Players to watch out for in India vs New Zealand clash at World Cup

Heavy rain threatens to play spoilsport when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-14-india-vs-australia-225643">India</a> face New Zealand in their next World Cup game at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

However, as per weather forecast, the rain is likely to subside by lunchtime on Thursday which means at least a curtailed game remains a possibility.

There have&nbsp;been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019-sri-lanka-bangladesh-hope-for-a-game-as-bristol-rain-threatens-washout-226177">persistent showers across the United Kingdom</a> for the past two days and the local Met department has issued a warning for the residents.

"A Yellow Warning for rain is in force in the Nottingham area for most of this week," local website 'Nottinghampost' reported.

The Met office's warning on its website covered a large area of England, including Birmingham, Peterborough and Newcastle.

"There is a chance that heavy prolonged rain could lead to localised flooding and disruption to transport," it said.

As per local Met Office weather forecast for Nottingham, the heavy rain will continue till 7 pm on Wednesday.

"That lighter rain is expected to finally come to an end at about lunchtime on Thursday. The maximum temperatures will be around 13 degree Celsius and minimum overnight temperatures will be around 10 or 11 degree Celsius," the website reported.&nbsp;

Heavy rain threatens to play spoilsport when India face New Zealand in their next World Cup game at Trent Bridge on Thursday. However, as per weather forecast, the rain is likely to subside by lunchtime on Thursday which means at least a curtailed game remains a possibility.

Heavy rain threatens to play spoilsport when India face New Zealand in their next World Cup game at Trent Bridge on Thursday. However, as per weather forecast, the rain is likely to subside by lunchtime on Thursday which means at least a curtailed game remains a possibility. There have been persistent showers across the United Kingdom for the past two days and the local Met department has issued a warning for the residents. "A Yellow Warning for rain is in force in the Nottingham area for most of this week," local website 'Nottinghampost' reported. The Met office's warning on its website covered a large area of England, including Birmingham, Peterborough and Newcastle. "There is a chance that heavy prolonged rain could lead to localised flooding and disruption to transport," it said. As per local Met Office weather forecast for Nottingham, the heavy rain will continue till 7 pm on Wednesday. "That lighter rain is expected to finally come to an end at about lunchtime on Thursday. The maximum temperatures will be around 13 degree Celsius and minimum overnight temperatures will be around 10 or 11 degree Celsius," the website reported.

World Cup: Heavy rain forecast ahead of India vs New Zealand match

New Zealand will withdraw its troops from Iraq by June next year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday, ending a mission that helped train Iraqi defence forces to fight Islamic State militants.

New Zealand, which has up to 95 soldiers in Iraq, deployed troops there in 2015, in a joint training mission with Australia to support the multinational US-led operation against Islamic State.

"Over the next 12 months, New Zealand will be able to wind down and conclude that commitment," Ardern told a news conference to announce the decision.

Troop numbers would be cut to a maximum of 75 from July and 45 from next January, before the mission wraps up by June 2020, she added.

The troops provide training on basic weapons skills as well as medical support and logistics to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in camp Taji to the north of Baghdad, the capital.

More than 44,000 ISF personnel have been trained at Taji since 2015, the New Zealand government said in a statement.

US-backed forces drove Islamic State out of its last stronghold in eastern Syria this year, bringing an end to a so-called caliphate declared by the militant group.

New Zealand's deployment in Iraq had been scheduled to end in May 2017, but successive New governments extended the date. Last year Ardern extended the armed force deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan until June.

Ardern added that New Zealand will cut to 11 personnel, from 13, its deployment to a NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, but troops would remain until December 2020, to support the training of Afghan army officers.

New Zealand will withdraw its troops from Iraq by June next year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday, ending a mission that helped train Iraqi defence forces to fight Islamic State militants.

New Zealand will withdraw its troops from Iraq by June next year, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday, ending a mission that helped train Iraqi defence forces to fight Islamic State militants. New Zealand, which has up to 95 soldiers in Iraq, deployed troops there in 2015, in a joint training mission with Australia to support the multinational US-led operation against Islamic State. "Over the next 12 months, New Zealand will be able to wind down and conclude that commitment," Ardern told a news conference to announce the decision. Troop numbers would be cut to a maximum of 75 from July and 45 from next January, before the mission wraps up by June 2020, she added. The troops provide training on basic weapons skills as well as medical support and logistics to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in camp Taji to the north of Baghdad, the capital. More than 44,000 ISF personnel have been trained at Taji since 2015, the New Zealand government said in a statement. US-backed forces drove Islamic State out of its last stronghold in eastern Syria this year, bringing an end to a so-called caliphate declared by the militant group. New Zealand's deployment in Iraq had been scheduled to end in May 2017, but successive New governments extended the date. Last year Ardern extended the armed force deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan until June. Ardern added that New Zealand will cut to 11 personnel, from 13, its deployment to a NATO-led mission in Afghanistan, but troops would remain until December 2020, to support the training of Afghan army officers.

New Zealand to withdraw troops from Iraq next year, trim Afghanistan contingent

Kane Williamson led by example as the New Zealand captain's 79 not out guided his side to a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan that maintained their 100 percent start to the World Cup on Saturday.

Williamson was New Zealand's top scorer with a 99-ball innings containing nine fours after Jimmy Neesham took career-best one-day figures of 5-31 to dismiss Afghanistan for 172 at Taunton.

New Zealand's third successive victory kept them on course to make the semi-finals in the 10-team tournament, while minnows Afghanistan have lost all three of their matches.

Earlier, New Zealand dismissed Afghanistan for 172 in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton.

Neesham turned the game in New Zealand's favour with his impressive spell after Afghanistan briefly threatened to rock the Black Caps.

Put in to bat by New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, Afghanistan openers Hazratullah Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran blasted a quickfire 66 for the first wicket.

But pace bowler Neesham, who had struggled in New Zealand's first two matches, finally found his rhythm despite two rain interruptions.

New Zealand, World Cup runners-up in 2015, have to make 173 from their 50 overs to extend their unbeaten start to three matches.

Hashmatullah Shahidi (59) top-scored for Afghanistan, who are fighting to avoid a third successive defeat.

With Mohammad Shahzad ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a knee injury, the onus was on Hazratullah to anchor the Afghanistan innings and he made a flying start with three fours off Matthew Henry's opening over of the match.

On the small west country ground, the free-hitting Afghanistan's openers were doing their best to rattle New Zealand as they reached 66 in the 11th over.

But Neesham made the crucial breakthrough when Hazratullah went for one big shot too many, the left-hander hitting to Colin Munro at deep cover to depart for 34.

New Zealand had two wickets in the space of three balls as Noor Ali (31) was strangled down the leg side by fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who would finish with four wickets.

Afghanistan lost their third wicket with the score still on 66 when Rahmat Shah was dismissed for a duck after a leading edge off Neesham was held by Martin Guptill.

When Gulbadin Naib failed with a review attempt to overturn his edge behind off Neesham, Afghanistan had lost four wickets for four runs in 21 deliveries.

Play was halted due to rain with the score on 84-4 and although the teams returned when the weather relented 25 minutes later, another shower forced them off just two overs later.

After the rain at last disappeared, Neesham shattered Afghanistan's resistance when he had both Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran caught behind to leave them 109-6 and earn his first five-wicket haul in ODIs.

By the time Rashid Khan was bowled when a Ferguson bouncer hit his helmet and cannoned onto the stumps, it was clear that aggressive New Zealand had imposed their will.

Kane Williamson led by example as the New Zealand captain's 79 not out guided his side to a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan that maintained their 100 percent start to the World Cup on Saturday.

Kane Williamson led by example as the New Zealand captain's 79 not out guided his side to a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan that maintained their 100 percent start to the World Cup on Saturday. Williamson was New Zealand's top scorer with a 99-ball innings containing nine fours after Jimmy Neesham took career-best one-day figures of 5-31 to dismiss Afghanistan for 172 at Taunton. New Zealand's third successive victory kept them on course to make the semi-finals in the 10-team tournament, while minnows Afghanistan have lost all three of their matches. Earlier, New Zealand dismissed Afghanistan for 172 in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton. Neesham turned the game in New Zealand's favour with his impressive spell after Afghanistan briefly threatened to rock the Black Caps. Put in to bat by New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, Afghanistan openers Hazratullah Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran blasted a quickfire 66 for the first wicket. But pace bowler Neesham, who had struggled in New Zealand's first two matches, finally found his rhythm despite two rain interruptions. New Zealand, World Cup runners-up in 2015, have to make 173 from their 50 overs to extend their unbeaten start to three matches. Hashmatullah Shahidi (59) top-scored for Afghanistan, who are fighting to avoid a third successive defeat. With Mohammad Shahzad ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a knee injury, the onus was on Hazratullah to anchor the Afghanistan innings and he made a flying start with three fours off Matthew Henry's opening over of the match. On the small west country ground, the free-hitting Afghanistan's openers were doing their best to rattle New Zealand as they reached 66 in the 11th over. But Neesham made the crucial breakthrough when Hazratullah went for one big shot too many, the left-hander hitting to Colin Munro at deep cover to depart for 34. New Zealand had two wickets in the space of three balls as Noor Ali (31) was strangled down the leg side by fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who would finish with four wickets. Afghanistan lost their third wicket with the score still on 66 when Rahmat Shah was dismissed for a duck after a leading edge off Neesham was held by Martin Guptill. When Gulbadin Naib failed with a review attempt to overturn his edge behind off Neesham, Afghanistan had lost four wickets for four runs in 21 deliveries. Play was halted due to rain with the score on 84-4 and although the teams returned when the weather relented 25 minutes later, another shower forced them off just two overs later. After the rain at last disappeared, Neesham shattered Afghanistan's resistance when he had both Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran caught behind to leave them 109-6 and earn his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. By the time Rashid Khan was bowled when a Ferguson bouncer hit his helmet and cannoned onto the stumps, it was clear that aggressive New Zealand had imposed their will.

World Cup: New Zealand beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl against Afghanistan in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton.

New Zealand have a 100 per cent record after thrashing Sri Lanka and then beating Bangladesh in their opening two matches.

"We're going to have a bowl. It looks like a fresh wicket, it's a bit cloudy overhead so we hope we can get in a bit early on," Williamson said.

"In a tournament sport you get in a flow, it's nice to have a couple of wins under our belt but we'll have to adapt today.

"We got across the line last time out and we will look to build on that. Everyone is fit, we are unchanged."

Afghanistan have started the tournament with two successive defeats against holders Australia and Sri Lanka.

With wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out for the rest of the World Cup due to a knee injury, Ikram Alikhil came into the Afghanistan team.

Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib said he was happy to be put in to bat.

"I wanted to bat first. It looks a good wicket. I don't think it will change much over the course of the day," said Naib, who also brought in Noor Ali Zadran and Aftab Alam for Dawlat Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

"We just need to play positive cricket and have more of the good moments we've done so far."

The Teams: 
 
New Zealand: 
Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wkt), Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult.&nbsp; 
 
Afghanistan: 
Gulbadin Naib (capt), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Ikram Alikhil (wkt), Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl against Afghanistan in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton. New Zealand have a 100 per cent record after thrashing Sri Lanka and then beating Bangladesh in their opening two matches.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl against Afghanistan in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton. New Zealand have a 100 per cent record after thrashing Sri Lanka and then beating Bangladesh in their opening two matches. "We're going to have a bowl. It looks like a fresh wicket, it's a bit cloudy overhead so we hope we can get in a bit early on," Williamson said. "In a tournament sport you get in a flow, it's nice to have a couple of wins under our belt but we'll have to adapt today. "We got across the line last time out and we will look to build on that. Everyone is fit, we are unchanged." Afghanistan have started the tournament with two successive defeats against holders Australia and Sri Lanka. With wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out for the rest of the World Cup due to a knee injury, Ikram Alikhil came into the Afghanistan team. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib said he was happy to be put in to bat. "I wanted to bat first. It looks a good wicket. I don't think it will change much over the course of the day," said Naib, who also brought in Noor Ali Zadran and Aftab Alam for Dawlat Zadran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. "We just need to play positive cricket and have more of the good moments we've done so far." The Teams: New Zealand: Kane Williamson (capt), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wkt), Jimmy Neesham, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult. Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib (capt), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Ikram Alikhil (wkt), Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan.

World Cup: New Zealand win toss, opt to bowl against Afghanistan

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 approved Ikram Ali Khil as a replacement player for Shahzad in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-sri-lanka-fight-back-to-beat-afghanistan-by-34-runs-224394&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2COXTRL5NlyHlPBwtOWO0E">Afghanistan </a>squad for the remainder of the tournament, confirmed ICC.

Khil has played one test match and two one-day internationals, against Ireland in March.

During the very first World Cup warm-up match being played between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Shahzad scored 22 runs off 24 deliveries.&nbsp;

However, in the seventh over he was forced to retire hurt because of discomfort in his left knee.

Shahzad later missed the second warm-up match which was against England but made a comeback in the team during <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-refugee-to-afghan-world-cup-star-a-talismanic-tale-of-rashid-khan-223205&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjABegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1pDXaj3Y3jiXno9GbV66BJ">Afghanistan's </a>first two World Cup matches played against Australia and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

However, Shahzad was unable to leave his mark in either of the matches as he was out on a duck against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019-david-warner-stars-in-australias-rout-of-afghanistan-223509&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw39p5JW84xEsV9JXHjd_o-c">Australia </a>and scored seven runs against Sri Lanka.

Before making any replacement in the squad, it is mandatory that the Event Technical Committee approves that replacement.&nbsp;

Here's the&nbsp;complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc73697d-0ed1-478f-a9b0-a0e7f50bda56" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_24.jpg" />

Afghanistan will now play against New Zealand on June 8.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan.

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 approved Ikram Ali Khil as a replacement player for Shahzad in the Afghanistan squad for the remainder of the tournament, confirmed ICC. Khil has played one test match and two one-day internationals, against Ireland in March. During the very first World Cup warm-up match being played between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Shahzad scored 22 runs off 24 deliveries. However, in the seventh over he was forced to retire hurt because of discomfort in his left knee. Shahzad later missed the second warm-up match which was against England but made a comeback in the team during Afghanistan's first two World Cup matches played against Australia and Sri Lanka. However, Shahzad was unable to leave his mark in either of the matches as he was out on a duck against Australia and scored seven runs against Sri Lanka. Before making any replacement in the squad, it is mandatory that the Event Technical Committee approves that replacement. Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: Afghanistan will now play against New Zealand on June 8.

Afghanistan keeper Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of World Cup 2019

Mitchell Santner, playing only his second Cricket World Cup match, needed his steely nerves to shut out the noise from the large Bangladesh crowd at the Oval and guide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-beat-bangladesh-by-two-wickets-in-cricket-world-cup-224798">New Zealand to victory</a> on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old bespectacled all-rounder, who arrived at the crease with his side in danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, held the tail together and hit the winning runs with 17 balls remaining in the match.

Santner scored an unbeaten 17 off 12 balls and ensured the Black Caps advanced from 218-6 through to their 245-run target with his lofted off-drive from Mustafizur Rahman taking them past Bangladesh's total for two crucial competition points.

"Bangladesh were on top there for a while and you can hear it through the crowd," Santner told reporters.

"I think a big thing is communication between you and your partner. We were just trying to keep it about playing ball by ball. If they bowl a good ball then you can just try and get your ones and twos and go from there," Santner said.

Kane Williamson's side restricted the Tigers to 244 and with Williamson (40) and Ross Taylor (82) taking them through to 160-2 in the 32nd over, the 2015 World Cup finalists looked on course for an easy win.

Bangladesh's slow bowlers, however, fought back as New Zealand lost wickets at crucial junctures until Santner's 20-run stand with Matt Henry pushed them to the cusp of victory.

"I thought we were cruising there for a while, we were going to get that two or three down. But credit to the way Bangladesh bowled, they kept fighting to the end," Santner said.

It was not the first time that Santner demonstrated his calmness under pressure in one-day internationals.

Last year he smashed 45 not out from 27 balls to guide <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-cricket-world-cup-2019-match-9-bangladesh-vs-new-zealand-224576">New Zealand</a> to a three-wicket win in Hamilton against England and followed that up with scores of 63 not out in a six-wicket loss at Mt. Maunganui.

His run out for 41 in the next game in Wellington probably cost the hosts a win in the five-run loss while he top-scored again with 67 in the fifth game against Eoin Morgan's side.

"You want to perform on the biggest stage and there's none bigger than the World Cup," said the left-arm spinner, who missed most of 2018 with a knee injury.

"It was nice to get the boys over the line. It got a bit tighter than we would have liked but we'll take the win and move on to the next game," Santner said.

Mitchell Santner, playing only his second Cricket World Cup match, needed his steely nerves to shut out the noise from the large Bangladesh crowd at the Oval and guide New Zealand to victory on Wednesday.

Mitchell Santner, playing only his second Cricket World Cup match, needed his steely nerves to shut out the noise from the large Bangladesh crowd at the Oval and guide New Zealand to victory on Wednesday. The 27-year-old bespectacled all-rounder, who arrived at the crease with his side in danger of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, held the tail together and hit the winning runs with 17 balls remaining in the match. Santner scored an unbeaten 17 off 12 balls and ensured the Black Caps advanced from 218-6 through to their 245-run target with his lofted off-drive from Mustafizur Rahman taking them past Bangladesh's total for two crucial competition points. "Bangladesh were on top there for a while and you can hear it through the crowd," Santner told reporters. "I think a big thing is communication between you and your partner. We were just trying to keep it about playing ball by ball. If they bowl a good ball then you can just try and get your ones and twos and go from there," Santner said. Kane Williamson's side restricted the Tigers to 244 and with Williamson (40) and Ross Taylor (82) taking them through to 160-2 in the 32nd over, the 2015 World Cup finalists looked on course for an easy win. Bangladesh's slow bowlers, however, fought back as New Zealand lost wickets at crucial junctures until Santner's 20-run stand with Matt Henry pushed them to the cusp of victory. "I thought we were cruising there for a while, we were going to get that two or three down. But credit to the way Bangladesh bowled, they kept fighting to the end," Santner said. It was not the first time that Santner demonstrated his calmness under pressure in one-day internationals. Last year he smashed 45 not out from 27 balls to guide New Zealand to a three-wicket win in Hamilton against England and followed that up with scores of 63 not out in a six-wicket loss at Mt. Maunganui. His run out for 41 in the next game in Wellington probably cost the hosts a win in the five-run loss while he top-scored again with 67 in the fifth game against Eoin Morgan's side. "You want to perform on the biggest stage and there's none bigger than the World Cup," said the left-arm spinner, who missed most of 2018 with a knee injury. "It was nice to get the boys over the line. It got a bit tighter than we would have liked but we'll take the win and move on to the next game," Santner said.

World Cup: Ice-cold Mitchell Santner showcases finishing ability, takes New Zealand past Bangladesh

Major takeaways from first week of the Cricket World Cup 2019

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by two wickets at the Oval on Wednesday as they made it two wins from as many games at the World Cup.

The Black Caps, losing finalists four years ago, achieved a seemingly modest target of 245 thanks mainly to Ross Taylor's 82.

But they lost three wickets for 27 runs before Mitchell Santner (17 not out) and Lockie Ferguson (four not out) saw them to a victory achieved with 17 balls to spare.&nbsp;

Earlier, fast bowler Matt Henry took four for 47 in a Bangladesh total of 244 that featured Shakib Al Hasan's 64.

Henry finished with figures of 4-47 to follow his three wickets against Sri Lanka as Bangladesh -- sent in to bat -- lost their last six wickets for just 65 runs.

Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan hit a fighting 68-ball 64 with seven boundaries in his 200th one-day international but no other batsmen cashed in on good starts.

Once Shakib was caught by wicketkeeper Tom Latham off the bowling of Colin de Grandhomme in the 31st over, the innings fell apart.

New Zealand vs Bangladesh match in numbers:
<img alt="Match 9" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8cec1255-146a-415f-a991-de74f9af42a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/match%209.jpg" />
Mohammad Mitun (26), Mahmudullah (20) and Mosadeek Hossain (11) all failed to build a significant innings.

Tailender Mohammad Saifuddin hit a 23-ball 29 with a six and three boundaries before Henry and Trent Boult (2-44) mopped up the tail.

Earlier, openers Tamim Iqbal, who made 24, and Soumya Sarkar, who scored 25, gave Bangladesh a solid base, putting on 45 runs for the first wicket.

But Henry made the breakthrough for&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand, bowling Sarkar in the ninth over.

That brought Shakib to the crease, much to the appreciation of a large contingent of Bangladeshi supporters.

Iqbal was out shortly afterwards, caught by Boult off the bowling of Lockie Ferguson, to leave Bangladesh 60-2.

Mushfiqur Rahim rebuilt the innings with Shakib, putting on exactly 50 for the third wicket before he was run out for 19.

Both&nbsp;New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;and Bangladesh won their first matches at the World Cup, taking place in England and Wales.

New&nbsp;Zealand&nbsp;crushed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets at Cardiff while Bangladesh beat South Africa.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by two wickets at the Oval on Wednesday as they made it two wins from as many games at the World Cup. The Black Caps, losing finalists four years ago, achieved a seemingly modest target of 245 thanks mainly to Ross Taylor's 82.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by two wickets at the Oval on Wednesday as they made it two wins from as many games at the World Cup. The Black Caps, losing finalists four years ago, achieved a seemingly modest target of 245 thanks mainly to Ross Taylor's 82. But they lost three wickets for 27 runs before Mitchell Santner (17 not out) and Lockie Ferguson (four not out) saw them to a victory achieved with 17 balls to spare. Earlier, fast bowler Matt Henry took four for 47 in a Bangladesh total of 244 that featured Shakib Al Hasan's 64. Henry finished with figures of 4-47 to follow his three wickets against Sri Lanka as Bangladesh -- sent in to bat -- lost their last six wickets for just 65 runs. Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan hit a fighting 68-ball 64 with seven boundaries in his 200th one-day international but no other batsmen cashed in on good starts. Once Shakib was caught by wicketkeeper Tom Latham off the bowling of Colin de Grandhomme in the 31st over, the innings fell apart. New Zealand vs Bangladesh match in numbers: Mohammad Mitun (26), Mahmudullah (20) and Mosadeek Hossain (11) all failed to build a significant innings. Tailender Mohammad Saifuddin hit a 23-ball 29 with a six and three boundaries before Henry and Trent Boult (2-44) mopped up the tail. Earlier, openers Tamim Iqbal, who made 24, and Soumya Sarkar, who scored 25, gave Bangladesh a solid base, putting on 45 runs for the first wicket. But Henry made the breakthrough for New Zealand, bowling Sarkar in the ninth over. That brought Shakib to the crease, much to the appreciation of a large contingent of Bangladeshi supporters. Iqbal was out shortly afterwards, caught by Boult off the bowling of Lockie Ferguson, to leave Bangladesh 60-2. Mushfiqur Rahim rebuilt the innings with Shakib, putting on exactly 50 for the third wicket before he was run out for 19. Both New Zealand and Bangladesh won their first matches at the World Cup, taking place in England and Wales. New Zealand crushed Sri Lanka by 10 wickets at Cardiff while Bangladesh beat South Africa.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by two wickets in Cricket World Cup

There’s a slight sense of déjà vu about New Zealand versus Sri Lanka in Cardiff, game three of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

In 2015, in the similarly nondescript surroundings of Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the two teams played the first match of the World Cup. Like Hagley Oval, Sophia Gardens is surrounded by a perimeter of thick trees, their dense foliage acting as a pleasant backdrop to a small ground which is, a day before the match, populated by the Sri Lankan and New Zealand cricket teams, a fistful of reporters, a few from the TV crew and of course an array of ICC support and hospitality staff.

For added effect, the sky above is nearing a slate grey much as it was a day before New Zealand and Sri Lanka began the last World Cup four years ago.

Yes, déjà vu alright.

But that’s where the similarities end, even though the Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson admits it is a bit of a coincidence that his team is again opening their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka.

Four years ago, Williamson played the World Cup under the inspirational captaincy of Brendon McCullum and had a fairly muted tournament with the bat. McCullum is of course retired and Williamson is the captain of New Zealand, with a 34-29-2 record in ODIs.

His batting has remained as classy and dependable as it was under McCullum, and now Williamson will lead New Zealand against Sri Lanka in their opening match at Cardiff on Saturday.

Asked to look back at 2015, Williamson found the situation different but could identify a similar rush of positivity.

“Naturally a little bit different just being different seasons, I suppose. The last campaign we were playing a lot of cricket in our home summer, I guess in some ways preparing for the World Cup which was also at home,” he told reporters on Friday.

“Being over in this part of the world heading into winter at home meant it was a little bit different. We had IPL guys who were playing cricket in different parts, which was a good thing, and so we were able to make sure we were getting cricket in. There was some cricket in Australia. Everybody was playing, which was nice. I guess the difference between playing months together and then going into World Cup versus perhaps not and guys being quite excited to get back together as a group is still a positive thing.

“It [2015 World Cup] was a lot of fun and we really enjoyed that tournament. I guess we come to now and so many things are different and have changed and different personnel on both sides. I guess it’s coincidence that we’re playing each other again in our first matches. But, yeah, the focus is very much on our team, the sort of cricket that we want to be playing, the attitudes we want to be taking into the first match, and that’s where we’ll place our importance.”

New Zealand go into the World Cup after gap of a few months, having ended their home season in February. This year, in ODIs, they have swept Sri Lanka and Bangladesh 3-0 and lost to India 1-4, all at home. Post the Bangladesh series, some of their players went to play in the IPL. They are back together in England, having beaten India and lost to New Zealand in their two World Cup warm-ups.

Their opponents, Sri Lanka, have in 2019 been whitewashed by South Africa 0-5 after the winless tour of New Zealand. Most recently, they won an ODI against Scotland. They are a team flying very low under the radar, chiefly because of poor form and inconsistency, chopping and changing and the fact that their new captain, Dimuth Karuraratne had, before the aforementioned Scotland match, not played an ODI since the 2015 World Cup.

Smart man that he is, Williamson did not go anywhere near venturing to say that New Zealand have the upper hand over an opponent they last lost an ODI to in … wait for it … 2015.

“I don’t know how much the past really counts as we come into a tournament. It is on the day,” said Williamson. “We know in this competition that any team can beat any of the other teams, so we’re certainly treating all our matches like that. We want to bring the focus back to the cricket we want to play day in and day out.

“Naturally when you go through the tournament you play one country and you might have two or three days, play another country on another surface, and you’re trying to, I guess, stay up-to-date with the different I suppose plans that you’re adjusting with the different opposition.

“But our focus is much about the cricket that we want to play. We know the Sri Lankan side is a little bit different to the one we played at home, but we have no doubt they’re a tough side.”

So far, the sense of déjà vu lingers. Whether Sri Lanka smash that on Saturday with victory over New Zealand remains to be seen.

(This article was originally published on Cricket Country. Read the <a href="https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/cricket-world-cup-2015-firmly-behind-kane-williamsons-new-zealand-as-they-reunite-with-sri-lanka-850269">original article</a>)

There’s a slight sense of déjà vu about New Zealand versus Sri Lanka in Cardiff, game three of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. In 2015, in the similarly nondescript surroundings of Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the two teams played the first match of the World Cup.

There’s a slight sense of déjà vu about New Zealand versus Sri Lanka in Cardiff, game three of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. In 2015, in the similarly nondescript surroundings of Hagley Oval in Christchurch, the two teams played the first match of the World Cup. Like Hagley Oval, Sophia Gardens is surrounded by a perimeter of thick trees, their dense foliage acting as a pleasant backdrop to a small ground which is, a day before the match, populated by the Sri Lankan and New Zealand cricket teams, a fistful of reporters, a few from the TV crew and of course an array of ICC support and hospitality staff. For added effect, the sky above is nearing a slate grey much as it was a day before New Zealand and Sri Lanka began the last World Cup four years ago. Yes, déjà vu alright. But that’s where the similarities end, even though the Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson admits it is a bit of a coincidence that his team is again opening their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka. Four years ago, Williamson played the World Cup under the inspirational captaincy of Brendon McCullum and had a fairly muted tournament with the bat. McCullum is of course retired and Williamson is the captain of New Zealand, with a 34-29-2 record in ODIs. His batting has remained as classy and dependable as it was under McCullum, and now Williamson will lead New Zealand against Sri Lanka in their opening match at Cardiff on Saturday. Asked to look back at 2015, Williamson found the situation different but could identify a similar rush of positivity. “Naturally a little bit different just being different seasons, I suppose. The last campaign we were playing a lot of cricket in our home summer, I guess in some ways preparing for the World Cup which was also at home,” he told reporters on Friday. “Being over in this part of the world heading into winter at home meant it was a little bit different. We had IPL guys who were playing cricket in different parts, which was a good thing, and so we were able to make sure we were getting cricket in. There was some cricket in Australia. Everybody was playing, which was nice. I guess the difference between playing months together and then going into World Cup versus perhaps not and guys being quite excited to get back together as a group is still a positive thing. “It [2015 World Cup] was a lot of fun and we really enjoyed that tournament. I guess we come to now and so many things are different and have changed and different personnel on both sides. I guess it’s coincidence that we’re playing each other again in our first matches. But, yeah, the focus is very much on our team, the sort of cricket that we want to be playing, the attitudes we want to be taking into the first match, and that’s where we’ll place our importance.” New Zealand go into the World Cup after gap of a few months, having ended their home season in February. This year, in ODIs, they have swept Sri Lanka and Bangladesh 3-0 and lost to India 1-4, all at home. Post the Bangladesh series, some of their players went to play in the IPL. They are back together in England, having beaten India and lost to New Zealand in their two World Cup warm-ups. Their opponents, Sri Lanka, have in 2019 been whitewashed by South Africa 0-5 after the winless tour of New Zealand. Most recently, they won an ODI against Scotland. They are a team flying very low under the radar, chiefly because of poor form and inconsistency, chopping and changing and the fact that their new captain, Dimuth Karuraratne had, before the aforementioned Scotland match, not played an ODI since the 2015 World Cup. Smart man that he is, Williamson did not go anywhere near venturing to say that New Zealand have the upper hand over an opponent they last lost an ODI to in … wait for it … 2015. “I don’t know how much the past really counts as we come into a tournament. It is on the day,” said Williamson. “We know in this competition that any team can beat any of the other teams, so we’re certainly treating all our matches like that. We want to bring the focus back to the cricket we want to play day in and day out. “Naturally when you go through the tournament you play one country and you might have two or three days, play another country on another surface, and you’re trying to, I guess, stay up-to-date with the different I suppose plans that you’re adjusting with the different opposition. “But our focus is much about the cricket that we want to play. We know the Sri Lankan side is a little bit different to the one we played at home, but we have no doubt they’re a tough side.” So far, the sense of déjà vu lingers. Whether Sri Lanka smash that on Saturday with victory over New Zealand remains to be seen. (This article was originally published on Cricket Country. Read the original article)

Cricket World Cup: 2015 firmly behind Kane Williamson's New Zealand as they reunite with Sri Lanka

New Zealand are confident wicket-keeper Tom Latham will be fit for their opening game of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019-jofra-archers-impact-makes-england-an-even-tougher-force-223067">2019 ICC Cricket World Cup</a> against Sri Lanka on June 1.

The wicket-keeper's fitness had been a doubt after he broke his finger during a warm-up game in Australia earlier this month.

Latham trained fully for the first time on May 30 and said he felt no pain or discomfort as he batted in the nets and caught balls at full pace.

He remains on track to be available for selection for their first game.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed that signs were positive for Latham, but said they still need to monitor him in the coming days.

"He's probably slightly ahead of time. So far Tom's reached all the milestones that we've wanted him to, and today was another step, taking balls with more heat on them and making him dive and jump around a wee bit more. It's a bit bent from what happened, but he's had no pain so far, which means the bone has knitted back well," Stead said in a press conference.

Explaining the condition of his finger, Latham said, "It's nice to get through training but we'll still wait and see how it pulls up tonight and tomorrow.

"If Latham needs more time to nurse his injury, the Kiwi side will call up their back-up keeper Tom Blundell, who is yet to make his ODI debut.

Blundell scored a century in New Zealand's second warm-up match against the West Indies.

"He played a fantastic inning. Even the way he went in Australia before we came over here, he's certainly hitting the ball really well and the ball looks like it's going into the gloves nicely. It's a nice confidence boost for him to get some runs against a good West Indies attack and Australia as well," said Latham.

Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="387800e3-06ae-45c2-a65b-2e5b7a13a7a2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_14.jpg" />

New Zealand play their opening game of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-outplayed-but-not-downbeat-says-faf-du-plessis-222986">2019 ICC Cricket World Cup</a> against Sri Lanka on June 1.

New Zealand are confident wicket-keeper Tom Latham will be fit for their opening game of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup against Sri Lanka on June 1. The wicket-keeper's fitness had been a doubt after he broke his finger during a warm-up game in Australia earlier this month.

New Zealand are confident wicket-keeper Tom Latham will be fit for their opening game of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup against Sri Lanka on June 1. The wicket-keeper's fitness had been a doubt after he broke his finger during a warm-up game in Australia earlier this month. Latham trained fully for the first time on May 30 and said he felt no pain or discomfort as he batted in the nets and caught balls at full pace. He remains on track to be available for selection for their first game. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed that signs were positive for Latham, but said they still need to monitor him in the coming days. "He's probably slightly ahead of time. So far Tom's reached all the milestones that we've wanted him to, and today was another step, taking balls with more heat on them and making him dive and jump around a wee bit more. It's a bit bent from what happened, but he's had no pain so far, which means the bone has knitted back well," Stead said in a press conference. Explaining the condition of his finger, Latham said, "It's nice to get through training but we'll still wait and see how it pulls up tonight and tomorrow. "If Latham needs more time to nurse his injury, the Kiwi side will call up their back-up keeper Tom Blundell, who is yet to make his ODI debut. Blundell scored a century in New Zealand's second warm-up match against the West Indies. "He played a fantastic inning. Even the way he went in Australia before we came over here, he's certainly hitting the ball really well and the ball looks like it's going into the gloves nicely. It's a nice confidence boost for him to get some runs against a good West Indies attack and Australia as well," said Latham. Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: New Zealand play their opening game of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup against Sri Lanka on June 1.

New Zealand confident of Tom Latham's fitness ahead of their World Cup opener against Sri Lanka

New Zealand unveiled plans on Thursday to spend up to $2.47 billion a year under its 'wellbeing' approach, which the government has touted as a new way of budgeting that moves beyond measuring just economic growth.

Much of the excitement around the 'wellbeing' budget was dampened after some plans of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's government were released earlier by the opposition party.

The Labour-led government allocated over a billion dollars each for issues like mental health and child poverty. It also targeted funds towards tackling domestic violence, and for infrastructure projects like rail, hospitals and schools.

"We are measuring our country's success differently," said Finance minister Grant Robertson. "We are not just relying on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but also how we are improving the wellbeing of our people, protecting the environment and strengthening of our communities."

The budget increases annual operating allowance for new spending to $3.8 billion per year over the four-year forecast period, from $2.4 billion in the previous budget.

The operating allowance for budget 2020 has also increased to $3.0 billion from $2.4 billion.

The Treasury department downgraded its gross domestic product forecasts to 2.1% in the year ending June 30, 2019, compared to 2.9% predicted in December, hurt by a cooling global economy and slowing domestic consumption.

GDP was forecast at 3.2% in fiscal 2020, and was seen averaging at about 2.6 per cent over the forecasted four-year period.

Robertson said the economy faces continuing risks from the US-China trade disputes and Brexit.

The budget forecast an operating surplus of NZ$3.5 billion for the year ending June, up from NZ$1.7 billion forecast in December.

The country's debt is forecast to drop to 19.9% by 2022.

Goals missed

Despite enjoying a 'rockstar' economy for years, some New Zealanders have felt left behind due to the rising inequality.

Ardern, the popular 38-year-old Prime Minister, came to power in 2017 with an agenda of social justice and promising to make the economy "work for all New Zealanders".

Some questioned whether the budget had lived up to the government's stated goals to transform the economy and pointed out that the spending increase was still relatively modest as the government stuck firmly to its targets of paying down debt.

"They have spent on their priorities that they stated they would but I just don't get the sense that its the transformation that we have been promised," said Ganesh Nana, chief economist at Wellington economic think tank BERL.

Critics, many in the Labour's left-wing base, already felt the government has already missed key opportunities to fulfill its transformative goals.

Ardern made a surprise U-turn in April by ruling out a capital gains tax during her tenure, long a Labour policy to tackle wealth inequality.

Tens of thousands of New Zealand teachers staged the country's largest strike on Wednesday, and doctors, nurses and others also threatening industrial action this year for higher pay and shorter hours.

New Zealand unveiled plans on Thursday to spend up to $2.47 billion a year under its 'wellbeing' approach, which the government has touted as a new way of budgeting that moves beyond measuring just economic growth.

New Zealand unveiled plans on Thursday to spend up to $2.47 billion a year under its 'wellbeing' approach, which the government has touted as a new way of budgeting that moves beyond measuring just economic growth. Much of the excitement around the 'wellbeing' budget was dampened after some plans of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's government were released earlier by the opposition party. The Labour-led government allocated over a billion dollars each for issues like mental health and child poverty. It also targeted funds towards tackling domestic violence, and for infrastructure projects like rail, hospitals and schools. "We are measuring our country's success differently," said Finance minister Grant Robertson. "We are not just relying on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but also how we are improving the wellbeing of our people, protecting the environment and strengthening of our communities." The budget increases annual operating allowance for new spending to $3.8 billion per year over the four-year forecast period, from $2.4 billion in the previous budget. The operating allowance for budget 2020 has also increased to $3.0 billion from $2.4 billion. The Treasury department downgraded its gross domestic product forecasts to 2.1% in the year ending June 30, 2019, compared to 2.9% predicted in December, hurt by a cooling global economy and slowing domestic consumption. GDP was forecast at 3.2% in fiscal 2020, and was seen averaging at about 2.6 per cent over the forecasted four-year period. Robertson said the economy faces continuing risks from the US-China trade disputes and Brexit. The budget forecast an operating surplus of NZ$3.5 billion for the year ending June, up from NZ$1.7 billion forecast in December. The country's debt is forecast to drop to 19.9% by 2022. Goals missed Despite enjoying a 'rockstar' economy for years, some New Zealanders have felt left behind due to the rising inequality. Ardern, the popular 38-year-old Prime Minister, came to power in 2017 with an agenda of social justice and promising to make the economy "work for all New Zealanders". Some questioned whether the budget had lived up to the government's stated goals to transform the economy and pointed out that the spending increase was still relatively modest as the government stuck firmly to its targets of paying down debt. "They have spent on their priorities that they stated they would but I just don't get the sense that its the transformation that we have been promised," said Ganesh Nana, chief economist at Wellington economic think tank BERL. Critics, many in the Labour's left-wing base, already felt the government has already missed key opportunities to fulfill its transformative goals. Ardern made a surprise U-turn in April by ruling out a capital gains tax during her tenure, long a Labour policy to tackle wealth inequality. Tens of thousands of New Zealand teachers staged the country's largest strike on Wednesday, and doctors, nurses and others also threatening industrial action this year for higher pay and shorter hours.

New Zealand unveils spending boost in 'wellbeing' budget; cuts 2019 growth forecast

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/consistency-key-for-dangerous-west-indies-at-world-cup-brian-lara-208975&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjM7PKi6MDiAhVMuo8KHaVdCMUQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jUSDUXjOzNR9CgLVwOD9Y">West Indies</a> missed a historic run-mark in their second World Cup warm-up match.

The <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/chris-gayle-named-vice-captain-of-windies-world-cup-team-216601&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjM7PKi6MDiAhVMuo8KHaVdCMUQFjAAegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1e5yLV0-qZCv-IPbpVc-qC">Caribbean side</a> fell short of 79 runs to post the first-ever target of 500 runs in one-day international (ODI).

Century by Shai Hope and half-century by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/andre-russell-named-in-west-indies-world-cup-squad-kieron-pollard-and-sunil-narine-omitted-213370&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjM7PKi6MDiAhVMuo8KHaVdCMUQFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw23HYA6N_xgtzGJJdpMcuxr">Andre Russell</a> helped West Indies to score a mammoth total after being asked to bat first.

On the 500-run mark, Shai said that it is definitely a goal and they can achieve it at some point with the batting power they have.

"It is definitely a goal we can try to achieve at some point," Hope said.

"Definitely, it would be great to be the first team to cross that 500 mark, and I am sure we have the batting firepower to do it," said Shai Hope.

Talking about the team performance batting all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite said that the tailenders can't contribute the same as they played against New Zealand, Also, it depends on the intent, situation, and execution from the batsmen.

"However, in a real game, you probably won't have the depth in batting at 10 and 11 that we had today. So you need to be a little real about the target," said Carlos Brathwaite.

"But what I will say is the intent and the execution from batsman to batsman, situation to situation, believe it or not, there were some times when we consolidated. So that was beautiful. Just to play what was probably the perfect batting innings as a team. Hopefully, we can get 325 consistently. That is probably about par in these conditions. And then, the odd day we can get 400 and give the bowlers a little bit of leeway," added Brathwaite.

Further, Carlos applauds Andre Russell over his batting style and his big hitting capabilities.

"Russell is just incredible, a freak of nature, really. I don't really know what to say about him. He just hits it, and once he hits it, it goes for six. It is a pleasure to be on the same team as him, I can tell you that. If you are on the field, you are not sure what you are going to bowl at him. It is just nice to enjoy from the inside," said Brathwaite.

A big part of West Indies chances of making 500 is Andre Russell, who brought his unreal form in the Indian Premier League to this match.

He made 54 from 25 balls and had he stayed at the crease for longer, West Indies would have been looking at 450-plus.

West Indies will take on Pakistan in their opening match of the World Cup on May 31 at Trent Bridge.

West Indies missed a historic run-mark in their second World Cup warm-up match. The Caribbean side fell short of 79 runs to post the first-ever target of 500 runs in one-day international (ODI).

West Indies missed a historic run-mark in their second World Cup warm-up match. The Caribbean side fell short of 79 runs to post the first-ever target of 500 runs in one-day international (ODI). Century by Shai Hope and half-century by Andre Russell helped West Indies to score a mammoth total after being asked to bat first. On the 500-run mark, Shai said that it is definitely a goal and they can achieve it at some point with the batting power they have. "It is definitely a goal we can try to achieve at some point," Hope said. "Definitely, it would be great to be the first team to cross that 500 mark, and I am sure we have the batting firepower to do it," said Shai Hope. Talking about the team performance batting all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite said that the tailenders can't contribute the same as they played against New Zealand, Also, it depends on the intent, situation, and execution from the batsmen. "However, in a real game, you probably won't have the depth in batting at 10 and 11 that we had today. So you need to be a little real about the target," said Carlos Brathwaite. "But what I will say is the intent and the execution from batsman to batsman, situation to situation, believe it or not, there were some times when we consolidated. So that was beautiful. Just to play what was probably the perfect batting innings as a team. Hopefully, we can get 325 consistently. That is probably about par in these conditions. And then, the odd day we can get 400 and give the bowlers a little bit of leeway," added Brathwaite. Further, Carlos applauds Andre Russell over his batting style and his big hitting capabilities. "Russell is just incredible, a freak of nature, really. I don't really know what to say about him. He just hits it, and once he hits it, it goes for six. It is a pleasure to be on the same team as him, I can tell you that. If you are on the field, you are not sure what you are going to bowl at him. It is just nice to enjoy from the inside," said Brathwaite. A big part of West Indies chances of making 500 is Andre Russell, who brought his unreal form in the Indian Premier League to this match. He made 54 from 25 balls and had he stayed at the crease for longer, West Indies would have been looking at 450-plus. West Indies will take on Pakistan in their opening match of the World Cup on May 31 at Trent Bridge.

West Indies miss 500-run mark in World Cup warm-up match agaisnt New Zealand

The man accused of shooting dead 51 Muslim worshippers in the Christchurch mosque attacks was formally charged with terrorism for the first time on Tuesday, New Zealand police said.

In addition to the terror charge, Brenton Tarrant also faces 51 charges of murder and 40 of attempted murder over the March 15 attacks.

"The charge will allege that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-begins-judicial-inquiry-into-christchurch-mosque-shooting-218267">a terrorist act was carried out in Christchurch</a>," police said in a statement.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has characterised the mosque killings a well-planned "terrorist attack" since the day Tarrant, a self-described white supremacist, allegedly carried them out.

But until now the charges against him were less expansive, as New Zealand's Terrorism Suppression Act was only introduced in 2002 and is untested in the courts.

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Police said the decision to lay the terror charge was made after consultations with prosecutors and government legal experts.

Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian, is currently in a high-security prison undergoing tests to determine if he is mentally fit to stand trial.

He next court appearance is scheduled for June 14.

Police said they had met survivors and victims' families Tuesday to explain the additional charges.

"Police are committed to providing all the support necessary for what will be a challenging and emotional court process to come for the victim’s families and survivors of the attack," they said.

The man accused of shooting dead 51 Muslim worshippers in the Christchurch mosque attacks was formally charged with terrorism for the first time on Tuesday, New Zealand police said.

The man accused of shooting dead 51 Muslim worshippers in the Christchurch mosque attacks was formally charged with terrorism for the first time on Tuesday, New Zealand police said. In addition to the terror charge, Brenton Tarrant also faces 51 charges of murder and 40 of attempted murder over the March 15 attacks. "The charge will allege that a terrorist act was carried out in Christchurch," police said in a statement. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has characterised the mosque killings a well-planned "terrorist attack" since the day Tarrant, a self-described white supremacist, allegedly carried them out. But until now the charges against him were less expansive, as New Zealand's Terrorism Suppression Act was only introduced in 2002 and is untested in the courts. Police said the decision to lay the terror charge was made after consultations with prosecutors and government legal experts. Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian, is currently in a high-security prison undergoing tests to determine if he is mentally fit to stand trial. He next court appearance is scheduled for June 14. Police said they had met survivors and victims' families Tuesday to explain the additional charges. "Police are committed to providing all the support necessary for what will be a challenging and emotional court process to come for the victim’s families and survivors of the attack," they said.

Christchurch attacker who killed 51 charged with terrorism: Police

Crews in New Zealand on Tuesday reentered an underground coal mine where a methane explosion killed 29 workers more than eight years ago, raising hopes among family members that they might find bodies and new evidence that leads to criminal charges.

NZ crews re-enter mine 8 years after 29 killed

Facebook announced steps on Wednesday to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-to-curb-live-streaming-amid-pressure-over-christchurch-call-218959">temporarily block users who break its rules from broadcasting live video</a>, in the wake of an international outcry after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mass-shooting-incidents-in-new-zealand-203666">gunman killed 51 people in New Zealand</a> last month and streamed the attack live on his page.

The tweaks to Facebook's rules came as the White House snubbed other world leaders, who met with tech companies in Paris to back a call by New Zealand's prime minister for stronger measures against social media hate speech.

Silicon Valley tech giants expressed their support for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's so-called "Christchurch Call," named for the city where the gunman attacked two mosques on March 15 and broadcast his killings live.

But Washington declined to send a delegation to the meeting hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The White House said it would not endorse Ardern's initiative, although it supported the broader aims.

Facebook said in a statement it was introducing a "one-strike" policy for use of Facebook Live, a service which lets users broadcast live video. Those who broke the company's most serious rules anywhere on its site would have their access to make live broadcasts temporarily restricted.

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The range of offences that would qualify for one-strike suspensions would be broadened.

The company did not specify which offences would result in such a ban or how long suspensions would last, but a spokeswoman said it would not have been possible for the Christchurch shooter to use Facebook Live on his account under the new rules.

Facebook has come under intense scrutiny in recent years over hate speech, privacy lapses and its dominant market position in social media. The company is trying to address those concerns while averting more strenuous action from regulators.

Ardern called the changes announced on Wednesday "a good first step to restrict the application being used as a tool for terrorists, and shows the Christchurch Call is being acted on."

The company said it plans to extend the restrictions to other areas over coming weeks, beginning with preventing the same people from creating Facebook ads. It also said it would fund research at three universities on techniques to detect manipulated media, which its systems struggled to spot in the aftermath of the attack.

Ardern said the research was welcome and that edited and manipulated videos of the March 15 mosque shootings had been slow to be removed, resulting in many people, including herself, seeing video of the killings played in their Facebook feeds.

White house "Not in a position to join"

Macron hosted Ardern, British Prime Minister Theresa May, Canada's Justin Trudeau and other leaders at a summit on Wednesday to support Ardern's initiative.

Signatories would "encourage media outlets to apply ethical standards when depicting terrorist events online, to avoid amplifying terrorist and violent extremist content," although the initiative is non-binding, light on details and leaves countries and companies to decide how to apply guidelines.

Countries including Australia, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, India and Sweden said they backed it, as did U.S. tech giants Microsoft, Alphabet's Google and its video platform YouTube and Amazon.

But the White House said in a statement the United States was "not currently in a position to join the endorsement," although it added: "we continue to support the overall goals reflected in the call".

In comments made at a joint news conference with Ardern, Macron put a positive spin on the White House response.

"We'll do everything we can so that there is a more concrete and formal commitment, but I consider... the fact that the U.S. administration said it shared the objectives and the common will as a positive element," Macron said.

Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft, said the call was "leading to real action, even if it's not binding".

"The Christchurch Call will be assessed ultimately by the impact it has. And the impact it has will be determined not only by governments but also by tech companies," Smith told Reuters.

Facebook announced steps on Wednesday to temporarily block users who break its rules from broadcasting live video, in the wake of an international outcry after a gunman killed 51 people in New Zealand last month and streamed the attack live on his page.

Facebook announced steps on Wednesday to temporarily block users who break its rules from broadcasting live video, in the wake of an international outcry after a gunman killed 51 people in New Zealand last month and streamed the attack live on his page. The tweaks to Facebook's rules came as the White House snubbed other world leaders, who met with tech companies in Paris to back a call by New Zealand's prime minister for stronger measures against social media hate speech. Silicon Valley tech giants expressed their support for Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's so-called "Christchurch Call," named for the city where the gunman attacked two mosques on March 15 and broadcast his killings live. But Washington declined to send a delegation to the meeting hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The White House said it would not endorse Ardern's initiative, although it supported the broader aims. Facebook said in a statement it was introducing a "one-strike" policy for use of Facebook Live, a service which lets users broadcast live video. Those who broke the company's most serious rules anywhere on its site would have their access to make live broadcasts temporarily restricted. × The range of offences that would qualify for one-strike suspensions would be broadened. The company did not specify which offences would result in such a ban or how long suspensions would last, but a spokeswoman said it would not have been possible for the Christchurch shooter to use Facebook Live on his account under the new rules. Facebook has come under intense scrutiny in recent years over hate speech, privacy lapses and its dominant market position in social media. The company is trying to address those concerns while averting more strenuous action from regulators. Ardern called the changes announced on Wednesday "a good first step to restrict the application being used as a tool for terrorists, and shows the Christchurch Call is being acted on." The company said it plans to extend the restrictions to other areas over coming weeks, beginning with preventing the same people from creating Facebook ads. It also said it would fund research at three universities on techniques to detect manipulated media, which its systems struggled to spot in the aftermath of the attack. Ardern said the research was welcome and that edited and manipulated videos of the March 15 mosque shootings had been slow to be removed, resulting in many people, including herself, seeing video of the killings played in their Facebook feeds. White house "Not in a position to join" Macron hosted Ardern, British Prime Minister Theresa May, Canada's Justin Trudeau and other leaders at a summit on Wednesday to support Ardern's initiative. Signatories would "encourage media outlets to apply ethical standards when depicting terrorist events online, to avoid amplifying terrorist and violent extremist content," although the initiative is non-binding, light on details and leaves countries and companies to decide how to apply guidelines. Countries including Australia, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, India and Sweden said they backed it, as did U.S. tech giants Microsoft, Alphabet's Google and its video platform YouTube and Amazon. But the White House said in a statement the United States was "not currently in a position to join the endorsement," although it added: "we continue to support the overall goals reflected in the call". In comments made at a joint news conference with Ardern, Macron put a positive spin on the White House response. "We'll do everything we can so that there is a more concrete and formal commitment, but I consider... the fact that the U.S. administration said it shared the objectives and the common will as a positive element," Macron said. Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft, said the call was "leading to real action, even if it's not binding". "The Christchurch Call will be assessed ultimately by the impact it has. And the impact it has will be determined not only by governments but also by tech companies," Smith told Reuters.

Facebook restricts Live feature, White House snubs call for New Zealand shooting response

17 Nations & Tech Firms Sign Christchurch Call. It's A Voluntary Commitment To Tackled Online Terrorism Social line: What is the Christchurch call? Who have signed it? What does it intend to do? Here's a report on the effort to curb extremist content online

Gravitas: United States declines to join Christchurch call

France and New Zealand have announced an initiative to eliminate terror and extremist content online in the aftermath of the Christchurch attack on March 15 at a meet in Paris. Over 51 people died in the mosque attack. It was live-streamed on Facebook.&nbsp;

The Initiative "The Christchurch Call to Action To Eliminate Terrorist and Violent Extremist Content Online" is backed by several countries such as Norway, Senegal, Canada, Jordan, UK, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Japan, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden.

India also supported the initiative with India's IT secretary Ajay Prakash Sawhney present during its adoption. US won't be joining the initiative according to US media reports.

While the initiative calls for "collective, voluntary commitments from governments and online service providers" to address the issue of terrorist and violent extremist content online but within the "principles of a free, open and secure internet without compromising human rights and fundamental freedoms".

A number of global tech giants also took part in the adoption of the initiative in Paris--these include Microsoft, Google, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook.

The online service providers in the initiative to combat online extremist content committed to, "closing accounts where appropriate" and "implement immediate, effective measures to mitigate the specific risk that terrorist and violent extremist content is disseminated through live streaming."

Steps have earlier been taken to address the issue such as at the European Union Internet Forum, the G20, and the G7 including work underway during France’s G7 Presidency on combating the use of the internet for terrorist and violent extremist purposes.

France and New Zealand have announced an initiative to eliminate terror and extremist content online in the aftermath of the Christchurch attack on March 15 at a meet in Paris.

France and New Zealand have announced an initiative to eliminate terror and extremist content online in the aftermath of the Christchurch attack on March 15 at a meet in Paris. Over 51 people died in the mosque attack. It was live-streamed on Facebook. The Initiative "The Christchurch Call to Action To Eliminate Terrorist and Violent Extremist Content Online" is backed by several countries such as Norway, Senegal, Canada, Jordan, UK, Indonesia, Australia, Germany, Japan, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden. India also supported the initiative with India's IT secretary Ajay Prakash Sawhney present during its adoption. US won't be joining the initiative according to US media reports. While the initiative calls for "collective, voluntary commitments from governments and online service providers" to address the issue of terrorist and violent extremist content online but within the "principles of a free, open and secure internet without compromising human rights and fundamental freedoms". A number of global tech giants also took part in the adoption of the initiative in Paris--these include Microsoft, Google, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. The online service providers in the initiative to combat online extremist content committed to, "closing accounts where appropriate" and "implement immediate, effective measures to mitigate the specific risk that terrorist and violent extremist content is disseminated through live streaming." Steps have earlier been taken to address the issue such as at the European Union Internet Forum, the G20, and the G7 including work underway during France’s G7 Presidency on combating the use of the internet for terrorist and violent extremist purposes.

India backs France, New Zealand initiative to eliminate terror content online

Two months after the mass shooting at a mosque in New Zealand was live-streamed by the accused gunman on Facebook, the company is introducing new rules for the feature.

Facebook changes rules in livestream feature after NZ shooting

New Zealand's leader Jacinda Arden will demand action to curb online extremism, citing the worst mass killing in her country's recent history at a summit of world leaders and tech firms in Paris Wednesday.

A self-described white <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-begins-judicial-inquiry-into-christchurch-mosque-shooting-218267">supremacist killed 51 Muslims in the Christchurch mosque attacks</a> on 15 March. During the assault the man wore a head-mounted camera, broadcasting his actions online.

Arden has been the driving force behind the Paris summit, co-hosted with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macrons-main-measures-in-response-to-yellow-vest-protests-213552">French President Emmanuel Macron</a>, following the tragedy.&nbsp;

Participants will be asked to commit to a "Christchurch Call" pledge -- named after the city -- designed to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.

Ardern said the Christchurch massacre underlined "a horrifying new trend" in extremist atrocities.

"It was designed to be broadcast on the internet. The entire event was live streamed... the scale of this horrific video's reach was staggering," she said in an opinion piece for the New York Times.

Ardern said Facebook removed 1.5 million copies of the video within 24 hours of the attack, but she still found herself among those who inadvertently saw the footage when it auto-played on their social media feeds.

Since the attack, Ardern has strongly criticised tech giants for not doing enough to combat online extremism.

Attendees at the Paris summit reportedly include heads of state or government from Britain, Canada, Ireland, Norway, Jordan, Senegal, Indonesia. Top executives from Twitter, Microsoft Google and Amazon will also attend.

But New Zealand media reported that Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg will not be there -- instead of sending the company's vice president of global affairs and communications, former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg.

Running alongside the G7's "Tech for Humanity" meeting in the French capital, Ardern said the Christchurch Call was a voluntary code aimed to stop terrorist content being uploaded to social media platforms.

"(We're) asking both nations and private corporations to make changes to prevent the posting of terrorist content online, to ensure its efficient and fast removal and to prevent the use of live-streaming as a tool for broadcasting terrorist attacks," she said.

She added: "This is not about undermining or limiting freedom of speech. It is about these companies and how they operate."

While some -- such as Zuckerberg -- have called for better regulation to address the issue, Ardern said governments could not succeed without help from the tech sector.

"Practical outcomes are what we're seeking from this work," she told New Zealand's Newshub.

"Not just governments regulating, but actually tech companies taking ownership and responsibility for their platforms and the technological solutions that they hold the key to."

Ardern said New Zealand had been "left reeling" by the Christchurch massacre, and it wanted to prevent similar atrocities happening elsewhere.

"We have a reluctant duty of care, a responsibility that we now find ourselves holding," she said.

"That is what we will be taking forward this week in Paris."

New Zealand's leader Jacinda Arden will demand action to curb online extremism, citing the worst mass killing in her country's recent history at a summit of world leaders and tech firms in Paris Wednesday.

New Zealand's leader Jacinda Arden will demand action to curb online extremism, citing the worst mass killing in her country's recent history at a summit of world leaders and tech firms in Paris Wednesday. A self-described white supremacist killed 51 Muslims in the Christchurch mosque attacks on 15 March. During the assault the man wore a head-mounted camera, broadcasting his actions online. Arden has been the driving force behind the Paris summit, co-hosted with French President Emmanuel Macron, following the tragedy. Participants will be asked to commit to a "Christchurch Call" pledge -- named after the city -- designed to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. Ardern said the Christchurch massacre underlined "a horrifying new trend" in extremist atrocities. "It was designed to be broadcast on the internet. The entire event was live streamed... the scale of this horrific video's reach was staggering," she said in an opinion piece for the New York Times. Ardern said Facebook removed 1.5 million copies of the video within 24 hours of the attack, but she still found herself among those who inadvertently saw the footage when it auto-played on their social media feeds. Since the attack, Ardern has strongly criticised tech giants for not doing enough to combat online extremism. Attendees at the Paris summit reportedly include heads of state or government from Britain, Canada, Ireland, Norway, Jordan, Senegal, Indonesia. Top executives from Twitter, Microsoft Google and Amazon will also attend. But New Zealand media reported that Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg will not be there -- instead of sending the company's vice president of global affairs and communications, former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg. Running alongside the G7's "Tech for Humanity" meeting in the French capital, Ardern said the Christchurch Call was a voluntary code aimed to stop terrorist content being uploaded to social media platforms. "(We're) asking both nations and private corporations to make changes to prevent the posting of terrorist content online, to ensure its efficient and fast removal and to prevent the use of live-streaming as a tool for broadcasting terrorist attacks," she said. She added: "This is not about undermining or limiting freedom of speech. It is about these companies and how they operate." While some -- such as Zuckerberg -- have called for better regulation to address the issue, Ardern said governments could not succeed without help from the tech sector. "Practical outcomes are what we're seeking from this work," she told New Zealand's Newshub. "Not just governments regulating, but actually tech companies taking ownership and responsibility for their platforms and the technological solutions that they hold the key to." Ardern said New Zealand had been "left reeling" by the Christchurch massacre, and it wanted to prevent similar atrocities happening elsewhere. "We have a reluctant duty of care, a responsibility that we now find ourselves holding," she said. "That is what we will be taking forward this week in Paris."

New Zealand PM Ardern targets online hate after mosque attacks

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres launched a brief South Pacific tour in New Zealand Sunday, warning the world was "not on track" to limiting global temperature rises.

In a strong message for action on climate change, Guterres said international political resolve was fading and it was the small island nations that were "really in the front line" and would suffer most.

His visit, ahead of the Climate Action Summit in September in New York will also take him to Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu which are under threat from rising sea levels.&nbsp;

"We are seeing everywhere a clear demonstration that we are not on track to achieve the objectives defined in the Paris agreement," Guterres said on the failure to limit rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial revolution levels.&nbsp;

"And the paradox is, that as things are getting worse on the ground, political moves seem to be fading," he added in the joint press conference in Auckland with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

However, he did excuse New Zealand from his accusation, describing Wellington's leadership as "extremely important" after it introduced legislation to become carbon neutral by 2050, although greenhouse gas emissions from its economically vital agricultural sector will not have to meet the commitment.&nbsp;

Ardern called climate change "the biggest challenge" facing the international community and said it would be "gross negligence" to avoid the issue.&nbsp;

During his three days in New Zealand, Guterres will also meet with Muslim leaders in Christchurch to show solidarity following the March 15 massacre in which 51 people were killed by a lone gunman who attacked two mosques during Friday prayers.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres launched a brief South Pacific tour in New Zealand Sunday, warning the world was "not on track" to limiting global temperature rises.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres launched a brief South Pacific tour in New Zealand Sunday, warning the world was "not on track" to limiting global temperature rises. In a strong message for action on climate change, Guterres said international political resolve was fading and it was the small island nations that were "really in the front line" and would suffer most. His visit, ahead of the Climate Action Summit in September in New York will also take him to Fiji, Tuvalu and Vanuatu which are under threat from rising sea levels. "We are seeing everywhere a clear demonstration that we are not on track to achieve the objectives defined in the Paris agreement," Guterres said on the failure to limit rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial revolution levels. "And the paradox is, that as things are getting worse on the ground, political moves seem to be fading," he added in the joint press conference in Auckland with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. However, he did excuse New Zealand from his accusation, describing Wellington's leadership as "extremely important" after it introduced legislation to become carbon neutral by 2050, although greenhouse gas emissions from its economically vital agricultural sector will not have to meet the commitment. Ardern called climate change "the biggest challenge" facing the international community and said it would be "gross negligence" to avoid the issue. During his three days in New Zealand, Guterres will also meet with Muslim leaders in Christchurch to show solidarity following the March 15 massacre in which 51 people were killed by a lone gunman who attacked two mosques during Friday prayers.

World 'not on track' with climate change: UN chief Antonio Guterres

ICC World Cup 2019: All teams and their squad list

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-gather-for-anzac-day-in-australia-new-zealand-amid-heightened-security-213422&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiA37XJjv_hAhWRX3wKHW1wBmM4FBAWMAR6BAgEEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw1-1miobfsvDdLhBKL7mGlh">New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern</a> is engaged to her longtime partner, fishing-show host Clarke Gayford, after a proposal over the Easter holidays, her spokesman said on Friday.

The forthcoming nuptials are a rarity for world leaders in office and follow Ardern's pregnancy last year which was seen around the globe as a symbol of progress for female leaders.

She is only the second elected leader to give birth while in office after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto in 1990 and, if she marries while in office, will be the first major leader to do so since French President Nicolas Sarkozy wed Carla Bruni in 2008.

Her fiancé, Gayford, is a 41-year-old host of a television fishing show who takes care of their 10-month-old daughter Neve Te Aroha, while Ardern, 38, runs the country.

News of their engagement broke after journalists noticed Ardern wearing a ring on her middle finger at a public event on Friday.

Her spokesman Andrew Campbell confirmed she had been wearing the ring since Easter.

&nbsp;He did not give details of the proposal.

Ardern was asked by the BBC while visiting London in January if she would consider asking Gayford to marry her or wait for him to propose.

"Absolutely, I'm a feminist, but I want to put him through the pain and torture of having to agonise about that question himself.

That's letting him off the hook, absolutely not," she said jokingly.

The couple met about six years ago when Gayford went to complain to a member of parliament about the then National Party government's proposed changes to security legislation.

He bumped into Ardern, a rising star in the Labour Party, they had coffee and were living together not long after.

Gayford's television show, Fish of the Day, takes him around the Pacific, fishing and finding recipes for his catch.

The series has been sold to 20 countries and won a gold award at the Houston International Film Festival in 2016.

While Ardern was breastfeeding her infant daughter, the family travelled to New York for the United Nations General Assembly last September.

The family divides their time between the capital Wellington and Auckland, where they own a house in a central city suburb.

Ardern's calm and compassionate response to the killing of 51 Muslims in March burnished the credentials of a leader who has been criticised domestically over her handling of the economy and flip flops in government policy.

Three US&nbsp;presidents married in office, according to the<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/after-10-years-china-has-done-the-right-thing-white-house-official-on-un-listing-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-215194&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiEvsyBj__hAhWxjuYKHX_zBMw4ChAWMAB6BAgAEAI&amp;usg=AOvVaw0I0ufa47oBoNt73LHZcBTh"> White House </a>historical association, wartime leader Woodrow Wilson and two nineteenth-century presidents, widower John Tyler and Grover Cleveland, who married at the White House.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is engaged to her longtime partner, fishing-show host Clarke Gayford, after a proposal over the Easter holidays, her spokesman said on Friday.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is engaged to her longtime partner, fishing-show host Clarke Gayford, after a proposal over the Easter holidays, her spokesman said on Friday. The forthcoming nuptials are a rarity for world leaders in office and follow Ardern's pregnancy last year which was seen around the globe as a symbol of progress for female leaders. She is only the second elected leader to give birth while in office after Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto in 1990 and, if she marries while in office, will be the first major leader to do so since French President Nicolas Sarkozy wed Carla Bruni in 2008. Her fiancé, Gayford, is a 41-year-old host of a television fishing show who takes care of their 10-month-old daughter Neve Te Aroha, while Ardern, 38, runs the country. News of their engagement broke after journalists noticed Ardern wearing a ring on her middle finger at a public event on Friday. Her spokesman Andrew Campbell confirmed she had been wearing the ring since Easter. He did not give details of the proposal. Ardern was asked by the BBC while visiting London in January if she would consider asking Gayford to marry her or wait for him to propose. "Absolutely, I'm a feminist, but I want to put him through the pain and torture of having to agonise about that question himself. That's letting him off the hook, absolutely not," she said jokingly. The couple met about six years ago when Gayford went to complain to a member of parliament about the then National Party government's proposed changes to security legislation. He bumped into Ardern, a rising star in the Labour Party, they had coffee and were living together not long after. Gayford's television show, Fish of the Day, takes him around the Pacific, fishing and finding recipes for his catch. The series has been sold to 20 countries and won a gold award at the Houston International Film Festival in 2016. While Ardern was breastfeeding her infant daughter, the family travelled to New York for the United Nations General Assembly last September. The family divides their time between the capital Wellington and Auckland, where they own a house in a central city suburb. Ardern's calm and compassionate response to the killing of 51 Muslims in March burnished the credentials of a leader who has been criticised domestically over her handling of the economy and flip flops in government policy. Three US presidents married in office, according to the White House historical association, wartime leader Woodrow Wilson and two nineteenth-century presidents, widower John Tyler and Grover Cleveland, who married at the White House.

New Zealand PM Ardern engaged to partner after Easter proposal

A man in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/19-year-old-synagogue-shooting-suspect-in-california-was-inspired-from-christchurch-shooter-214091">Christchurch was charged</a> in court on Wednesday with possessing explosives, ammunition and offensive weapons a day after police found a suspected explosive device in the city where 50 Muslims were killed in attacks on two mosques in March.

Police said the 33-year-old suspect had no known link to those attacks. He was charged with three counts of possession of explosives and possession of ammunition and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon, according to an emailed statement from New Zealand Police.

Police had arrested the man at a service station in eastern<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-votes-to-amend-gun-laws-after-christchurch-attack-209275"> Christchurch on Tuesday</a> and bomb disposal officers dealt with the suspected explosive device found at a vacant property in another suburb of the city.

"We are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident. There are no known links between the 33-year-old man and the Christchurch attacks on March 15," the statement said, adding that police would refrain from further comment while the case was before the courts.

New Zealand's security has been on high alert, though the national security threat was downgraded to 'medium' last month following the massacre at two mosques in the South Island city.

Fifty people were killed and dozens wounded in attacks on the Al Noor and Linwood mosques during Friday prayers on March 15, the worst peace-time shooting in New Zealand history. Tuesday's incident was about a kilometre from the Linwood mosque.

Authorities have charged Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, with 50 counts of murder.

A man in Christchurch was charged in court on Wednesday with possessing explosives, ammunition and offensive weapons a day after police found a suspected explosive device in the city where 50 Muslims were killed in attacks on two mosques in March.

A man in Christchurch was charged in court on Wednesday with possessing explosives, ammunition and offensive weapons a day after police found a suspected explosive device in the city where 50 Muslims were killed in attacks on two mosques in March. Police said the 33-year-old suspect had no known link to those attacks. He was charged with three counts of possession of explosives and possession of ammunition and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon, according to an emailed statement from New Zealand Police. Police had arrested the man at a service station in eastern Christchurch on Tuesday and bomb disposal officers dealt with the suspected explosive device found at a vacant property in another suburb of the city. "We are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident. There are no known links between the 33-year-old man and the Christchurch attacks on March 15," the statement said, adding that police would refrain from further comment while the case was before the courts. New Zealand's security has been on high alert, though the national security threat was downgraded to 'medium' last month following the massacre at two mosques in the South Island city. Fifty people were killed and dozens wounded in attacks on the Al Noor and Linwood mosques during Friday prayers on March 15, the worst peace-time shooting in New Zealand history. Tuesday's incident was about a kilometre from the Linwood mosque. Authorities have charged Australian Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, with 50 counts of murder.

New Zealand police charge man in Christchurch over possession of explosives

A US Army veteran who was allegedly plotting a large-scale terror attack near Los Angeles as revenge for the recent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-gather-in-christchurch-for-remembrance-service-after-mass-shooting-206390">mass shootings in New Zealand</a> has been arrested, authorities said Monday.

Mark Steven Domingo, 26, who had combat experience in Afghanistan and recently converted to Islam, faces federal terror-related charges for plotting mass casualties via a home-made bomb at a white nationalist rally in Long Beach this past weekend, officials said.

"This was a case in which law enforcement was able to identify a man consumed with hate and bent on mass murder, and stop him before he could carry out his attack," US Attorney Nick Hanna told reporters.

"Nevertheless, the criminal case outlines a chilling terrorism plot that developed over the past two months and targeted innocent Americans that he expected to gather this past weekend," he added.

Domingo was arrested Friday after receiving what he thought was a live bomb packed with nails that was delivered by an undercover agent.

According to court documents, Domingo expressed support in online posts and conversations with an FBI source for violent jihad and aspired to become a martyr by seeking retribution for attacks against Muslims.

After considering various options -- including targeting Jews, churches, and police officers -- Domingo decided to detonate an IED at the Long Beach rally, which ended up not taking place, authorities said.

"At times Mr Domingo said that he wanted to kill Jews as they walked to synagogue," Hanna said. "At other times he said he wanted to kill and target police officers, attack a military facility or attack crowds at the Santa Monica pier."

He added that Domingo, of Reseda, a neighbourhood in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, even considered killing a neighbour as a prelude to a much larger attack.

Domingo, who served in Afghanistan between September 2012 and January 2013, apparently began mulling carrying out a terror attack in early March and decided to move forward after the March 13 mass shootings at two&nbsp;mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, that left 50 people dead.

One message he posted to a private group online in early March referred to another mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017 that left 58 dead.

"America needs another Vegas event... That would give them the taste of terror they gladly spread all over the world," he said.

In another posting on March 14, a day after the New Zealand attacks, he wrote: "There were mosque shootings in New Zealand. There must be retribution." Hanna said Domingo repeatedly spoke about becoming a martyr and vowed to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State terror group if it managed to set up a presence in the United States.

After several weeks of plotting with an undercover FBI informant, Domingo finally set his sights on the rally in Long Beach and bought several hundred three-inch nails to be used as shrapnel inside a pressure cooker bomb, the complaint says.

He believed the nails would be effective "because they would be long enough to penetrate the human body and puncture internal organs." He was arrested after an undercover officer handed him an inert device he thought was active and the pair travelled to the Long Beach park where the&nbsp; 
the rally was set to take place to conduct surveillance.

"I'm extremely glad to be announcing that we interdicted a potential terrorist attack, rather than outlining the FBI's response to yet another tragedy," said Paul Delacourt, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office.

"At no time was the public in danger and there is currently no known threat to public safety." Domingo has been charged with providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists. He faces up to 15 years in prison on the charge.

He appeared in federal court on Monday and was ordered held without bail pending trial. He is scheduled to be arraigned on May 31.

His arrest comes two days after a 19-year-old California man, John Earnest, was arrested for shooting dead one worshipper and wounding three others at a synagogue near San Diego.

Last year, the Anti-Defamation League, which combats anti-Semitism and discrimination, reported a 57 per cent leap in the number of anti-Semitic incidents in 2017, the sharpest yearly spike since the 1970s.

A US Army veteran who was allegedly plotting a large-scale terror attack near Los Angeles as revenge for the recent mass shootings in New Zealand has been arrested, authorities said Monday.

A US Army veteran who was allegedly plotting a large-scale terror attack near Los Angeles as revenge for the recent mass shootings in New Zealand has been arrested, authorities said Monday. Mark Steven Domingo, 26, who had combat experience in Afghanistan and recently converted to Islam, faces federal terror-related charges for plotting mass casualties via a home-made bomb at a white nationalist rally in Long Beach this past weekend, officials said. "This was a case in which law enforcement was able to identify a man consumed with hate and bent on mass murder, and stop him before he could carry out his attack," US Attorney Nick Hanna told reporters. "Nevertheless, the criminal case outlines a chilling terrorism plot that developed over the past two months and targeted innocent Americans that he expected to gather this past weekend," he added. Domingo was arrested Friday after receiving what he thought was a live bomb packed with nails that was delivered by an undercover agent. According to court documents, Domingo expressed support in online posts and conversations with an FBI source for violent jihad and aspired to become a martyr by seeking retribution for attacks against Muslims. After considering various options -- including targeting Jews, churches, and police officers -- Domingo decided to detonate an IED at the Long Beach rally, which ended up not taking place, authorities said. "At times Mr Domingo said that he wanted to kill Jews as they walked to synagogue," Hanna said. "At other times he said he wanted to kill and target police officers, attack a military facility or attack crowds at the Santa Monica pier." He added that Domingo, of Reseda, a neighbourhood in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, even considered killing a neighbour as a prelude to a much larger attack. Domingo, who served in Afghanistan between September 2012 and January 2013, apparently began mulling carrying out a terror attack in early March and decided to move forward after the March 13 mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, that left 50 people dead. One message he posted to a private group online in early March referred to another mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017 that left 58 dead. "America needs another Vegas event... That would give them the taste of terror they gladly spread all over the world," he said. In another posting on March 14, a day after the New Zealand attacks, he wrote: "There were mosque shootings in New Zealand. There must be retribution." Hanna said Domingo repeatedly spoke about becoming a martyr and vowed to pledge allegiance to the Islamic State terror group if it managed to set up a presence in the United States. After several weeks of plotting with an undercover FBI informant, Domingo finally set his sights on the rally in Long Beach and bought several hundred three-inch nails to be used as shrapnel inside a pressure cooker bomb, the complaint says. He believed the nails would be effective "because they would be long enough to penetrate the human body and puncture internal organs." He was arrested after an undercover officer handed him an inert device he thought was active and the pair travelled to the Long Beach park where the the rally was set to take place to conduct surveillance. "I'm extremely glad to be announcing that we interdicted a potential terrorist attack, rather than outlining the FBI's response to yet another tragedy," said Paul Delacourt, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office. "At no time was the public in danger and there is currently no known threat to public safety." Domingo has been charged with providing and attempting to provide material support to terrorists. He faces up to 15 years in prison on the charge. He appeared in federal court on Monday and was ordered held without bail pending trial. He is scheduled to be arraigned on May 31. His arrest comes two days after a 19-year-old California man, John Earnest, was arrested for shooting dead one worshipper and wounding three others at a synagogue near San Diego. Last year, the Anti-Defamation League, which combats anti-Semitism and discrimination, reported a 57 per cent leap in the number of anti-Semitic incidents in 2017, the sharpest yearly spike since the 1970s.

US Army veteran arrested over New Zealand revenge attack

Tens of thousands gathered in Australia and New Zealand at Anzac Day memorials on Thursday amid heightened security following the shooting massacre at Christchurch mosques and deadly suicide bombings of churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.

A Sri Lankan government minister says the bombings on Easter Sunday were retaliation for the Christchurch massacre on March 15, in which a lone gunman killed 50 Muslim worshippers at two mosques.

New Zealand says it has no evidence of a link.

Turkish authorities arrested a suspected member of the Islamic State group they believe was planning to attack an Anzac Day commemoration at Gallipoli attended by hundreds of Australians and New Zealanders, Turkish police said on Wednesday.

The arrest didn`t deter some 1,100 Australians and New Zealanders who attended a dawn service at Anzac Cove in Turkey.

"I feel quite safe, I feel that if there is any concerns, that it would have been called off and they wouldn`t have put us at risk," said Chris King, a nurse from New Zealand.

Anzac Day commemorates the bloody battle on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey during World War One.

On April 25, 1915, thousands of troops from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) were among a larger Allied force that landed on the narrow beaches of the Gallipoli peninsula, an ill-fated campaign that would claim more than 130,000 lives.

While the Gallipoli campaign against the Turks failed, the landing date of April 25 has become a major day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand for their troops killed in all military conflicts.

Addressing thousands gathered for a dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that, in the wake of the Christchurch massacre, Anzac Day 2019 should be an even greater uniting force.

"Let us recommit to always remembering our shared humanity that there is more that unites us than divides us," Ardern said.

"Our sense of independence is as strong as our sense of responsibility to each other and not just as nation states but as human beings. That is part of the Anzac legacy," she said.

Heavily armed police surrounded the function area and snipers were positioned on rooftops during the ceremony.

Britain`s Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, paid tribute at the Auckland War Memorial alongside Ardern.

He will travel to Christchurch later on Thursday to honour the 50 victims of the shooting.

Heightened security saw about 1,000 police deployed across New Zealand at hundreds of locations and security concerns meant Anzac Day events in Auckland, New Zealand`s largest city, and elsewhere were scaled back.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed a dawn service in Townsville, Queensland, where he shared memories of his grandfather, who served in World War Two.

"Our heroes don’t just belong to the past, they live with us today," Morrison said.

Tens of thousands gathered in Australia and New Zealand at Anzac Day memorials on Thursday amid heightened security following the shooting massacre at Christchurch mosques and deadly suicide bombings of churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.

Tens of thousands gathered in Australia and New Zealand at Anzac Day memorials on Thursday amid heightened security following the shooting massacre at Christchurch mosques and deadly suicide bombings of churches and hotels in Sri Lanka. A Sri Lankan government minister says the bombings on Easter Sunday were retaliation for the Christchurch massacre on March 15, in which a lone gunman killed 50 Muslim worshippers at two mosques. New Zealand says it has no evidence of a link. Turkish authorities arrested a suspected member of the Islamic State group they believe was planning to attack an Anzac Day commemoration at Gallipoli attended by hundreds of Australians and New Zealanders, Turkish police said on Wednesday. The arrest didn`t deter some 1,100 Australians and New Zealanders who attended a dawn service at Anzac Cove in Turkey. "I feel quite safe, I feel that if there is any concerns, that it would have been called off and they wouldn`t have put us at risk," said Chris King, a nurse from New Zealand. Anzac Day commemorates the bloody battle on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey during World War One. On April 25, 1915, thousands of troops from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) were among a larger Allied force that landed on the narrow beaches of the Gallipoli peninsula, an ill-fated campaign that would claim more than 130,000 lives. While the Gallipoli campaign against the Turks failed, the landing date of April 25 has become a major day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand for their troops killed in all military conflicts. Addressing thousands gathered for a dawn service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said that, in the wake of the Christchurch massacre, Anzac Day 2019 should be an even greater uniting force. "Let us recommit to always remembering our shared humanity that there is more that unites us than divides us," Ardern said. "Our sense of independence is as strong as our sense of responsibility to each other and not just as nation states but as human beings. That is part of the Anzac legacy," she said. Heavily armed police surrounded the function area and snipers were positioned on rooftops during the ceremony. Britain`s Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, paid tribute at the Auckland War Memorial alongside Ardern. He will travel to Christchurch later on Thursday to honour the 50 victims of the shooting. Heightened security saw about 1,000 police deployed across New Zealand at hundreds of locations and security concerns meant Anzac Day events in Auckland, New Zealand`s largest city, and elsewhere were scaled back. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed a dawn service in Townsville, Queensland, where he shared memories of his grandfather, who served in World War Two. "Our heroes don’t just belong to the past, they live with us today," Morrison said.

Thousands gather for Anzac Day in Australia, New Zealand amid heightened security

Palki explains why SL's attempt to project the Easter terror attacks as a retaliation for Christchurch Church attacks is on a weak footing. Watch this video to know more.

Gravitas: How credible is Lanka's theory linking Easter attacks to Christchurch attacks

Now Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena says that security officials did not share the intelligence on Easter attacks with him. So who is in charge of Sri Lanka? Why are politicians squabbling with each other when a country is in crisis? Palki raises some crucial questions.

Gravitas: Country is in crisis, but Sri Lanka's politicians engage in a bitter blame game

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, April 24th 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-attacks-show-islamic-state-influence-outlives-caliphate-213101">Sri Lanka attacks show Islamic State influence outlives caliphate</a>

The devastating bomb attacks in Sri Lanka, claimed by Islamic State jihadists, show that the influence of the group's extremist ideology remains dangerously intact even after the collapse of its so-called caliphate in Iraq and Syria, experts say.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/you-cant-make-these-stupid-statements-imran-khan-comes-under-oppositions-attack-for-saying-terrorists-used-pakistan-soil-against-iran-213106">'You can't make these stupid statements': Imran Khan comes under Opposition's attack for saying terrorists used Pakistan soil against Iran</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday came under attack by the Opposition for acknowledging in Tehran that in the past militants had used his country's soil to carry out attacks in Iran.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-regrettable-that-cpi-m-has-not-found-a-place-in-bihar-mahagathbandhan-says-sitaram-yechury-213114">Lok Sabha polls 2019: Regrettable that CPI (M) has not found a place in Bihar 'mahagathbandhan', says Sitaram Yechury</a>

Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-rohingya-camps-a-political-awakening-faces-a-backlash-213115">In Rohingya camps, a political awakening faces a backlash</a>

It was after Mohib Ullah scored his first political victories that the death threats began in earnest. On a recent morning, the Rohingya refugee leaned back on a plastic chair in the Bangladesh camp where he lives and translated the latest warning, sent over the WhatsApp messaging app.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-france-plan-bid-to-tackle-extremism-on-social-media-213120">New Zealand, France plan bid to tackle extremism on social media</a>

In the wake of the Christchurch attack, New Zealand said on Wednesday that it would work with France in an effort to stop social media from being used to promote terrorism and violent extremism.

Sri Lanka attacks show Islamic State influence outlives caliphate The devastating bomb attacks in Sri Lanka, claimed by Islamic State jihadists, show that the influence of the group's extremist ideology remains dangerously intact even after the collapse of its so-called caliphate in Iraq and Syria, experts say.

Sri Lanka attacks show Islamic State influence outlives caliphate The devastating bomb attacks in Sri Lanka, claimed by Islamic State jihadists, show that the influence of the group's extremist ideology remains dangerously intact even after the collapse of its so-called caliphate in Iraq and Syria, experts say. 'You can't make these stupid statements': Imran Khan comes under Opposition's attack for saying terrorists used Pakistan soil against Iran Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday came under attack by the Opposition for acknowledging in Tehran that in the past militants had used his country's soil to carry out attacks in Iran. Lok Sabha polls 2019: Regrettable that CPI (M) has not found a place in Bihar 'mahagathbandhan', says Sitaram Yechury Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist) has said that it is regrettable that the left party has not found a place in the Bihar grand alliance of opposition parties. In Rohingya camps, a political awakening faces a backlash It was after Mohib Ullah scored his first political victories that the death threats began in earnest. On a recent morning, the Rohingya refugee leaned back on a plastic chair in the Bangladesh camp where he lives and translated the latest warning, sent over the WhatsApp messaging app. New Zealand, France plan bid to tackle extremism on social media In the wake of the Christchurch attack, New Zealand said on Wednesday that it would work with France in an effort to stop social media from being used to promote terrorism and violent extremism.

News brief: Big stories of the day

In the wake of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-zealand-has-not-yet-seen-intel-linking-sri-lanka-bombings-to-christchurch-pm-212941">Christchurch attack</a>, New Zealand said on Wednesday that it would work with France in an effort to stop social media from being used to promote terrorism and violent extremism.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement that she will co-chair a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on May 15 that will seek to have world leaders and CEOs of tech companies agree to a pledge, called the Christchurch Call, to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.

A lone gunman killed 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch on March 15, while live streaming the massacre on Facebook.

Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, has been charged with 50 counts of murder for the mass shooting.

''It’s critical that technology platforms like Facebook are not perverted as a tool for terrorism, and instead become part of a global solution to countering extremism," Ardern said in the statement.

"This meeting presents an opportunity for an act of unity between governments and the tech companies," she added.

The meeting will be held alongside the Tech for Humanity meeting of G7 digital ministers, of which France is the chair, and France’s separate Tech for Good summit, both on 15 May, the statement said.

Ardern said at a press conference later on Wednesday that she has spoken with executives from a number of tech firms including Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Google and few other companies.

"The response I've received has been positive. No tech company, just like no government, would like to see violent extremism and terrorism online," Ardern said at the media briefing, adding that she had also spoken with Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg directly on the topic.

A Facebook spokesman said the company looks forward to collaborating with government, industry and safety experts on a clear framework of rules.

"We're evaluating how we can best support this effort and who among top Facebook executives will attend,” the spokesman said in a statement sent by email.

Facebook Inc, the world's largest social network with 2.7 billion users, has faced criticism since the Christchurch attack that it failed to tackle extremism.

One of the main groups representing Muslims in France has said it was suing Facebook and YouTube, a unit of Alphabet's Google, accusing them of inciting violence by allowing the streaming of the Christchurch massacre on their platforms.

Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said last month that the company was looking to place restrictions on who can go live on its platform based on certain criteria.

In the wake of the Christchurch attack, New Zealand said on Wednesday that it would work with France in an effort to stop social media from being used to promote terrorism and violent extremism.

In the wake of the Christchurch attack, New Zealand said on Wednesday that it would work with France in an effort to stop social media from being used to promote terrorism and violent extremism. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement that she will co-chair a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on May 15 that will seek to have world leaders and CEOs of tech companies agree to a pledge, called the Christchurch Call, to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. A lone gunman killed 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch on March 15, while live streaming the massacre on Facebook. Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, has been charged with 50 counts of murder for the mass shooting. ''It’s critical that technology platforms like Facebook are not perverted as a tool for terrorism, and instead become part of a global solution to countering extremism," Ardern said in the statement. "This meeting presents an opportunity for an act of unity between governments and the tech companies," she added. The meeting will be held alongside the Tech for Humanity meeting of G7 digital ministers, of which France is the chair, and France’s separate Tech for Good summit, both on 15 May, the statement said. Ardern said at a press conference later on Wednesday that she has spoken with executives from a number of tech firms including Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Google and few other companies. "The response I've received has been positive. No tech company, just like no government, would like to see violent extremism and terrorism online," Ardern said at the media briefing, adding that she had also spoken with Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg directly on the topic. A Facebook spokesman said the company looks forward to collaborating with government, industry and safety experts on a clear framework of rules. "We're evaluating how we can best support this effort and who among top Facebook executives will attend,” the spokesman said in a statement sent by email. Facebook Inc, the world's largest social network with 2.7 billion users, has faced criticism since the Christchurch attack that it failed to tackle extremism. One of the main groups representing Muslims in France has said it was suing Facebook and YouTube, a unit of Alphabet's Google, accusing them of inciting violence by allowing the streaming of the Christchurch massacre on their platforms. Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said last month that the company was looking to place restrictions on who can go live on its platform based on certain criteria.

New Zealand, France plan bid to tackle extremism on social media

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