US stocks edged lower on Thursday as rising oil prices and renewed concerns over a potential US-Iran conflict weighed on investor sentiment, even as several companies reported mixed quarterly earnings, according to AP.The S&P 500 slipped 0.4% and was on track for its first decline in four sessions. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 257 points, or 0.5%, while the Nasdaq composite dropped 0.6% as of 9:35 a.m. Eastern time.Oil prices climbed more than 1.5%, with benchmark US crude moving above $66 per barrel amid fears that escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran could disrupt global oil supplies. President Donald Trump has been increasing pressure on Iran over its disputed nuclear programme, raising concerns that any military confrontation could constrict the global flow of oil.Among individual stocks, Booking Holdings tumbled 8% despite reporting quarterly profit that slightly beat analysts’ expectations. The company, which operates Booking.com, Priceline and OpenTable, has faced pressure due to concerns that artificial-intelligence-powered competitors could disrupt its business.Such fears have spread across Wall Street, affecting industries ranging from software and legal services to trucking logistics. Analysts said investors have recently adopted a “shoot first-ask questions later” approach toward companies perceived to be vulnerable to technological disruption.Carvana declined 4.3% even after posting stronger-than-expected quarterly profit, as investors focused instead on lower-than-anticipated profit per vehicle sold.Walmart helped limit broader losses, rising 1.6% after fluctuating in premarket trading. The retailer reported stronger results for the end of its fiscal year but issued a profit outlook for the coming year that fell short of analysts’ estimates.eBay gained 2.8% after reporting better-than-expected profit and revenue and announcing plans to acquire secondhand fashion marketplace Depop from Etsy for about $1.2 billion in cash, a move aimed at attracting younger customers.Energy stocks recorded some of the strongest gains as crude prices advanced. Occidental Petroleum jumped 8.7% after delivering quarterly profit that exceeded expectations.In the bond market, Treasury yields were largely steady following data showing fewer Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, suggesting layoffs may be slowing. A resilient labour market could prompt the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged for longer as policymakers await further evidence of easing inflation.The yield on the 10-year Treasury remained at 4.09%, unchanged from late Wednesday.Markets overseas were mixed, with European indexes declining after stronger performances in Asia. South Korea’s Kospi surged 3.1% as trading resumed after the Lunar New Year holiday, while markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai stayed closed.

In a dramatic turn of events during the final T20 World Cup 2026 Group D fixture at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on February 19, 2026, Canada‘s Jaskaran Singh produced a game-changing over that revitalized his side’s hopes against Afghanistan. Despite both teams being out of Super 8 contention, the match ignited when Jaskaran removed the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz and the experienced Gulbadin Naib within the space of just four deliveries.

Jaskaran Singh dismantled Afghanistan top order with key wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gulbadin Naib

The first breakthrough came on the 5.3 over mark when Gurbaz, known for his relentless aggression, attempted to charge down the wicket after having already struck 30 runs. Jaskaran anticipated the movement and hit the deck hard, causing the ball to rise sharply on the batter. Gurbaz, unable to restrain his instincts, went through with a forceful slog-pull but only managed a thick top-edge that swirled toward deep backward point. Yuvraj Samra kept his composure, running forward to claim the vital catch and ending a dangerous opening stand that had already produced 47 runs. This wicket set the stage for an even more clinical dismissal just three balls later to close out the first six overs.

The final delivery of the over, at 5.6 overs, saw Jaskaran produce a perfect full-length nip-backer that caught Gulbadin completely off-guard. The ball skidded through the air, stayed low, and struck Naib dead in front of middle and leg before he could bring his bat down. Although the on-field umpire initially hesitated, the Canadian side opted for a tactical review that proved to be a masterstroke. UltraEdge confirmed there was no bat involved, and the Ball Tracker showed the delivery crashing into the top of the leg stump. With three reds appearing on the big screen, the decision was overturned, and Naib was sent packing for just 1 run from 2 balls, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 49/2 after a promising start.

Here are the videos:

What an over! 🔥

Jaskaran rips through with two wickets in an over, removing Gulbadin Naib and Rahmanullah Gurbaz early to put Afghanistan under pressure! 🎯

ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #AFGvCAN | LIVE NOW ➡️ https://t.co/0BcVdzugXC pic.twitter.com/r6S5ZG6KCO

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 19, 2026

Also READ: Imad Wasim’s ex-wife Sannia Ashfaq urges PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi to intervene, accusing former Pakistan cricketer of being a murderer

Ibrahim Zadan and Sediqullah Atal lead the Afghanistan’s counter-attack against Canada

Following the mini-collapse triggered by Jaskaran, Afghanistan shifted gears from raw aggression to calculated accumulation to rebuild their innings. Ibrahim Zadran emerged as the anchor, reaching a sublime half-century off just 33 balls, his second consecutive fifty of the tournament. He was ably supported by Sediqullah Atal, who provided the necessary spark in the middle overs, including a massive 81-metre six off Canada’s veteran Saad Bin Zafar. Together, the duo stitched an unbeaten 72-run partnership that stabilized the innings and effectively nullified Canada’s early momentum.

By the 15th over, Afghanistan had surged to 131/2, moving at a healthy run rate of 8.73. While Canada’s bowlers, particularly Ansh Patel and Dilon Heyliger, tried to maintain pressure, a few costly lapses in the field, including a dropped catch of Zadran by Kaleem Sana, allowed the Afghan batters to keep the scoreboard ticking. With five overs remaining and eight wickets in hand, Afghanistan are now well-positioned to launch a final assault, eyeing a target in excess of 190 on a Chepauk surface that is beginning to offer more to the batters as the lights take full effect.

Also READ: Pakistan all-rounder hits back at Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Yousuf over remarks on team’s T20 World Cup 2026 performance

Lucknow: On a day when the result was a mere formality and Karnataka’s place in the Ranji Trophy final was already assured, the umpires briefly kept the semifinal against Uttarakhand alive — much to the bemusement of players and broadcasters alike. The only moment of intrigue at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Thursday came at tea, when captains Kunal Chandela and Karun Nair — standing in for an injured Devdutt Padikkal — shook hands, signalling what everyone believed was the end of proceedings. Presentation signage was rolled out, players drifted towards the ceremony area, and one even headed to the dressing room to pack for the airport.

However, a few minutes later, play was ordered to resume after tea. With Uttarakhand six wickets down, umpires pointed to the rulebook, noting that an outright result for Karnataka was still technically possible. A visibly disgruntled Karnataka side returned to the field, but with the match long decided, Abhay Negi (57 n.o.) and Saurabh Rawat (53 n.o.) treated the final session as batting practice, while the opposition wound down the clock. The match was finally called off less than an hour after tea, with Uttarakhand at 260/6. Karnataka will now host first-time finalists Jammu and Kashmir at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium — the first time the northern Karnataka region will stage a Ranji Trophy final. “We are playing the final after a long time. We’ve been working very hard for the last few years but couldn’t quite make it,” said Karnataka head coach Yere Goud. “Playing at home makes it even more special.” Goud was quick to underline the challenge posed by Jammu and Kashmir. “They have done extremely well, beating MP and Bengal. A lot of credit should go to them. They are a very dangerous side. We need to play good cricket and focus on our processes — we’ll have to play well to beat them.” Karnataka sweat over Padikkal Karnataka skipper Devdutt Padikkal did not take the field on the final day after suffering a cut while fielding on Wednesday, which required five stitches on his right hand. However, Goud played down concerns over his availability for the final starting Tuesday. “When I saw the cut, I was pretty sure he’ll make it. He probably needs two to three days’ rest and should be fine for the game,” Goud said. Shreyas’ landmark The match also marked a personal milestone for leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal, who became the latest Karnataka bowler to reach 300 first-class wickets, which came in his 97th appearance in the format. The 32-year-old is the side’s leading wicket-taker this season with 46 scalps. “It’s a special feeling to reach the milestone in a semifinal, and it gives me a lot of confidence going into the final,” said Shreyas. Earlier, Karnataka, resuming at 299/6, were bowled out for 323, with KL Rahul left unbeaten on 86 after running out of partners. Karnataka’s focus now shifts to Hubballi and a chance to add a ninth Ranji Trophy title to their storied history. SCOREBOARD Karnataka (I innings): 736 Uttarakhand (II innings): 233 Karnataka (II innings, o/n 299/6): KL Rahul (not out) 86, Vyshak Vijaykumar st S Rawat b Mishra 0, Shikhar Shetty b Mishra 7, Prasidh Krishna (run out) 7, Devdutt Padikkal (absent hurt). Extras (B-8; NB-4; LB-2; W-1) 15. Total (all out; 74.3 overs) 323 Fall of wickets: 7-299, 8-311, 9-323 Bowling: Abhay Negi 19-9-63-2, Janmejay Joshi 9-0-54-0, Mayank Mishra 18-3-69-4, Avneesh Sudha 12-1-50-1, J Suchith 12-0-59-1, Aditya Rawat 3.3-0-15-0, Lakshya Raichandani 1-0-3-0. Uttarakhand (II innings): Bhupen Lalwani c Kruthik b Prasidh 15, Prasanth Chopra c Kruthik b Vyshak 0, Avneesh Sudha c Rahul b Shreyas 66, Lakshya Raichandani c Kruthik b Prasidh 10, J Suchith c Aneesh (sub) b Shreyas 19, Saurabh Rawat (not out) 53, Kunal Chandela st Kruthik b Shreyas 20, Abhay Negi (not out) 57. Extras (B-12; LB-2; W-6) 20. Total (6 wkts; 62 overs) 260. Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-48, 3-72, 4-107, 5-128, 6-156. Bowling: Vidyadhar Patil 4-0-13-0, Prasidh Krishna 6-1-17-2, Vyshak Vijaykumar 4-0-22-1, Shikhar Shetty 24-1-97-0, Shreyas Gopal 19-1-83-3; Karun Nair 2-0-9-0; Mayank Agarwal 2-0-5-0.

NEW DELHI: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) confirmed on Thursday that the upcoming Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir will be played in Hubballi. The move has been made to allow safety upgrade work at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to progress faster.The final will begin on February 24.“KSCA had the option of hosting this prestigious final either at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, or at the KSCA Hubballi grounds. After careful evaluation and detailed consultations, the Association, in coordination with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has taken a considered and strategic decision to stage the final at Hubballi,” said Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the KSCA official spokesperson.He said infrastructure and safety upgrade work is in progress at the Bengaluru venue as per recommendations of a state-appointed expert committee and other authorities.“Several spectator gates and access points are currently being dismantled and widened, along with other critical improvement works.”“In view of these ongoing developments, it would not have been feasible to ensure the high-quality match-viewing experience and spectator convenience that a marquee fixture such as the Ranji Trophy Final deserves,” said Mruthyunjaya.He added that the shift also allows a major match to be staged outside Bengaluru, in line with the vision of the newly elected KSCA managing committee led by Venkatesh Prasad.“This initiative is aimed at promoting cricket across the State, nurturing regional fan engagement, and strengthening the sporting ecosystem beyond Bengaluru,” he added.

NEW DELHI: Israel on Thursday condemned the attack on two Indian workers in the city of Ashkelon, calling the incident “absolutely unacceptable.”The Israeli embassy in India also denounced the assault and said action had been taken against those responsible. In a post on X, it said, “The attack on two Indian workers yesterday in Ashkelon by delinquents is absolutely unacceptable. The Israeli police have caught the perpetrators and will bring them to justice.”The two workers were reportedly beaten in Ashkelon, located about 50 km from Tel Aviv. Israeli media described the assault as a “targeted, racially motivated attack.”Congress leader Pawan Khera raised concerns over the incident and urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene. In a post on X, he said, “It was a premeditated racist assault, planned over private chats. This is not the first such attack. And sadly, it may not be the last.”He added, “The government’s failure to generate adequate employment at home has pushed Indian labourers to seek work in Israel. It celebrates Indo-Israel ‘friendship’ when sending Indian labourers there. But when our people face barbaric treatment, it falls silent and shrugs off responsibility.”Tagging Jaishankar, he said the minister “should urgently look into the matter, confirm the victim’s condition, and ensure he has access to adequate, free-of-cost medical care if required.”Khera also questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would raise the issue during his upcoming visit to Israel. “PM Modi is visiting Israel soon, will he raise the issue of racism and violent attacks against Indian nationals in Israel?” he asked.According to TRT World, the incident comes at a time when India has chosen not to join more than 80 countries that criticised Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank in a joint statement at the United Nations.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Israel next week, marking his second trip to the country since 2017.

Mumbai is all set to resonate with high-octane rhythm as the 8th edition of Mumbai Drum Day 2026 arrives with its dynamic theme, “A Tapestry of Taal.”Curated by internationally acclaimed drummer Gino Banks, son of legendary jazz pianist Louiz Banks, the festival has, over the years, evolved into India’s premier rhythm-centric concert platform. Known for blending diverse percussion traditions with contemporary drumming, the event creates a space where global influences meet Indian rhythmic brilliance.Sharing his vision as curator, Banks said, “Mumbai Drum Day has always been about honouring rhythm in all its forms. Every year, we strive to create a platform where tradition meets innovation, and where artists from different cultures connect through the language of rhythm. ‘A Tapestry of Taal’ celebrates the depth of Indian rhythmic structures while embracing global percussion and contemporary drum set artistry. It’s a celebration of unity, diversity, and the power of rhythm.”This year’s stellar line-up features an extraordinary ensemble including Abbos Kosimov, Cain Daniel, Ojas Adhiya, Sridhar Parthasarathy, Aditi Bhagwat, Bettina Castano, Khwab Haria, Siddhi Shah, Hardik Tyagi and Sanidhya Das, alongside Banks himself.Audiences can expect electrifying solo segments, powerful rhythmic collaborations, cross-cultural dialogues and a grand ensemble finale — all combining to create an immersive, high-energy concert experience.The much-anticipated concert will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at St. Andrews Auditorium, Bandra, bringing together some of the world’s most celebrated percussionists and drum set artists on one stage.With its signature blend of virtuosity, collaboration and cultural exchange, this year’s edition promises to once again turn Mumbai into a pulsating epicentre of rhythm.

NEW DELHI: A man from Jammu and Kashmir has been arrested in Delhi for allegedly impersonating an officer of a central agency and cheating economically vulnerable families on the promise of jobs, police said.The accused, identified as Mudassar, a resident of Pulwama, was intercepted during patrolling by a team from Kotwali police station.According to police, a black Hyundai Santro with a Jammu and Kashmir registration number was found parked under suspicious circumstances near Delhi Chalo Park behind the Red Fort.Mudassar and a minor boy were inside the vehicle when officers approached them.“When questioned, Mudassar produced an identity card similar to that issued by the National Investigation Agency. The card appeared suspicious and both were brought to the police station for detailed questioning,” a senior police officer said.Investigators later found that the card resembled one issued by the National Investigation Agency, but was allegedly forged.Preliminary inquiries suggested that Mudassar had been targeting economically vulnerable families in Jammu and Kashmir, promising employment opportunities in Delhi in return for money.“Mudassar had assured the minor boy’s family of arranging a job for him and taken an advance payment before bringing him to Delhi,” the officer added.Police said the pair left Kashmir on February 12 and reached Delhi the following night. They had been staying at a guest house in the Jama Masjid area.The accused told investigators he had contacted some people to arrange a job for the minor, but he could not produce any documentary proof to support the claim.A joint interrogation involving the Special Cell, the Intelligence Bureau and the central agency concerned concluded that the identity card was forged and had not been officially issued. A case has been registered and further investigation is under way, police said.2025 Delhi car blastThe incident comes months after the 2025 Delhi car blast near the Red Fort, in which 15 people were killed. Investigating agencies later confirmed that terror accused Umar was inside the car.The vehicle had been parked for nearly two hours at a nearby parking lot before it was driven out and detonated.A new report by the United Nations Security Council has blamed Jaish-e-Mohammed for carrying out a series of attacks, including linking the outfit to the car bombing near the Red Fort in New Delhi.The findings are part of the biannual assessment prepared by the Security Council’s monitoring team overseeing sanctions against Al-Qaeda and Islamic State affiliates. The report stated that the group was “reported to be linked to an attack on the Red Fort in New Delhi on 10 November that killed 15 people”.It further noted that one member state had informed the monitoring team that Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for multiple attacks. The outfit was also said to be connected to the November 10 strike in the capital.The report additionally highlighted that UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar had, on October 8 last year, announced the creation of a women’s wing allegedly intended to support terrorist activities.