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Simon Harmer Outshines India’s Spinners in Stunning Test Performance
South African off-spinner Simon Harmer has turned Test cricket in India completely upside down. During the second Test in Guwahati, he outbowled renowned Indian spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar on their home ground. Moreover, his exceptional bowling revealed surprising gaps in India’s spin-bowling strategy and selection.
Harmer’s Exceptional Bowling Display: Throughout the series, Harmer has looked like the most threatening spinner on either side. On a spinning Kolkata pitch, he appeared unplayable with square turn and uneven bounce. Furthermore, on the flat red-soil surface in Guwahati, he operated at a completely different level compared to other spinners.
Harmer demonstrated remarkable versatility in his bowling speeds. He bowled at 92 kilometers per hour to hurry batters’ responses when the pitch behaved unpredictably. Additionally, he slowed down to 78 kilometers per hour, floating the ball above the batters’ eyeline and scrambling their judgment of line and length.
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South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad explained why his spinners performed better in these conditions. He stated that South African spinners don’t usually bowl on spin-friendly surfaces at home. Therefore, they develop a stronger defensive game and learn to bowl with more guile and variation.
In contrast, Indian spinners typically bowl on pitches that turn sharply from early on. Consequently, they bowl faster because the ball reacts more quickly on such surfaces. However, this habit may have limited their ability to adapt to flatter pitches.
Statistics revealed this difference clearly. During India’s first innings, Harmer and Keshav Maharaj bowled at an average speed of around 83 kilometers per hour. Meanwhile, their slowest deliveries clocked around 77 kilometers per hour. On the other hand, Jadeja and Washington bowled at average speeds around 91 kilometers per hour, with their slowest balls around 83 kilometers per hour.
Critical Dismissals Highlight the Gap: KL Rahul’s dismissals in both innings perfectly illustrated the challenge Harmer posed. In the first innings, Rahul stretched forward but couldn’t reach the pitch of Maharaj’s delivery. Similarly, in the second innings, he played all around a Harmer off-break that ripped out of the footmarks.
Former India captain Anil Kumble analyzed Rahul’s second-innings dismissal during commentary. He praised Harmer’s delivery while explaining Rahul’s mistake. “Simon Harmer bowled a brilliant off-spinner with plenty of dip and revolutions. KL committed too early and didn’t get to the pitch,” Kumble observed.
Kumble further explained that experienced batters usually adjust their stance on deteriorating pitches. However, Rahul’s positioning left his off-stump vulnerable. The ball gripped the surface, turned sharply, and bowled him for just 6 runs.
Harmer and Maharaj showed far more comfort bowling slower through the air with increased overspin. This allowed the ball to dip and bite into the surface effectively. Conversely, India’s fingerspinners struggled to match this range of variation.
India did recognize this issue during South Africa’s second innings. Washington bowled a long spell with conspicuous overspin at mid-80s speeds rather than low 90s. He generated an impressive dip and bounce, getting Temba Bavuma caught at leg slip. Nevertheless, by then South Africa had already gained a commanding position.
India’s recent preference for preparing square turners at home may have created unintended consequences. Their spinners have become habituated to bowling in a particular way. Additionally, India has prioritized similar qualities when selecting fingerspinners – air speed, control, and batting depth.
With R Ashwin now retired, India lacks fingerspinners with more traditional flight-bowling traits in their Test squad. They do have Kuldeep Yadav, a wrist-spinner who excels at giving the ball loop and varying speeds. However, captain Rishabh Pant showed reluctance to give him long spells in Guwahati.
After introducing Kuldeep with a seven-over spell on day one, Pant never gave him a single spell extending past five overs in either innings. This limited Kuldeep’s effectiveness, as spinners typically need longer spells to build rhythm and settle into their lengths.
Lessons From Recent History: Between 2016 and 2019, India played most home Tests on true pitches. During this period, Ashwin and Jadeja consistently outbowled every visiting attack. Since 2021, however, India has mostly played home Tests against strong opposition on pitches that turn sharply and early.
Meanwhile, touring sides have learned from India’s successes. They’ve built spin attacks better suited to Indian conditions. These spinners practice regularly on less helpful pitches in international and domestic cricket. Therefore, they develop multiple facets of their game.
Simon Harmer’s outstanding performances in this series have exposed important truths about India’s spin bowling. While India possesses enviable depth with three quality spin-bowling all-rounders, their fingerspinners share broadly similar strengths. This similarity, combined with playing predominantly on helpful surfaces, may have prevented them from developing into more complete bowlers across different conditions. India’s spinners remain world-class, but they may no longer be the undisputed best across all surfaces.
A massive Statue of Liberty replica collapsed in Guaíba, southern Brazil, during a powerful storm on Monday, December 15, 2025. Furthermore, the incident occurred at approximately 3 pm when strong winds exceeding 90 kmph struck the region. The dramatic fall captured on video quickly went viral across social media platforms worldwide.
The Structure and Location
The replica stood approximately 24 meters tall (78 feet) in the parking lot of a Havan retail megastore. Additionally, the structure sat on an 11-meter pedestal, making the total height nearly 40 meters. Moreover, the statue was installed near a fast-food outlet in a busy commercial area.
Quick Facts About the Replica:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | 24 meters (78 feet) |
| Pedestal | 11 meters (36 feet) |
| Total Structure | Nearly 40 meters |
| Installation Year | 2020 |
| Location | Havan store parking lot |
| Owner | Havan retail chain |
How the Collapse Happened?
Severe weather conditions hit Rio Grande do Sul state as a cold front moved through the area. Consequently, meteorologists recorded wind gusts reaching up to 100 kmph in some locations. The intense winds pushed against the tall structure until it could no longer stand upright.
Footage showed the statue leaning forward under the wind’s force before completely toppling over. Subsequently, the head of the replica shattered into pieces upon hitting the ground. Meanwhile, vehicles continued moving on the nearby busy road as the structure fell.
Video footage shows a forty-meter-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty, located across from a McDonald’s within the parking lot of a Havan in the Brazilian city of Guaíba, one of several dozen replicas of the statue located throughout the country, collapsing during a wind and… pic.twitter.com/kUid9lwA3b
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) December 15, 2025
Safety Measures and Response
Fortunately, no injuries occurred during the incident. Havan company officials confirmed that the parking area was nearly empty at the time. Therefore, the quick response helped prevent any harm to customers or staff.
Immediate Actions Taken:
- Area cordoned off immediately after the collapse.
- Specialist teams sent to remove debris within hours.
- Technical inspection scheduled to determine the exact cause.
- The affected section was closed while other areas remained open.
- Local Civil Defence teams secured the perimeter.
Mayor Marcelo Maranata praised the swift response at the site. He confirmed that local teams worked alongside state Civil Defence officials to ensure public safety. Additionally, authorities checked for any additional damage to nearby structures.
Storm Impact Across the Region
The same storm system affected much of Rio Grande do Sul state. Other areas reported hail, damaged roofs, fallen trees, and temporary power outages. Furthermore, heavy rain caused partial flooding on some streets throughout the region.
Earlier that day, Civil Defence authorities issued a red alert warning for severe winds. They urged residents to stay indoors, disconnect electrical devices, and secure doors and windows. Moreover, emergency messages sent directly to mobile phones warned people about the approaching dangerous weather.
Technical Certification and Investigation
Havan stated that the structure had required technical certification when installed in 2020. However, authorities will conduct a thorough technical assessment to understand what caused the collapse. Similarly, they will recommend steps to prevent similar incidents at other locations.
The company operates several Havan stores across Brazil with similar Statue of Liberty replicas outside their facilities. Therefore, this incident raises questions about the structural safety of other replicas during extreme weather conditions. Weather experts expect conditions to improve from Tuesday, although some rain may continue in the coming days.
The match took place at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai on December 16, 2025, as part of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup. Furthermore, India came into this match after a comprehensive 90-run victory over Pakistan. Malaysia won the toss and chose to field first, hoping to restrict the strong Indian batting lineup.
Explosive Start by Indian Openers
Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi provided a flying start for India. Moreover, Mhatre welcomed bowler Muhammad Akram by cutting his first ball for four. Additionally, he smashed three boundaries in the opening over alone, helping India score 15 runs without loss.
Opening Partnership Highlights:
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayush Mhatre | 14 | 8 | 3 | 0 |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | 50 | 26 | 5 | 3 |
Mhatre departed early after scoring 14 runs from just 8 balls. However, Suryavanshi continued his aggressive approach and dominated the Malaysian bowlers completely.
Suryavanshi’s Quickfire Fifty
Vaibhav Suryavanshi reached his half-century in only 25 deliveries, showcasing exceptional power-hitting ability. He smashed three sixes and five fours during his innings. Furthermore, his aggressive stroke-play put enormous pressure on the Malaysian bowling attack from the start.
Nevertheless, his brilliant innings ended when Muhammad Nurhanif took a stunning catch at long-on. Suryavanshi attempted to hit Muhammad Akram straight against the wind. Consequently, Nurhanif completed an excellent catch while maintaining his balance inside the rope.
Middle-Order Resilience
After Suryavanshi’s dismissal, Vedant Trivedi and Abhigyan Kundu built a crucial partnership. Initially, both batsmen focused on rotating the strike and playing sensibly. Then, they gradually increased the scoring rate as they settled at the crease.
Key Partnership Statistics:
- 50-run partnership: Achieved in 51 balls
- 100-run partnership: Completed smoothly
- Trivedi’s fifty: Scored from 56 balls
- Kundu’s fifty: Reached in just 44 deliveries
Trivedi brought up his half-century after being dropped by captain Deaaz Patro at cover. Moreover, he celebrated by pulling the next ball for four. Meanwhile, Kundu accelerated beautifully, punching drives through mid-off and clipping boundaries through midwicket.
Malaysian Bowling Efforts
Malaysia tried using spinners to slow down India’s scoring rate. Jaashwin Krishnamurthi bowled tight overs with good flight. Similarly, Hamzah Panggi put pressure on the batsmen through the middle overs. However, the Indian pair handled the spin bowling confidently.
Malaysia’s Bowling Performance:
- Muhammad Akram: 2 wickets
- Nagineshwar Sathnakumaran: 1 wicket
- Spinners: Controlled the middle overs
- Fielding: One dropped catch by captain
Match Context and Tournament Standing
India entered this match maintaining a perfect record in the tournament. Previously, they had defeated Pakistan comprehensively thanks to outstanding performances from Kanishk Chouhan and Deepesh Devendran. Therefore, the team wanted to continue their winning momentum.
This victory helps India secure a spot in the semifinals scheduled for Friday. Additionally, the India national under-19 cricket team vs Malaysia demonstrated India’s batting depth and ability to post competitive totals consistently throughout the Asia Cup 2025.
India observed Vijay Diwas 16 December with great pride and respect for the brave soldiers who won the 1971 war against Pakistan. Furthermore, this year marked the 54th anniversary of this historic victory that led to the birth of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and other leaders paid heartfelt tributes to the Indian Armed Forces.
What Vijay Diwas Represents?
Vijay Diwas, meaning “Victory Day,” commemorates India’s decisive military triumph in the 1971 war. Moreover, this 13-day conflict ended with Pakistan’s surrender, marking one of the largest military surrenders in world history.
Key Facts About the 1971 War:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 13 days |
| Result | Complete Indian victory |
| Pakistani Surrender | 93,000 troops |
| Outcome | Birth of Bangladesh |
| Date of Victory | December 16, 1971 |
Leaders Pay Tribute
Prime Minister Modi shared his tribute on social media platform X. He wrote: “On Vijay Diwas, we remember the brave soldiers whose courage and sacrifice ensured India had a historic victory in 1971.” Additionally, he praised their steadfast resolve and selfless service that protected the nation.
On Vijay Diwas, we remember the brave soldiers whose courage and sacrifice ensured India had a historic victory in 1971. Their steadfast resolve and selfless service protected our nation and etched a moment of pride in our history. This day stands as a salute to their valour and…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 16, 2025
President Droupadi Murmu also honored the brave soldiers. She specifically mentioned the “brave sons of Mother India” and their unmatched devotion to the motherland. Furthermore, she highlighted the Indian Army’s recent Operation Sindoor, which demonstrated modern warfare capabilities and self-reliance.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the coordination between Army, Navy, and Air Force. He noted: “The Armed Forces operated in flawless coordination, reshaping history and asserting India’s strategic resolve.” Consequently, their discipline and combat spirit continue to inspire future generations.
Special Celebrations Across India
The Indian Army organized a special ‘At Home’ event at Army House on December 15, 2025. Meanwhile, the Eastern Command conducted a Military Tattoo in Kolkata, West Bengal. These celebrations highlighted the Army’s transformation into a modern, innovative, and self-reliant force.
Tribute Highlights:
- Wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials.
- Military displays and tattoo performances.
- Sharing of unseen footage from 1971 war.
- Recognition of Mukti Bahini’s contribution.
- Events honoring war veterans and families.
The Indian Army shared previously unseen footage and content from the 1971 liberation war. Therefore, these materials helped younger generations understand the heroism and sacrifices made during the conflict.
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The Liberation of Bangladesh
The 1971 war fundamentally changed South Asia’s political map. Indian Armed Forces fought alongside the Mukti Bahini (Bangladesh freedom fighters) to end the atrocities committed by the Pakistani Army. As a result, millions of Bengali people gained their freedom and dignity.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge praised the visionary leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He called the victory “a great example of humanity and justice.” Similarly, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated: “The nation is indebted to their sacrifice.”
Why does this day matter today?
Vijay Diwas 16 December, serves multiple important purposes for India. It reminds citizens about the courage and sacrifice of soldiers who protect national interests. Additionally, it strengthens the spirit of patriotism among younger generations. Moreover, the day showcases India’s military capabilities and strategic resolve to the world.
The celebration also honors approximately 3,900 Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war. Their families receive recognition and gratitude from a grateful nation every year on this significant day.
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