ICC drops a ‘banger' as ‘Lord Bavuma' steals the show in ‘lit' WTC clip; Dale Steyn's reaction says it all
The WTC final concluded on June 14 in London, with South Africa sealing a dominant five-wicket win. Aiden Markram struck a scintillating century in the final innings to finish the match inside four days.
A day after the historic victory, the South African team returned to Lord's — this time for a post-match media shoot. Suited up and in high spirits, the players were seen singing the catchy 'Temba Bavuma' chant on their way to the ground. Spinner Keshav Maharaj admitted the win still hadn't sunk in.
At the iconic venue, the team posed for a photoshoot. That's when ICC spiced things up on their social media — posting a cinematic video from the shoot unlike anything seen before. Titled simply 'Attitude,' the video showed the players in sunglasses, exuding swagger as the camera zoomed out dramatically.
Fans were mesmerised, and the best reaction came from none other than Dale Steyn, who commented 'GOLD' on the post.
WTC-winning captain Bavuma doesn't want South Africa's celebration to end in London as he aims to carry this momentum to T20 World Cup next year and eventually the 50-over World Cup at home a year after.
"I think it will be massive. I mean, that tournament, we are definitely setting our sights on doing special things in that tournament," Bavuma said as quoted by ICC after the Proteas ended 27-year-wait for their second ICC trophy after the Knockout title in 1998.
"There is still a way to go until then. Shukri (Conrad) obviously comes in now as the white-ball coach, so we will see what plans that he has, who his personnel will be. But yeah, hopefully this is the start of those trophies for the team," he added.
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Indian Express
19 minutes ago
- Indian Express
From the pages of literary hits to silver screen of Hollywood: 5 books that transitioned to cinematic brilliance
(Written by Somya Panwar) An adaption better than the novel it was inspired by is almost blasphemy in the literary world. Yet, there are some screen reimaginings that came pretty close to capturing the literary brilliance of their source. For centuries, literature has been a muse to filmmakers in Hollywood, and there have been instances where they also managed to surpass the literary counterpart of it. As we need perfect alibis for the perfect crimes. Here's a list of five adaptations that came alive on screen without compromising the literary essence of the books: In 2006, the world of fashion was revolutionised with the release of The Devil wears Prada, a masterpiece on fashion journalism directed by David Frankel. The comedy-drama swayed away the audience by giving us some highly influential style icons, Miranda Priestly and Andrea Sachs. The screenplay is an adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's bestselling novel of the same name. The book has been heralded as an expression of new-age feminism through the lens of two women of different ages. Oscar-winning actor Meryl Streep played the iconic Miranda Priestly, the chief of Runway magazine, and Emmy Award winner Anne Hathaway essays a naive fresher appointed as her assistant. The incomparable Priestly with her elegant manners and chic ensembles rules her magazine and the fashion world, but much like the Devil himself creates her own iteration of Hell for those working under her. Seeking validation from Priestly, Sachs chases perfection, only to realise she is emulating the Devil, Miranda herself. She dresses fashionably and dishes witty quips but amid it all forgot to nurture her relationships. Although Priestly is portrayed as a clever, tough, and a powerful woman, that is not all to her. She is not an embodiment of the power-hungry individual, but the modern woman who can hold her own in a man's world. Sachs learning her lesson decides to quit her job in search of something that ignites a passion in her, much the same way as the magazine does for Priestly. The two women are antitheses of one another but compliment each other well. A tale set in a prison, Rita Hayworth & Shawshank Redemption, one of Stephen King's most beloved and iconic stories was published in 1982, which later was also adapted into a well-known film 'The Shawshank Redemption' in 1994. The plot revolves around two men convicted for murder, Red (Morgan Freeman), guilty as charged, and Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins), innocent, wrongly accused for murdering his wife and her lover. Andy struggling to adjust, and getting along with the fellow inmates somehow manages to befriend Red, famously known for his ability of getting hands on things that usually is impossible to get a hold of in prison. In the grim loneliness and corrupt environment of the Shawshank, they form an alliance to scheme up an escape from the prison. The opening scene of Red, now a free man, narrating the story of an inmate who became his closest friend at Shawshank draws the readers into bringing the character of Andy to life. The script describes how, with their shared skills and wit, the two come to share a bond that takes a lifetime to create otherwise. 'Some birds are not meant to be caged, that's all. Their feathers are too bright, their songs too sweet and wild.' While Stephen King writing evokes a gamut of emotions, Morgan Freeman's narration gives it real voice. A story of hope, redemption, and friendship, it encourages one to keep going in hard times. Despite its failure at the box office, the film is often cited as one of the greatest to be ever made and remains a comfort film for many. Directed by Chloe, Zhao Nomadland , is a candid depiction of growing community of American nomads traveling in search of seasonal employment after the great recession. Jessica Bruder's 2017 book Nomadland: Survining America in the Twenty-First Century. Nominated for six Academy Awards, starring Frances McDormand as the protagonist, the film featured real-life normads Bruder met in her investigation. The film bagged three Oscars, and Zhao became the second woman to win Oscar for best director. The plot of the film revolves around fern, played by Frances, who is a widow and has no kids to hold her in place. Fern, an oddball of a character hits road with her van, picking up seasonal work, and romanticising the quiet power of freedom that comes with loneliness. The not-so-subtle subtext of the story contradicts dwelling in the standards set by society of a conventional home. Wherever the road takes fern, is her home, houseless but never homeless. Fern might be fictitious but her world isn't. From the pages of Mario Puzo's novel emerged one of the most iconic cinematic adaptations in history—The Godfather (1972). Set against the intricate backdrop of the Mafia underworld, the film brought to life the complex power dynamics of the Corleone crime family. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the adaptation garnered critical acclaim and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Marlon Brando delivered a legendary performance as Don Vito Corleone, silencing critics and redefining the archetype of the powerful yet enigmatic patriarch. At the heart of the story is Vito's son, Michael Corleone, portrayed by Al Pacino—a man intent on distancing himself from the family's criminal legacy. However, when he returns for his sister's wedding, the weight of family loyalty and obligation begins to pull him into the world he hoped to escape. As Michael grapples with his identity and inheritance, he ultimately succumbs to the cycle of power, taking his father's place and transforming into a formidable Mafia leader, torn between duty and his longing for a simpler life. The Godfather trilogy has left an enduring legacy, shaping generations of filmmakers and embedding itself into popular culture through unforgettable quotes, masterful cinematography, and outstanding performances. Mario Puzo, who co-wrote the screenplay with Coppola, helped translate his literary vision into a cinematic masterpiece. The Godfather remains a timeless work of art—often considered the cinematic equivalent of great literature—and continues to inspire and influence storytelling across the globe. Directed by Lenny Abrahamson and Hettie Macdonald, Normal People is a critically acclaimed television adaptation of Sally Rooney's 2018 novel of the same name. Starring Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones in the lead roles, the series became a cultural phenomenon, breaking records in both the UK and Ireland with over 2.5 million viewers. Garnering seven BAFTA nominations, it is widely regarded as one of the most successful and faithful book-to-screen adaptations in recent years. The story follows the nuanced and evolving bond between Connell (Mescal) and Marianne (Edgar-Jones), capturing the emotional subtleties and unspoken connections that set their relationship apart from all others. The series excels at portraying the internal struggles and intimate moments that define their connection, thanks to masterful direction and breathtaking cinematography that vividly brings their inner worlds to life. At the heart of Normal People is the theme of miscommunication and emotional vulnerability. These flaws, far from weakening their relationship, form the core of its authenticity and depth. While the script makes some necessary adjustments for the screen, it retains the raw emotional intensity and passion of Rooney's prose. Viewers familiar with the novel may gain a deeper understanding of certain character nuances, but the series stands strong on its own as a companion piece to the book. Ultimately, Normal People proves how powerful a screen adaptation can be when it honors the spirit of its source material. The final scene—quiet, heartbreaking, and profound—cements the series as a deeply moving exploration of love, identity, and the complexity of human connection. (The writer is an intern with The Indian Express.)


Time of India
22 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Squid Game 3' originally had a happy ending. Why did director Hwang Dong-hyuk change it? Creator also breaks silence on Squid Game 4
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Alternate Ending That Never Was Reflecting Harsh Realities Through Fiction Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Popular in Panache A Powerful Cameo That Reframes the Narrative No Direct Sequels—But Possibilities Remain The release of Squid Game Season 3 has left fans deeply unsettled, primarily due to the unexpected and heart-wrenching demise of the series' central figure, Seong Gi-hun . Played by Lee Jung-jae, the brave yet deeply flawed protagonist meets his end during a daring rescue, sacrificing himself to protect a newborn caught in the crossfire of the lethal games. For many viewers, the loss of Gi-hun—who had grown into a symbol of resistance and redemption—felt both abrupt and emotionally a press event, the creator and director of the franchise, Hwang Dong-hyuk , shared that he had once envisioned a far more hopeful outcome for Gi-hun. Initially, he planned for the character to emerge from the harrowing experience with a sense of peace, traveling to the United States to reunite with his daughter. This alternate ending suggested closure, growth, and a long-awaited reward for enduring Hwang first started conceptualizing the second installment, he imagined Gi-hun returning to the games—not for greed, but as a force for good, perhaps sabotaging the system or aiding others in breaking free. That noble intention, he thought, would conclude with Gi-hun finally reconnecting with his daughter abroad. However, the deeper he dove into the script, the less that optimistic ending seemed to align with the story he felt compelled to tell. As Hwang refined the narrative, he concluded that Gi-hun's arc needed to conclude on a more sobering note."I asked myself, 'What is the story I truly want to tell?' And that led me to the realization that Gi-hun's journey had to end here," he told Korea creator explained that Squid Game has always been a commentary on the real world. Compared to when Season 1 was produced, he feels that the world has deteriorated further—with widening economic disparity, increasing conflict, and general helplessness among the masses. As global crises worsen year after year, Hwang saw the need to embed this grim reality into the fabric of the painful and ultimately fatal path serves as a mirror to the struggles of everyday individuals. Far from being an extraordinary hero, he represented the average person—someone overlooked, underestimated, and burdened by systemic failures. His tragic end underscores the broader themes of despair and hopelessness that permeate modern society."The painful journey of someone like Gi-hun, an average or even below-average person," he finale shocked viewers yet again with the sudden appearance of Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett. She steps into the role of a recruiter for the games, engaging potential players in a game of ddakji—a striking visual echo of the series' original Korean storyline, but now relocated to the US. Hwang explained that he purposefully cast a woman in the role, contrasting with the earlier male recruiter portrayed by Gong Yoo in Korea. He wanted a commanding presence for the short yet pivotal moment, and Blanchett, whom he greatly admires, fit the part the jaw-dropping ending and high-profile cameo, Hwang clarified that there are no plans for a direct continuation of Gi-hun's storyline. He expressed that the narrative goals for this season have been fully met, and revisiting the central arc would serve little purpose. However, he is open to developing side narratives or character-focused spin-offs. Hwang hinted at potential explorations into the lives of masked game organizers, referencing a cryptic photo of the Front Man found in Captain Park's home—a subtle clue fans had speculated now, Hwang appears content to let Gi-hun's journey conclude as a powerful statement, even as viewers struggle to process the profound loss.


The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Jota passes away: From Carragher to Neville; Tributes pour in from football community
Premier League-winning Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, 28, tragically passed away along with brother Andre, 26, in a car crash on Thursday in Spain. Jota was also part of the Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025. Tributes and messages of condolence started pouring in from the football community for the deceased Portuguese player, who is survived by his wife and three kids. Tributes pour in from football community after Diogo Jota's passing Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. — Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025 That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family 💔 — Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 3, 2025 That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family 💔 — Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 3, 2025 Sometimes life is too cruel 🙏🏼💔 — David de Gea (@D_DeGea) July 3, 2025 A Federação Portuguesa de Futebol e todo o Futebol português estão completamente devastados com a morte de Diogo Jota e do seu irmão André Silva, esta madrugada, em Espanha. Muito mais do que o fantástico jogador, com quase 50 internacionalizações pela Seleção Nacional A, Diogo… — Portugal (@selecaoportugal) July 3, 2025 On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected… — UEFA (@UEFA) July 3, 2025 Related Topics Diogo Jota / Liverpool