Latest news with #Khawaja
Daily Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's ‘Khalas' Dates Make a Sweet Comeback
Bahraini markets are once again buzzing with the arrival of Khalas dates — one of the most sought-after varieties of the season. Shoppers have been flocking to date stalls in search of the fresh, flavorful bite that defines this beloved local fruit. Khalas dates have quickly become the top pick for consumers this July, selling at prices ranging from BD2 to BD2.5 per kilogram, depending on quality. The Khoneizi variety follows closely behind in popularity. Other varieties like Ghura are also available for as low as BD1 per kilogram, while Khawaja dates have just started appearing in stalls. Peak Season from July to September Vendor Mohsen Abu Waleed explained that the peak of the date season runs from around July 10 to August 10. This is when varieties like Khalas dominate the market before making way for other types such as Barhemi, Marzban, and Barhi, with the season concluding in late September when the dates fully ripen. While consumer habits have evolved and alternative snacks are widely available, Bahraini dates still hold a special place in the hearts—and homes—of many families, says Abu Waleed. Behind the Quality: Palm Care is Key Palm farmer Fakher Jumaa highlighted that Khalas is known for its consistent quality across all ripening stages—from the unripe yellow busr to the fully dried tamr. 'It tastes great at every stage, even before it softens,' he said, noting that customers look forward to the seasonal arrival each year. Jumaa also stressed that proper irrigation is essential for date palm trees, as they require more water than most other trees. He advised that fertilizing should ideally take place in early autumn, while winter is best for pruning and pest control since insect activity is minimal during the cooler months. A Gulf Benchmark for Quality Vendor Isa Abdullah added that Khalas dates are currently in high demand thanks to their early ripening and high quality, calling this period the variety's peak production time. Bahrain, he noted, is home to over 150 varieties of dates, including Khoneizi, Ghura, Mubashara, Tabshira, and Tayyar. While the Khalas date is a Gulf-wide benchmark for quality, Isa mentioned that the current batch of Khalas dates is slightly smaller in size, likely due to water shortages or early harvesting. However, he expects larger sizes in the upcoming harvest waves. Despite changing times, the taste of Bahraini rutab continues to bring a seasonal joy that never fades.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja continues to speak out for Palestine, urges action
Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has once again raised his voice in support of Palestine, highlighting the ongoing violence and its devastating impact on children. The Test cricket star shared a heart-wrenching video on social media showing injured Palestinian children, condemning the atrocities in Gaza. Known for his advocacy on humanitarian issues, Khawaja's post stressed the continued suffering of innocent civilians, especially children. He urged people not to ignore the violence, sharing UNICEF's description of the situation as 'a graveyard for children.' 'Hard to watch... Imagine living it,' Khawaja wrote, expressing his shock at the ongoing killings, starvation, and attacks on aid points. Read: He added, 'I will keep saying it—if this ever becomes normal for us, we are truly lost. Don't stop speaking up. Always stand for humanity, for equality, for a better tomorrow.' This follows Khawaja's earlier condemnation of the deaths of over 130 Palestinian children in a single day, where he highlighted the lack of global outrage. "These kids have names and families, just like you," he stated. Khawaja, born in Pakistan and a practicing Muslim, has consistently used his platform to oppose the violence in Gaza. During Australia's 2023 Test series, he attempted a silent protest with messages on his shoes, but was reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC), leading him to wear a black armband instead. Khawaja criticised the ICC for its inconsistent rule enforcement, saying, "Other guys that have religious things on their equipment, under the ICC guidelines, that's not technically allowed, but the ICC never says anything on that." Read: Through his continued advocacy, Khawaja remains a vocal critic of the violence in Gaza, urging the world to not normalise such brutality.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
McSweeney the shining star as Sri Lanka A secure draw
Australia A and Sri Lanka A have ground out a tame draw at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, but the national selectors may have plenty to ponder for the Ashes. It probably was the assurance chief selector George Bailey was looking for - rather than the result - at the end of the four-day game in the Top End, as bat prevailed over ball in a timely reminder all may not be lost for Australia's top order this summer. In reply to Australia A's 486 after making 272 in their first knock, the Sri Lankans dug in to finish on 3-280 when the match was called on Wednesday afternoon. First-drop Nuwanidu Fernando made a superb unbeaten 104, including seven fours and three sixes, ably supported by Pasindu Sooriyabandara (56) and Pavan Rathnayake (56no). The Australian bowlers were unable to make major in-roads after securing the wickets of openers Lahiru Udara (17) and Kamil Mishara (35). Fernando and Sooriyabandara starred in a 113-run partnership for the third wicket, before the latter was caught by Nathan McSweeney off the bowling of Liam Scott. It gave the home side a glimmer of hope, but Rathnayake had other ideas, digging in with the centurion to snuff out any chance of an Australian victory. McSweeney's two catches - the other to dismiss Mishara off Mitchell Perry - were the highlight in the field for the hosts, but it was his timely innings of 94 that would have had Bailey's pen and paper ready. Such has been the batting woes of the Test team in the Caribbean, McSweeney's knock at No.3 was a statement of intent. McSweeney showed he was willing to fight to regain his place in the Test team after being dropped with scores of 10, 0, 9 and 4 in two Tests against India - against the world's best bowler in Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed him on three of those occasions. The Queenslander grafted for his runs against Sri Lanka A, compiling his runs off 220 deliveries with only six boundaries. He was dismissed first ball on the third morning of play, just six shy of what would have been a most timely century. In contrast, Australia's current Test openers Usman Khawaja (47, 15, 16, 2, 23 and 14) and young Sam Konstas (3, 5, 25, 0, 17, 0) have struggled to get close to 50, with the brilliant, but ageing, left-handed Khawaja coming close in the first Test against the West Indies in Bridgetown. At 38 years and 210 days, Khawaja is struggling, but he's less under the microscope than young star Konstas, who is at the other end of a fledgling career. Alas, the innings may have earned McSweeney another crack at Test level, this time in the Ashes, where he could line up against another frightening bowler in Jofra Archer.
Perth Now
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
McSweeney the shining star as Sri Lanka A secure draw
Australia A and Sri Lanka A have ground out a tame draw at Marrara Stadium in Darwin, but the national selectors may have plenty to ponder for the Ashes. It probably was the assurance chief selector George Bailey was looking for - rather than the result - at the end of the four-day game in the Top End, as bat prevailed over ball in a timely reminder all may not be lost for Australia's top order this summer. In reply to Australia A's 486 after making 272 in their first knock, the Sri Lankans dug in to finish on 3-280 when the match was called on Wednesday afternoon. First-drop Nuwanidu Fernando made a superb unbeaten 104, including seven fours and three sixes, ably supported by Pasindu Sooriyabandara (56) and Pavan Rathnayake (56no). The Australian bowlers were unable to make major in-roads after securing the wickets of openers Lahiru Udara (17) and Kamil Mishara (35). Fernando and Sooriyabandara starred in a 113-run partnership for the third wicket, before the latter was caught by Nathan McSweeney off the bowling of Liam Scott. It gave the home side a glimmer of hope, but Rathnayake had other ideas, digging in with the centurion to snuff out any chance of an Australian victory. McSweeney's two catches - the other to dismiss Mishara off Mitchell Perry - were the highlight in the field for the hosts, but it was his timely innings of 94 that would have had Bailey's pen and paper ready. Such has been the batting woes of the Test team in the Caribbean, McSweeney's knock at No.3 was a statement of intent. McSweeney showed he was willing to fight to regain his place in the Test team after being dropped with scores of 10, 0, 9 and 4 in two Tests against India - against the world's best bowler in Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed him on three of those occasions. The Queenslander grafted for his runs against Sri Lanka A, compiling his runs off 220 deliveries with only six boundaries. He was dismissed first ball on the third morning of play, just six shy of what would have been a most timely century. In contrast, Australia's current Test openers Usman Khawaja (47, 15, 16, 2, 23 and 14) and young Sam Konstas (3, 5, 25, 0, 17, 0) have struggled to get close to 50, with the brilliant, but ageing, left-handed Khawaja coming close in the first Test against the West Indies in Bridgetown. At 38 years and 210 days, Khawaja is struggling, but he's less under the microscope than young star Konstas, who is at the other end of a fledgling career. Alas, the innings may have earned McSweeney another crack at Test level, this time in the Ashes, where he could line up against another frightening bowler in Jofra Archer.
7NEWS
13-07-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Questions hang over Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja as Australia suffers batting collapse against West Indies
The questions around Australia's openers are likely to linger into the Ashes after Sam Konstas and Usman Khawaja's difficulties against West Indies continued. After winning the toss and batting in the third and final Test in Jamaica, Australia were all out for 225 before the hosts went to stumps on night one at 1-16. Steve Smith led the way for Australia with a stylish 48 before a loose shot paved the way for a collapse of 7-68, as the tourists' pursued quick runs in the final session. Mitchell Starc then struck late, bowling debutant Kevlon Anderson for three with West Indies' two first-choice openers Mikyle Louis (knee) and John Campbell (shoulder) away getting scans. It came as Australia's selectors delivered Saturday's biggest bombshell, dropping Nathan Lyon for a Test for the first time in 12 years. Still it is the questions at the top of the order that will attract the most interest in Australia's last Test before this summer's Ashes. Khawaja's 47 in the first Test in Barbados is the only score from either opener above 25 in this Frank Worrell Trophy series. The 38-year-old Khawaja fought through a difficult opening session on Saturday (Sunday AEST), as the pink Dukes ball was moving and regularly beat the bat. But the left-hander was superbly caught behind by Shai Hope on 23, edging a ball that was angled back in at him from around the wicket by Shamar Joseph (3-33). Konstas had also shown signs of digging in, before being lbw for 17 to Justin Greaves (3-56) after moving to an off-stump guard for this Test. The 19-year-old at one stage faced 18 straight dot balls early, while surviving a run-out scare and edge to third slip on consecutive deliveries when on one. Konstas threatened to find some rhythm when he hooked Alzarri Joseph's first ball for four and later punched the quick to the point boundary off the back foot. But the teenager is now averaging just 10 for the series and Khawaja 20.6. Australia have battled with the opening spot since David Warner's retirement, after Smith's aborted move up the order last year and Nathan McSweeney's three Tests last summer. Marnus Labuschagne also opened in the World Test Championship final loss to South Africa, for scores of 17 and 22 before being dropped. Cameron Green hit 46 before being bowled by a Jayden Seales peach, and Smith's free-flowing innings ended with an edge to a Shamar Joseph ball wide outside off. That prompted a collapse from 3-157, as Australia lost their last seven wickets in 88 balls. Earlier, the selectors' call to go for a fourth quick in Scott Boland ahead of Lyon marked the first since the 2013 Ashes the spinner was overlooked while fit. Since his debut in 2011, Lyon has played 139 of Australia's 146 Tests with his only recent absence being due to a calf injury in the 2023 Ashes. This has been a series that has generally suited the quicks, with Lyon taking nine wickets at 18.33 but only bowling 32.3 overs during the first two Tests. Lyon has a good record in day-night Tests, but the fact this match is being played with a Dukes ball, rather than a Kookaburra, played into the decision.
