England left-arm spinner Liam Dawson insisted the two-time champions will not be consumed by the buzz around Pakistan’s mystery spinner Usman Tariq ahead of Tuesday’s crucial T20 World Cup Super Eights encounter. He stressed that England are preparing for Pakistan’s entire spin unit rather than focusing on one individual threat.England head into the contest on the back of a convincing 51-run win over co-hosts Sri Lanka. Another victory against Pakistan would seal a top-two finish in their Super Eights group and confirm a semifinal berth.

However, there are concerns over England’s susceptibility to spin after four of their top five batters were dismissed by Sri Lankan spinners in their previous outing — an issue that could be tested against a Pakistan attack featuring Tariq, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha and Mohammad Nawaz.Tariq has drawn attention throughout the tournament for his unusual action, including a pronounced pause before delivering his off-breaks. England captain Harry Brook was even seen imitating Tariq’s bowling style during practice. Despite the spotlight on the Pakistani spinner, Dawson underlined the importance of a balanced approach.“It’s not all about Tariq. They’re a very good team with some dangerous players, and Tariq’s obviously a very good bowler. But we’re not going to just look at him. We’ll look at the whole team and see how we can nullify them,” Dawson told reporters on the eve of the match.Dawson played a key role in England’s win over Sri Lanka, combining with Will Jacks and Adil Rashid to claim seven wickets as Sri Lanka were dismissed for 95 while chasing 146/9. He pointed to the diversity within England’s spin attack as a major strength.“We’re all very different types of spinners. Jacksy gets a lot of overspin and a lot of bounce. Dilly (Rashid) has all his variations. Me – I sort of don’t get the bounce that the other two get. It will be a different challenge on Tuesday night. We might get a better batting wicket. We’ll have to see.”“Out of the three or four of us, I’m probably more the defensive spinner in this, and I know that’s my role, and I’m just trying to be consistent for the captain. Adil can use all his tricks, and he comes on us to get the wickets and get us back in games or put us ahead in games.“We’re all very experienced. If you look at the amount of cricket that me and Adil have played, even Jacks as well, it’s probably only with Beth that’s probably got a little bit less experience. But there’s a lot of trust in the guys that go out there and try to execute what you want to try and do,” he added.

An Indian technology reviewer has alleged racial discrimination during a stay at a luxury resort in Mauritius, saying staff prioritised European guests while ignoring him and his parents. The claims were shared on X by a user known as @Starcommander10, who said the incident occurred some time ago but did not give an exact date. He stated that he had booked a stay at the five-star Anantara Iko resort after securing a new job, intending to treat his parents to what he described as a dream holiday. According to his post, the reviewer paid about Rs 3.5 lakh for the visit. He claims they were excluded from an Easter lunch event and treated differently from white guests during the meal service. The resort has not publicly responded to the allegations.

“My mom…literally begged,” tech reviewer claims racism during stay at luxury Mauritius resort

In his post, the reviewer wrote that the incident took place on Easter afternoon. He wrote that his family had asked the reception to reserve a lunch table at 1 PM but were told to wait due to limited availability. After waiting, they went directly to the restaurant and found no free tables.A European family then informed them that a special Easter lunch was being held and that guests had been invited. The reviewer said he was unsure why his family had not been informed. He described waiting until around 2.30 PM before his mother approached a housekeeping staff member to ‘beg’ for help in finding food. “My mom then went to an old housekeeping lady staff and literally begged if we can have lunch somewhere.” He wrote that the staff member eventually guided them to the Easter event area, where food and seating were available.

The reviewer alleges unequal treatment during buffet service

The reviewer further claimed that while at the buffet, he noticed food being replenished selectively. He said that when French fries ran out, and he asked a chef for more, he was told there were none left, though potato wedges might be available. Shortly afterwards, he alleged that a white child made the same request, and the fries were refilled. He described feeling shocked and said he raised the issue with the duty manager. According to his account, the response was limited to noting the feedback, with no apology offered.The reviewer also wrote that he did not speak publicly at the time because he felt concerned about his safety. He added that while he found Mauritius beautiful and praised local people, he believed the property did not treat Indian guests equally. The allegations have drawn attention online, with users debating experiences of discrimination in luxury hospitality settings. The resort has yet to issue a statement addressing the claims.

In a momentous occasion for Indian domestic cricket, eight-time Ranji Trophy champions Karnataka will lock horns with first-time finalists Jammu and Kashmir in the summit clash of the 2025-26 season at the KSCA Hubballi Cricket Ground. The five-day encounter, beginning Tuesday (February 24), represents a fairy-tale journey for the J&K side and a return to glory days for the star-studded Karnataka lineup .

Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final: Match details 

• Date: February 24-28 (Tuesday to Saturday)
• Match Start Time: 9:30 am IST
• Toss Time: 9:00 am IST
• Venue: KSCA Hubballi Cricket Ground, Hubballi

Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Cricket enthusiasts across India can catch all the action from this historic final through multiple platforms.

Television broadcast

The Ranji Trophy final will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network in India. Fans can tune in to the dedicated sports channels to watch the five-day contest unfold .

Live streaming

For those preferring to watch online, the match will be streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers can access the stream with a valid subscription to the platform.

Also READ: Explained – Why Ranji Trophy final has been shifted from Bengaluru to Hubballi?

Road to the final: Contrasting journeys of both teams

Karnataka’s dominant run

The eight-time champions secured their first Ranji Trophy final appearance since the 2014-15 season with a commanding performance against Uttarakhand in the semifinal. Skipper Devdutt Padikkal led from the front with a monumental 232, while KL Rahul contributed a classy 141. The emergence of Smaran Ravichandran, who struck twin centuries (135 and 127), highlighted Karnataka’s batting depth as they posted a mammoth 736 in the first innings.

Squad: Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal (c), Karun Nair, Smaran R, Shreyas Gopal, Kruthik Krishna, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vidyadhar Patil, Prasidh Krishna, Mohsin Khan, Shikhar Shetty, Shrijith KL, Vyshak V.

Jammu and Kashmir’s historic feat

J&K’s journey to their maiden Ranji Trophy final in 67 years since receiving BCCI affiliation is nothing short of remarkable. After defeating former champions Madhya Pradesh in the quarterfinal, they pulled off a stunning comeback against Bengal in the semifinal. Despite conceding a first-innings lead, pacer Auqib Nabi’s match figures of 9/123 turned the tide, ably supported by Sunil Kumar’s lethal second-innings spell that bundled Bengal out for just 99. Captain Paras Dogra and explosive batter Abdul Samad then guided the team to a historic six-wicket victory.

Squad: Jammu and Kashmir: Paras Dogra (c), Abdul Samad, Shubham Khajuria, Qamran Iqbal, Abid Mushtaq, Vivrant Sharma, Umran Malik, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Auqib Nabi Dar, Sunil Kumar, Lone Nasir Muzaffar, Mujtaba Yousuf, Musaif Ajaz, Sahil Lotra, Umar Nazir Mir, Vanshaj Sharma, Kanhaiya Wadhawan, Yawer Hassan, Rohit K Sharma, Shubham Pundir, Dikshant Kundal

Also READ: Meet Auqib Nabi – The Jammu & Kashmir speedster who drove his team to a historic maiden Ranji Trophy final

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Nuvama has downgraded UPL to hold with the target price at Rs 816. Analysts said the company recently announced a restructuring to create a unified crop protection entity by merging UPL SAS and UPL Corp, which would be listed as UPL Global while UPL Ltd shall stay as the holding company for formulation business, R&D, Superform and Advanta. They said the demerger aims to drive synergies and enable value unlocking. The transaction is cash and tax neutral, protects minority interests and does not alter capital structure, with no material impact on current leverage overhang.Jefferies has a buy recommendation on IDFC First Bank with the target price at Rs 100. Analysts said IDFC disclosed that it has identified a suspected fraud involving Rs 590 crore at its Chandigarh branch, linked to certain Haryana state govt accounts. The bank has initiated an investigation and is taking steps to recover funds which is about 0.9% of its net worth, post-tax. The bank will need to strengthen operational controls and clarify that issue has not spread to other clients.Morgan Stanley has a underweight rating on Dixon Technologies with the target price at Rs 8,157. Analysts said DRAM spot price as on Feb 13 2026 was up 6.8x on the year, and average mobile DRAM price thus far in 2026 for some variants are up 55% and 64% on the quarter. As per TrendForce mobile DRAM prices are expected to rise ~88-93% in the current quarter and 20-25% in the next. About 75% of India’s smartphone market is at <$300 price point, ad increased DRAM prices could be an incremental headwind for this already muted industry.CLSA has an outperform rating on Tech Mahindra with the target price at Rs 1,810. Analysts met the chief operating officer of the company. They said the company believes that AI would be a net positive volume opportunity along with it being a potential margin lever too. New volume around building small language models (SLMs) and infusing AI into BPO operations are significant opportunity areas for system integrators. TechM is only GSI partner of India AI mission where it is building a large language model (LLM). The company believes employee reskilling is becoming more important now than before where TechM has categorised its employees into white, blue, brown and black belts. Similar to other Indian system integrator (Sis), TechM will also partner with foundation model companies like OpenAI and Anthropic on a Mahindra group level. Analysts remain positive on TechM’s vision to achieve higher-than-peer average growth in FY27 backed by strong order booking momentum, with cyclical tailwinds going into US midterm elections.Macquarie initiated its coverage of Torrent Pharma with an outperform rating and a target price of Rs 5,000. Analysts said that the company is executing its perfected acquisition blueprint with JB Pharma acquisition, which expect to accelerate its growth momentum. Post-acquisition, estimate pro forma earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) will almost double by FY29 on a FY25 base, driving meaningful cash earnings per share (EPS) accretion. They also expect pro forma net debt to EBITDA to decline by FY28. The catalysts for the stock could be regulatory approvals for JB Pharma acquisitions, synergy realisation, and key product launches.(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)

INDORE: Archaeological Survey of India has concluded that the Kamal Maula Mosque at Bhojshala complex in MP’s Dhar was constructed using parts of ancient temples, “based on scientific investigations, survey and excavation, study and analysis of retrieved finds, study of architectural remains, inscriptions, art and sculptures”.The existing structure was built centuries later “without much attention to symmetry, design, or uniformity”, says the ASI report submitted to Indore bench of MP HC in 2024. TOI has a copy.On Monday, the bench, while hearing the petition on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque dispute, directed that the ASI report should be made available to all parties. Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi directed all parties to file objections, suggestions, opinions and recommendations in two weeks, with the next hearing fixed for March 16.

Hindu Front for Justice state vice-president Ashish Goyal, also a petitioner, said, “The survey conducted by ASI — the report that has come out — establishes that the entire structure dates back to the Paramara dynasty. It was built by Raja Bhoj, and also by his forefathers. The structure is approximately 950 to 1,000 years old.”“This report is deeply encouraging for the Hindu community. Very soon, this decisive battle will reach a conclusion,” Goyal said.“It should not matter whether the report has been opened now or earlier. What should matter is what the religious character of Bhojshala would be. This is the issue on which the Hindu community has been struggling for years,” he added.Another petitioner, Bhoj Utsav Samiti convenor Ashok Jain, said, “We had filed the petition with the notion that if the place was a mosque, it should be given to them (Muslims) and if it is a temple it should come to us. Now the court has given two weeks for all to reply. We will take appropriate steps after the next hearing.”“The report establishes that in the later structures that were constructed, materials and remains from the original Bhojshala of that period were used after being dismantled,” Jain said.The 2,000-page report in 10 volumes was prepared by ASI additional director general Alok Tripathi, with contributions from Zulfiqar Ali, Bhuvan Vikram, Gautami Bhattacharya, Manoj Kumar Kurmi, Izhar Alam Hashmi, Aftab Hussain, Shambhoo Nath Yadav and Niraj Kumar Mishra.The team used the latest scientific techniques to excavate, study and enlist the findings during the 98-day survey and hinted that it may have been a temple dedicated to goddess Saraswati.ASI found a total of 94 sculptures and sculptural fragments, many of which were chiselled out or defaced. Sculptures of fourarmed deities were carved on windows, pillars and beam used in the existing structure.Images carved on these included Ganesh, Brahma with his consorts, Narasimha, Bhairava, gods and goddesses, human and animal figures. Images of animals in different mediums include lion, elephant, horse, dog, monkey, snake, tortoise, swan, and bird, the report said, adding that mythical and composite figures include a variety of motifs called kirtimukhas — human-faced, lion-faced and composite-faced — and vyala of different shapes.

Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned the team management’s decision to leave out Axar Patel for the crucial Super 8 clash against South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2026.India opted to persist with Washington Sundar in the playing XI, citing his favourable match-up against left-handers. However, the move did not pay off. Sundar bowled two overs for 17 runs and failed to make an impact with the bat, scoring 11 at No.5, ahead of Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. India went on to suffer a heavy 76-run defeat.

Speaking on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’, Ashwin said that while match-up strategies may work in franchise cricket, they are not always suited to international tournaments, where stability is key.“I agree that the IPL is good for match-ups, but you have to change the team because you are going to play 14 games. But in such ICC campaigns, the more stable you can keep the team, the better,” Ashwin said.“I agree 100 per cent that you have to use Washington Sundar against left-handers; you have to play him, I agree with all that. But Axar Patel has been your MVP in T20 cricket. Let’s not forget what Axar Patel has done,” he added.Making a strong case for Axar’s return, Ashwin referred to the all-rounder’s contribution in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, when India were under pressure in the chase against South Africa.“In the previous World Cup, in the situation against South Africa, in which India was in the chase, Axar Patel came in under the same circumstances. He stitched a partnership with Virat Kohli, and India crossed 170. Of course, Kohli’s experience was there, but Axar is not inferior. If India had a few wickets in hand and stability in the middle overs, they would have chased the target down,” said Ashwin.Axar, who is India’s vice-captain, was first rested for the match against the Netherlands and then overlooked again for the Super 8 fixture in Ahmedabad. With the defeat leaving India’s semi-final hopes hanging in the balance, the focus will now shift to their next encounter against Zimbabwe at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Thursday.

Tulsi Gabbard marked her husband Abraham Williams’ birthday with a message that read less like a routine social media greeting and more like a private vow made briefly visible to the world. “Happy birthday to my one and only,” she wrote, before adding a line that carried the quiet cadence of a promise: “Over and over again, I do.”The tone was unmistakably intimate. It was also entirely characteristic.Because in the theatre of American politics, where spouses are often displayed as carefully managed public assets, Abraham Williams occupies a very different role. He is not a campaign surrogate, not a television presence, not a familiar political spouse. In fact, most Americans encounter his name only when Gabbard herself chooses to mention him. He appears briefly through her words and then slips back into the anonymity he seems to prefer.

The reaction to that birthday post captured how unusual their pairing feels. One user replied with a mix of admiration and mock envy: “Two good looking, smart, gorgeous people. I hate you.” It was a throwaway comment, but it reflected a broader public perception. Their marriage looks strikingly normal in a world where political relationships often feel curated, strategic, and transactional.

Williams is a Hawai‘i-based cinematographer and video producer whose professional life has remained firmly outside politics. His work revolves around filmmaking and media production rather than policy or public life. It was through that work that he first met Gabbard around 2012, when he was hired as a photographer and videographer during her congressional campaign. Their relationship did not begin in elite political circles or donor networks. It grew quietly from a workplace connection.They married in April 2015 in Hawai‘i in a traditional Vedic Hindu ceremony, reflecting Gabbard’s spiritual practices and religious identity. The wedding itself was private and culturally rooted, largely removed from the spectacle that often surrounds political marriages.For Gabbard, this was not her first attempt at building a life with someone. Her earlier marriage to Eduardo Tamayo began in 2002 when she was just 21 and ended four years later. She has spoken about the strain that military service and deployments placed on that relationship, describing a period shaped by distance, pressure, and emotional exhaustion. Williams entered her life after that chapter had closed, and his presence has been defined not by visibility, but by steadiness.That quiet steadiness has been most visible during moments of personal vulnerability. In recent years, Gabbard has spoken openly about the couple’s struggle to start a family. She has described undergoing multiple IVF procedures and receiving a diagnosis of unexplained infertility. In those accounts, Williams appears not as a political figure, but as a constant companion navigating the same disappointments and uncertainties.Another dimension that has drawn attention is their connection to the Science of Identity Foundation, a Hawai‘i-based spiritual organisation associated with Chris Butler. Gabbard grew up in a family closely linked to the movement, and Williams’ family background intersects with the same community. Critics have described the organisation as cult-like, while supporters view it as a spiritual group. Both Gabbard and Williams have consistently framed their personal faith broadly in Hindu terms rather than organisational affiliation.Yet even controversy has not altered the central pattern of his public presence. He remains largely unseen, his voice rarely heard, his role defined more by absence from the spotlight than participation in it.And perhaps that is the most revealing detail of all. In a political culture built on amplification, where even intimacy is often staged for mass consumption, Abraham Williams represents a rare inversion of power. He is not a figure who shares the spotlight. He is the person who quietly holds it steady for someone else to stand within it.

FAQs

1. Is Abraham Williams Indian or Hindu?He is not Indian by ethnicity. He is American, born and raised in Hawai‘i. His religious background intersects with the same spiritual community that influenced Gabbard, and their wedding followed Hindu Vedic rituals. Gabbard herself identifies broadly with Hindu spiritual practice.2. How did they meet?They met around 2012 during Gabbard’s congressional campaign, where Williams was working as a photographer and videographer.3. What is their age gap?The age gap is small, generally reported to be about five to six years, with Gabbard being older.4. Do they have children?No. Gabbard has spoken publicly about undergoing multiple IVF attempts and receiving a diagnosis of unexplained infertility.

The first ODI match unfolds in Brisbane, where India Women battle Australia Women at The Gabba on 24^th February at 9:20 AM IST.

Get the best IND-W vs AUS-W Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 1st ODI match of the India Women Tour of Australia 2026. Expert analysis and more.

Also Read: Abhishek Sharma hiding injury from team management? Shocking development emerges

IND-W vs AUS-W Match Preview:

The India Women tour of Australia continued after the T20I leg, and now both teams will begin the three-match ODI series with the 1^st ODI at The Gabba, Brisbane. This 50-over contest will mark the start of an important phase for both sides as they shift focus from the shortest format to the longer white-ball challenge.

Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the Indian side in this ODI series, while Alyssa Healy will captain Australia Women. For India, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Deepti Sharma remain crucial players with their ability to control the game in different situations. Meanwhile, Australia will rely heavily on Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, and Ashleigh Gardner, who bring vast experience and balance to the squad.

Historically, these two teams have shared a competitive rivalry in the ODI format, with Australia traditionally holding a stronger record at home. However, India have shown significant improvement in recent years, especially with their powerful top order and disciplined bowling unit. Therefore, a closely fought contest is expected in the series opener.

Overall, Australia will aim to dominate at home and start the ODI series strongly, whereas India will look to challenge the hosts and gain early momentum. A thrilling series is anticipated between these two quality sides.

IND-W vs AUS-W Head-to-Head Record:

IND-W vs AUS-W Weather & Pitch Report:

Record of chasing teams:

IND-W vs AUS-W Playing 11s (Predicted):

India Women Playing 11:

1) Smriti Mandhana

2) Shafali Verma

3) Jemimah Rodrigues

4) Harmanpreet Kaur ©

5) Richa Ghosh

6) Deepti Sharma

7) Amanjot Kaur

8) Sneh Rana

9) Shree Charani

10) Renuka Singh

11) Kranti Goud

Australia Women Playing 11:

1) Alyssa Healy ©

2) Phoebe Litchfield

3) Ellyse Perry

4) Beth Mooney

5) Tahlia McGrath

6) Ashleigh Gardner

7) Annabel Sutherland

8) Nicola Carey

9) Georgia Wareham

10) Alana King

11) Kim Garth

Hot Picks for IND-W vs AUS-W Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:

Captaincy Picks:

Top Picks:

Budget Picks:

IND-W vs AUS-W India Women Tour of Australia 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:

IND-W vs AUS-W Dream11 Prediction Team 1:

• Keeper – Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney
• Batters – Ellyse Perry, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana ©, Jemimah Rodrigues
• All-rounders – Deepti Sharma, Annabel Sutherland (vc), Ashleigh Gardner
• Bowlers – Georgia Wareham, Renuka Singh

IND-W vs AUS-W Dream11 Prediction Team 2:

• Keeper – Beth Mooney
• Batters – Ellyse Perry, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma
• All-rounders – Deepti Sharma (vc), Sophie Molineux, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner ©
• Bowlers – Georgia Wareham, Renuka Singh

IND-W vs AUS-W Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st ODI India Women Tour of Australia 2026 Players to Avoid:

IND-W vs AUS-W Dream11 Prediction Today Match Today 1st ODI India Women Tour of Australia 2026 Expert Advice:

IND-W vs AUS-W Match Winner Prediction:

Considering how they have performed lately, India Women hold the edge heading into this contest.