely discussed among music followers, with fans praising the fresh sound and diverse guest appearances. The wedding surprise, combined with the album’s release, signals a busy and memorable phase for the star.
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Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain
Farhan Akhtar says Jee Le Zaraa has been delayed but not shelved
Significant work including music and location scouting already completed
Director cannot confirm if Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra and Katrina Kaif remain attached
Project first announced in 2021 as a female-led road trip film
Filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar has clarified that his highly anticipated film Jee Le Zaraa has not been shelved. Speaking about the much-discussed project, Akhtar said the film is simply “on the back burner” due to scheduling conflicts. The clarification comes after years of speculation that the all-female road trip film, originally announced with Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt, might have been abandoned.
Farhan Akhtar confirms Jee Le Zaraa is not shelved but cast uncertain Instagram/priyankachopra
Is Jee Le Zaraa cancelled?
During an interview, Akhtar addressed whether the film had been dropped altogether. He said:
“I would hate to say that it’s shelved. What I will say is that it’s put on a back burner. It is a film that will happen. I don’t know when it will be. But it’s too delicious a script.”
He added that extensive pre-production work, including location scouting and music recording, had already been completed, confirming that the creative groundwork for the film is in place.
When asked about the previously announced cast, Akhtar admitted that he could no longer comment. “I can’t comment on the cast on that anymore,” he said, hinting that the lineup featuring Chopra, Kaif and Bhatt may not be final. The uncertainty around casting has been one of the biggest reasons behind the prolonged delay.
Industry reports previously suggested that the global work commitments of Chopra and the packed schedules of Kaif and Bhatt created significant challenges in aligning dates for the shoot.
The delay has been attributed primarily to calendar clashes. In an earlier interview, Akhtar explained that conflicting schedules were the main hurdle, especially after the Hollywood actors’ strike disrupted Chopra’s availability. “We just have issues with dates,” he said, adding that the film seems to have “a destiny of its own.”
Since then, speculation has grown over whether the trio of stars originally attached will still be part of the project, but Akhtar’s recent remarks confirm that while the cast may be uncertain, the film itself remains in motion.
Fans await clarity on whether Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Katrina Kaif will reunite on screen in Jee Le ZaraaGetty Images
What is Jee Le Zaraa about?
Jee Le Zaraa was announced in 2021 to mark the 20th anniversary of Akhtar’s debut film Dil Chahta Hai. It was promoted as a female-led road trip drama, echoing the friendship themes of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The script has been co-written by Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, with production under Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby Films.
When it was first revealed, Chopra described the film as “a celebration of sisterhood and friendship,” sharing that the idea emerged from her desire to create a Hindi film headlined by three women. The initial announcement, featuring Chopra, Kaif and Bhatt together, created huge excitement among fans.
While Jee Le Zaraa remains on hold, Akhtar is currently focusing on Don 3, which will star Ranveer Singh. The film is expected to begin production once Singh completes his current projects.
Akhtar is also preparing for the release of 120 Bahadur, a war drama in which he plays Major Shaitan Singh Bhati, who led Indian troops at the Battle of Rezang La in 1962. The film is slated for release on 21 November.
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Afghan volunteers and Taliban security personnel carry an earthquake victim evacuated by a military helicopter from the Nurgal district of Kunar province onn September 1, 2025.
A MAJOR rescue operation was underway in Afghanistan on Monday after a powerful earthquake and several aftershocks destroyed homes in a remote mountainous region, killing more than 800 people, according to Taliban authorities.
The quake struck just before midnight and was felt as far as Kabul and in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) said more than 1.2 million people likely experienced strong or very strong shaking.
Heavy toll in Kunar province
Near the epicentre in eastern Afghanistan, about 800 people were killed and 2,500 injured in Kunar province alone, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.
In neighbouring Nangarhar province, another 12 people died and 255 were injured, he added.
"Numerous houses were destroyed," interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani told AFP.
Many Afghans live in mud-brick homes that are highly vulnerable to collapse.
Remote villages cut off
Some villages in Kunar province remain inaccessible due to blocked roads, the UN migration agency said in a statement to AFP.
The Taliban authorities and the United Nations mobilised rescue efforts in the worst-hit areas. The defence ministry said 40 flights had been carried out so far.
A member of Kunar’s agricultural department in Nurgal district said locals had rushed to clear blocked roads to reach cut-off villages, but the areas worst affected were remote with limited telecoms access.
"There is a lot of fear and tension... Children and women were screaming. We had never experienced anything like this in our lives," Ijaz Ulhaq Yaad told AFP.
He added that many people in the quake-hit villages were among the more than four million Afghans who have returned from Iran and Pakistan in recent years.
"They wanted to build their homes here."
Quake details
According to the USGS, the earthquake struck at a shallow depth of eight kilometres and was located 27 kilometres from Jalalabad in Nangarhar province.
Both Nangarhar and Kunar provinces border Pakistan. The nearby Torkham crossing has seen repeated waves of Afghan returnees, often with no jobs or shelter.
International response
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed condolences, joining the Taliban government and several nations in offering sympathy.
"I stand in full solidarity with the people of Afghanistan after the devastating earthquake that hit the country earlier today," he said.
Aftershocks and frequent quakes
At least five aftershocks followed the initial quake, the strongest a magnitude 5.2 just after 4:00 am (2330 GMT Sunday).
Afghanistan experiences frequent earthquakes, particularly in the Hindu Kush mountain range where the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates meet.
Nangarhar province was also hit by flooding between Friday night and Saturday, which killed five people and destroyed crops and property, provincial officials said.
In October 2023, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck western Herat province, killing more than 1,500 people and damaging or destroying more than 63,000 homes.
In June 2022, a 5.9-magnitude quake hit eastern Paktika province, killing more than 1,000 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless.
Ongoing crises
Afghanistan, already facing humanitarian challenges after decades of war, has limited capacity to respond to disasters. Since the Taliban’s return, foreign aid has been sharply reduced, further straining resources.
(With inputs from agencies)
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The Ganpati festival celebrates Ganesha as the god of new beginnings, and the god of wisdom and intelligence. (Photo: Getty Images)
A HINDU community centre in east London caught fire on Saturday evening, causing major damage to the building. The London Fire Brigade brought the fire under control and confirmed that no injuries were reported.
The incident took place at the Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre on Cleveland Road in Ilford, which had been decorated for a Ganapati Visarjan event attended by members of the Hindu community.
Some reports suggest that fireworks could be a possible cause. The Metropolitan Police, however, said its investigation has so far found no evidence that the fire was started deliberately.
“No one was injured in the incident, however the building suffered significant structural damage. The cause of the fire is under investigation – at this stage, the investigation team have found no evidence to suggest that it was started deliberately,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said.
“We are working closely with Redbridge Council to support the local community. Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke,” the spokesperson added.
The Met Police said neighbourhood officers on patrol discovered the fire and alerted the London Fire Brigade.
“We were called at 2000 (hours) yesterday (Saturday) to reports of a building fire on Cleveland Road in Ilford. Firefighters attended and discovered a single-storey community centre fully alight,” a London Fire Brigade spokesperson said.
“The fire was safely brought under control by crews by 2121 (hours) and there were no reports of any injuries. However, the building has sustained a significant amount of damage as a result of the fire,” the spokesperson said.
The brigade said it received about 14 calls regarding the fire. Six fire engines and around 40 firefighters from Ilford, Barking, Stratford, Leyton, Hainault and Romford fire stations were sent to the scene.
“A 32-metre turntable ladder from Dagenham Fire Station also attended and was used as a water tower to help extinguish the fire from above,” the spokesperson added.
Ilford South MP Jas Athwal expressed his gratitude to the fire crews. “A fire at Shree Sorathia Prajapati Community Centre on Cleveland Road has been extinguished,” he said in a post on social media.
“Grateful to the brave crews for their swift response and for keeping our community safe. I am in contact with the emergency services and the advice is to avoid the area,” Athwal said.
The leader of Redbridge Council also urged residents to avoid the area while assessments of the fire damage were carried out. “Neighbouring buildings have been evacuated and I’m grateful to the efforts of the emergency services,” he said.
The fire came just a week after another incident in Ilford, when an Indian restaurant was set alight in an arson attack that seriously injured five people.
The Metropolitan Police said a 15-year-old boy and a 54-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with that case at the Indian Aroma restaurant in the Gants Hill area of Ilford.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Fifth Harmony reunite on stage in Dallas after seven years
Normani, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui perform together in Dallas
Surprise appearance happened during Jonas Brothers’ concert stop in Texas
Group’s social media accounts updated with new logo and merchandise
Camila Cabello absent as she continues solo tour in Australia
US pop group Fifth Harmony’s reunion has sent fans into a frenzy after the chart-topping girl band returned to the stage for the first time in seven years. Their surprise appearance at a Jonas Brothers concert in Dallas on Sunday, 31 August, also came with new merchandise and updated social media branding, signalling that the quartet may be preparing for a bigger comeback.
Fifth Harmony reunite on stage in Dallas after seven years Getty Images
What happened at the Fifth Harmony reunion performance?
Normani, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui appeared at the Jonas Brothers’ Jonas20: Greetings from Your Hometown tour stop at Dos Equis Pavilion in Texas. Dressed in coordinated black outfits, they performed two of their best-known singles, Worth It and Work From Home.
The reunion marked the first time the group has performed together since their 2018 “indefinite hiatus.” The Jonas Brothers hugged the members on stage, and the official Fifth Harmony account later thanked them on X, writing: “Felt amazing to be back.”
Camila Cabello, who left the band in December 2016, did not take part in the reunion. On the same night as the Dallas concert, she was performing her own solo show in Sydney. Since her departure, Cabello has enjoyed major solo success with hits such as Havana and Señorita.
Her absence has not dampened the excitement among fans, but it suggests that the current reunion is focused on the four remaining members rather than a full five-piece comeback.
The Fifth Harmony reunion generated immediate buzz online. Earlier in the day, the group’s long-inactive X account posted “#FifthHarmonyFollowSpree,” its first update in over seven years. Their website was refreshed with new branding and merchandise featuring a redesigned logo, further fuelling speculation.
Fans expressed their excitement on social media, with one writing: “I CANNOT BELIEVE MY EYES FIFTH HARMONY IS BACK.” Others noted that the new activity hinted at more announcements, possibly a documentary or reunion tour, as reported by industry outlets earlier this year.
Although no official reunion tour or album has been announced, the Dallas performance, merchandise drop and social media updates strongly suggest future plans. Industry sources previously indicated that the four members were “in talks” for a documentary and possible live dates.
Since their X Factor USA debut in 2012, Fifth Harmony have sold millions of records worldwide and achieved international chart success with songs such as Worth It and Work From Home. Their 2015 debut album Reflection and 2016 follow-up *7/27* cemented them as one of the most successful girl groups of the 2010s.
— (@)
The Dallas concert has renewed that legacy, with particular growth in their back catalogue and spikes in streaming numbers reported after the show. For now, fans will be watching the group’s online updates closely to see if this one-off reunion grows into a long-term comeback.