Kozhikode: In a significant diplomatic effort, prominent Islamic scholar Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar has intervened in the case of Nimisha Priya, a Malayali nurse from Palakkad who faces execution in Yemen. It is reported that Kanthapuram has initiated communication with the Yemeni government and the family of the deceased Yemeni national, Talal Abdu Mahdi.

Nimisha Priya, convicted in the 2017 murder case of Talal, is currently on death row in a Yemeni prison. Her execution is reportedly scheduled for July 16.

Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal has urged both the state and central governments to intensify efforts, stating that only a few days remain. He also demanded that a state ministerial delegation meet the Prime Minister immediately and that the Kerala Chief Minister take personal responsibility for pursuing a resolution.

Several political leaders have also extended support for Nimisha’s release, including MPs K. Radhakrishnan, John Brittas, Kodikunnil Suresh, Chandy Oommen (MLA), Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, and Kerala Congress (M) Chairman Jose K. Mani. Nimisha, a native of Kollangode in Palakkad, has been imprisoned in Yemen since 2017.

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Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.

Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.

However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.

"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.

The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.

"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.

With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.

"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."

Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.

"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.

"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."