The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 witnesssed a masterclass in clinical T20 cricket as India dismantled Namibia by 93 runs in their Group A encounter at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. On a night where the local fans were treated to a boundary fest, India’s “all-round” depth was on full display. Bolstered by a blistering start from Ishan Kishan and a finishing flourish from Hardik Pandya, the Men in Blue posted a formidable 209/9, before a disciplined bowling attack led by Varun Chakaravarthy folded the Namibian resistance for just 116.

Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya’s power-hitting surge takes India to a huge total

Winning the toss was only half the battle; the real fireworks began when Kishan took guard. The dynamic opener was in a punishing mood, racing to a half-century in just 20 balls. Alongside Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, Kishan dismantled the Namibian pace attack, ensuring India crossed the 100-run mark in less than seven overs. Despite a middle-order wobble caused by Gerhard Erasmus’s clever four-wicket haul (4/20), the momentum never truly shifted.

The arrival of Pandya shifted the gears back into overdrive. Pandya played the role of the quintessential finisher, smashing 52 off 28 balls, laced with four towering sixes. His partnership with Shivam Dube (23) added a quick-fire 81 runs for the fifth wicket, propelling India past the 200-run milestone. While the tail struggled to navigate the final over, the damage was already done. India’s total of 209 proved to be a mountain too high for the associate nation to climb under the Delhi lights.

Varun Chakaravarthy’s web and Pandya’s golden touch stifle Namibia during chase

The second half of the match belonged to the Indian bowlers, who never allowed the Namibian batters to settle into a rhythm. While Louren Steenkamp (29) and Jan Frylinck (22) provided a brief spark in the Powerplay, the introduction of Chakaravarthy changed the complexion of the game. Chakaravarthy, the “mystery spinner,” was virtually unplayable, returning staggering figures of 3/7 in his two-over spell. He bamboozled the top order, removing Steenkamp and JJ Smit in quick succession to leave the chase in tatters.

If the spinners tightened the noose, Pandya provided the finishing blows. After his heroics with the bat, Pandya proved why he is the world’s premier all-rounder by picking up 2/21. He utilized his variations perfectly on the Delhi surface, removing Bernard Scholtz and Ben Shikongo in a single over to demoralize the tail. Supported by Axar Patel’s two wickets and Jasprit Bumrah’s customary economical spell (1/20), India bundled out Namibia for 116 in 18.2 overs.

The 93-run victory not only boosts India’s Net Run Rate significantly but also solidifies their position as the team to beat in Group A. For his 52 runs and two crucial wickets, Pandya was rightfully named Player of the Match, signalling that he is in peak form for the tournament.

Also WATCH: Zane Green’s quick hands send Suryakumar Yadav packing in IND vs NAM showdown

Here’s how fans reacted:

7 PLAYER OF THE MATCH AWARDS FOR HARDIK PANDYA IN T20I. 😍🔥 pic.twitter.com/Uvru4YBHbB

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 12, 2026

India has defeated Namibia by 93 runs

Varun Chakaravarthy: 3 wickets
Axar Patel: 2 wickets
Hardik Pandya : 2 wickets#T20WorldCup #T20WorldCup2026 #IndvsNam pic.twitter.com/kuX0vseLrc

— Vashu (@vashuaarya) February 12, 2026

A comprehensive win for Team India 🔥#ICCMensT20WorldCup2026 #INDvsNAM

Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/eje36BJVcd pic.twitter.com/KCbMobykO3

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 12, 2026

India won by 93 runs & Hardik Pandya won the Man of Match of Award. #INDvsNAM #T20WorldCup2026 #T20WorldCup
pic.twitter.com/JA6kT8TlA5

— Pahari Pulse (@paharipulse) February 12, 2026

27 BALL FIFTY BY HARDIK PANDYA.

– a total show put on by Hardik.#INDvNAM pic.twitter.com/eEFjQ4XoU0

— Anusha Sharma (@_AnushaSharma) February 12, 2026

Hardik Pandya Player of the match 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3wZVlV2Xtj

— RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) February 12, 2026

Again a Cluth performance by Hardik Pandya. Great fifty plus couple of wickets.
Surely My Player of the match 🔥🔥🔥#INDvNAM#T20WorldCup2026 #T20WC2026 pic.twitter.com/wIR7eyprwa

— Balinder Singh Dhanauri (@BalinderDhanori) February 12, 2026

Ishan Kishan crushed it!!

61 in Delhi. Highest score by an Indian keeper in T20 WC history.#INDvNAM

— Sudeep Srivastava (@sudeepsriv) February 12, 2026

WELL PLAYED, ISHAN KISHAN

Ishan Kishan smashed a breathtaking 61 off just 24 balls, registering the highest individual score by an Indian wicketkeeper-batter in T20 World Cup history.

A truly sensational knock 🔥#ishankishan #INDvNAM#T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/x3CxIO86bi

— BELA X (@TamannaahB21527) February 12, 2026

𝑱𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒌𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒂 ⭐

Ishan Kishan’s 61 in Delhi is now the highest score by an Indian wicketkeeper in T20 World Cup history

A statement knock that signals the rise of a new record-holder. 👏🏼#INDvNAM #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/RFXp2SiQeV

— Rakeshchandra Yadav 🇮🇳 (@rakeshchandray2) February 12, 2026

If India win the World Cup, I believe ‘apna’ Ishan kishan could be Player of the Tournament. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/cLm0PXHgR6

— Abanish Sinha (@abanish_Bihar) February 12, 2026

Ishan Kishan Nation gotta be us right?😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/1b4nCK2e3k

— PK (@PK23032) February 12, 2026

Also READ: Sanju Samson faces social media backlash after brief cameo against Namibia in T20 World Cup 2026

LONDON: A white paper published by the Aston India Centre has shown how Indian migrants to the UK have repeatedly helped transform the British economy since World War II.Described as “one of the most consequential migration stories of modern Britain”, the paper, titled “Migration of the Indian Diaspora to the UK”, explores four waves of migrants from the 1940s post-war reconstruction to the post-2019 post-Brexit influx, showing how Indian migrants have strengthened Britain’s capacity to rebuild, adapt and prosper.It recommends the UK adopt a smarter migration strategy to align visa routes with employer demand, mutual qualification recognition with India, and for sector regulators in the UK and India to work together to verify credentials of workers and hold joint assessment clinics with employers to speed up recruitment and ensure the best people are hired.Written by the joint directors of Aston India Centre at Aston University, Prof Sangeeta Khorana and Prof Pawan Budhwar, as well as Manish Tiwari, chairman of Here&Now365, the report shows how Indian migrants have helped fill labour shortages since the 1940s. Until the 1970s there was no visa requirement for most Commonwealth citizens to move to the UK, and post-WWII the UK had many labour shortages which Indians came to fill, attracted by wage differentials and political upheaval back home.In 1972 a large number of Indians with British passports expelled from Uganda moved to the UK. More arrived via family reunion visas and set up businesses in places like Leicester and Birmingham.In the 1990s, Indians flowed to the UK to work in the services sector, especially IT, also transport, manufacturing and hospitality, attracted by the strong economy.Brexit in 2016 led to a loss of EU-origin workers in the UK. That, combined with policy liberalisation, led to a large influx of Indians as students, healthcare workers and skilled workers. Covid also triggered huge labour shortages in Britain. Indians are now the largest cohort on the skilled worker route and Indian migrants account for around 16% of all NHS professionals and 13% of the tech workforce.Since 2019 highly-skilled Indian migrants and entrepreneurs, specialists in AI, fintech, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and the digital sector, have established businesses and driven technological innovation not just in London, but in the regions as well. British Indians are now the wealthiest ethnic group in the UK by median net worth and have broadened Britain’s culinary traditions, music, film, literature and festivals. British Indians increasingly feature in public life, from local councils to being the PM, which helps social cohesion, the report said.Budhwar told TOI: “The white paper provides evidence-based analysis about the contribution of the Indian diaspora to the UK’s economy, culture and social capital. It highlights that the Indian diaspora are not a burden and are contributing significantly.”

Hardik Pandya (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: India put up another commanding all-round performance, thrashing Namibia by 93 runs in their T20 World Cup encounter on Thursday to register their second consecutive victory of the tournament. Powered by aggressive half-centuries from Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya, the defending champions piled up a daunting 209/9 before bowling Namibia out for 116 in 18.2 overs.After the match, Pandya reflected on his form and preparation, saying, “Yeah, definitely, just enjoying the sport. Had a good couple of months to prepare and, you know, get the rhythm and, you know, get the body right. Thus far everything is going well.” Highlighting how much his batting means to him, he added, “Yes, I’ve always taken pride in my batting as an all-rounder. So whenever I get an opportunity, I make sure that both the skills are managed rightly… batting is always close to my heart. And when that comes, it’s a, you know, if you add the more sugar to the cake.”

Pandya also elaborated on the effort that goes into staying in peak physical condition. “Body has been fantastic. I’ve always mentioned it takes a lot of hard work, which I cherish. But, you know, playing for the country has always been a pride, always been my number priority,” he said. “A lot of work goes behind the scene where I’m kind of out and kind of go into army, army sort of a camp where I do morning, evening sessions… make sure I eat well, make sure I sleep well, make sure my habits are good.”Put in to bat, India began in explosive fashion, with Kishan in particularly commanding form. The left-hander went on the attack from the outset, hammering 61 off just 24 balls and reaching his half-century in only 20 deliveries as India surged past 100 within the first seven overs.Pandya then anchored the middle phase with authority, striking a polished 52 off 28 balls and adding a vital 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Shivam Dube (23 off 16), allowing India to keep the scoreboard ticking despite periodic setbacks.Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus stood out with the ball, employing smart variations to return career-best figures of 4/20. His spell helped stem the flow late in the innings as India lost five wickets for just four runs, but the target remained well beyond Namibia’s reach.Chasing 210, Namibia failed to match the required tempo, even though a few batters showed promise at the start. Varun Chakravarthy was exceptional with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 3/7 from two overs.India had opened their campaign with a win over the USA, followed it up with this emphatic victory against Namibia, and will now turn their attention to a high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday in Colombo.

Selling pressure in global technology stocks spilled over to Indian IT counters listed in the US on Thursday, with Infosys and Wipro ADRs declining sharply amid a broader risk-off mood and concerns over interest rate outlook and AI-driven disruption in the sector.Infosys’ American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) fell more than 7 per cent to an intraday low of $14.59, while Wipro’s ADRs dropped 5.4 per cent to $2.26 in early trade. The fall followed weakness in domestic IT stocks and losses across major US technology names, according to an ET report.The broader US market was also under pressure, with the Nasdaq Composite sliding over 300 points, or more than 1 per cent. Around 11:11 AM ET (9:43 PM IST), the Nasdaq was at 22,764.90. The S&P 500 declined 0.6 per cent to 6,902.80, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 249.27 points, or 0.50 per cent, to 49,872.10.Among individual stocks, Cisco dropped 11 per cent, while large-cap technology companies such as Apple, Nvidia and IBM were down by as much as 6 per cent during the session.Back home, Indian benchmark indices had already closed sharply lower earlier in the day, dragged down by heavy selling in IT stocks. The Nifty IT index ended 5.5 per cent lower, with all its 10 constituents closing in negative territory.The sell-off wiped out around Rs 1.3 lakh crore in market capitalisation across listed IT companies. Persistent concerns over AI-led disruption in the outsourcing business model, along with stronger-than-expected US jobs data that reduced hopes of near-term US Federal Reserve rate cuts, triggered the sharp fall.The Nifty IT index has now emerged as the worst-performing sectoral index, declining about 21 per cent over the last 12 months.Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Investments, said the latest decline in Indian IT stocks was largely driven by stronger-than-expected US employment data and a marginal fall in unemployment rate, which lowered expectations of early rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve. He added that concerns around AI-led disruption continue to weigh on sector sentiment.On AI risks, Nair told ET the technology is structurally changing Indian IT services by shortening delivery timelines and automating volume-driven work, putting pressure on the traditional headcount-based outsourcing model.“Layoffs are likely in routine-heavy areas as fewer people will be needed to deliver the same outcomes. Even ERP implementation, as highlighted by Palantir’s recent focus, is now vulnerable to AI disruption. Clients are shifting toward outcome-based pricing. In the coming quarters, AI adoption could create headwinds for deal wins, potentially impacting topline, making close monitoring of deal flow essential to assess its real impact,” he warned.

AGRA: In a quiet nondescript village in UP’s Mainpuri district, grief has given way to fervour. A baby girl declared stillborn by doctors and diagnosed with a fatal congenital condition has been proclaimed by her family as an “incarnation of Goddess Kali”. AGRAThe child was embalmed and buried on Feb 2. Soon, the burial site was decorated, a photograph of the “goddess” was installed, and bhajans, kirtans and havans began to be held regularly. Villagers said that thousands of rupees have been offered at the spot and preparations are underway to construct a temple there.Radha Devi, 25, wife of Kanchan Kumar, a labourer from Halpura village, delivered the baby at community health centre (CHC) in Kuchela on Jan 21. The family said the birth had been foretold in a dream in which a goddess told Radha: “I am taking birth from your womb.” Treating the dream as a divine sign, they shared the account with neighbours and word quickly spread across surrounding areas.CHC in-charge Dr SS Bhadoria said, “The woman delivered a stillborn baby girl and the body was handed over to the family.”Medical experts identified the condition as anencephaly — a severe and fatal congenital disorder in which major portions of the brain and skull do not develop. Paediatrician Dr Hemant Kumar Sharmma in Muzaffarnagar said on Wednesday, “The condition develops in the early weeks of pregnancy and may be linked to several factors, including maternal weakness or deficiencies such as Vitamin B12 or folic acid.”Despite the medical explanation, belief took root in the village. Geeta Devi, a neighbour, claimed that after the baby was brought home, she drank milk and urinated before being dressed as goddess Kali and seated for worship. Another neighbour, Aman, said the child appeared divine and that she had asked for a place of worship.Residents from nearby villages, as well as towns such as Etawah, Firozabad and Shikohabad, visited the site. Some said the baby’s large eyes reinforced their belief that she was a manifestation of the goddess.A similar episode occurred in 2017 in Farrukhabad district, where a baby born with severe congenital deformities was declared stillborn at Lohia Govt Hospital and diagnosed with anencephaly. At the time, some residents attributed religious significance to the incident and even expressed intentions to build a temple in remembrance. (With inputs from Punit Lal)

India‘s clash against Namibia at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 was expected to be a routine outing, but for Sanju Samson, it turned into another chapter of scrutiny and debate. The stylish wicketkeeper-batter, drafted into the playing XI in place of the unwell Abhishek Sharma, had a golden opportunity to cement his place. Instead, his brief stay at the crease sparked a storm online, with fans once again questioning his consistency on the international stage.

A blazing start, but short-lived for Sanju Samson

Walking in with intent, Samson wasted no time in announcing himself. He cracked boundaries at will, racing to 22 runs off just eight deliveries. The timing was sweet, the strokeplay elegant — a reminder of the immense talent that has long excited Indian cricket followers.

However, just as momentum seemed to be building, Samson fell attempting another attacking shot. The dismissal halted India’s early surge and reopened a familiar debate: brilliance in flashes, but not for long enough.

In T20 cricket, cameos often hold value, especially at a rapid strike rate. But in Samson’s case, expectations have always been different. Fans and analysts alike believe he possesses the ability to dominate bowling attacks and bat deep into the innings. That belief, while a compliment to his talent, has also intensified the criticism whenever he fails to convert starts into substantial contributions.

Within minutes of his dismissal, social media platforms were flooded with reactions. Memes, sarcastic posts, and sharp critiques began trending. Some users questioned why Samson continues to get chances, while others compared him with players waiting on the bench.

A section of fans argued that a 22-run blitz in a World Cup game should not be dismissed entirely, especially if it boosts the scoring rate early on. However, the louder voices focused on the missed opportunity. With India aiming to build momentum in the tournament, supporters expected a more decisive performance against a comparatively inexperienced Namibian attack.

The trolling reflected a broader frustration among fans who have seen Samson produce similar quick bursts in the past without converting them into match-defining knocks.

Also READ: IND vs NAM, T20 World Cup 2026: Here’s why Abhishek Sharma and Mohammed Siraj are not playing today’s match

Here’s how fans reacted:

Sanju Samson in T20is
58 matches
50 inninngs
1100 runs
23 avg
148
3 fifties
3 hundreds

His stats removing 3 hundreds
47 inninngs
773 runs
18 avg
135 SR

The biggest scam in Indian cricket!!#T20WorldCup #INDvsNAM pic.twitter.com/KXKMDsN0KA

— muntaha khan (@ishasingh0987) February 12, 2026

Sanju Samson today 🤣#INDvsNAM #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/nQAbSjxzIs

— RB. (@rahul4bisht) February 12, 2026

Sanju Samson 😀 pic.twitter.com/SircodcXoI

— Vaibhav Bhola 🇮🇳 (@VibhuBhola) February 12, 2026

Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav, thank you for your efforts, but ab aap dono cricket se retirement le le dhanywaad 🙏

— Aditi (@aditiraaaj) February 12, 2026

Sanju Samson in his last T20i innings:
26(20), 5(7), 3(6), 1(3), 16(7), 56(45), 13(17), 39(23), 24(21), 2(4), 37(22), 10(7), 6(5), 0(1), 24(15), 6(6), 28(8)*

17 Average,
129 SR.
– How is this fraud minnow basher still getting chances? He should be kicked out. pic.twitter.com/3bD7COXSmi

— EMROK , O (@vardhan_verma) February 12, 2026

Last time i saw Sanju Samson performing was before World War 2

#INDvNAM #ICCMensT20WorldCup #SanjuSamson pic.twitter.com/2yqExHlLMS

— Ajay Yadav🦁 (@ajayyadav000008) February 12, 2026

Samson in nets:

Samson in match: pic.twitter.com/UDF3VtXONX

— hitwicket (@shukla_ji27) February 12, 2026

“make it to the third over of the innings or rap in chinese”

sanju samson: pic.twitter.com/oxYMe6NJvy

— nini’s kaki (@cowboylikegill) February 12, 2026

Sanju Samson plays 2 good shots and I get my hopes up and then he gets out ..

The most inconsistent cricketer ever Man..😭pic.twitter.com/JeUWh3spqm

— saravanavelu (@saravanvelu2) February 12, 2026

Sanju Samson got a good start but couldn’t convert.
One more chance wasted successfully.

— Sagarika Dixit (@saga__r) February 12, 2026

Also READ: Kris Srikkanth slams Nasser Hussain over BCCI’s control on ICC remark amid T20 World Cup 2026 controversy

Navi Mumbai: Acting on a police complaint lodged by the Vashi divisional chairman of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE), Mumbai Divisional Board, an FIR for cheating, forgery and criminal breach of trust was registered at the Vashi police station on Wednesday against the retired deputy director of the education department, identified as Nitin Upasani, for colluding with 18 people from two educational institutions in Alibaug and Khopoli to prepare Shalarth IDs using forged documents to recruit teachers and enable them to draw monthly salary grants.Upasani was named in the FIR after the complainant, Rajendra Ahire, claimed that scrutiny of official documents at the Vashi divisional office related to the Shalarth ID scam found that all 19 accused were involved in the offence from Aug 2018. This occurred during the tenure of Upasani, when he was the Vashi divisional chairman of MSBSHSE, due to which the teachers recruited using forged documents were able to draw monthly govt salary grants, thus allegedly embezzling around Rs 1.25 crore, said Shashikant Chandekar, senior inspector of Vashi police station.In Maharashtra, Shalarth IDs are issued to teachers of govt and aided schools to maintain service records and process salary payments.As per the FIR, the complainant, Ahire, stated that an accused, Shekhar Kulkarni, illegally obtained a Shalarth ID for his wife, Gayatri Kulkarni, attached to Sakharam Vaman Joshi High School at Saraswat Colony in Dombivli, Thane district, and that Upasani colluded in preparing the Shalarth ID for her using forged documents.The 18 other accused named in the FIR include present and former principals, teachers and officials of the educational institutions Janata Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, Alibag, and Khopoli Taluka Shikshan Prasarak Mandal.The accused from the Janata Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, Alibag, are secretary Milind Patil, former principal Anil Patil, current principal Sonali Patil, assistant teachers Mayuri Patil, Jayesh Patil, Swapnil Raut and Vaibhav Gosavi. From Khopoli Taluka Shikshan Prasarak Mandal, they are supervisor Kishore Patil, principal N B Pawar and other staff identified as N Ramaswamy, D P Haridas, N B Khanvilkar, P G Patil, current principal D P Gaikwad, assistant teacher Prachi Nalawade, director Dinesh Gurav, Shekhar Kulkarni and his spouse, Gayatri Kulkarni.There are also other unidentified accused in the case.In Dec last year, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Nashik city police arrested Upasani in connection with the Shalarth ID fraud case. Upasani was accused of colluding with the management of educational institutes operating govt-aided schools in Jalgaon, Chalisgaon and Dhule to prepare Shalarth IDs of people to show them as recruited teachers.Ramdas Shelke, police inspector of Nashik city police station, said, “After arresting the accused, Nitin Upasani, he was in police custody for 10 days, after which he was released on bail by the Nashik JMFC court. However, the Nashik rural police obtained his police custody remand for a similar FIR against him, and since then he is in jail custody at Nashik Central Prison.”

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Reference #18.4d72c117.1770912999.8636bfd

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.4d72c117.1770912999.8636bfd