India beat SL by 10 wickets; Anurag Thakur declares tournament open
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New Delhi (PTI): India emerged victorious over Sri Lanka by 10 runs after former union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday declared open the first-ever Women's T20 World Cup - Cricket for the Blind 2025 at the Modern School Ground here.
The ceremony commenced with the national anthem, presented in sign language by specially-abled students from the Delhi branch of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.
Speaking at the inauguration, Thakur said, "I wish all the teams the best of luck for the World Cup. You may give your best and perform well. We are going to watch you on television."
Post the inauguration, India locked horns with Sri Lanka and began their campaign on a winning note.
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka were restricted to just 41 runs in 13.3 overs, as India's bowlers and fielders delivered a spectacular performance.
India's sharp fielding led to seven run outs, while Deepika TC, Ganga Kadam, and Jamuna Rani Tudu claimed a wicket each.
In reply, India chased down the modest target in emphatic fashion, reaching 43 without loss in just three overs.
Skipper Deepika TC led from the front, smashing 26 runs off 14 balls with four boundaries, while Anekha Devi made 15 off six balls, including three fours.
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Lebanon appoints new representative for talks with Israel, rejects linkage to Iran
Beirut: Lebanon’s has moved to underline its independent position in ongoing regional developments, amid attempts to link the country to the broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
President Joseph Aoun, while announcing the appointment of former US ambassador Simon Karam as Lebanon’s representative in talks with Israel, made it clear that Karam would be the sole representative for Lebanon and that there would be no substitute.
The move comes in response to what the Lebanese officials see as efforts by Iran to tie Lebanon’s situation to the wider regional conflict. Iran had indicated that there would be no ceasefire involving the US, Israel and Iran unless it also included a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Some groups, including Hezbollah and its supporters, had expressed support for linking the situations, citing concerns that the Lebanese government has limited leverage in negotiations with Israel. Lebanon is not formally a party to the conflict, and its army is considered weak.
However, others, including Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, have opposed this approach. They view Iran’s stance as an attempt to influence Lebanon’s internal affairs and see it as undermining the country’s sovereignty.
Officials backing the government’s position say the move is aimed at reaffirming Lebanon’s sovereignty and ensuring that decisions about peace and ceasefire within the country are not dictated externally.
They also see it as a safeguard, so that any breakdown in talks between the US, Israel and Iran does not automatically lead to renewed conflict in Lebanon.
