New Zealand rounded off the T20I series in style, registering a commanding eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the fifth and final match held in Wellington on Wednesday. The result handed the Black Caps a 4-1 series win, with Tim Seifert falling just short of a century but powering the hosts to a rapid chase of 129 runs in just 10 overs.

Seifert’s blistering 97 off 38 balls laid waste to Pakistan’s bowling attack. The wicketkeeper-batter hammered 18 runs in the opening over and set the tone for an explosive innings, hitting boundaries with ease as New Zealand made light work of the modest target.

Neesham stars with the ball, Pakistan’s batting woes continue

Earlier, New Zealand skipper opted to bowl first after winning the toss, and the home side’s bowlers executed their plans perfectly. Jimmy Neesham returned with career-best T20I figures of 5/22, dismantling Pakistan’s top and lower order. Jacob Duffy also chipped in with 2/18, as Pakistan limped to 128/9 in 20 overs.

Pakistan’s innings was salvaged by a gritty effort from the skipper Salman Agha, who scored 51 off 39 balls, and his deputy Shadab Khan with a handy 28 off 20. The duo added a crucial sixth-wicket partnership after Pakistan had crumbled to 52-5.

In response, Finn Allen gave New Zealand a flying start with 27 off 12 balls, before Seifert took charge. Despite the loss of Mark Chapman for 3, Seifert and Daryl Mitchell (2*) completed the chase in just 10 overs, finishing at 131/2, and sealing an emphatic series win.

ODI series up next

With the T20I series wrapped up, both teams now shift focus to the ODI series, beginning Saturday in Napier. Pakistan will look to regroup and deliver a stronger performance in the 50-over format to restore confidence.

Tamil actor Manoj Bharathiraja, son of acclaimed filmmaker Bharathiraja, died of a cardiac arrest on Tuesday in Chennai. He was 48. The news of his demise was confirmed by the Nadigar Sangam (actors’ association), which expressed condolences on social media.

Manoj, who made his debut in Tamil cinema with Taj Mahal, a film directed by his father, went on to act in films like Eera Nilam and Varushamellam Vasantham. In recent years, he had taken on supporting roles, appearing in various Tamil films. His final acting role was in Snakes & Ladders, streamed on Prime Video.

In 2023, Manoj ventured into direction with Margazhi Thingal, a romantic drama featuring his father, Bharathiraja. The film marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his evolving creative vision.

Prominent personalities from across Tamil Nadu expressed their grief over his untimely death. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, music maestro Ilaiyaraaja, actor-politician Khushbu Sundar, director Venkat Prabhu, and political leaders including AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, Tamil Maanila Congress President G K Vasan, and Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai offered their condolences.

Khushbu Sundar shared an emotional tribute on social media, stating, “Extremely shocked to hear that Manoj is not among us anymore… May God give strength to his father Thiru Bharathiraja and his family to overcome this unbearable, painful loss.”

Manoj is survived by his wife, actor Nandana, and their two daughters, Arshitha and Mathivadhani. His death marks a significant loss to the Tamil film industry, where he was admired for his artistic contributions and family legacy.

India has strongly dismissed a U.S. government report alleging deteriorating religious freedoms in the country, calling it a “misrepresentation” aimed at tarnishing its global reputation.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded sharply to the annual report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which recommended designating India as a “country of particular concern” and imposing sanctions on its intelligence agency, R&AW.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected the USCIRF findings, stating that the report selectively highlights isolated incidents while ignoring India’s pluralistic ethos. “The USCIRF’s persistent attempts to misrepresent India’s multicultural society reflect a deliberate agenda rather than genuine concern for religious freedom,” he said. “India, with its 1.4 billion people representing all major religions, thrives on harmonious coexistence. We have no expectation that USCIRF will acknowledge this reality.”

The USCIRF report, released on March 25, alleged rising discrimination and violence against religious minorities in 2024, citing hate speech, anti-conversion laws, and policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). It also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of propagating “hateful rhetoric” against Muslims during the 2024 election campaign, referencing Modi’s past remarks labeling Muslims as “infiltrators.”

The report further recommended sanctions against R&AW over alleged involvement in assassination plots targeting Sikh separatists abroad—a claim India has repeatedly denied. The issue has strained U.S.- India relations since 2023, particularly after the U.S. charged an ex-Indian intelligence officer in a foiled assassination plot. India maintains that Sikh separatists pose security threats but denies extrajudicial actions.

Analysts note that while USCIRF’s recommendations are non-binding, the report adds to the growing scrutiny of India’s human rights record. However, Washington’s strategic focus on countering China’s influence in Asia makes punitive action unlikely.

Rights groups have flagged concerns over India’s revocation of Kashmir’s autonomy, mosque demolitions, and laws critics say marginalize Muslims. The Modi government denies discrimination, pointing to welfare schemes benefiting all communities.

The USCIRF also criticized Vietnam for tightening control over religious groups, recommending similar “country of particular concern” status. Vietnam’s new decree allows authorities to demand financial records from religious organizations and suspend activities for vaguely defined violations.

New Delhi has long dismissed USCIRF reports as “deeply biased,” asserting that India’s constitutional safeguards ensure equality for all faiths. The MEA’s rebuttal underscores its stance that external assessments overlook ground realities of interfaith harmony.