Pakistan’s Saim Ayub hits record low in T20I cricket: Key stats

**Asia Cup 2025: Saim Ayub Sets Unwanted Record**

*By Parth Dhall | Sep 29, 2025 | 05:19 pm*

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub endured a challenging tournament in the recently concluded Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. Despite being regarded as one of the most talented openers, Ayub struggled with the bat, managing an average of just 5.28 throughout the competition. This unfortunate performance marks the second-lowest batting average for a top-order player (positions 1-3) in a T20I series, according to Cricbuzz. His dismal run included four ducks during the event.

### A Difficult Asia Cup for Ayub

Ayub’s underwhelming form significantly impacted Pakistan’s top order. Across seven innings, he scored only 37 runs, averaging a mere 5.28. Cricbuzz notes that this is the second-lowest average recorded by any top-order batter in a T20I series between Full Member nations. The only player with a worse average is Zimbabwe’s Regis Chakabva, who averaged 5 during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup.

Starting the tournament as an opener, Ayub was eventually moved down the batting order as his struggles continued. His scores included three consecutive ducks against Oman, India, and the UAE, followed by another duck against Bangladesh. The only respite came in two matches against India, where he scored 21 and 14 runs respectively.

### Strength with the Ball

Although Ayub found runs hard to come by, he proved effective with his off-spin bowling. He took eight wickets in seven matches during the Asia Cup, maintaining an impressive average of 16.00 and an economy rate of 6.40. His bowling efforts were a bright spot amid his batting woes.

### Career Overview

Since making his T20I debut in 2023, Saim Ayub has played 48 matches, accumulating 853 runs at an average of 19.38. He boasts a strike rate of 134.11 and has scored four half-centuries in this format so far. Despite the recent setback in the Asia Cup, Ayub remains a promising talent for Pakistan’s cricket future.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the Asia Cup and international cricket.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-s-saim-ayub-hits-record-low-in-t20i-cricket/story

‘Black Panther’: The film that put Africa on futuristic map

**’Black Panther’: The Film That Put Africa on the Futuristic Map**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 29, 2025, 03:58 pm*

The 2018 blockbuster *Black Panther* fundamentally redefined the portrayal of African culture and technology, providing the world with a vivid glimpse into an Afro-futuristic vision. Through its depiction of the fictional nation of Wakanda—an advanced society rich in cultural heritage—the film challenged prevailing stereotypes and showcased a unique fusion of tradition and innovation. This article explores how *Black Panther* reshaped Afro-futurism through its visual storytelling, character development, and cultural impact.

### Wakanda’s Technological Marvels

At the heart of *Black Panther*’s Afro-futuristic narrative lies Wakanda’s groundbreaking technology. The film introduced vibranium, a powerful resource capable of energizing entire cities, healing injuries, and enhancing daily life. This portrayal challenged conventional depictions of Africa by positioning an African nation as a leader in technological innovation rather than as primitive or underdeveloped. By rooting its futuristic advancements deeply in African culture, *Black Panther* revolutionized perceptions of what an African future could realistically look like.

### Cultural Heritage Meets Modernity

*Black Panther* masterfully blended rich cultural heritage with modernity. Traditional African attire, music, and rituals featured prominently alongside futuristic designs and innovations, illustrating a dynamic interplay between the old and the new. This duality emphasized how cultural identity can coexist harmoniously with progress, underscoring the idea that honoring one’s heritage need not contradict embracing modern advancements. Instead, the film presents an integrated, holistic vision of identity.

### Empowering Narratives Through Characters

The film’s characters played a pivotal role in redefining Afro-futurism by embodying empowerment and leadership. T’Challa’s journey as a king balancing tradition with forward-thinking ideals resonated globally, while Shuri’s character—a brilliant scientist—challenged gender norms within African narratives. Together, these characters defied stereotypes and offered powerful role models, promoting themes of unity, strength, and resilience.

### Global Impact on Perceptions of Africa

Beyond its success as a cinematic achievement, *Black Panther* had a transformative impact on global perceptions of Africa. It sparked meaningful conversations about representation, identity, and cultural pride on an international scale. The film’s authentic storytelling and compelling visuals demonstrated that narratives rooted in African experiences could engage universal audiences. This paradigm shift has inspired other filmmakers to explore similar themes, further expanding the reach of Afro-futurism in storytelling.

*Black Panther* remains a landmark film that not only entertained millions but also reimagined Africa’s place on the map of the future.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/how-black-panther-redefined-afro-futurism/story

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub hits record low in T20I cricket: Key stats

Asia Cup 2025: Saim Ayub Sets an Unwanted Record

By Parth Dhall | Sep 29, 2025 | 05:19 pm

What’s the story?

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub endured a disappointing run in the recently concluded Men’s T20 Asia Cup. Despite being regarded as one of the most talented openers, Ayub averaged just 5.28 with the bat throughout the tournament. This marks the second-lowest batting average for a top-order batter (positions 1-3) in a T20I series, according to Cricbuzz. His struggles included four ducks during the competition.

Underperformance: Second-Lowest Average by a Top-Order Player

Ayub’s poor form significantly affected Pakistan’s top order. In seven innings, he managed to score only 37 runs, resulting in an average of 5.28. As per Cricbuzz statistics, this is the second-lowest average ever recorded by a top-order player in a T20I series contested between Full Member nations.

The only player with a lower average is Zimbabwe’s Regis Chakabva, who averaged 5 during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup.

Performance Breakdown: His Asia Cup 2025 Journey

Throughout the Asia Cup 2025, Ayub’s batting troubles continued unabated. He started the tournament opening the innings but was eventually demoted down the order in an attempt to find form. Unfortunately, these changes did not pay off.

His scores included three consecutive ducks in matches against Oman, India, and UAE, with an additional duck against Bangladesh. The only relatively better performances were scores of 21 and 14 in the other two games against India.

Effective with the Ball

While Ayub’s batting was below par, his contributions with the ball were noteworthy. The off-spinner took 8 wickets in 7 matches at an impressive average of 16.00 during the Asia Cup. Additionally, his economy rate was a commendable 6.40, adding valuable support to Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Overall T20I Career So Far

Since making his debut in 2023, Saim Ayub has played 48 T20I matches. In this span, he has accumulated 853 runs at an average of 19.38. His strike rate stands at a healthy 134.11, and he has recorded four half-centuries in T20I cricket.

Despite his struggles in the 2025 Asia Cup, Ayub remains a promising talent with all-round capabilities to bounce back in future tournaments.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-s-saim-ayub-hits-record-low-in-t20i-cricket/story

‘Black Panther’: The film that put Africa on futuristic map

**‘Black Panther’: The Film That Put Africa on the Futuristic Map**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 29, 2025, 03:58 pm*

The 2018 blockbuster *Black Panther* redefined the portrayal of African culture and technology, giving the world a vivid glimpse of an Afro-futuristic vision. The movie’s depiction of the fictional nation of Wakanda—with its advanced technology and rich cultural heritage—challenged longstanding stereotypes by showcasing a unique blend of tradition and innovation. This article explores how *Black Panther* reshaped Afro-futurism through its visual storytelling, character development, and cultural impact.

### Wakanda’s Technological Marvels

A cornerstone of the film’s Afro-futuristic vision was Wakanda’s groundbreaking technology. The story highlighted vibranium’s immense potential to power cities, heal injuries, and enhance everyday life. Rather than depicting African nations as primitive or underdeveloped, *Black Panther* positioned them as leaders in technological advancement. By rooting innovation within African culture, the film redefined global perceptions of what an African future could look like—one filled with promise, progress, and ingenuity.

### Cultural Heritage Meets Modernity

*Black Panther* masterfully blended cultural heritage with modernity. Traditional African attire, music, and rituals featured prominently alongside futuristic designs and cutting-edge innovations. This fusion emphasized that cultural identity and progressiveness are not mutually exclusive. Instead, the film demonstrated that embracing one’s heritage can harmoniously coexist with—and even inspire—modern advancements, crafting a holistic and empowering identity.

### Empowering Narratives Through Characters

The characters of *Black Panther* played a pivotal role in redefining Afro-futurism by embodying empowerment and leadership. T’Challa’s journey as a king balancing tradition with progress struck a chord worldwide, while Shuri’s portrayal as a brilliant scientist challenged gender norms within African narratives. These characters served as inspiring role models, shattering stereotypes and promoting themes of unity, strength, and resilience.

### Global Impact on Perceptions of Africa

Beyond cinema, *Black Panther* sparked a global shift in how Africa is perceived. The film ignited important conversations about representation, identity, and cultural pride on an international scale. Its widespread success proved that stories rooted deeply in African experiences can resonate universally when told authentically and visually powerfully. This transformation in perception has since encouraged other filmmakers to explore similar themes, broadening the scope of Afro-futuristic storytelling.

*Black Panther* not only entertained millions but also opened new pathways for imagining Africa’s future—one where culture, innovation, and empowerment go hand in hand.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/how-black-panther-redefined-afro-futurism/story

Vodafone Idea files amended petition in SC seeking AGR relief

**Vodafone Idea Files Amended Petition in Supreme Court Seeking AGR Relief**
*By Mudit Dube | Sep 29, 2025, 04:36 PM*

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has filed an amended petition in the Supreme Court, seeking a waiver of interest and penalty on its adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues. The company has also requested a recalculation of its AGR liabilities, citing previous cases where similar demands were accepted.

This latest petition marks a change from Vi’s earlier plea, which focused solely on recalculating AGR liabilities without addressing interest and penalties.

### Hearing Postponed to October 6

Last week, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on Vi’s plea to October 6. During the proceedings, the Centre expressed that it does not oppose Vi’s petition but emphasized the need for a solution, noting that the government itself is an equity holder in the company.

The hearing relates to the Department of Telecom’s (DoT) demand of ₹5,606 crore for the financial year 2016-17 against Vodafone Idea.

### Legal Arguments and Additional Relief Sought

In its amended petition, Vi contended that the dues in question were already “crystallized” by the 2019 AGR judgment and thus should not be reopened. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, requested the adjournment to October 6.

Vodafone Idea cited earlier court judgments where waivers on interest and penalties had been granted. The company has now asked for additional relief, seeking that interest, penalty, and interest on penalties on principal AGR dues not be payable.

### Background: The AGR Case and Its Significance

The case originates from the Supreme Court’s March 18, 2020 order, which upheld AGR dues up to FY17 as calculated by the DoT, barring any reassessment by telecom operators. Despite this ruling, the DoT has raised fresh claims for FY18 and FY19.

Vi argues that much of the new demand overlaps with periods already settled by the apex court.

### Government’s Equity Stake in Vodafone Idea

As part of a financial restructuring, the Central government now holds a 48.99% stake in Vodafone Idea, having converted ₹53,083 crore of dues into equity.

Of the fresh demand totaling ₹9,450 crore, ₹2,774 crore pertains to the Idea Group and Vodafone Idea (post-merger), while ₹6,675 crore relates to the Vodafone Group for the pre-merger period.

### Outstanding AGR Dues and Liabilities

Vodafone Idea already owes ₹83,400 crore in AGR dues, with annual installments of ₹18,000 crore set to begin from March. Including penalties and interest, the company’s total liabilities to the government are estimated at around ₹2 lakh crore.

*This ongoing AGR dispute remains critical, given its large financial implications for Vodafone Idea and the telecom sector at large.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/vodafone-idea-files-amended-petition-for-agr-relief-in-sc/story

Pakistan’s Saim Ayub hits record low in T20I cricket: Key stats

Asia Cup 2025: Saim Ayub Sets Unwanted Record

By Parth Dhall | Sep 29, 2025 | 05:19 pm

What’s the story?

Pakistan opener Saim Ayub endured a difficult tournament in the recently concluded Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025. Despite being one of the most talented batsmen in the lineup, Ayub struggled with the bat, averaging just 5.28 throughout the series. This unfortunate performance has now placed him with the second-lowest average for a top-order batter (positions 1-3) in a T20I series, according to Cricbuzz.

Underperformance: Second-Lowest Average by a Top-Order Player

Ayub’s poor run with the bat was a significant concern for Pakistan’s top order. Over seven innings, he managed only 37 runs, resulting in a dismal average of 5.28. Cricbuzz notes that this is the second-lowest average by any top-order player in a T20I series between Full Member nations. The only lower average was registered by Zimbabwe’s Regis Chakabva, who averaged five during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup.

Performance Breakdown: Ayub’s Journey Through Asia Cup 2025

Throughout the Asia Cup 2025, Ayub’s form steadily declined. He started the tournament opening the innings but was later demoted down the order in an attempt to revive his performance. Unfortunately, these changes did not help. His batting included four ducks, with three consecutive zeroes against Oman, India, and UAE, followed by another duck versus Bangladesh. His only notable scores were 21 and 14 in two separate matches against India.

Effective with the Ball

Though Ayub struggled with the bat, he was surprisingly effective as a bowler during the tournament. The off-spinner claimed eight wickets in seven matches at an impressive average of 16.00. Additionally, he maintained a tight economy rate of 6.40, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s bowling efforts.

Ayub’s Overall T20I Record

Since making his international T20 debut in 2023, Saim Ayub has played 48 T20I matches, accumulating 853 runs at an average of 19.38. He holds a strike rate of 134.11 and has registered four half-centuries in the format so far.

While Ayub’s recent performance at the Asia Cup was disappointing, his overall career shows promise. Fans and experts alike will be hoping he can bounce back stronger in upcoming series.

https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pakistan-s-saim-ayub-hits-record-low-in-t20i-cricket/story

Mahindra Thar hits 3L sales mark in just 5 years

Mahindra’s Thar, the iconic Indian SUV, has achieved a significant milestone by crossing the 300,000 sales mark. This achievement underscores the enduring popularity and strong market presence of the Thar in the competitive SUV segment.

Known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities, the Thar continues to capture the hearts of adventure enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike. Mahindra’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has played a key role in the vehicle’s sustained success.

Reaching this sales milestone not only reflects the vehicle’s legacy but also highlights Mahindra’s leadership in the Indian automotive industry. The Thar remains a symbol of reliability, style, and performance, making it a favorite choice among SUV buyers across the country.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/mahindra-thar-reaches-3l-sales-mark-in-5-years/story

Teamwork secrets hidden in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’

Brooklyn Nine-Nine is not just a cop comedy; it is a masterclass in team dynamics. The show brilliantly showcases how diverse personalities can come together to form a cohesive and effective team. Through humor and heartfelt moments, it highlights the importance of collaboration, trust, and understanding within a workplace. This blend of comedy and insightful character interactions makes Brooklyn Nine-Nine a standout series that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/5-team-dynamics-lessons-from-brooklyn-nine-nine/story

Prashant Kishor predicts poll results for NDA, Mahagathbandhan, his party

Prashant Kishor, the founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, has made a significant announcement ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.

He revealed that his party will contest all 243 seats in the election, signaling a strong and comprehensive political strategy.

This move underscores the Jan Suraaj Party’s ambition to make a substantial impact in Bihar’s political landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on their campaign and election developments.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/prashant-kishor-predicts-jan-suraaj-first-or-last-in-bihar/story

Tata Motors shares jump as JLR bags $2B government loan

**Tata Motors Shares Surge as Jaguar Land Rover Secures $2 Billion Government-Backed Loan**

*By Mudit Dube | September 29, 2025, 10:55 AM*

Tata Motors witnessed a notable rise in its share price today following the announcement that its subsidiary, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), has secured a $2 billion (1.5 billion GBP) loan. This privately financed loan is guaranteed by the UK’s export credit agency, UK Export Finance.

**Purpose of the Loan**

The financial assistance aims to alleviate the pressure on JLR’s suppliers and support a phased restart of the company’s operations. This move comes in the wake of a cyberattack in August that severely disrupted JLR’s production and IT networks, leading to a complete operational shutdown.

**Operational Impact of the Cyberattack**

Due to the cyberattack, JLR has been forced to halt production longer than initially expected, with shutdowns extending into the coming month. Reports from the Financial Times indicate that JLR could face losses totaling approximately $2 billion, as the company was not insured against such cyber incidents. This significant financial hit threatens to erase JLR’s entire profit for the fiscal year 2025.

Despite these challenges, news of the phased resumption of operations has positively impacted Tata Motors’ stock value, with shares rising by 1.45% to 673.95 per share on Friday.

**Financial Strategy and Government Support**

The UK government has confirmed that JLR will repay the £1.5 billion loan over a five-year period. The funds were arranged through a commercial bank and are secured by UK Export Finance. This strategic financial support forms part of broader efforts to assist JLR’s suppliers, many of whom have faced operational disruptions and delayed payments due to the cyberattack.

The government-backed loan and the gradual reopening of JLR’s operations are critical steps toward stabilizing the firm and mitigating the fallout from one of the most challenging incidents in its recent history.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/tata-motors-shares-jump-as-jlr-secures-2b-government-loan/story

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