The second unofficial one-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and England Lions in Abu Dhabi, scheduled for Sunday, was called off after security concerns in the region intensified“The safety and security of our teams and staff is our top priority,” the ECB said in a statement.“Tomorrow’s second ‌50-over game between England Men’s Lions and Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi will no longer go ahead, and we ‌are delaying the departure of England Women for their proposed trip to Abu Dhabi next week.”.Pakistan Cricket Board also confirmed that the match scheduled for the day had been cancelled and that players and team officials were told to stay inside their hotel as a precaution.The move followed advice from the England and Wales Cricket Board amid the situation in Abu Dhabi.“There will be no practice session as well and the team has been advised to remain indoors,” the PCB said in a statement, adding that the safety and security of players and support staff remains the top priority.The PCB remains in contact with the ECB and is monitoring developments.A decision on the remaining matches will be taken after the Middle East airspace reopens. The board will decide whether the Shaheens squad should return to Pakistan or continue with the series, depending on the security situation.The disruption comes after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. Tehran responded with missile fire across parts of the Gulf, leading several countries to close or restrict their airspace.The United States and Israel carried out the offensive on Saturday, with US President Donald Trump urging the Iranian public to remove its leadership.The strikes led to airspace closures in parts of the Gulf and affected international airlines, including Emirates and Air India.Air India said it has cancelled all flights to and from major Gulf cities — Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Muscat, Riyadh and Tel Aviv — until further notice.Dubai International Airport has suspended operations indefinitely due to airspace restrictions following the missile strikes.

In their last Super 8 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa secured a convincing five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Chasing a competitive target of 154, the Proteas reached the finish line in just 17.5 overs, thanks largely to a dazzling knock from Dewald Brevis. The young star’s explosive innings tilted the contest firmly in South Africa’s favour, underlining their championship credentials.

Sikandar Raza steers Zimbabwe to a competitive total

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to capitalize on favourable afternoon conditions. However, early breakthroughs by South Africa’s pace attack kept the scoring in check during the powerplay. Zimbabwe managed 45 runs in the mandatory overs but lost crucial wickets at regular intervals.

Tadiwanashe Marumani departed early, bowled by Kwena Maphaka for 7. Brian Bennett showed intent with a quick 15, but his stay was cut short by Anrich Nortje. Dion Myers struggled to accelerate and fell to George Linde, leaving Zimbabwe at 66/3.

The innings found stability through Sikandar Raza, who played a captain’s knock of 73 off 43 deliveries. His innings was laced with powerful stroke play, including 8 fours and 4 sixes that kept the scoreboard ticking. Raza formed useful partnerships, notably adding 38 runs alongside Myers and later stitching a crucial 39-run stand with Clive Madande.

Madande’s unbeaten 26 off 20 balls added valuable late runs, pushing Zimbabwe to 153/7 at the end of 20 overs. South Africa’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Maphaka and Corbin Bosch claiming two wickets ecach while Nortje, Linde and Lungi Ngidi chipped in effectively. The Proteas maintained pressure through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, restricting Zimbabwe to a modest total on a batting-friendly surface.

Dewald Brevis ignites South Africa’s run chase

South Africa’s chase began on a shaky note. Quinton de Kock fell cheaply for a duck, dismissed by Sikandar Raza in the opening over. Captain Aiden Markram also struggled for fluency and was bowled by Raza for 4, leaving the Proteas at 14/2.

Ryan Rickelton and Brevis then steadied the innings with a crucial partnership for the third wicket. Rickelton contributed a solid 31 off 22 balls before falling to Brad Evans. However, it was Brevis who stole the spotlight with an electrifying 42 off just 18 deliveries, striking at an astonishing rate of 233.33.

Brevis’ innings was packed with innovation and power. He dismantled Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with fearless stroke play, targeting both pace and spin. His aggressive approach during the middle overs shifted momentum decisively. Even after David Miller’s dismissal for 22, the required rate remained comfortably within reach.

Raza attempted to pull Zimbabwe back into the contest with figures of 3/29, but the damage was already done. Tristan Stubbs remained composed with an unbeaten 21, while Linde provided the finishing touch with a quickfire 30 not out. Their unbroken 53-run stand ensured South Africa crossed the line with 13 balls to spare.

South Africa’s winning flow continues in the #T20WorldCup2026 🔥#ZIMvsSA
Scorecard 👉 https://t.co/ODQj7gVdn5 pic.twitter.com/T6YQjagtWQ

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 1, 2026

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Strikes in Iran (AP photo)

The Middle East is plunged into turmoil following joint US-Israel missile strikes on Iran, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering retaliatory attacks and widespread instability across the region. The conflict has disrupted air travel, forced airport closures, and prompted India to issue urgent advisories urging its citizens in Iran, Israel, and Gulf countries, including the UAE, to exercise utmost caution.

Indian students in Iran

Around 3,000 Indian students are said to stuck in Iran, including nearly 2,000 from Jammu and Kashmir. About 1,100–1,200 remain in conflict zones. Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association, told ANI that a formal request has been sent to PM Modi for immediate evacuation. “This morning, we saw that after the conflict between Iran and Israel, in which Israeli forces attacked Iran, our citizens there, especially Indian students and Indian citizens who have studied and worked there for many years, are very worried... Their families, particularly those in the Kashmir Valley, are very frightened, anxious, and in distress. The number of students from the Kashmir Valley is the highest. There are around 3,000 Indian students, and among them, around 2,000 Kashmiri students… Still, our 1100-1200 students are there… They want us to evacuate them immediately… Today, we wrote a letter to PM Modi, in which we requested him to launch a full-fledged evacuation operation so that our stranded citizens can be evacuated immediately. The Government of India should open diplomatic channels and raise the issue with their counterparts,” he said.Till then, students have been advised to move to safer locations and stay indoors, by the MEA.Follow live updates on the situation in Iran, Middle East

Students plead to government

Several Indian students stuck in Iran shared their ordeal, urging Indian government to help evacuate.Ayesha, an Indian student, stranded in Iran said that she was forced to stay to avoid failing her exams. “We all are cut off from the internet. We are hearing bomb sounds every 15 minutes. It is very disturbing here. When our embassy gave us the advisory to leave Iran, our university didn’t cooperate. They said if you leave, you will fail… Universities, hospitals, and everything is closed for 15 days right now. We are very thankful to the embassy; we are in contact with them... They are also helpless right now because the airspace is banned here from every country. We are not able to evacuate,” she said.Another Indian student in Tehran made a plea to the Indian government for immediate evacuation. She said, “I am an Indian student and currently I’m in Tehran. The situation here feels really bad and uncertain. We really don’t know what’s going to happen next. We are very grateful that the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs are in discussions regarding our safety, but in times like these, speed matters a lot. I am not even able to speak properly because air strikes are happening and the situation is getting worse for us. We request a quicker and clear evacuation as soon as possible. Please do not wait for the situation to get worse. Just help us. Please get us out of here as soon as possible.”“Air strikes since morning, we are stuck,” said an Indian student in Iran urging India to start evacuation.

Indians stranded in UAE and Gulf countries

Several travellers from Madhya Pradesh had gone to Dubai and Sharjah for tourism and business purposes when the crisis erupted. In the UAE, over 700 people from Madhya Pradesh, including former MLA and BJP leader Sanjay Shukla, are unable to return due to cancelled flights and temporary airport shutdowns.Shukla shared a video on social media showing smoke from explosions kilometres away and appealed to PM Narendra Modi for assistance, adding that his son is also stranded with him. Former Depalpur MLA Vishal Patel and other travellers are similarly waiting for the situation to normalise before returning to India.Also read: Oil tanker hit near Oman in Strait of Hormuz; 15 Indians evacuated

Government response and advisories

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued urgent advisories for Indians in the conflict-hit region. Indian embassies in Tehran and Tel Aviv have established 24×7 helplines and are coordinating with local authorities. Assam’s government is in touch with the MEA to track residents from the state who are living or stranded in West Asia and gather information on their status.Meanwhile, in its official stance, India urged restraint, dialogue, and protection of civilian lives amidst escalating hostilities.

Aviation and maritime precautions

Airlines have been instructed to monitor airspace advisories and reroute or cancel flights as needed. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has also warned Indian seafarers to exercise extreme caution in Iranian waters and nearby regions. Companies and maritime stakeholders are being asked to report the status of Indian crew members to authorities promptly.Meanwhile, air travel disruption continues as tensions escalate in the Middle East, affecting flights to and from the region, prompting aviation ministry to issue advisory. “In view of airspace restrictions arising from geopolitical developments in the Middle East, a total of 350 flights operated by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled on 01.03.2026. Passengers are advised to check their flight status with the concerned airlines and remain in close coordination with them for any required assistance. The Ministry of Civil Aviation is in close coordination with airlines, airport operators and other stakeholders to proactively monitor the situation and facilitate necessary passenger support.,” it said.

India’s Varun Chakaravarthy with his teammates (ANI Photo)

As India brace for a knockout Super 8 showdown against the West Indies in Kolkata, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar has underlined the need for discipline with the ball against a Caribbean side known for fearless strokeplay.The contest revives memories of their 2016 T20 World Cup semi-final meeting in Mumbai and carries similar high stakes. Analysing the challenge on JioHotstar, Bangar pointed to the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the attacking mindset of West Indies batters.

“In T20 cricket, you have to be open to getting hit because batters will come hard at you. There are times when they may get off to a rollicking start and could be 60 without loss. But with that aggressive style and focus on boundaries, they can quickly slip to 84 for 4 as well, within the space of 20-odd runs.”India will look towards experienced campaigners such as Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy to curb the power-hitting threat and seize momentum through timely breakthroughs. Bangar emphasised that clarity in execution would be decisive.“That’s why I believe the Indian team should stick to their bowling plans and make smart use of their wicket-taking options. The use of Varun Chakaravarthy and Jasprit Bumrah against them is going to be extremely critical,” Bangar added.He also offered technical advice for Chakaravarthy, who has seen a slight dip in returns during the Super 8 phase, particularly after his spell against Zimbabwe.“I thought he was slightly short against the Zimbabwe batters. The majority of his deliveries were back of a length, and many of the boundaries scored came from that area. So, I think it would be better for him to push the ball slightly fuller and try to hit the stumps. That has been one of Varun Chakaravarthy’s strengths; if the batsman misses, he is either trapped leg before wicket or bowled.”Bangar further broke down how Chakaravarthy could counter the in-form Shimron Hetmyer.“Hetmyer looks to target long-on or the mid-wicket region, with a large share of his runs coming in that region. So, bowling those googlies from off-stump to the fourth-stump line, slightly wider outside off, would mean that if he tries to go across the line, there is always a wicket-taking opportunity for Varun Chakaravarthy,” Bangar added.Hetmyer has been West Indies’ standout performer, amassing 221 runs in six innings at an average of 44.20 and a strike rate of 182.64, including two half-centuries. Meanwhile, Chakaravarthy remains India’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 11 scalps at an average of just over 13, despite a quieter Super 8 stretch.With a semi-final place at stake, India’s ability to blend patience with precision in their bowling plans could define the outcome of this high-pressure encounter.

The Congress and the Left are set to contest the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections independently after the Congress earlier this month ended their tie-up. The move has triggered fresh speculation in a state where politics is dominated by chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress and its principal challenger, the BJP.Also Read | Congress’s Bengal dilemma: Who should grand-old-party target in 2026 polls – BJP or Mamata Banerjee?The decision marks another turning point for the two once-dominant forces that now find themselves struggling for relevance in Bengal’s increasingly bipolar political landscape.What drove the Congress to go it alone and what does the split mean for both the party and its now-former ally?

The Congress’ decision to go it alone has raised eyebrows given the party’s shrinking footprint in West Bengal. Explaining the rationale, a West Bengal unit leader said the central leadership believes the party has little to lose by contesting independently.

At the same time, the leader acknowledged that the contest would now be dominated by the TMC and the BJP.“The breakdown of our understanding with the Left has effectively left no space for a third pole in Bengal’s politics,” the leader told news agency PTI, requesting anonymity.

This election will now be fought almost entirely on the TMC-versus-BJP axis

West Bengal Congress leader

With the alliance no longer in place, the Congress plans to focus on consolidating its own vote share rather than relying on alliance arithmetic.

Congress’ declining arc in Bengal

Political observers also point to a contrast between the party’s current state leadership and its previous leadership. They say the relatively conciliatory approach of Subhankar Sarkar, the current boss, made it easier for the central leadership to end the Left alliance. The previous chief, ex-Lok Sabha MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, was a known Mamata Banerjee critic and had set aside differences with the Left in an effort to unseat a common adversary.

Left’s response — and its options

After staying silent for a few days, the Left responded to the Congress through CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby, a senior leader of the bloc.Also Read | ‘Congress will suffer’: CPM’s MA Baby on grand old party’s decision to contest Bengal polls alone“Congress is adopting a sectarian approach in West Bengal. We can cooperate with them only if they realise the importance of holding hands with secular, democratic, and progressive forces,” Baby said in Kolkata on February 13.

MA Baby on Congress

He added that in the struggle against “communal forces,” particularly the BJP, the Left favours alliances wherever feasible with like-minded parties, including the Congress.Some Left leaders say the bloc now intends to formalise all political arrangements — both official and tacit. They add that this would give the grouping time to deliberate on candidate selection with allies before finalising the list.Could such an understanding also exist with the Congress?

Congress’ exit to impact Left bloc?

The Congress’ absence from any prospective Left-led coalition could limit, if not significantly dent, the bloc’s electoral impact. This, political analysts say, is because the split could lead to a division of votes, mostly benefiting the TMC. As such, some form of ground-level understanding between them cannot be ruled out.At the same time, the Left and the Congress are direct rivals in Kerala, which is scheduled to go to the polls around the same time as West Bengal. The Left secured a second consecutive term in Kerala in 2021, breaking the long-standing pattern of power alternating between the Left and the Congress every five years. With anti-incumbency likely after a decade of Left rule, the Congress believes it has a realistic opportunity to reclaim power.In that context, contesting separately in West Bengal allows both parties to avoid uncomfortable questions about Kerala. Yet a tacit understanding in Bengal would also signal that despite sharp political attacks against each other, there is no irreparable strain in their broader political relationship.

Congress and Left: How arch-rivals became political allies

The old adage goes that politics makes strange bedfellows, often uniting rival forces against a common enemy too formidable to tackle alone. For the Congress and the Left in West Bengal, that adversary was Mamata Banerjee.The rise of Banerjee and the TMC pushed the two once-dominant political forces to the margins of Bengal politics. Since toppling the Left in 2011, the Trinamool has not only retained power but also expanded its dominance, crossing the 200-seat mark in successive assembly elections.

TMC vs Left in Bengal

This meant that the Congress and the Left had little choice but to join hands, only to soon confront a relatively new but rapidly expanding challenger in the BJP.In 2019, as the Modi wave swept the country for a second consecutive general election, the BJP increased its tally from two seats in 2014 to 18 of West Bengal’s 42 Lok Sabha seats, reducing the TMC’s count from 34 to 22. In the 2021 assembly polls, the BJP cemented its role as Banerjee’s principal rival by winning 77 seats in the 294-member state assembly, a sharp jump from just three in 2016, even though several of its legislators later defected to the ruling camp.

BJP’s seat surge in Bengal

With the two principal players firmly entrenched, the Congress and the Left were reduced to marginal players in a contest they had once dominated.

Congress-Left alliance: What numbers say

The current Congress-Left alliance breakup in West Bengal is not their first. They went their separate ways in March 2019, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. They came together again in December 2020, just months before the state held assembly polls in March-April 2021, and now have parted ways once again.The Congress last fought the West Bengal assembly elections independently in 2006, securing 21 seats. In 2011, it doubled its tally to 42 when it fought in alliance with the TMC.The 2016 assembly polls marked the first time the Congress and the Left joined forces as formal alliance partners. The Congress once again delivered a creditable performance, winning 44 seats, while its Left allies accounted for the remaining 33 seats won by the bloc.In 2021, the Indian Secular Front (ISF) secured the Left Front’s lone seat. The Congress later opened its account by winning a by-election, taking the alliance tally to two seats.Taken together, the numbers show that the Congress-Left alliance has struggled to translate cooperation into meaningful electoral gains, except to some extent in 2016.

A double-edged sword?

The Congress’ decision to contest alone in West Bengal is a bold but risky strategy. While even a second-place finish appears extremely unlikely, the party could aim to establish itself as the state’s third major political force. This may not translate into many seats, but it could reflect in its overall vote share. On the other hand, there’s a real risk of being pushed further to the margins.The ballot that will determine the future of both the Congress and the Left Front in West Bengal is fast approaching. These former dominant parties face a crucial test of their relevance, voter base, and ability to reclaim even a fraction of their past influence. The coming weeks will reveal whether they can mount a revival or continue their slide toward the margins of state politics.