Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza has warned his teammates by mentioning that the win over Australia will count for nothing if bigger goals aren’t achieved after Zimbabwe’s historic Super 8 qualification at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

In a tournament already filled with dramatic twists, Zimbabwe’s qualification for the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2026 stands out as one of the most compelling stories. Yet, Raza has made it abundantly clear: the famous win over Australia will count for nothing if Zimbabwe fail to capitalize on this momentum and achieve their larger ambitions.

Speaking from Pallekele after Zimbabwe’s rain-affected group match against Ireland confirmed their progression – eliminating both Australia and Ireland – Raza struck a tone that was both celebratory and cautionary. For him, reaching the Super 8s is historic, yes, but far from the final destination.

T20 World Cup 2026: Zimbabwe’s historic Super 8 qualification  

Zimbabwe’s journey to the Super 8s for the first time in T20 World Cup history is undeniably significant. The Chevrons sealed their place after their clash with Ireland was washed out at the Pallekele International Stadium, ensuring qualification with a game to spare.

But Raza quickly downplayed any notion of complacency.

“The fact that we’ve qualified for the Super 8s hasn’t changed the ultimate goal that we set out for. It’s just a tick in the box, but we have a lot of other goals to achieve,” Raza told reporters.

His message was simple: progress is satisfying, but purpose is paramount.

While fans and pundits celebrated Zimbabwe’s upset victory over Australia earlier in the group stage, Raza emphasized that such wins only matter if they lead to something greater. “Yes, the Super Eights is a tick in the box, but it’s certainly not the whole box,” he reiterated.

For a team that has long battled inconsistency and global skepticism, this qualification represents redemption. Yet Raza’s focus remains firmly forward-facing. He doesn’t want Zimbabwe to be remembered merely as a giant-killer, rather he wants them to be recognized as genuine contenders.

The bigger goal: Restoring pride and respect for Zimbabwe

Beyond trophies and points tables, Zimbabwe’s campaign carries deeper emotional weight. According to Raza, one of the team’s core objectives is to restore pride and earn respect for their country on the global cricketing stage.

“One of the goals we set out to achieve was certainly that we’re going to bring more recognition and respect to our country,” Raza explained.

Also READ: Explained – Which teams will India face in Super 8 of T20 World Cup 2026?

From underdogs to contenders: Zimbabwe embracing the challenge ahead

“Everybody loves an underdog story, don’t they?” Raza quipped, acknowledging the romantic appeal of Zimbabwe’s run.

Indeed, their narrative has captured global attention. However, Raza is wary of being boxed into the underdog label. While he understands its charm, he insists his team belongs at this level.

Qualifying for the Super 8s with a game to spare is no fluke. It reflects Zimbabwe’s strategic planning, disciplined execution and collective belief. But the real test begins now. Their Super 8 campaign includes formidable opponents: defending champions India in Chennai on February 26, followed by clashes against South Africa and the West Indies. These cricketing giants present a stern challenge, but Raza remains optimistic.

“If we can find a day or two to train, we’ll sum up the conditions really well and make our plans. One thing you can’t fight is the weather and conditions, so we try to learn them quickly.”

Raza and the coaching staff are meticulously analyzing opponents, studying recent performances, and leveraging data insights to formulate tactical blueprints. It’s a professional, methodical approach that underscores Zimbabwe’s evolution from hopeful participants to serious competitors.

Also READ: Fans react as Nepal sign off T20 World Cup 2026 on a high after Dipendra Singh Airee’s historic knock destroys Scotland

 

 

IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is working with other countries to evolve a consensus on a framework to deal with AI and these are early days for the sector. In an interview with TOI on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit, the minister said that govt has used a combination of legal and technical solutions in dealing with IT and there is a need to strike a balance between regulation and development. He also touched upon the issue of restricting social media access to children and said that a solution will be based on discussion with stakeholders. Excerpts:How do you strike a balance between regulation and development and how is govt approaching the subject?The overwhelming sense is cautious optimism. People believe that this is a technology that can bring a major change in every sector of life and people are also aware of the harms which can come. India is working towards building a consensus — not just domestically, but globally — including with the Global South, to create a model of harmony. Overall, there is a shared view that a balance must be maintained between innovation and regulation. The thinking is about how AI technology can be used in a way that benefits every sector of the economy and every section of society.Is it time for some sort of basic regulations and what areas would that be?India’s approach has been techno-legal approach, a combination of using technical solutions, and legal structures. That approach is now appreciated by the global community. Some geographies have in the past used only regulation or a legal approach. That has not really delivered the kind of results which are needed. The second thing which we observed here is that there are a lot of innovations left. This is probably the first innings of the first match of a test series. So lots and lots of innovation is still up there. The IT industry is also very cognizant of the challenges and they are pivoting very rapidly away from the old model to create a new model of providing services, from software as a service to AI-based services. There are thousands and thousands of legacy systems in the world. Those legacy systems will have to be modernized, and our IT services companies are best placed to modernize them, using the new AI-based solutions. That opportunity is now clearly visible. Industry is getting prepared for it and govt, academia, and industry are harmonized, we are synchronized to bring those solutions to the country.PM Narendra Modi spoke about the need for IT services companies to graduate from merely providing services to developing products and platforms. How do you become enablers of this transition which have large cash piles with them? Are they investing enough to create products and platforms?Yes, our IT industry initially is calibrating these changes. They were trying to measure what this change would bring to their sector based on what they have studied and what they’ve done over the last few years. Lots and lots of very focused, small models is what the IT industry is putting their emphasis on, which can be placed in an enterprise where trust is the most important factor. For example, if you have to put an AI model in the banking sector, then we can’t have something which goes to a large language model or a frontier model because that would mean that the knowledge within that banking enterprise will go to the entire world and there is no there is no competitive advantage left. So, the IT industry has devised a bouquet of small models, and our sovereign models are complementing that. Today, models are commoditized already. So, a large number of models are available today, which can be used for providing that productivity gain.What is your sense from your talks with 30 countries and evolving a consensus? What about the big tech companies and AI companies, what is their feedback?They also understand the challenges and the opportunities, and they are very cognizant of the risks which are there. Big tech is pretty much working in sync with society and policymakers.There is discussion around regulating social media access for children. How is govt dealing with it?Social media is extremely powerful. There is the issue of freedom of expression and freedom of speech, but under India’s Constitution, there are defined responsibilities, of Parliament and of society, and serious deliberations are underway on these questions. There is a discussion going on what is the impact of social media on children and how it should be dealt with. Several countries have imposed restrictions and prohibitions and in India too, industry and public other stakeholders are discussing the issue. The right solution will emerge only through thoughtful deliberation.

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The Sultanate of Oman is shaking up how companies hire foreign workers by introducing a tiered fee structure for expatriate work permits that directly ties costs to compliance with national employment targets known as Omanisation. The move, announced this week by the Ministry of Labour, rewards firms that meet or exceed local hire quotas with steep fee discounts, while punishing those lagging behind by doubling their permit fees. This approach, part of wider labour reforms aimed at creating more job opportunities for Omani citizens, reflects a growing regional trend toward tightening rules on foreign labour and elevating the role of national workforces.Under the new system, compliant companies in the “Green Category”, those that hit Omanisation benchmarks, will enjoy a 30 percent discount on expatriate work permit and practice licence fees. In contrast, non-compliant employers who fail to bring enough locals into their ranks will pay double the usual fee for the same permits, making it significantly more costly to hire foreign talent. Omanisation quotas vary by sector and company size, but the underlying message is clear: make room for Omani workers, or pay a steep price.

How Oman’s tiered fee system works: Carrots and sticks

The tiered model is designed as both an incentive and a penalty mechanism. Firms that exceed their national hire quotas are placed in the Green Category, unlocking the 30 percent discount on key work permits. Since expatriate work permit fees are a routine cost for many businesses, a reduction of this size represents a significant annual saving, effectively a financial reward for prioritising Omani employment.

By contrast, companies that neglect Omanisation expectations will find themselves in the Non-Compliant Category, where the base cost of all expatriate work permits and related professional licences, is doubled. This punitive measure is aimed at shifting recruitment calculus: if it is cheaper to invest in hiring local talent than continually renew permits for foreign workers, firms will re-evaluate their workforce strategies.Complementing the fee overhaul, the Ministry has also extended the validity of work-practice licences for expats from 15 to 24 months, aligning them with standard residency permits, a change welcomed by employers as it reduces administrative churn. Furthermore, employers can now upgrade an existing worker’s professional category simply by paying the difference in fees, rather than going through the full process of applying for a new permit. These administrative simplifications aim to balance the tougher fee regime with smoother operational processes.

Omanisation and labour policy trends

Oman’s new tiered fee regime comes amid a broader and long-running initiative to strengthen national labour participation, a policy widely known across the Gulf as Omanisation. Similar efforts elsewhere in the region tie benefits or penalties to local hiring benchmarks, with countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia implementing strict compliance requirements for companies and linking national employment performance to government contracts or licences.

In Oman’s context, national debate around these reforms has extended into discussions online and in business circles. Some expatriate employers have voiced concern that compliance expectations, such as minimum local hire quotas, can complicate workforce planning and increase costs, while others point out that compliance brings benefits such as discounted fees that eventually outweigh the penalties. Posts on regional forums suggest that employers who fail to meet Omanisation levels may face restrictions on visa renewals or additional bureaucratic hurdles, underscoring the importance of aligning hiring practices with policy goals.Importantly, this policy does not ban foreign hires, it simply makes it more expensive for companies to ignore local hiring targets. In recent years, authorities have also enacted rules reserving certain professions exclusively for Omani citizens, further tightening the labour market and accelerating opportunities for nationals across sectors.

Why Oman’s tiered fee system matters for businesses and the economy

The tiered fee approach marks a shift toward “stick and carrot” workforce governance: companies that help build the national workforce are financially rewarded, while those that rely heavily on expatriate labour are nudged, through higher costs, to rethink their composition. For businesses, this means –

Economists and labour policy analysts see these changes as part of Oman’s broader strategy to reduce dependency on expatriate labour, especially in mid-level and supervisory roles where nationals can increasingly play a more prominent part. With long-term development goals tied to local employment growth, such structural reforms are expected to ripple through recruitment practices across the private sector.

Concerns and criticisms of Oman’s tiered fee system

Despite wide policy support from authorities, critics warn that the tiered fee system might strain smaller businesses that already contend with tight margins and high operational costs. Firms that struggle to find qualified local talent, especially in specialised or technical roles, argue that doubling expatriate permit fees could limit their ability to function competitively. This has led to calls for targeted training programmes, stronger labour market matchmaking systems and transitional exemptions that help companies adapt.

Some online commentators also note that while fee incentives and penalties are important, they must be paired with robust workforce development initiatives including education, vocational training and career pathways to ensure that local job seekers are adequately equipped to fill roles previously dominated by expatriates. Without that holistic support, critics argue, businesses may face compliance pressures without the necessary human capital to meet them.

Looking ahead: 2026 and beyond

The tiered fee system is slated to take effect as Oman enters a broader five-year development plan focused on economic diversification, job growth and private sector empowerment, initiatives also reflected in national budgets and social investment strategies. With permit fees now a lever in this broader policy toolkit, observers expect:

By linking financial consequences so directly to a company’s local hire performance, Oman is sending a clear message: local employment matters and the cost of inaction will rise for businesses that choose to ignore it. Oman has introduced a tiered expat work permit fee structure that rewards firms meeting Omanisation goals with 30 percent discounts and penalises laggards by doubling fees. The policy also extends licence validity and simplifies permit category upgrades to ease administrative burden.This change is part of a broader push to increase employment opportunities for Omani citizens and reduce reliance on foreign labour. Critics say complementary measures, such as skills training and workforce development, are necessary to help companies adapt.

September’s GST cuts had helped keep prices steady for a while, but now, almost six months in, the phase is ending. India’s consumer goods makers now increasing prices by up to 5%, as rising commodity costs and weak rupee put pressure on margins. The impact is now visible in stores this quarter, with distributors saying that selected packs of everyday essentials, including detergents, hair oils, chocolates, noodles and breakfast cereals, are reaching shelves with higher price tags, according to ET. The latest round of increases come after a period of during which companies had swiftly passed on tax benefits after GST rates were lowered across multiple consumer categories. Firms had acted cautiously at the time to avoid scrutiny under antiprofiteering regulations. With that phase now behind them, companies are beginning to exercise pricing power once again. Mohit Malhotra, chief executive of Dabur India, told ET that the company, which makes Real juice and Vatika hair oil, is implementing a 2% price increase in the ongoing fourth quarter. The higher pricing, he added, will continue into the next year. “We had to postpone the price hikes due to the antiprofiteering issue,” he said. The pressure on margins has intensified amid rising commodity prices and sustained currency weakness. Crude oil prices have firmed up in recent weeks, lifting costs of related commodities such as sulphur and n-paraffins. Coconut oil prices have doubled over the past year. Meanwhile, the rupee has been sliding for several months, touching an all-time intraday low of Rs 92.02 against the dollar on January 30, affected by trade deficits and global imbalances. The depreciation has pushed up the cost of imported inputs. “A lot of ingredients in breakfast staples, such as oats and almonds, are imported… The depreciation of the rupee has significantly increased costs of imports,” said Aditya Bagri, group director at breakfast cereals, muesli and oats maker Bagrry’s. “We are exploring a marginal increase in prices this quarter on select packs,” the official further added. Home and personal care manufacturers are also grappling with higher raw material expenses, given their dependence on crude oil derivatives that influence the cost of commodities such as liquid paraffin and surfactants. “Home care price increases will be (seen) soon. Some (packs with increased price tags) are already going into the market, and some will follow,” Niranjan Gupta, chief financial officer at Hindustan Unilever, said during an investor call last week. The company is raising prices across its home care portfolio, including Surf Excel, Rin, Vim and Domex. At Tata Consumer Products, tea prices have also shown movement. “There was a small uptick on tea prices at the end of the (December) quarter,” managing director Sunil D’ Souza said after the third-quarter earnings. “But remember, January to early April…will determine opening prices then. We will be flexible on moving (prices) up or down depending on how the commodity fares when the season opens. We have already passed on most of the increases in this quarter.” However, even with higher revenues, profitability remains under pressure. A report by financial services firm Systematix Group on Tuesday noted that while FMCG companies recorded 9% year-on-year revenue growth in the third quarter of FY26, margin expansion has been constrained. Average sales volumes rose 6% year-on-year, supported by GST-linked reductions in categories such as biscuits, noodles and snack foods, the report said.

South Africa vs United Arab Emirates Live Score, T20 World Cup 2026: South Africa head into their final Group D fixture against the United Arab Emirates with their Super Eights qualification already secured, but the match presents an important chance for Dewald Brevis to rediscover his touch. The Proteas have enjoyed a perfect group stage so far, highlighted by a dramatic double Super Over win over Afghanistan and a dominant victory against New Zealand, putting them in a strong position ahead of the knockout phase.

T20 World Cup: Schedule | Points Table

Despite the team’s success, Brevis has struggled to convert his starts, registering only 6, 23 and 21. Nicknamed after AB de Villiers for his exciting strokeplay, the youngster will be eager to deliver a defining performance on a batting-friendly surface at the Feroz Shah Kotla Ground. With senior players such as Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton already among the runs, South Africa’s batting remains formidable.

The match could also see strategic rotation, with frontline pacers like Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi likely to be rested, allowing others to gain match practice. For UAE, it will be a valuable learning experience against elite opposition. Their batting hopes rest heavily on in-form Sohaib Khan, skipper Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu, who will aim to challenge a powerful South African side and end their campaign on a positive note.

PLAYING XIs

South Africa XI: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka

United Arab Emirates XI: Aryansh Sharma (w), Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Sohaib Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Muhammad Arfan, Dhruv Parashar, Muhammad Farooq, Haider Ali, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday announced that biennial elections to fill 37 Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant across 10 states in April will be held on March 16, with counting scheduled for later the same day.Polling will take place between 9am and 4pm, and vote counting will begin at 5pm, the Commission said. The vacancies arise as the terms of 37 members of the Upper House end in April 2026.According to the schedule released by the poll panel, the notification for the elections will be issued on February 26. March 5 has been set as the last date for filing nominations, followed by scrutiny on March 6. Candidates may withdraw their nominations until March 9.

10 states to send new representatives

The biennial polls cover Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar, where one or more members are completing their tenure.Prominent MPs retiring this cycle include Upendra Kushwaha, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Tiruchi Siva, Saket Gokhale, Ramdas Athawale, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Sharad Pawar, Bhagwat Karad, Mamata Mohanta, Rameswar Teli, Indu Bala Goswami, K.T.S. Tulsi, N.R. Elango, Amarendra Dhari Singh, and Kiran Choudhry.

Guidelines and conduct

To ensure transparency, the Commission will deploy observers in each state to oversee the election process. It also directed that only integrated violet sketch pens supplied by the respective Returning Officers be used for marking preferences on ballot papers, stressing that no other writing instrument is permitted.Reiterating its commitment to a fair and impartial process, the ECI said the biennial elections would be completed within the prescribed constitutional timeline to uphold the integrity of the Rajya Sabha electoral process.

The Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is officially set, and defending champions India now know the teams standing between them and a semi-final berth. Following Zimbabwe’s dramatic qualification on Tuesday, India have been placed in Group 1 alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe and West Indies.

Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue now prepare for a challenging second phase of the tournament, with matches scheduled at three iconic venues across India.

India’s Super 8 Schedule: Dates and Venues

India will begin their Super 8 campaign against South Africa on Sunday (February 22) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The clash promises to be a high-intensity encounter, as South Africa were runners-up in the previous edition.

The team will then travel south to Chennai to face Zimbabwe on February 26 at the historic MA Chidambaram Stadium. India will conclude their Super 8 group fixtures against the West Indies on March 1 at the iconic Eden Gardens.

Only the top two teams from each Super 8 group will advance to the semi-finals, making every match critical.

How India secured their Super 8 spot?

India qualified for the Super 8 stage with dominant performances in Group A. Their campaign was highlighted by a commanding 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in Colombo on February 15.

Earlier wins against the USA and Namibia set the tone for their unbeaten run in the group stage. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan played a starring role against Pakistan with a blistering 77 off 40 deliveries, while the bowling unit, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy, consistently dismantled opposition batting lineups.

India’s emphatic 93-run win over Namibia in Delhi also marked their largest winning margin in T20 World Cup history, underlining their dominance in the early rounds.

Zimbabwe’s fairytale qualification shakes up the tournament

Zimbabwe’s qualification to the Super 8s came under dramatic circumstances. Their group match against Ireland in Pallekele was abandoned due to rain, earning them a crucial point that knocked out both Ireland and two-time champions Australia.

The Chevrons’ progression marks their first appearance in the Super 8 stage, adding an unexpected twist to the tournament narrative. Australia’s early exit has been one of the biggest shocks of the competition so far.

Also READ: Fans react as Australia faces elimination from T20 World Cup 2026 after rain washes Ireland vs Zimbabwe clash in Pallekele

Super 8 format explained

The Super 8 stage comprises two groups of four teams each. India are in Group 1 with South Africa, West Indies, and Zimbabwe. Group 2 features England, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Each team will play three matches in this phase, facing every other side in their group once. Importantly, no points from the group stage are carried forward. The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals on March 4 and 5, with the grand final scheduled for March 8.

Challenges await for India in Super 8

While India enter the Super 8s on a 10-match T20 World Cup winning streak – a tournament record – the path ahead is far from straightforward. South Africa’s balanced squad poses a formidable challenge, while the West Indies have displayed explosive batting throughout the tournament.

Zimbabwe, buoyed by their underdog spirit and momentum, could also prove tricky opponents.

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