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Brook’s defiant century in vain as New Zealand defeat England in ODI opener

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Brook’s defiant century in vain as New Zealand defeat England in ODI opener

MANCHESTER, Oct 26 (Reuters) – New Zealand overcame a stunning counter-attack from centurion Harry Brook to beat England by four wickets in the opening game of their three-match one-day international series on Sunday.
Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell struck crucial half-centuries to steer the visitors to victory.

Chasing 224 for the win, New Zealand stumbled early, losing four quick wickets. Former captain Kane Williamson fell for a first-ball duck in his first appearance since March. But Mitchell steadied the innings with an unbeaten 78 after being dropped on 33, guiding his team home in 36.4 overs.

Bracewell, who also survived an early chance, made 51 before running himself out. His dismissal briefly opened the door for England after pacer Brydon Carse (3-45) caused early trouble. Yet, Mitchell and Mitch Santner (27) rebuilt the innings to seal the chase.

“There was still a lot in the wicket,” captain Santner said. “We lost a few more wickets than we wanted, but the intent was great. Daryl and Michael’s partnership was massive for us.”

Earlier, England recovered from a disastrous start to post 223 all out in 35.2 overs. Captain Harry Brook led the fightback with a brilliant 135 off 101 balls, while Jamie Overton added 46 to revive the innings.

Asked to bat first at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, England crumbled to 56-6 within 12 overs as Zak Foulkes (4-41) and Matt Henry (2-53) exploited helpful conditions.

“It was tough work, but the wickets in the powerplay gave us a great start,” Santner said. “Zak was outstanding with the swing, and Matt did what he always does. Getting Brook early would have been nice, but he was brilliant today.”

Brook counter-attacked with fearless strokeplay, reaching his fifty from 36 balls with a top-edged six off Nathan Smith. Overton joined in, adding an 87-run seventh-wicket stand before falling four runs short of a fifty after a fine catch by Mitchell.

Jacob Duffy (3-55) then dismissed Carse next ball, reducing England to 143-8. But Brook kept swinging, reaching his hundred with three consecutive sixes and lifting his tally to 11 maximums. He was finally caught attempting another big shot off Santner, ending a defiant knock that could not save England.

“I felt in good touch,” Brook said. “We didn’t start well, so I tried to counter-attack. Thankfully it came off today.”

This news was originally published by Reuters.

FIFA, ASEAN announce new regional football tournament

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FIFA, ASEAN announce new regional football tournament

ZURICH, Oct 26 (Reuters) – FIFA has announced the launch of a new regional competition, the FIFA ASEAN Cup, under an agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The event aims to strengthen football development and cooperation across Southeast Asia.

The announcement came during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the partnership.

The new tournament will feature national teams from all ASEAN member states. Its format will take inspiration from the Arab Cup, which FIFA organised for the first time in 2021.

“This will be a great addition to the regional football calendar,” Infantino said.
“Through the FIFA ASEAN Cup, we are uniting countries and creating opportunities for growth. The competition will boost national-team football and support the sport’s development across Southeast Asia.”

FIFA will coordinate with the Asian Football Confederation, the ASEAN Football Federation, and the national football associations of the member countries to finalise the tournament’s structure and schedule.

This news originally appeared at Reuters.

Alex Marquez triumphs in Malaysia MotoGP, Acosta and Mir follow

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Alex Marquez triumphs in Malaysia MotoGP, Acosta and Mir follow

SEPANG, Malaysia, Oct 26 (Reuters) – Gresini Racing’s Alex Marquez clinched victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday, finishing ahead of KTM’s Pedro Acosta and Honda’s Joan Mir. The win marked Marquez’s third triumph of the 2025 MotoGP season.

Riding in hot and humid conditions at the Sepang International Circuit, Marquez delivered a flawless performance. He had already secured the championship runner-up position with his sprint result on Saturday and added this victory to his earlier wins in Spain.

Ducati’s Francesco Bagnaia, who started on pole and won Saturday’s sprint, was forced to retire three laps from the end due to a suspected mechanical problem. His exit allowed 2020 world champion Joan Mir to move up to third, claiming his second podium of the year.

Marquez led from the second lap and crossed the finish line 2.676 seconds ahead of Acosta and 8.048 seconds clear of Mir. World champion Marc Marquez, Alex’s elder brother, missed the race due to injury.

“My plan was to attack early today,” Alex Marquez said after the race. “Yesterday, I waited too long. This time, I decided to push from the start. I’m really happy with the result—it’s an important win for the team and for our second place overall.”

Twice MotoGP champion Bagnaia had moved ahead of Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi for third place in the world standings after Saturday’s sprint. However, his retirement on Sunday due to a possible rear-tyre puncture cost him valuable points. Bezzecchi regained third place in the championship, with only five points separating the two riders.

The next MotoGP round will take place in Portimao, Portugal, from November 7 to 9, before the season finale in Valencia.

This news was originally published by Reuters.

Nikola Jokic’s triple-double powers Nuggets in dominant home opener win

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Nikola Jokic’s triple-double powers Nuggets in dominant home opener win

LONDON, October 26 (Reuters): Nikola Jokic recorded his second straight triple-double and Jamal Murray scored 23 points as the Denver Nuggets cruised past the Phoenix Suns 133–111 in their home opener on Saturday night.

Christian Braun added 20 points and Aaron Gordon contributed 17 for Denver, which saw seven players score in double figures while shooting 51.2 percent (43 of 84) from the field.

Jokic finished with 14 points, 15 assists, and 14 rebounds. The reigning Finals MVP attempted just eight shots, making five, and didn’t take a field goal until late in the second quarter following a goaltending call on Phoenix. His first shot attempt came from the free-throw line with just over four minutes left in the first half.

Devin Booker led the Suns with 31 points, while Grayson Allen added 17 and Dillon Brooks scored 15. Phoenix shot 43.2 percent (38 of 88) from the field as Denver’s offense proved too efficient.

Holmgren sparks Thunder past Hawks

In Atlanta, Chet Holmgren battled back soreness to record a double-double as Oklahoma City defeated the Hawks 117–100 to remain unbeaten. Holmgren scored a season-high 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, hitting 8-of-12 shots and six of eight three-pointers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points, including 17 in the third quarter. Atlanta’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 17 points, while Trae Young posted 15 points and 10 assists, marking his 22nd straight game with at least 15 points and five assists.

Bulls roll past Magic for second straight win

The Chicago Bulls defeated the Orlando Magic 110–98 for their second consecutive victory to start the season. Josh Giddey led Chicago with 21 points, while bench players combined for 58 points. Jalen Smith and Ayo Dosunmu scored 16 and 15, respectively, as four reserves reached double figures.

Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 24 points despite shooting 7-for-21. Orlando struggled from long range, hitting just three of 24 attempts from beyond the arc.

76ers rally past Hornets

In Philadelphia, Quentin Grimes scored 24 points off the bench, including a decisive three-pointer with 15 seconds left, as the 76ers edged the Charlotte Hornets 125–121 for their second win of the season.

Tyrese Maxey had 28 points and nine assists, while Joel Embiid added 20 points. The 76ers erased a 10-point deficit in the final minutes with a 23–9 closing run.

Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball tallied 27 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Collin Sexton scored 21 points, while rookies Ryan Kalkbrenner and Kon Knueppel added 14 each.

Grizzlies dominate Pacers behind rookie Coward

Rookie Cedric Coward exploded for 27 points, hitting all six of his three-point attempts, as the Memphis Grizzlies thrashed the Indiana Pacers 128–103. Ja Morant added 19 points and eight assists as Memphis committed just four turnovers in the game.

For Indiana, Bennedict Mathurin scored 26 points before leaving with a sore right foot. Aaron Nesmith added 15, while Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin finished with 13 points each.

The report was originally published by Reuters.

Britain women claim Madison gold, one-two pursuit finish at Track Worlds

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Britain women claim Madison gold, one-two pursuit finish at Track Worlds

SANTIAGO, October 26 (Reuters): Britain’s Katie Archibald and Maddie Leech produced a superb late surge to win gold in the women’s Madison at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships on Saturday, holding off France and Italy after a crash ended the Netherlands’ hopes.

Archibald, a two-time Olympic champion, and Leech finished with 30 points, ahead of France’s Victoire Berteau and Marion Borras on 24. Italy’s Chiara Consonni and Vittoria Guazzini took bronze with 20 points.

Despite an early deficit, 31-year-old Archibald and 22-year-old Leech combined precise timing and strong teamwork to take control in the final laps. Archibald previously won Olympic gold in the Madison at the Tokyo Games alongside now-retired Laura Kenny. She also took silver earlier in the week in the women’s elimination race, which was won by Ireland’s Lara Gillespie.

The Madison race turned chaotic when Dutch rider Lorena Wiebes, already a double gold medallist at the championships, crashed heavily with teammate Lisa van Belle midway through the event, forcing the pair to withdraw.

British dominance continues in individual pursuit

Britain’s Anna Morris extended the team’s dominance with gold in the women’s individual pursuit, leading a British one-two finish ahead of Josie Knight. American Chloe Dygert secured bronze.

Morris defended her world title with a commanding performance, finishing in 4:27.005 — 2.3 seconds ahead of Knight. The Welsh rider, who holds the world record, maintained a smooth and steady rhythm throughout the race to claim her second consecutive world championship.

The report was originally published by Reuters.

NBA insider arrests highlight risks of leagues embracing sports betting

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NBA insider arrests highlight risks of leagues embracing sports betting

NEW YORK, October 26 (Reuters): The arrest of several NBA insiders this week has reignited debate over the risks of professional sports’ growing relationship with legalized betting in the United States.

Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cleveland Cavaliers player and assistant coach Damon Jones were among more than 30 people charged in two related federal gambling investigations.

Rozier and Jones are accused of sharing confidential information about upcoming games to help associates place profitable bets. Billups faces separate charges linked to alleged rigging of high-stakes poker games. His indictment does not reference the insider betting case.

“Chauncey Billups has never and would never gamble on basketball games, provide insider information, or betray the trust of his team and the league,” his attorney said in a statement.

Rozier’s lawyer said the NBA had already cleared his client, accusing prosecutors of reopening a “non-case.” Reuters was unable to reach Jones’s legal representatives.

Integrity under renewed scrutiny

The cases have brought renewed scrutiny to the lucrative partnerships between professional sports leagues and online sportsbooks, which are worth millions of dollars annually. Observers warn that these alliances risk undermining public trust in the fairness of competition.

Veteran sports agent Leigh Steinberg said the situation represents a serious threat to professional sports. “Fans believe these are honest contests without outside influence,” he told Reuters. “If incidents like this continue, it erodes confidence in the legitimacy of the games.”

From resistance to full embrace

After the Supreme Court legalized sports betting in 2018, major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL quickly shifted from opposition to partnership. Betting platforms now sponsor teams and advertise heavily during games, with apps available inside arenas.

The NBA partnered with MGM Resorts in a $25 million deal shortly after legalization. The NFL followed with multibillion-dollar agreements with Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Steinberg described this transformation as a “gold rush for new revenue.”

However, several players across major leagues have since been suspended for violating gambling policies. The NBA banned Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter for life after he manipulated his own play to influence bets.

Calls for tighter oversight

Joe Maloney of the American Gaming Association said regulated online betting helps leagues detect misconduct. “Legal platforms allow leagues to monitor and identify suspicious behavior,” he said.

Following several suspensions in 2023, the NFL expanded education programs warning players that mobile apps can track betting activity. No further suspensions have occurred since then.

A former federal prosecutor told Reuters that the latest arrests should prompt a “top-to-bottom” review of compliance systems. “If I were a league executive, I’d be deeply concerned,” he said, adding that the rise of player-specific bets makes manipulation easier.

“A player can fake an injury or underperform without altering the game’s outcome,” he said. “That’s not the same as traditional point-shaving, but it still damages credibility.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said the league has asked betting partners to limit player-specific wagers for less prominent athletes.

The report was originally published by Reuters.

Punjab seeks Rs15bn for Sialkot Industrial Estate land purchase

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Punjab seeks Rs15bn for Sialkot Industrial Estate land purchase

By Muhammad Saleem
LAHORE, October 26 (Wealth Pakistan) — The Punjab Industries Department has requested Rs15 billion from the provincial government to acquire land for the new Sialkot Industrial Estate Punjab. The project aims to boost industrial capacity in one of the country’s most productive export regions.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved the establishment of the estate during a meeting held earlier this week. She directed the Industries Department to complete all formalities by October 30.

Funding plan and financing options

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, former Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) president Ikramul Haq said the Industries Department was preparing a detailed funding proposal for submission to the provincial cabinet. He added that Secretary Industries Omar Masood chaired a meeting to finalise the summary.

According to Haq, the department will request the chief minister to release Rs15 billion immediately. Two financing options are under review. The government may provide direct funding or obtain a loan from the Bank of Punjab.

The meeting was attended by SCCI President Syed Ahtesham Mazhar, local industrialists, and senior officials from several provincial departments. These included the Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company and the Industries Department.

Haq explained that the land cost would later be recovered from allottees in instalments over three years. He said the model follows the approach used in the Sundar and Faisalabad Industrial Estates.

Boosting exports and new opportunities

He stressed that the Sialkot Industrial Estate Punjab is essential for achieving Pakistan’s export goals. “Sialkot’s exports stand at around 2.75 billion dollars and have been stagnant for five years,” he said.

He noted that the city’s business community has assured both the prime minister and chief minister that exports could reach 10 billion dollars by 2050 once the new zone becomes operational.

The proposed estate will cover 1,406 acres. Maryam Nawaz has expressed full commitment to launching the project without delay. She termed it a cornerstone of Punjab’s industrial growth plan.

Addressing long-standing regional challenges

During the meeting, officials briefed industrialists on the chief minister’s concern over Sialkot’s long neglect. Since 1961, the city has had only one small industrial estate, serving just a fraction of its exporters.

“The chief minister has vowed to personally inaugurate the new estate and ensure Sialkot gets its fair share of industrial development,” Haq said.

He added that SCCI representatives sought clarification about reports linking the project to Saudi investors. The Industries Department clarified that the project is primarily for existing industries in Sialkot and local exporters.

Sectors to benefit and expected impact

Haq said five major sectors — surgical, sports, leather, garments, and gloves — will benefit directly from the new zone. The relocation of factories from congested city areas will help these industries scale up from small to medium and large enterprises.

In addition, the new industrial area will improve logistics, reduce traffic within the city, and create thousands of new jobs. As a result, Sialkot Industrial Estate Punjab is expected to become a key driver of export-led growth in the province.

Medicinal Plants: Pakistan’s Untapped Treasure in Herbal Medicine

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Medicinal Plants: Pakistan’s Untapped Treasure in Herbal Medicine

By Muhammad Luqman
Pakistan is richly endowed with an extraordinary variety of medicinal and aromatic plants that have long supported traditional healing systems such as Ayurvedic and Unani (Hikmat) medicine.

The country hosts more than 600 species of medicinal plants, spread across diverse ecological zones — from the snow-capped northern mountains to the arid southern plains. This natural diversity provides a reliable source of raw materials for the herbal and Unani medicine industries.

A growing herbal sector

“Currently, more than 700 herbal medicine companies are registered with the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Of these, about 50 companies dominate the market,” said Hakeem Muhammad Ahmad Saleemi, President of the National Council of Tibb.

Among the most commonly used herbs are Liquorice (Malathi), Borage (Gao Zaban), Violet (Banafsha), Sandalwood, Marshmallow (Khatmi), Mallow (Khubazi), Pellitory Root (Aqarqarha), Mace (Javitri), Indian Ginseng (Asgand Nagori), Linseed (Alsi), Chamomile (Babuna), Red Rose (Gulab), Aloe Vera (Kanwar Gandal), Basil (Tulsi), Lemon Grass, Mint (Podina), Fennel (Saunf), Kalonji (Nigella Sativa), Stevia (Honey Plant), and Turmeric (Haldi).

Hakeem Saleemi told Wealth Pakistan that stronger collaboration between research institutions, the private sector, and regulators could significantly boost Pakistan’s herbal medicine industry and encourage exports.

Untapped potential and import dependence

Despite this abundance, the mainstream pharmaceutical industry still relies heavily on imported materials. “About 85 percent of the raw material used in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector is imported,” said Amjad Ali Jawa, former Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA).

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, Jawa said this dependence highlights how little Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector uses its own medicinal plants. However, he noted growing opportunities in global herbal and nutraceutical markets, especially in the United States and Europe, where natural and Ayurvedic therapies are gaining popularity.

“The 100 percent duty imposed by the US on allopathic drugs from several countries, including India, has opened new opportunities for Pakistani herbal products,” Jawa said. He added that since no Pakistani pharmaceutical product currently has US FDA approval, the export potential for herbal and nutraceutical products made from local plants is enormous.

Research and innovation gaining ground

Experts say investment in research, cultivation, and processing could reduce import dependence and boost exports and rural incomes. “We are developing new varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants to make full use of this natural gift,” said Dr Muhammad Nawaz, Senior Scientist at the Plant Physiology Section of Ayub Agricultural Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad.

He told Wealth Pakistan that AARI has developed several plant varieties, including Stevia ‘Honey’ and Tulsi ‘FS-21’, both approved for commercial cultivation. The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC) and the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR) are also promoting the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants nationwide.

Dr Nawaz said the Punjab government has added medicinal plants to its High-Value Crops Program to encourage their commercial farming on marginal lands. He noted that raw materials for cough syrups, anti-hypertensive drugs, and anti-malarial medicines can be efficiently produced from local herbs.

“By promoting the use of locally sourced raw materials in pharmaceutical production, Pakistan can greatly reduce its dependence on imports,” Dr Nawaz added.

KSE-100 slips 0.3% amid profit-taking, stable macro indicators

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KSE-100 slips 0.3% amid profit-taking, stable macro indicators

By Moaaz Manzoor
ISLAMABAD, October 26 (Wealth Pakistan): The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) declined by 502 points, or 0.31 percent week-on-week, closing at 163,304.13 as investors booked profits after recent gains and awaited the upcoming monetary policy decision and IMF board review.

The index opened at 164,912, touched a high of 168,414, and dipped to a low of 163,042 before stabilizing near the 163,000 mark. Analysts said the movement reflected consolidation after several weeks of upward momentum.

Trading activity eases amid cautious sentiment

Average trading volumes fell 18.8 percent week-on-week to 1.48 billion shares, while the average traded value dropped 10.6 percent to 177 million dollars. K-Electric (KEL) led the activity with 194.8 million shares traded.

Sector-wise, Exploration and Production (E&P) stocks contributed the most to market resilience, adding 404 points to the index. Investment Banks added 184 points, followed by Miscellaneous (132 points), Leather and Tanneries (79 points), and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (76 points).

The main drags came from the Banking sector (-502 points), Power (-415 points), Cement (-338 points), Refinery (-76 points), and Automobile Assemblers (-57 points).

Economic indicators remain broadly stable

Macroeconomic data showed stability across major fronts. The current account posted a surplus of 110 million dollars in September 2025, compared to a deficit of 52 million dollars a year earlier and 325 million dollars in August 2025.

However, the first quarter of FY26 recorded a deficit of 594 million dollars, slightly higher than 502 million dollars in the same period last year. The Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) rose 1.64 percent month-on-month to 101.73 in September from 100.09 in August.

Foreign Direct Investment improved modestly to 186 million dollars in September from 175 million dollars in August. Despite this, inflows for the first quarter of FY26 fell 34 percent year-on-year to 569 million dollars.

Profit and dividend repatriation increased 85.8 percent year-on-year to 751.7 million dollars during the quarter, though it dropped 54.4 percent month-on-month to 159 million dollars in September.

Mixed trends in key sectors

Oil and gas production fell 6.9 and 3.1 percent week-on-week respectively, while power generation in September rose 0.8 percent year-on-year to 12,592 gigawatt hours. The average cost of power generation declined 15 percent to 7.09 rupees per kilowatt hour, helped by a 7.1 percent fall in Brent crude prices.

The State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves edged up to 14.45 billion dollars, while the rupee held steady at around 281.02 per US dollar.

Market outlook remains steady

According to Arif Habib Limited (AHL), the KSE-100 Index is currently trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.58x, close to its 15-year average of 8.59x, and offers a dividend yield of 5.5 percent against the historical average of 6.1 percent.

The brokerage expects the State Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee to keep the policy rate unchanged at its meeting on October 27. It noted that selective stocks are likely to remain in focus as the corporate results season continues.

Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Limited, said the PSX extended its corrective spell as investors realigned positions ahead of the MPC meeting and rollover week. “The index remained under pressure despite active participation, with traded value reaching Rs34.9 billion,” he said.

AKD Securities projected a relatively positive medium-term outlook, supported by improved credit ratings, consistent IMF engagement, and stronger economic ties with the United States and Saudi Arabia. The brokerage expects the KSE-100 to consolidate within the 160,000–165,000 range, with 160,000 serving as a strong technical support level for renewed buying interest.

Rupee stays firm amid higher reserves and steady dollar demand

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Rupee stays firm amid higher reserves and steady dollar demand

ISLAMABAD, October 26 (Wealth Pakistan): The Pakistani rupee remained largely stable during the week ending October 24, 2025, as consistent remittance inflows and improved foreign exchange reserves helped maintain equilibrium against major global currencies.

Stable trading through the week

According to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data, the US dollar opened the week at Rs280.8570 (buying) and Rs281.2889 (selling) on October 20. The exchange rate showed little movement over the following days, trading at Rs280.8512 and Rs281.2830 on October 21 and Rs280.8414 and Rs281.2733 on October 22.

The rupee stayed range-bound toward the week’s end, quoted at Rs280.7831 and Rs281.2150 on October 23, and closing slightly lower at Rs280.7713 and Rs281.2032 on October 24.

Mixed movement among key currencies

The euro began the week at Rs327.6398 (buying) and Rs328.1488 (selling) and fell gradually to Rs325.6520 and Rs326.1580 by October 23. It ended the week at Rs325.9075 and Rs326.4348.

The British pound followed a similar pattern, slipping from Rs377.1200 and Rs377.7144 on October 20 to Rs374.0287 and Rs374.6140 by October 24.

The Chinese yuan remained almost unchanged throughout the week, recorded at Rs39.4187 and Rs39.4703 on October 20 and Rs39.4061 and Rs39.4581 on October 24. The Saudi riyal traded in a tight band, closing at Rs74.8653 (buying) and Rs74.9773 (selling). The Japanese yen also showed minimal movement, ending the week at Rs1.8360 and Rs1.8388.

Reserves improve as confidence strengthens

As per Arif Habib Limited, Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves with the SBP rose to USD 14.45 billion, showing a weekly increase of USD 14.4 million. The firm noted that the rupee closed around Rs281.02 per US dollar, reflecting overall week-on-week stability.

AKD Securities reported a similar trend, stating that the rupee appreciated slightly by 0.03 percent on a weekly basis, settling near Rs281 per dollar.

Market analysts said the currency’s stability reflects a balanced external position supported by healthy remittance inflows and controlled import demand. Improved investor sentiment was also evident, driven by higher reserves and expectations of continued inflows under ongoing financial support programs.

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