Lahore – Faisal Nadeem, alias Abu Qatal, the nephew of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed and a key planner behind deadly attacks on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir, was shot dead in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Qatal was killed on Saturday night in the Dina area of Jhelum district when unidentified gunmen opened fire on his vehicle.

Mastermind of attacks in Jammu and Kashmir

Qatal was a high-ranking commander of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba and was instrumental in orchestrating attacks targeting civilians in the Jammu region. He was allegedly responsible for the January 1, 2023, Dangri village attack in Rajouri, which claimed the lives of seven people, including two minors. The attackers had left behind an IED, which killed two children the following morning.

He was also the key conspirator behind the June 9, 2024, attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in Reasi district, where nine people were killed and 41 others injured. The bus, en route to the Shiv Khori cave temple, came under terrorist gunfire before plunging into a gorge.

Killed in targeted attack

As per reports, Qatal was traveling with his security personnel in Dina, Jhelum district, when assailants launched a sudden attack, riddling the vehicle with bullets. Qatal and one of his guards died instantly, while another was critically injured. The assailants managed to flee, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

NIA had charge-sheeted Qatal

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously charge-sheeted Qatal in connection with attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Along with him, the NIA had named three Pakistan-based LeT handlers – Saifullah and Mohammad Qasim – for directing terror operations across the border. Qatal, also known by aliases Ali, Habibullah, Nouman, and Mohammad Qasim, played a key role in recruiting and deploying terrorists targeting civilians, particularly in minority-dominated areas of Jammu and Kashmir. His elimination marks a significant blow to LeT’s operations in the region.

New Zealand’s Tim Robinson pulled off a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Shadab Khan in the 1st T20I against Pakistan, leaving the cricketing world in awe. The stunning effort at Hagley Oval, Christchurch quickly went viral, with fans comparing it to Glenn Phillips’ iconic catches in past tournaments.

New Zealand dismantles Pakistan with all-round performance

The Kiwis outclassed Pakistan in all aspects of the game, securing a 9-wicket victory to go 1-0 up in the five-match series. Michael Bracewell’s decision to bowl first proved spot on, as Pakistan collapsed for just 91 runs.

Kyle Jamieson tore through the top order, taking 3 wickets for 8 runs.

Jacob Duffy ran through the middle order with 4 wickets, ensuring Pakistan never recovered.

Only Khushdil Shah (32 runs) showed some resistance, preventing an even worse total.

Chase sealed in just 10.1 overs

New Zealand’s chase was effortless, with Tim Seifert leading the way with 44 runs before falling to Abrar Ahmed. By then, the damage was done, and the Black Caps cruised to victory in just 10.1 overs.

Tim Robinson’s catch steals the spotlight

Amid the bowling brilliance and batting dominance, it was Tim Robinson’s spectacular grab that became the moment of the match. His diving effort to dismiss Shadab Khan drew comparisons to Glenn Phillips’ stunning catches in the ICC tournaments.

The clip of the breathtaking catch quickly went viral, with cricket fans worldwide praising Robinson’s athleticism.

Pakistan captain acknowledges team’s struggles

Following the defeat, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha admitted his team was outplayed but remained optimistic.”It was difficult, we weren’t up to the mark, but we need to regather (ahead of Dunedin). They bowled really well, in great areas, and there was a bit of seam movement as well,” he said.

With three debutants in the squad, Agha emphasized the importance of gaining experience and bouncing back in the next match. Pakistan will now look to recover in the 2nd T20I on Tuesday in Dunedin, hoping to put up a better fight.

Pakistan endured a crushing 9-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the 1st T20I of the series, triggering a meme fest on social media. The Salman Agha-led side put up a dismal batting performance, getting bowled out for just 91 runs, allowing New Zealand to chase down the target in only 61 balls at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.

Pakistan’s batting collapse shocks fans

Pakistan’s batting lineup failed to withstand New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, collapsing in just 17.4 overs. The modest total proved no challenge for the hosts, as they comfortably secured victory with nearly half the overs to spare.

As expected, Pakistan’s disastrous performance became a talking point on social media, with fans expressing their disappointment through memes and criticism.

Agha Salman admits shortcomings, looks ahead

Following the match, Pakistan skipper Agha Salman acknowledged the team’s underwhelming display but remained hopeful for a better performance in the upcoming games. “It was difficult, we weren’t up to the mark, but we need to regather (ahead of Dunedin). They bowled really well, in great areas, there was a bit of seam movement as well,” Agha stated.

He also highlighted the challenge of playing with three debutants in the lineup and expressed confidence in the team’s bowlers to perform better in the next match.

Pakistan look to bounce back in second T20I

Pakistan will aim for redemption in the 2nd T20I, set to take place on Tuesday in Dunedin. With a young squad and a need for improvements, the visitors will have to put up a far more competitive performance to stay alive in the series.