Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma (ICC Photo)

AHMEDABAD: Coming into the T20 World Cup, much of the hype around India’s title defence revolved around a top order that worked like a killing machine against bowling attacks. However, at the halfway stage of the tournament, the team management has replaced words like “confidence” and “clarity” with “predictable” and “doubtful”. The top order which boomed ominously a month ago has come a cropper so far in this World Cup campaign.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!A loss of this magnitude can do that — India were, after all, bundled out for 111 while chasing 188, losing by 76 runs against South Africa in their first Super 8 game.Everything that the team management and selectors boasted about while shaping the combination of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma at the top of the order hasn’t worked according to plan — opposition teams have decoded their weaknesses a bit too easily.

“We’ve watched India’s other games and it was nice to just have both left-handers (at the top). You know, you’ve got Aiden’s (Markram) ball spinning away,” David Miller said of South Africa’s decision to open the bowling with off-spinner Markram. “It gives some sort of option where if it’s not turning, it can go straight through the gates. Or if it does hold it a little bit like it did, it gives hope that we can get a wicket in the first over,” he added.The result was that Ishan Kishan got out for a duck on Sunday. In fact, Ishan and Abhishek’s partnership has struggled to last even the first over. On match eve, captain Suryakumar Yadav had mocked questions on whether change at the top was an option. It seemed he was talking about Abhishek and Tilak in the same vein as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, stalwarts who have now exited the T20I scene.

It’s now an open secret that India prefer to load their team with lefthanded batters, making it easier to plan against them. “We’ve reached a point where we need to think if we need to do something different or stick with the same combination,” India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said after India’s collapse against South Africa.“It obviously helps tactically with having a right-hander at the top of the order. I’m sure that’ll be a talking point over the next few days, going into two very important games (ahead),” India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said, while conceding that the form of Abhishek and Tilak is now a concern. It will be a bold call to bring back Sanju Samson after he was dropped from the XI following a forgettable series against New Zealand.Kotak said that the coaching staff was refraining from talking too much to Abhishek and Tilak. “There are already many things going on in their head. If we go with another 10 things, their minds will be cluttered. In the middle of a tournament, you don’t have time to work on any technical aspects of their batting,” Kotak said.The continued reference to the collapse against USA in their tournament opener, and subsequently deviating from the usual attacking batting style, suggests doubts have already crept in. It became more apparent when South Africa launched a counterattack from 20/3 while India’s batters repeatedly went into their shell after losing two early wickets.

Tilak and Surya have built small partnerships but they have scored at a strike rate barely above 100.“Tilak and Surya’s role is to link up with the guys at the back end. It hasn’t gone that way. We have been 0/1 or one down for a couple of runs in every match. Look, there’s a lot of inexperience in the team,” Doeschate said.It’s a delicate stage of the tournament. Samson has looked far from convincing even in the practice sessions. Doeschate insisted that they don’t want Abhishek to play a different game from what he has been doing over the last 18 months. Kotak claimed that going through a phase of low scores is nothing new for Abhishek.“If you look at Abhishek’s IPL career, he endures a string of low scores. He then bounces back,” Kotak said.It will be interesting to see if Abhishek and Tilak are given another shot to regain form against a relatively weaker opposition in Zimbabwe, or if the team management decides to ring in changes.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called a “silent killer” because it usually causes no obvious symptoms—until serious damage has already occurred. Many people feel perfectly normal while their blood pressure remains dangerously high. That is why awareness of subtle warning signs is so important. Here’s what expert cardiologists have to say on the matter.We spoke to Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary, Chairman – Cardiology, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, on common symptoms. He revealed, “Most individuals with high blood pressure experience no symptoms at all. However, certain silent or easily ignored signs may occasionally appear. Frequent early morning headaches, especially at the back of the head, can sometimes be linked to uncontrolled blood pressure. Unexplained fatigue, mild breathlessness on exertion, or a feeling of heaviness in the chest should not be brushed aside. Episodes of dizziness, blurred vision, or seeing flashes of light may indicate that blood vessels are under strain. Recurrent nosebleeds, though uncommon, can also be associated with very high readings.”“Swelling of the feet, sudden palpitations, or reduced exercise tolerance may reflect the effect of hypertension on the heart. In some cases, the first sign may be detected only during a routine check-up. Because hypertension often remains symptomless, regular blood pressure monitoring is essential—especially after the age of 30, in those with diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, or a family history of hypertension. Early detection and timely treatment can prevent heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss. Don’t wait for symptoms—get your blood pressure checked regularly,” he added. Dr Surendra Nath Khanna, Chairperson, Adult Cardiac Surgery & Heart-Lung Transplant, Artemis Hospitals, said, “High blood pressure or hypertension is called the silent killer for a reason. It hurts your heart, brain, and kidneys without you knowing it. Most people feel fine even though they don’t know that harm is building up inside. Problems may already be serious by the time they show up. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of things early. High blood pressure can sometimes cause headaches in the morning, especially at the back of the head. Feeling tired for no reason, having trouble breathing while doing everyday tasks, or having a heavy feeling in your chest could also mean that your heart is under stress. Some people see floaters or have blurry vision because pressure is affecting the small blood vessels in their eyes. Poorly controlled blood pressure can also cause nosebleeds, which are not very common.”“Uncontrolled high blood pressure raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure over time. Checking your blood pressure on a regular basis is the best way to find it. Routine screening, a healthy diet, exercise, stress management, and cutting back on salt can all help keep your heart and health in good shape, even if you feel fine,” he stated. Dr Ashish Kumar, Senior Cardiologist at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, said, “High blood pressure acts differently. While you go about your daily life—going to work, scrolling through your phone, and meeting deadlines—this slowly changes your body without you even knowing it. Your arteries are hardening, and your heart is building up muscle to survive.”“It isn’t sudden death that makes high blood pressure dangerous; it’s the damage that happens over time. Before a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure, the body almost always sends out small signals,” he emphasised. Before a heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure, the body almost always sends out small signals. Dr Ashish also listed out the signs that cardiologists see the most often.

Many people feel perfectly normal while their blood pressure remains dangerously high

1. The “pressure” headache, which is worse when you wake up

This isn’t a migraine.Patients say they feel a tight band around their head or heaviness at the back of their skull.Hormonal surges cause blood pressure to rise naturally in the early morning. In people with high blood pressure, this surge gets too strong and puts stress on small blood vessels in the brain. Stress every day can cause headaches that last all day, and people often take painkillers instead of checking their blood pressure.

2. Tiredness that seems out of proportion to what you’ve done

A common complaint in Indian clinics is: “I’m tired even when I haven’t done much.”When blood pressure is high, the heart has to work harder to pump blood. The heart thickens its walls to make up for it. This is called left ventricular hypertrophy. The body uses energy to keep blood flowing, which leaves less for stamina.Patients believe they are becoming older or lacking vitamins.They are often hypertensive.

3. Shortness of breath while doing everyday things

Not while running, but in everyday life.Going to the gate on footGoing up one flight of stairsSpeaking while walkingLong-term high blood pressure makes the heart muscle stiff. When you work out, the lungs have to work harder, which makes it hard to breathe for years before heart failure becomes obvious.People often call this “low fitness” when they mean “low fitness.”

4. Eyes that hurt or are blurry

The only place you can see arteries directly without surgery is in your retina, and high blood pressure hurts it early.Patients notice:• trouble concentrating at night

Hypertensive retinopathy can develop without any symptoms. A lot of people find out they have high blood pressure during a routine eye exam instead of a doctor’s visit.

5. Heart palpitations while lying still

Not a fast heartbeat, but a heartbeat that is easy to feel.Patients suddenly feel their pulse in their chest or ears at night. High blood pressure makes arteries stiffer, which sends stronger pulse waves. To get through the resistance, the heart has to work harder, which makes each beat easier to feel.This subtle awareness often comes before changes in the structure of the heart.

6. Nosebleeds or flushing of the face that happen often

Not very common, but important.When the pressure rises, small, fragile blood vessels in the nose may break. Adults should never ignore nosebleeds that happen on their own, especially when they are at rest.

7. Less ability to exercise

One of the most reliable signs.If your ability to walk slowly decreases over months, not all at once, you may be developing vascular stiffness. Hypertension makes arteries less flexible, which means that muscles don’t get as much blood flow when they are active.Patients often say that stress, the weather, or lack of sleep are to blame.Cardiologists think about arteries.

Awareness of subtle warning signs is important.

When is it a good idea to check your blood pressure?

If you have any of the following, you should check your BP:• tiredness that won’t go away

Never ignore the signs that your body tries to show you and always consult your medical expert.Medical experts consulted This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by: Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary, Chairman – Cardiology, Marengo Asia Hospital, GurugramDr Surendra Nath Khanna, Chairperson, Adult Cardiac Surgery & Heart-Lung Transplant, Artemis HospitalsDr Ashish Kumar, Senior Cardiologist at Amrita Hospital in FaridabadInputs were used to explain the silent signs of high blood pressure you shouldn’t ignore, according to cardiologists, and why early detection and medical consultation are crucial for preventing serious complications.

The stakes couldn’t be higher as two giants of the cricketing world collide in the heart of Sri Lanka. England, led by the youthful aggression of Harry Brook, enters this fixture with significant momentum after a clinical 51-run victory over the hosts, Sri Lanka, in their Super 8 opener. A win on Tuesday would all but secure their passage to the semi-finals.

Pakistan, under the captaincy of Salman Ali Agha, find themselves in a more precarious position. Their opening Super 8 fixture against New Zealand was abandoned due to rain, leaving them with just a single point. With the pressure of a must-win scenario looming, the Men in Green will be desperate to break their recent hoodoo against the English, having lost their last five T20I encounters against them.

PAK vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2026: Match Details

• Date and Time: February 24 (Tuesday); 7:00 pm IST / 1:30 pm GMT / 6:30 pm local
• Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

PAK vs ENG, Head-to-Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 30 | Pakistan won: 09 | England won: 20 | No result/Tied: 1

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The surface at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is expected to be a classic balanced T20 track, favoring stroke-makers early on. With a firm base and reliable bounce, the Powerplay offers the best chance for high scoring before the pitch slows down and becomes slightly tacky. As the match progresses, spinners and change-of-pace bowlers will likely find more grip, making middle-over accumulation vital. Evening humidity around 80% and cool conditions could aid swing early, while a high chance of rain might leave the outfield damp. Historically, a first-innings score of 165–170 is competitive here.

Squads:

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq

England: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Harry Brook (c), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Ben Duckett, Luke Wood, Josh Tongue, Rehan Ahmed

Also WATCH: Pakistan TV channel dubs Mohammad Amir an ‘astrologer,’ credits him for India’s defeat to South Africa

PAK vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2026: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• Pakistan wins the toss and bats first
• Pakistan’s Powerplay score: 45-55 (6 overs)
• Pakistan’s total score: 160-175

Case 2:

• England wins the toss and bats first
• England’s Powerplay score: 50-60 (6 overs)
• England’s total score: 180-195

Match result: England to win the contest.

Also READ: A shame’: England’s T20 World Cup 2026 captain Harry Brook criticizes potential Pakistan ban in The Hundred

Archaeology in Panama keeps surprising. Deep in the Natá district, researchers have uncovered a tomb that’s been hidden for over a millennium. More than 1,000 years old, it contains human remains, gold jewellery, and intricately decorated pottery. Experts say the finds might rewrite what we know about social structures and rituals in pre-Hispanic Central America. The tomb is part of the El Caño site, which has been under excavation for twenty years. These burial grounds were reserved for high-ranking individuals as reported.

Gold-filled tomb reveals high-ranking burial from 800–1000 AD

The tomb reportedly dates between 800 and 1000 AD. Inside, skeletal remains lay surrounded by gold pectorals, bracelets, and earrings. Some of the jewellery features bats and crocodiles. Those animals had strong symbolic meanings for the societies in the area. It seems the person wearing the gold held the highest rank among the group. Ceramics decorated with traditional motifs were also placed alongside the body. Experts suggest the objects were not just decoration. They may reflect beliefs about life after death or ongoing social status.

El Caño site reveals centuries of high-status tombs and gold craftsmanship

El Caño is about 200 kilometres southwest of Panama City. Archaeologists have been digging there for around 20 years. So far, nine similar tombs have been found. The work continues, and each season brings new finds. Researchers say the tombs give clues about social hierarchies, trade, and rituals in pre-Hispanic societies. It seems gold was highly valued. The repeated designs in jewellery across tombs hint at shared beliefs and cultural connections.Making gold back then took skill and the right materials. Only certain people seem to have had access to it. The tomb had pectorals, bracelets, and earrings, showing both craftsmanship and symbolic meaning. The bat and crocodile designs match patterns found in other places nearby. This might point to shared myths or religious ideas. Experts say these items were probably used to show rank, both in life and after death.

Burials suggest social status, and rituals continued after death

Valuable items placed with the bodies hint at what people thought would be needed in the afterlife. Experts say El Caño gives a rare glimpse into pre-Hispanic Central American culture before Europeans arrived in 1492. The exact age of the tomb and what the gold is made of are being checked. It could take months before detailed results appear in journals.

IDFC First Bank share price today (AI image)

IDFC First Bank share price today: IDFC First Bank stock opened in green on Tuesday a day after its shares recorded the worst crash since March 2020. At 9:18 AM, IDFC First Bank shares were trading at Rs 70.37, up 0.47%. The steep fall came on IDFC First Bank admitting to a Rs 590 crore fraud at its Chandigarh branch related to Haryana government accounts.IDFC First Bank on Monday said it expects to stay profitable despite a Rs 590-crore impact from fraudulent transactions involving Haryana government-linked accounts, even as its shares fell 16% during the day.Addressing analysts on a conference call, Managing Director and CEO V Vaidyanathan said the irregularities were traced to employee collusion at the bank’s Chandigarh branch. He said that KPMG has been appointed to conduct a forensic audit and noted that the bank has employee dishonesty insurance coverage of up to Rs 35 crore. According to officials, the fraud stemmed from forged cheques that were cleared at the branch.“This is a specific isolated incident that happened in one branch with one client group,” Vaidyanathan said, adding that it is confined to “a particular branch in Chandigarh and is confined to a limited set of Haryana govt-linked accounts.”He ruled out any digital compromise, saying that the episode involved physical cheque manipulation. “This is a physical transaction where the cheques have been forged. This is the oldest kind of fraud probably known to banking,” he said. “This looks to us on the basis of the work we’ve done clearly a case of employee fraud,” he added, noting that funds were transferred to beneficiary accounts outside the bank.Vaidyanathan said established safeguards such as maker-checker-authoriser controls, positive pay systems for cheques, scrutiny of high-value instruments, SMS alerts and monthly account statements were in place. However, he acknowledged that collusion among employees allowed the fraud to bypass these checks. “The issue in this case is that many of these people connived in making it happen.” The bank has decided to introduce pre-approval requirements for clearing all high-value cheques.In the Haryana Assembly, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Monday that the funds involved in the IDFC First Bank Rs 590-crore fraud case will “definitely come back” and assured that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible.IDFC First Bank has suspended staff suspected of involvement. Vaidyanathan said KPMG’s forensic audit is expected to take “four to five weeks to conclude.”(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Shikhar Dhawan and Sophie Shine (Pic credit: Dhawan’s X post)

NEW DELHI: Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has strongly dismissed fabricated quotes circulating on social media about his personal life following his recent marriage to Sophie Shine, urging people not to spread “false statements” and instead promote “love and positivity.”Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Dhawan, who tied the knot with Shine in a private ceremony on February 21, issued a firm clarification after several X accounts falsely attributed comments to him suggesting his ex-wife Aesha Mukherjee had doubted his chances of remarrying.Breaking his silence, Dhawan said he was disappointed by the misinformation and stressed that he harbours no bitterness from his past.“I have come across some posts on social media attributing a disappointing statement about my personal life. I have never carried baggage from the past, be it on the pitch or outside. I firmly believe in the power of positivity while respecting my past,” Dhawan wrote on social media.Calling this phase a fresh start, the 40-year-old expressed gratitude for the support he has received while warning against clickbait content.“This is a new chapter in my life, and I feel truly grateful for the love and blessings I have received from my fans, friends, family, well-wishers and the media. I strongly urge people not to trade on my name with clickbait, insensitive and false statements on social media. Let’s spread love and positivity. Thank you,” he added.Dhawan and Shine, an Irish product consultant working with Northern Trust Corporation, had been dating for over a year and announced their engagement in January. Their wedding pictures, in outfits designed by Manish Malhotra, drew congratulatory messages from celebrities including Ranveer Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal.Dhawan retired from international cricket in August 2024 after a distinguished career that included 167 ODIs and a Player of the Tournament performance in the 2013 Champions Trophy under MS Dhoni’s leadership.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex opened in red on Tuesday on weak global cues following fresh tariff threats from US President Donald Trump. While Nifty50 dropped over 100 points, BSE Sensex went below the 83,000 mark. At 9:16 AM, Nifty50 was trading at 25,608.90, down 104 points or 0.40%. BSE Sensex was at 82,935.89, down 359 points or 0.43%.Analysts said domestic markets are likely to remain range-bound with a positive undertone, supported by sector-specific momentum at home despite mixed signals from overseas markets.Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Limited says, “President Trump’s State of the Union address today and the message that he would convey will be keenly watched by markets globally. The EU freezing the deal with the US in the light of the tariff changes following the US Supreme Court verdict and Trump’s warnings to countries backing away from deals indicate that the tariff drama has more in store for economies and markets. We will have to wait and watch how this drama plays out.” “Meanwhile the trend of weakness in tech stocks stemming from the potential AI impact continues. The weakness in the ADRs of Indian IT companies indicates that this segment will continue to remain under pressure.” “A positive trend in the market that will have significant bearing on the markets is the change in the FII strategy in India. FIIs have been buyers in ten out of the last seventeen trading sessions indicating their renewed interest in India. The improving corporate earnings in India is the principal reason for this change in FII stance. Given the robust macros of the Indian economy and improving corporate earnings, this FII buying trend can continue. Therefore, sectors in which FIIs have been buyers like capital goods and financials will remain resilient and the IT segment in which they have been sellers will continue to be weak. So, watch out for the stocks in these segments.”On Wall Street, stocks declined sharply on Monday as investors reacted to persistent fears about the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on corporate earnings, along with the fallout from Friday’s US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs. The combined effect prompted a shift away from riskier assets.Asian markets mirrored the weakness at the open, pressured by anxiety over how advances in artificial intelligence could affect company profitability. Ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs further dampened sentiment among traders in the region.In currency markets, the US dollar remained subdued on Tuesday as Asian investors assessed the implications of renewed turbulence in US trade policy. The greenback held onto its losses as China and Japan resumed trading after holidays. Sentiment was also influenced by President Donald Trump’s warning to countries against stepping back from recently concluded trade agreements following the Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate his emergency tariffs.(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)

Shabir Ahmed Lone behind 8 arrested linked to Bangladesh terror module

NEW DELHI: The Bangladesh-based terror module recently dismantled by Delhi Police was allegedly run by Shabir Ahmed Lone, an operative investigators say maintained direct links with senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commanders.Lone was also in touch with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed and operations chief Zaki-ur-Rahman Lakhvi.Delhi Police on Monday said it had busted a terror module linked to Pakistan-based LeT handlers operating from Bangladesh, arresting eight suspects and averting what officials described as a “major untoward incident”.

Who is Shabir Ahmed Lone

Investigators describe Lone as a long-time Lashkar-e-Taiba associate who has been on security agencies’ radar for nearly two decades. He’s a resident of Ganderbal in Kashmir, currently based in Bangladesh.He was arrested in 2007 with an AK-47 rifle and grenades and was allegedly part of a planned fidayeen attack targeting a senior political leader.He spent about a decade in jail on terrorism charges before being released on bail in 2019. Officials say that after his release he fled to Bangladesh, where he re-established contact with Lashkar-e-Taiba leadership and rebuilt his network.“Initial investigations have revealed that he reconnected with the LeT leadership and re-established his organisation to carry out terrorist activities,” Special Cell Additional CP Pramod Kumar Kushwaha said.Delhi Police sources say Lone was operating the India-based module on behalf of LeT and remained in direct touch with its top commanders. His alleged contact with Hafiz Saeed places him in the upper tier of the group’s external operations network, investigators believe.According to investigators, Lone coordinated activities from Bangladesh through encrypted messaging platforms and intermediaries. He was allegedly tasked with recruiting and radicalising undocumented Bangladeshi migrants in India, arranging fake identity documents such as Aadhaar cards, and setting up logistics bases, including a rented safe house near Kolkata.Police also linked the network to anti-India posters that appeared in Delhi and Kolkata, which were allegedly printed in Kolkata after a PDF was sent from Bangladesh by Lone.

The eight arrested suspects, picked up from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, were allegedly working in the garment sector while concealing their identities with forged documents.Security agencies are probing whether the group was planning attacks on a temple or other crowded locations in Delhi. Alerts had earlier warned of a possible improvised explosive device (IED) strike near the Red Fort and other high-footfall areas.Authorities are also examining whether the network had any link to the November 2025 car blast near the Red Fort that killed 12 people. Lone, believed to be in Bangladesh, remains a key figure in Lashkar-e-Taiba’s cross-border recruitment and operational network targeting India.