Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi celebrates with teammates (AP/PTI)

Former India opener Virender Sehwag has bluntly dismissed Pakistan’s chances of reaching the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026, stating he does not see Salman Ali Agha’s side pulling off the required miracle.Pakistan are still mathematically alive in the race for the last four, thanks to England’s Super 8 victory over New Zealand in Colombo on Friday. However, their inferior net run rate leaves them with a steep climb. Even if they defeat Sri Lanka, they would only draw level with New Zealand on points unless they secure a massive win to overhaul the Black Caps’ net run rate.

The qualification equation is daunting. If Pakistan bat first and post 160, they must win by at least 65 runs. If they are chasing the same total, they need to finish the job within 13.2 overs to move ahead of New Zealand and seal a semi-final berth.During a discussion on Cricbuzz, when the anchor outlined Pakistan’s scenario if they batted first, Sehwag responded bluntly, “Nahi hone wala. Aage padh (It won’t happen, read further).”When the focus shifted to the possibility of chasing, Sehwag was equally dismissive. “Wo bhi nahi hone wala. (This too won’t happen).”He elaborated further on the show, saying, “It won’t happen, that’s what I was saying. It is not that easy for Pakistan. The prayers might have been accepted for the England-New Zealand match. But the prayers won’t work for Pakistan in the game against Sri Lanka. They have been praying for so long, and it has not worked. So I don’t think this is possible,” Sehwag said further on Cricbuzz.Sehwag added that Pakistan’s only realistic route would involve Sri Lanka playing extremely poorly, effectively handing them the game. He questioned how a team struggling to reach 160 consistently could suddenly chase that target at breakneck speed.“If they somehow qualify, very good. If they score 160 and then win by 60 runs, Sri Lanka would have to play some poor cricket. They would need to be bowled out for 90, which is not possible. Chasing the total down in 13.2 overs is possible, but their batting is not like that,” he added.“Pakistan are anyway not able to score 160, how will they chase the total down in 14 overs? It will be tough,” he added.England have already secured top spot in Group 2 of the Super 8 stage and booked their place in the semi-finals. The remaining qualification spot from the group will be decided between Pakistan and New Zealand.

THANE: A 57-year-old Mumbai man accused of chain snatching and slapped with charges under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) was acquitted by a Special MCOCA Court in Thane after the prosecution failed to prove his identity as 1 of the perpetrators. Special Judge VG Mohite acquitted Mohammad Jameer Bashir Shaikh, a resident of Lallubhai Compound, Mankhurd, of all charges, including robbery under Section 394 read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code, and Sections 3(1)(ii), 3(2) and 3(4) of the MCOC Act, 1999. On June 22, 2023, complainant Sampada Suryakant Kale was returning home on foot from a Swaminarayan temple in Naupada, Thane, when 2 men on a motorcycle approached her from behind near a Jain temple at around 4:45 pm. The pillion rider snatched her gold chain weighing approximately 27 grams, valued at Rs 75,000, leaving a scratch injury on her neck. A case was registered at Naupada Police Station.The court identified glaring lapses in the prosecution’s case. Most critically, the complainant admitted she could not identify the accused, as she did not properly see the faces of the robbers. Despite this, the investigating officer never conducted a Test Identification (TI) parade, a step the court called a “material lacuna”.Recovery of gold ingots and a motorcycle, allegedly made at the accused’s instance, was also held unreliable, as the prosecution failed to examine independent panchas to corroborate the investigating officer’s testimony. The goldsmith who reportedly melted the stolen ornaments was never examined as a witness.On the MCOCA charges, the court noted that the accused did not acquire any immovable property from illegal income, and his bank records showed no suspicious deposits. His house was allotted by a Land Acquisition Officer in connection with a Metro Project, not criminal proceeds.Shaikh, who was in custody since his arrest on August 3, 2023, was ordered to be released forthwith. The case was in trial for over 2 years before the Special MCOCA Court.

THANE: A Thane sessions court convicted two men and sentenced them to seven years’ rigorous imprisonment for the robbery at late actress Nutan’s bungalow in Mumbra which left an elderly security guard dead and his colleague with a shattered leg.Additional sessions judge V L Bhosale, in the Feb 20 verdict, also imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 each on Sanjay Bhandari (29) and Ganpat Gullar (22), part of which must be paid as compensation to the deceased’s family and the injured guard.According to prosecutor, on the intervening night of Feb 2-3, 2020, around 1am, Bhandari, Gullar, and an unidentified accomplice broke into the hilltop bungalow on Parasik Tekdi and began stripping it of brass fittings — pipes, valves, and taps — worth Rs 9,000. Security guards Bhanudas Dudhbhate and Roopsing Vishwakarma (61), both on night duty, confronted them. The accused set upon the two guards with wooden logs and a cricket stump, delivering blows with such ferocity that the stump itself broke.Vishwakarma, who bore the brunt of the assault, suffered skull fractures and intracranial haemorrhage. He battled for his life for nearly three weeks before succumbing to his injuries on Feb 21, 2020. Dudhbhate survived, but required surgery for a fractured femur.The defence pulled out every argument in the book — no test identification parade, poor visibility at night, a gap of four days between hospital discharge and death suggesting an unrelated cause, and claims that Gullar was named only because Bhandari pointed at him during interrogation.The court dismissed each contention.Judge Bhosale held that Dudhbhate, as an injured eyewitness who faced his attackers at close quarters, was a reliable and credible witness whose testimony was fully backed by post-mortem examination findings.

Mohsin Naqvi and Salman Ali Agha (Image credit: Agencies)

NEW DELHI: Salman Ali Agha is set to be removed as captain of the Pakistan T20 team, regardless of how the side performs in the ongoing T20 World Cup, while some senior players might have played their last matches for the national side during this tournament, news agency PTI reported on Saturday.According to a source within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), chairman Mohsin Naqvi is “unhappy” with the way Pakistan’s campaign has unfolded.

“Naqvi is not happy at all because this time he was assured by the selectors, team management and his close aides in the board that the team was set to do well in the World Cup,” the source said on Saturday.The source added that Naqvi has made up his mind to relieve Salman of his T20 captaincy and will hold candid discussions with head coach Mike Hesson and the selectors regarding the future of certain players.“Salman, Babar Azam, Usman Khan and a few others will probably see curtains on their T20 international career after the World Cup,” the source said.Names being considered to replace Salman as captain include Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi.The source also noted that Hesson had advised Naqvi even before the World Cup that Pakistan needed to integrate younger players and adapt to the demands of modern T20 cricket.“So, after the World Cup, you can expect major changes in the Pakistan T20 set-up,” the source said.Veteran Babar Azam, who has played 145 T20 internationals, may have played his final T20 unless he delivers a dramatic performance against Sri Lanka and in the knockout stages, should Pakistan advance.

NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Thursday refused to entertain a petition filed by a Ghaziabad-based businessman who alleged that negligence by the central government led to the death of his wife in Kathmandu during last year’s Gen-Z protests in Nepal. According to news agency PTI, petitioner Rambir Singh Gola had approached the court claiming that authorities failed to assist Indian citizens during the unrest in September 2025. His counsel told the court that she was restricting the relief sought in the petition to a “declaration” that his fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution had been violated. She also sought directions to the Centre to frame an appropriate protocol for Indians travelling to “sensitive” nations. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, however, said the petition was “incapable of being adjudicated” in writ jurisdiction, as it would require examination of disputed questions of fact and law. He asked the petitioner to pursue other legal remedies. When Gola’s counsel argued that the petition raised a “serious issue” and that there was material to show authorities had abandoned Indian citizens, the court responded. “For that, don’t you think evidence is required? They are fully incapable of being adjudicated by the high court.. Mere declaration that the fundamental right is violated is not the sole relief. It must entail some consequential relief.” The judge said he sympathised with the petitioner and suggested that the issue of assistance to Indian citizens abroad could be raised in a broader public interest. “PIL is a better remedy for you. The court (dealing with PIL) can look into your grievance,” the court stated. Following the court’s observations, the petitioner’s counsel withdrew the plea with liberty to take appropriate recourse in law. In his petition, Gola had also sought compensation of Rs 25 crore from the central government and Rs 75 crore from Hyatt hotels for the “tragic and avoidable” death of his wife on 9 September 2025. He further sought the constitution of a “high-level” judicial commission to investigate the incident. On Thursday, however, his counsel said she was not inclined to press these prayers. Earlier this month, the court had indicated that unless the reliefs sought were “modified”, it would not be able to proceed with the case. Gola and his wife had travelled to Nepal on a pilgrimage and were staying at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu in September 2025. The plea alleged that despite repeated distress calls and foreseeable danger, there was no evacuation or consular intervention by the Indian Embassy or the Ministry of External Affairs. It said authorities abdicated their constitutional duty and left the petitioner “orphaned in a foreign land”. The petition also accused the hotel management of “willful misrepresentation, fraud, and gross negligence”, claiming it failed to provide an honest risk assessment or facilitate their safe departure. “Contrary to all assurances and representations, on the night of September 9, 2025, a violent mob attacked the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, setting parts of the building ablaze… Left with no alternative between burning alive and attempting a desperate escape, the petitioner and his wife fashioned a makeshift rope by tying together bedsheets and curtains– a pathetic testament to their utterly abandoned state. During the perilous descent, the makeshift rope either gave way or Smt. Rajesh Gola lost her grip,” the petition said. The plea had also sought a formal, public apology from the authorities and Hyatt hotels.

Jammu and Kashmir etched their name in Indian cricket history by claiming their first-ever Ranji Trophy title, defeating eight-time champions Karnataka on Saturday at the KSCA Stadium in Hubli. A historic season, marked by grit and determination, saw J&K outplay favourites and fellow underdogs alike, proving that persistence and strategy can triumph over legacy.The final ended in a draw, but J&K’s commanding 291-run first-innings lead was enough to secure the championship. They extended their advantage to 633 runs by finishing 342/4 in the second innings, with opener Qamran Iqbal scoring 160 not out and Sahil Lotra recording his maiden century of 101 not out.

STAR PERFORMANCES SHINE BRIGHTJ&K’s success was built on a collective effort. Skipper Paras Dogra crossed 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs, while Yawer Hassan, Abdul Samad, and Kanhaiya Wadhawan contributed valuable half-centuries. Pace spearhead Auqib Nabi dominated with the ball, claiming a five-wicket haul for the seventh time this season, and played a key role in turning both the semifinal and final in J&K’s favour.The team’s 10-match campaign demonstrated a rare mix of patience, tactical intelligence, and cohesion, showing that cricketing glory is not just about big names but smart execution.FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS TO GLORYJammu and Kashmir made their debut in India’s premier domestic competition 67 years ago, and had previously reached quarterfinals in 2013-14, 2019-20, and 2024-25, but faltered under pressure. This time, the team approached the final with calm and confidence, leaving no doubt about their readiness.Karnataka, despite their legacy and experience, struggled to gain any foothold. On the final day, they failed to take a single wicket after J&K resumed at 186/4, underscoring the visitors’ dominance.SEMIFINAL TEST PREPARES THE CHAMPIONSJ&K’s path to glory was tested in the semifinal against Bengal at Kalyani, where Bengal’s first-innings lead created a tense moment. But Nabi’s brilliant bowling dismantled Bengal for just 88 in the second innings, giving the team belief that a historic triumph was within reach. Shubham Pundir anchored the innings with a classy century, setting up a massive total of 584 and maintaining momentum for the final.OUTSMARTING THE HEAVYWEIGHTSKarnataka, a nine-time Ranji champion, entered the final expecting dominance. Yet, they were outplayed tactically by a team of relatively unknown players. Even a resilient Mayank Agarwal, who scored 160, couldn’t shift the balance. J&K’s consistent pressure, game awareness, and skill execution ensured that the favourites were never in control.INSPIRING GENERATIONS BEYOND CRICKETThis victory carries more than sporting significance. It sends a message of hope and possibility across Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating how determination and teamwork can overcome obstacles. Pacer Auqib Nabi had long envisioned cricket infrastructure growth in the region, and moments like these could accelerate development and inspire a new generation of cricketers.The historic moment arrived at 2:10 pm, when both captains shook hands in a modest dressing room, sending the J&K squad and supporters into jubilant celebrations. For a team and a region that waited decades for this glory, the triumph was a dream realized and a legacy cemented.

The 2025-26 Ranji Trophy final at Hubballi’s KSCA Ground has delivered a moment that cricket fans won’t soon forget. On Saturday, with the historic clash between Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Karnataka reaching its fever pitch, the crowd witnessed an anomaly: star batter and wicket-keeper KL Rahul handed the ball to roll his arm over. As J&K stood on the precipice of their maiden title, Karnataka’s desperation led to a viral moment that has set social media ablaze.

KL Rahul turns bowler during Ranji Trophy Final 2025-26 in Hubballi

With the game slipping away from the eight-time champions, Karnataka captain Devdutt Padikkal made the unconventional call to introduce Rahul into the attack during the 81st over of J&K’s second innings. The sight of Rahul, usually found behind the stumps or at slip, removing his cap to bowl right-arm slow off-spin was met with a roar from the Hubballi spectators.

The 83rd over, in particular, became the highlight of the day. Facing the well-set Sahil Lotra and centurion Qamran Iqbal, Rahul conceded 12 runs in a sequence that showcased both his experimental loopy deliveries and the batters’ dominance.

On the first ball of the over (82.1), Rahul tossed up a gentle full toss on middle and off. Lotra didn’t miss the invitation, clearing his front leg to smoke the ball over wide long-on for a towering six. The very next ball (82.2) provided a rare chance; a back-of-a-length delivery induced a thick outside edge from Lotra, but the opportunity was grassed by Mayank Agarwal at first slip.

The over continued with Iqbal showing his class. At 82.4, Iqbal stayed back to a shortish delivery and cracked it past mid-off for a boundary. By the end of his two-over spell, Rahul’s figures stood at 2-0-15-0, providing a brief, entertaining interlude in an otherwise gruelling final.

Here’s the video:

we got Kl rahul bowling pic.twitter.com/HqBRwbpKID

— Sadha (@sadha2525) February 28, 2026

Also WATCH: Karnataka pacer Prasidh Krishna’s unplayable ball sends J&K skipper Paras Dogra packing on Day 4

Jammu & Kashmir charge towards scripting history in the Ranji Trophy Final

While the viral clip of Rahul’s bowling captured the internet’s attention, the real story remained the clinical dominance of Jammu & Kashmir. Entering the final as first-time participants, the Paras Dogra-led side has bullied the domestic giants in their own backyard.

J&K’s first-innings total of 584, headlined by Shubham Pundir’s 121, set a mountain too high for Karnataka to climb. Despite a fighting 160 from Agarwal, Karnataka was bundled out for 293, thanks to a sensational five-wicket haul by the season’s leading wicket-taker, Auqib Nabi (5/54).

By the morning of Day 5, J&K had extended their lead to a monumental 576 runs. Iqbal anchored the second innings with a magnificent while 114 (214b), Lotra supported him with a gritty 63 (143b). Their partnership of over 100 runs effectively slammed the door on any hopes of a Karnataka miracle.

With the scoreboard reading 285/4 in the second innings and a combined lead exceeding 575, the perennial underdogs from the North are just hours away from etching their names onto the prestigious Ranji Trophy for the very first time.

Also WATCH: Auqib Nabi removes KL Rahul with peach of a delivery in Ranji Trophy final

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India’s Sanju Samson (ANI Photo)

India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson opened up about the special reception he experienced at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, which has now become his home ground in the IPL following his move to Chennai Super Kings. The 29-year-old recently played at the venue during India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup fixture against Zimbabwe and spoke about the strong emotional connect he felt with the Chennai crowd and the responsibility that comes with their backing.Samson revealed that the affection was visible from the moment he landed in the city, pointing to the cultural closeness between Chennai and his native Kerala.“After the trade, this is the first time I’m coming to Chennai. Right from the airport, I can feel the special love. Normally, we do come to Kerala and Chennai is very close, we do often come here, and I do feel that energy here. Fortunate to be a part of such a great and passionate fans here in Chennai,” Sanju said in a video shared by bcci.tv on Saturday.

Known for his stylish strokeplay, the right-hander admitted that performing in front of such an enthusiastic fanbase brings not only happiness but also a deeper sense of duty.“Really happy to go out there and entertain them in this way. I’m happy. More than just happiness, there’s also a little extra responsibility. When everyone comes to cheer for you, I think there’s an extra added responsibility to actually entertain them. So yeah, I’m very happy. Yes, we’ll meet soon,” he said in Tamil.On the field, Samson gave India early momentum against Zimbabwe with a quickfire 24 from 15 balls in the powerplay. Opening the batting, he set the tone with a straight six off Richard Ngarava and soon followed it with a pull shot for another maximum off Blessing Muzarabani.He also struck a fluent cut for four and rotated the strike smartly, helping India race to 46 without loss inside three overs. His cameo came to an end when he mistimed a slower short delivery from Muzarabani and was caught at deep mid-wicket, cutting short what looked like a promising innings.