Wasim Akram ODI debut vs New Zealand at Faisalabad in Nov 1984

 

This must be a surprise for cricket fans, that Wasim Akram made his odi debut as a T20 bowler. In the 2^nd second ODI on November 23, 1984  between Pakistan vs New Zealand at Faisalabad, the match for cut short due to rain. Once the rain stopped, the match decided to be played 20 overs each side. Wasim Akram bowled first three overs cleverly, but in the last Over, New Zealand Tall batsman Jermey Coney takes inexerpeinced Wasim Akram and samshed 4 fours when they needed 21 in the last over. On the last ball New Zealand needs six runs, but Wasim Akram hold his nerve and Pakistan won the match the match by 5 runs. In this spell Wasim Akram bowled 4 overs 31 runs and no wicket. Lets cherish the old memories and watch young Wasim Akram bowling in the first odi of his career.

It was an exiciting finish. It was the beginning of great fastest bowler of all times. Pakistan scored 157 for 5 in 20 overs. Salim Malik scored 41 off 34 balls. While Manzoor Elahi scored 39 not out off just 29 balls. In reply New Zealand scored 152 for 7 in allotted 20 overs. John Wright score 55, while Jermey Coney scored 17 not out off just 7 balls. Salim Malik declared player of the match. With this win Pakistan lead the 4 match series to 2-0. It was originally 40 overs match but cut short to 20 overs due to rain. This was ODI # 277, umpires were Amanullah Khan and Ikram Rabbani. From Pakistan Wasim Akram and Shoaib Muhammad Made ODI debut.

Asif Iqbal Captain Knock vs Australia World Cup 1979

In the 1979 cricket world, Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal produce a lovely inning of 61 runs off 57 Balls in 75 Mins including 7 Fours vs Australia in the 7th Match, played at Nottingham, on June 13 - 14, 1979. In this important match Asif shared an important partnership with Javed Miandad. This innings helped Pakistan to beat Australia by 89 runs. Asif Iqbal declared player of the match for his lovely innings. Lets rejoice the past memories and watch Asif Iqbal innings.

Viv Richards dropped Three Catches in a One Day International against Pakistan in 1985

Viv Richards is such a great player of the game. In his entire ODI career, he took 100 catches in 187 ond day international. He was such great fielder but on one bad day, he dropped 3 Catches vs Pakistan 1st Match, Sharjah, November 15, 1985, Rothmans Sharjah Cup. Lets watch his video. Although these drop catches didn’t effect on the match as West Indies won the match by 7 wickets. In the batting he scored brilliant 50 off 51 balls. But in the fielding, he had such a bad day by dropping three catches, that is a rare instance of his calibre.

Pobiti Kamani: The stone forest

Pobiti Kamani, also known as the "Stone Forest," is a natural rock formation located in northeastern Bulgaria, near the city of Varna. It is one of the most mysterious and unique landmarks in the country, often compared to other famous stone structures around the world due to its peculiar appearance. Pobiti Kamani stands out as one of the most intriguing geological formations in the world, offering a glimpse into the Earth's ancient past and a place of wonder for those who visit. Source: CP

 

European Stonechat in Eclipse Plumage

I captured European stonechat in eclipse plumage at Malam Jabba in June 2024. European stonechat is one of rare bird to spot in Pakistan. It is robin size bird but very active during the day.A small passerine bird Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. The stonechat is 11.5–13 cm long and weighs 13–17 grams, slightly smaller than the European robin.The male's bird song is sweat high and twittering like a dunnock. Both male and female have a clicking call like stones knocking together.

Stunning Sapphire Tower Plant

Many beautiful things prove exceptionally worth waiting for. Among these, particularly among nature's slow-moving wonders, is the Sapphire Tower plant. This large plant is native to the footlands of Chilean mountain regions, thriving in the cool, mountainous Andes region. The plant grows in elevations of up to 2,200 meters (about 7,218 feet). 

The Sapphire Tower plant is scientifically known as “Puya alpestris”, a species among the bromeliad family of plants. It generally takes up to a decade to bloom in nature. It is a very slow-growing plant, so witnessing its spectacular blooms is exciting and rare. The favorable environments provide the perfect backdrop for its growth, characterized by well-drained soils and moderate rainfall. Understanding its natural habitat is crucial for mimicking these conditions in your garden or home. 

The tough, stiffly protruding, parallel-veined leaves run into a sharp point, and have a length of over 1 meter and a width of 2 to 2.5 centimeters.  The leaf margin is reinforced with hooked, curved, spines that are approximately 0.5 cm long. The underside of the leaf is dense white scales. The tips of the partial inflorescences are germ-free. The flower stalk is about 7 mm long. The hermaphrodite flower is threefold. The three greenish sepals are about 2.3 cm long and hairy or bald. The three teal petals with blunt tips are about 4.5 cm long and spiral in as they fade. The six stamens have bright orange anthers. The flowers produce high amounts of nectar. During the flowering period, hummingbirds and other birds pollinate the flowers. The plant blooms between October and December in habitat.

Physically, the Sapphire Tower Plant is a sight to behold. The flowers themselves are a vibrant blue-green, giving the plant its common name. These blooms attract various pollinators, adding to the plant's ecological value. This plant has been featured in various botanical collections and admired by plant enthusiasts worldwide. 

Spring and early summer are ideal for planting, giving the plant time to establish before the cooler months. The Sapphire Tower plant is a stunning and exotic plant that captivates with its brilliant blue-green flowers and unique structure. It's a marvel in any garden or indoor plant collection, offering a touch of the extraordinary to plant enthusiasts and casual gardeners alike. The Sapphire Tower Plant is a magnificent addition to any plant lover's collection, offering unique beauty and numerous benefits. By understanding its needs and providing proper care, you can enjoy this stunning plant for years to come. 

Read More: The Blue Puya Flower: Nature’s Breathtaking Delight