Jofra Archer bounces back with match-winning IPL display
His Rajasthan thrashed Punjab Kings by 50 runs
Rajasthan Royals' Jofra Archer bowls against Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on the outskirts of Chandigarh on April 5, 2025. (Photo by SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images)
Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
ENGLAND fast bowler Jofra Archer has been lauded for his match-winning IPL display for Rajasthan Royals, a rapid turnaround from a record hammering in the season opener.
Rajasthan thrashed Punjab Kings by 50 runs on Saturday (5) with Archer returning bowling figures of 3-25 from his four overs of express pace at Mullanpur, near Chandigarh.
He followed it up with another wicketless outing before an impressive 1-13 in Rajasthan's first win of the season last Sunday (30).
TV images of Archer dozing in the pavilion while Rajasthan batted went viral on Saturday but the chatter soon turned to his bowling when he flattened the stumps of two batsmen in the opening over of the Punjab chase.
"We always knew Jofra is a world-class bowler. The skill he brings to the table and into the game, very few can bring that," Rajasthan's Sandeep Sharma said of his fellow seam bowler.
"The entire management and team had confidence in him. We believed that once he gets that one over, that one wicket, maybe two good overs, it would boost his confidence and now, you've seen what he can do.
"He's one of the toughest bowlers to face. I'm pretty sure this was just our fourth game, and with more matches, he'll only get better and better."
Archer bowled left-hander Priyansh Arya first ball with a 144.6kph (89.8mph) thunderbolt that pitched on leg stump and nipped away to hit the top of off.
Archer then got the speed up to 148.6kph (92.3mph) as his sixth legal delivery crashed into the stumps of Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer.
Sandeep complemented Archer's quick bowling by taking two wickets with his medium pace as Punjab were restricted to 155-9 in their chase of 206.
It was Rajasthan's second straight victory in a match where wicketkeeper Sanju Samson returned as captain after he played the first three games only as batsman.
Samson praised Archer and Sandeep for their contributions and called them "a very deadly combo" with "one guy bowling at 150 and one guy at 115".
Archer, 30, returned to Rajasthan after they bid $1.45 million (£1.15m) for the England international.
Archer has always been a prime target, with IPL heavyweights Mumbai Indians snapping him up for £837,400 in 2022 despite an injury which meant he failed to appear that season and played only four matches in 2023 before being released.
UK's ECONOMY showed no growth in July, according to official data released on Friday, adding to a difficult week for prime minister Keir Starmer’s government.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product was flat in July, following a 0.4 per cent rise in June.
The government has faced two major setbacks this week. Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner resigned over failing to pay a property tax, and on Thursday, Starmer dismissed Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington after new disclosures about his ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
While the July GDP figure matched market expectations, limiting the effect on the pound, the government admitted challenges in lifting growth.
"We know there's more to do to boost growth, because, whilst our economy isn't broken, it does feel stuck," a Treasury spokesperson said, as Labour prepared for its budget announcement in late November.
The data showed a 1.3 per cent fall in production, offsetting gains in services and construction.
"The stagnation in real GDP in July shows that the economy is still struggling to gain decent momentum in the face of the drag from previous hikes in taxes and possible further tax rises to come in the budget," said Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said last week that she would maintain a "tight grip" on public spending, setting November 26 for her budget speech.
The UK economy has faced weak growth since Reeves raised taxes and reduced public spending after Labour’s election win in July last year.
Separate ONS data on Friday showed exports of goods to the United States rose in July but stayed below levels seen before US president Donald Trump’s tariff measures.
Exports to the US increased by £800 million after London and Washington reached a trade deal that eased some tariffs, particularly on UK-made vehicles.
Trump will visit the UK next week for a state visit that includes talks with Starmer and a banquet hosted by King Charles.
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Mandelson, 71, a veteran Labour politician and key figure in the party under former leader Tony Blair, had come under scrutiny after letters and emails to Epstein were published. (Photo: Getty Images)
PETER MANDELSON, the UK's ambassador to the United States, has been sacked over revelations about his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the government said.
"The Prime Minister has asked the Foreign Secretary to withdraw him as ambassador," a foreign ministry statement said, adding that new messages showed "the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein".
Mandelson, 71, a veteran Labour politician and key figure in the party under former leader Tony Blair, had come under scrutiny after letters and emails to Epstein were published.
A birthday book included a letter purportedly from Mandelson describing Epstein as "my best pal". Further emails showed Mandelson advised Epstein to fight for early release when he faced charges over soliciting a minor.
"In light of the additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the prime minister has asked the foreign secretary to withdraw him as ambassador," the foreign ministry said. "The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment."
The ministry added that Mandelson's suggestion that Epstein's first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged was "new information."
On Wednesday, Mandelson said he deeply regretted ever meeting Epstein and that he had carried on that association "for far longer than I should have done". Starmer later gave him his backing in parliament.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18, building it into the largest conservative youth organisation in the country. (Photo: Getty Images)
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk fatally shot at Utah Valley University
Shooter fired from a rooftop in what police called a “targeted attack”
Federal, state and local agencies involved in ongoing manhunt
Political leaders across parties condemn the killing
A MANHUNT was underway Thursday after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University, an attack that has sparked concerns of rising political violence in the United States.
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while addressing students at the Orem campus on Wednesday. Video from the scene showed him seated under a tent, responding to questions when a single gunshot was heard. He fell back in his chair as the crowd panicked.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said the shooter, dressed in dark clothing, fired from a nearby rooftop in what was described as a “targeted attack.” Authorities confirmed that Kirk was rushed from the venue by his security team but later died.
Witness accounts
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who attended the event, told Fox News the shot was fired as Kirk was answering a question about transgender and mass shooters.
“First question was about religion. He went on for about 15-20 minutes. Second question, interestingly, was about transgender shooters, mass shooters, and in the midst of that, the shot rang out,” Chaffetz said.
“As soon as that shot went out, he fell back. Everybody hit the deck... a lot of people started screaming, and then everybody started running.”
Students at the university described the scene as chaotic.
“It makes me feel like I should be very careful about expressing my political ideas,” said Samuel Kimball, a software engineering student. “If I was someone considering going into politics, I’d be afraid to get shot.”
Attendees hold candles during a candlelight vigil and prayer event for Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo: Getty Images)
Manhunt and investigation
Federal, state and local officers launched door-to-door searches, but the suspect remained at large. The FBI opened a digital tip line and confirmed that two men were briefly detained and later released. One man, George Zinn, was charged with obstruction, but authorities said neither detainee had current ties to the shooting.
There was some confusion during the search when FBI Director Kash Patel initially posted online that the suspect had been caught, before correcting the statement an hour later.
Orem city mayor David Young confirmed multiple agencies were investigating but said no arrests had been made.
Political reactions
President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death on his Truth Social account, calling him “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.” In a video statement from the Oval Office, Trump blamed the “radical left” for the killing.
“For years those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world's worst mass murderers and criminals,” Trump said. “This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we're seeing in our country today. My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity, and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it.”
Trump also ordered US flags on federal buildings to be flown at half-staff until Sunday.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the killing as a “political assassination.”
“I want to make it crystal clear right now to whoever did this: we will find you, we will try you, and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law,” Cox said. “And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.”
Responses across political spectrum
Vice President JD Vance wrote, “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.”
Former president Joe Biden said: “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the attack “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
Former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt, said she was “horrified.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned the killing, saying “political violence has no place in America.”
Kirk’s influence
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18, building it into the largest conservative youth organisation in the country. Known for his social media presence, he was an influential voice among younger voters and a key ally in Trump’s political base.
The Utah event where he was killed was the first of about 15 appearances scheduled through October.
His death follows the killing of a Democratic lawmaker and her husband in Minnesota three months ago.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025.
Trump says he will speak to Modi in the coming weeks amid trade talks
Modi calls US and India "close friends and natural partners"
Trade officials from both countries may restart meetings in September
US-India trade reached $129 billion in 2024 with a $45.8 billion US deficit
US PRESIDENT Donald Trump said on Tuesday his administration is continuing negotiations to address trade barriers with India and that he would speak to prime minister Narendra Modi, indicating a possible reset after recent friction.
Trump said he looked forward to speaking to Modi in the "upcoming weeks" and expressed confidence that the two sides could reach an agreement.
"I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries," he said in a post on social media.
Modi responds with optimism
On Wednesday, Modi said Washington and New Delhi "are close friends and natural partners." He added that teams from both sides were working to conclude the trade discussions soon.
"I am also looking forward to speaking with President Trump. We will work together to secure a brighter, more prosperous future for both our people," Modi said in a social media post.
India's shares rose over 0.5 per cent after the remarks from both leaders.
Trade deal uncertainty
Trump had said for months that a trade deal was close, but later doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50%, raising doubts about the future of the U.S.-India relationship.
In recent weeks, Trump and top US officials criticised India for buying oil from Russia, saying New Delhi was funding the war in Ukraine, a charge India denies.
At the same time, Modi has engaged with China and Russia. He visited China last month for a summit hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and was also seen with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Analysts cautious
"While the social media statements by Trump and Modi signal a potential rapprochement between the U.S. and India, it is still premature to assume that a resolution will arrive swiftly," Madhavi Arora, economist at Emkay Global, said.
"With Trump, we will need to wait for more concrete signals that a deal is in the offing."
Meetings to restart in September
Trade officials from India and the US may meet in September to restart in-person discussions, CNBC-TV18 reported, citing sources. A US trade negotiators’ visit to New Delhi scheduled for August 25-29 was cancelled after talks stalled.
India's trade ministry declined to comment on reports of new meetings.
According to US Census Bureau data, two-way goods trade between the US and India reached $129 billion in 2024, with a $45.8 billion US trade deficit.
Tariffs and EU pressure
Trump recently said India had offered to reduce tariffs on US goods to zero but described the offer as late, saying the country should have acted earlier.
Reuters reported that Trump urged the European Union to impose 100% tariffs on China and India as part of pressure tactics against Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Indian officials in New Delhi said they do not expect the EU to take measures against India and that assurances had been given that EU trade talks would not be disrupted.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Indian team during a practice session at the International Cricket Council Academy (ICCA) in Dubai on September 8, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, enter as clear favourites with strong squad depth.
Pakistan drop Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan, signalling a new phase.
Afghanistan’s spin trio seen as potential challengers to India’s dominance.
Associate nations like UAE, Oman and Hong Kong aim to showcase progress.
INDIA, led by Suryakumar Yadav, go into the Asia Cup T20 starting Tuesday as the clear favourites, with a significant gap in strength between them and the seven other teams, including Pakistan.
The tournament begins with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi, but attention will be on Dubai, where India open against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.
The Asia Cup has often served as preparation for the T20 World Cup, but this edition comes with a sense of inevitability.
India carry the weight of expectations, not just for their past record, but also because the balance of power appears firmly in their favour. With strong leadership and squad depth, this is seen as India’s tournament to lose.
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir showed confidence in their squad by naming 15 players, despite being allowed 17 by the Asian Cricket Council. This left out players like Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Winning the Asia Cup for the ninth time (seven in ODIs and once in T20 in 2016) would not add extra credit for Suryakumar or Gambhir, but falling short would bring criticism, especially with the T20 World Cup just over four months away.
India are expected to play around 20 games, including the Asia Cup, before the global event. Settling on the right core combination will be a key objective.
The BCCI has the resources to field multiple competitive T20 teams. Suryakumar has led with an 80% win record, while Shubman Gill, named vice-captain, is expected to take over in the future. The alignment between the T20 and Test captains will be watched closely.
India’s batting, shaped by IPL experience, has redefined T20 cricket. Pakistan and Sri Lanka, once level with India, have found it harder to keep pace.
Who can challenge India?
The main question around this Asia Cup is not who will win, but who can stop India.
Pakistan, under Salman Ali Agha, have dropped Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan, signalling a shift. Their performance will depend on how Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali perform against India’s batting. Pakistan recently beat Afghanistan in a tri-series final, with their spinners dominating on a slow Sharjah pitch.
Sri Lanka, captained by Charith Asalanka, have potential but face questions about consistency across a full tournament. Bangladesh remain unpredictable and may lack the strength to sustain a long run. In Group B, they are seen as likely to join Hong Kong in early elimination.
Afghanistan stand out as the possible challengers, with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed and A Ghazanfar leading a strong spin attack, and an improved batting line-up.
The associate teams
For teams like UAE, Oman and Hong Kong, this tournament is a chance to test themselves against top opposition and showcase their progress. Oman’s deputy head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni told PTI that while there will be nervousness, matches against India and Pakistan are an opportunity to perform in front of larger audiences.
India will face 12 NRIs in the group stage—six from UAE and six from Oman. These associate nations have improved their infrastructure and attracted better expat players from India and Pakistan in recent years.
Facing Suryakumar Yadav or Jasprit Bumrah will be a rare challenge for these sides.
For now, the Asia Cup carries one clear theme: it is India’s tournament to lose.