Zimbabwe’s ‘Castle Corner’ created a magic during their last Super Eight match against South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Sunday (Picture credit: Tanuj Lakhina | TimesofIndia.com)

NEW DELHI: The first tier of Gate 15 of the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi had a different vibe on Sunday. On the field, Zimbabwe were bidding to salvage some pride against the semi-final-bound South Africa in their last 2026 T20 World Cup match. Zimbabwe had every reason to be proud of their tournament even though they conceded 510 runs in the two Super Eight matches against West Indies and India.In the aftermath of such brutal assaults, the stunning wins against Australia and Sri Lanka in the group stage felt like a distant memory. Yet, for the fans in red occupying the corner of the first row, it mattered little. The famed ‘Castle Corner’ cheered every Sikandar Raza boundary, every stray run in between and rose in unison with every appeal and every wicket. Even though it was bright and warm, this pack of six and the college students from the capital who joined them kept singing and dancing.

The ‘Castle Corner’ comes from their place at the iconic Harare Sports Club, where they have historically orchestrated many noisy days – just what Sri Lanka and later India witnessed in the past couple of weeks.The six fans – Malvin Kwaramba, Brian Hwenjer, Godwin Mamhiyo, Leonah Tanikwa, Abel Mataranyika and Ben Gotora – had started making plans a year in advance and pooled their savings for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Social media and local Embassies helped get the word out, and more fans started to trickle in, such as those from Uganda and Kenya in Delhi.

Fans of Zimbabwe react during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 match between Australia and Zimbabwe at R. Premadasa Stadium on February 13, 2026 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“Last year, a group of us just came together and we decided, ‘look, it’s not every time that you get to watch a World Cup in Asia.’ I mean Asia is the home of cricket. You talk Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India… they love cricket. So we wanted to experience this, we wanted to be here,” explained Godwin, who is an accountant back home.“So we came together as a group and put money together and managed to go to Colombo. Our money was enough for Colombo for the group stages,” he continued.As they were bracing for the flight back home from Colombo, a private entity contacted them to extend their stay in the subcontinent. They took care of their flights from Sri Lanka to India and the hotels in Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi.

Zimbabwe fans cheering for their side against South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. (Photo credit: Tanuj Lakhina | TimesofIndia.com)

With that, the foot-tapping songs reached India and the capital on Sunday. Even though the songs are in Shona and Ndebele, the two major dialects, references to the current squad members make them easier for everyone to follow.“Most of the songs are derived from things that we sing back home. Africans in general, they like singing. That’s who we are. So most of them are derived from what we do at home,” said Godwin.“And then we include the players’ names. You’ve got Vanofambane Mweya Mutsvene (‘We are moving with the Holy Spirit’) which is then coupled with a player’s name. We’ve got songs for almost every player out there. But everything comes from our culture and what we do back home,” he went on.Godwin is not new to the spectacle of a World Cup. As a youngster, his first brush with the elite tournament came back in 2003 when Zimbabwe co-hosted the ODI World Cup alongside South Africa and Kenya. The 2027 ODI World Cup will return to the region with Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia as co-hosts. What should the travelling Indian fans expect?

Zimbabwe’s famed ‘Castle Corner’ set of supporters made their presence felt at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in new Delhi (Photo Courtesy: Tanuj Lakhina | TimesofIndia.com)

“You’ve only seen the seven of us. There’s 250 people doing what we’re doing back home! Every Indian person has been nice to us. They’ve been great. We cannot wait to welcome them into the Harare Sports Club, into the Queen’s Sports Club and give them the same welcome they gave us,” said Godwin with a beaming smile.For now, Zimbabwe are assured of playing the 2027 ODI World Cup and the 2028 T20 World Cup. This comes after the lows of not qualifying for the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups, as well as the 2021 and 2024 T20 World Cups. A year and a half ago, Zimbabwe were playing regional qualifiers to try and book their spot in the ongoing edition.“You talk about the peak of Zimbabwe cricket. I think this team here is following in those footsteps. If you look at the likes of (Brian) Bennett, the Marumanis (Tadiwanashe Marumani), Muzarabanis (Blessing Muzarabani), they’ve still got years to go. They’re still learning the game. And I believe they will reach good heights,” said a hopeful Godwin.

Raza pays tribute to Castle Corner

In the end, on the pitch, Zimbabwe’s effort was for naught as South Africa crossed the finish line without much drama. Shortly after the winning runs were hit, Zimbabwe acknowledged their faithful fans who spent a considerable amount of savings to be here. First, the playing XI and the support staff walked across in front of the Gautam Gambhir stand to thank the fans. Then, having completed his broadcast duties, Sikandar Raza did the same but as a leader of the side.

Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe celebrates the wicket of Aiden Markram of South Africa during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 Super 8 match between Zimbabwe and South Africa at Arun Jaitley Stadium on March 01, 2026 in Delhi, India. (Photo by Prakash Singh/Getty Images)

He thanked the small-but-loud group of supporters that any team would be proud to call their own. In the post-match press conference, Raza shed light on their personal connection with the bunch.“We have a personal relationship with the Castle Corner fans,” Raza said. “We know each member by name. We know their families, their kids, and everything. They are not just fans for us, they are pretty much part of our family. I want to say to them, ‘You’re the champions of Zimbabwe for the support you guys have shown us, and the respect.'”

For the ‘Castle Corner,’ the next stop in being the Zimbabwean cricket team’s 12th man is the tri-series in Namibia in August, which also features South Africa. It will present another opportunity for Zimbabwe to beat the Proteas for the first time in a T20I. For now, the squad and its fans can return home with their head held high.

US embassy in Riyadh. (Screenshot)

Two drones struck the US embassy in Riyadh early Tuesday, triggering a small fire and causing minor damage to the building, Saudi authorities said, as Iran continued its wave of retaliatory strikes across the Gulf.In a statement, a spokesperson for Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said preliminary assessments confirmed that the US diplomatic mission in Riyadh had been targeted. “The attack resulted in a limited fire and minor material damage to the building,” the statement noted.According to AFP, smoke was seen rising from the compound housing the embassy and a source close to the Saudi military, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said air defence systems intercepted four drones aimed at Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter during the incident.Following the attack, the US embassy issued a shelter-in-place advisory for American citizens in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dhahran as a precautionary measure. Non-essential travel to military installations in the region is being restricted. The mission said it continues to closely monitor the evolving regional situation and urged US nationals to review the latest security alerts and reassess travel plans in case of disruptions.The advisory recommended staying indoors, remaining aware of surroundings, avoiding demonstrations, large gatherings and areas with heavy police presence, and following instructions from local authorities. The mission advised US nationals to enrol or re-enrol in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and facilitate contact in case of emergency. It also reminded citizens to ensure they hold a valid US passport for any short-notice travel.Saudi Arabia’s unified emergency number — covering police, fire and traffic services — is 911. Other emergency contacts include police (999), highway security (996) and ambulance services (997).The US Embassy in Riyadh can be reached at +966-11-835-4000, the Consulate General in Jeddah at +966-12-220-5000, and the Consulate General in Dhahran at +966-13-839-5700. The Bureau of Consular Affairs is available at 888-407-4747 from the US and Canada, and at +1-202-501-4444 from other locations.Reacting to the news, US President Donald Trump indicated that a response is imminent. Speaking to NewsNation, the US President said the nature of the retaliation would be revealed soon, according to a reporter from the outlet who shared details of the interview on X on Monday.Earlier, Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said that two drones struck the US embassy in Riyadh, sparking a limited fire and causing minor material damage, based on an initial assessment shared in a post on X on Tuesday.

Holi 2026, celebrated on Wednesday, March 4th, marks the arrival of spring with vibrant colors and joyous festivities. The festival commemorates the mythological triumph of good over evil, symbolized by Holika Dahan bonfires and the devotion of Prahlad. It’s a time for reconnecting, forgiving, and celebrating life’s colorful moments with loved ones.

Holi sweeps in like a splash of sunshine after winter’s gray, turning streets into rainbows of laughter and gujiyas. It’s that one day when old grudges melt under coloured powder, strangers become playmates, and every hug feels like a new start.Families bond over bonfires on Holika Dahan eve, toasting to good triumphing over evil, while kids plot the biggest water-gun attacks.Beyond the mess and the inevitable laundry pile after the celebration, Holi is one of those times of the year when all the rush comes down to a pause to reconnect, dance without care, and savor sweets that stick to your fingers and heart.

Happy Holi 2026

Why is Holi celebrated?

There is a mythological story behind Holi celebration. The legend goes back to Demon king Hiranyakashipu getting a boon from Lord Brahma making him nearly immortal, no man, beast, weapon, or time could kill him indoors or outdoors, day or night. Taken by power, he demanded worship as a god. But his son Prahlad was a devoted follower of Lord Vishnu, ignoring his father’s orders.Furious, Hiranyakashipu tried killing Prahlad many times, but Vishnu protected the boy each time. His sister Holika, immune to fire by a boon, tricked Prahlad into sitting on her lap in a blazing bonfire, she planned to burn him while staying safe.Miraculously, the fire spared Prahlad, due to his pure devotion and consumed Holika instead. That evening, at twilight neither day nor night on the palace threshold neither fully inside nor out, Vishnu appeared as Narasimha half-man, half-lion and slayed the king with claws. This triumph is reenacted through Holika Dahan bonfires on Holi eve, burning away evil.

Happy Holi 2026

When is Holi 2026?

Holi 2026 falls on Wednesday, March 4 this year, following Holika Dahan either on 2nd or 3rd also of March. It’s the festival of colours, celebrating spring’s arrival, Krishna-Radha’s love, and Prahlad-Holika’s tale of devotion beating wickedness.

Here are some wishes and messages and quotes to wish your loved ones

Happy Holi 2026! May your life burst with colors brighter than the sky after rain.Wishing you a Holi full of laughter, love, and zero bad vibes. Play merry!Holika Dahan burns away sorrows—here’s to a vibrant year ahead. Happy Holi!Colors of Holi wash away the old; welcome joy with open arms. Shubh Holi!May Radha-Krishna’s blessings shower on you like gulaal. Happy Holi 2026!Holi hai! Let’s forget grudges and paint smiles on each other’s faces.Wishing your days as sweet as gujiya and as fun as pichkari fights. Happy Holi!Happy Holi to the one who adds color to my life every day.May this Holi bring prosperity, peace, and endless thandai toasts!

Happy Holi 2026

Colors fade, but Holi memories last forever. Celebrate big!To my dear family: Happy Holi! United in colors, stronger in love. Holi with you all feels like home. Love and laughter always! Grandma’s sweets + family colors = Perfect Holi. Shubh Holi!Happy Holi! Don’t worry, I won’t aim for your hair… much.Holi plan: Colors by day, selfies by night. You’re invited! Warning: My water balloon skills have leveled up. Happy Holi! Your smile is my favorite Holi color. Happy Holi, love. Like Krishna-Radha, our love defies all. Shubh Holi 2026!Happy Holi 2026! Let joy splash across your days like vibrant gulaal.Wishing you a colorful Holi filled with sweet surprises and big smiles.May Holi’s magic erase worries and paint your world with happiness.Shubh Holi! Here’s to friendships that shine brighter than fireworks.Happy Holi—may your life be as lively as a thandai party!Colors of Holi bring fresh starts; embrace the rainbow ahead.To endless laughter and zero regrets: Happy Holi 2026!Holi cheers! Dance through life with rhythm and rainbows.|May Prahlad’s faith inspire your Holi—pure joy all year.Happy Holi! Savor the sweets, skip the spills. Wishing you Holi vibes: Bold colors, warm hugs, sweet bonds. Shubh Holi 2026—burn old troubles in the Holika fire. \

Happy Holi 2026

Holi hai! Let’s color our dreams into reality. May Krishna’s flute tune your heart to happiness this Holi. Happy Holi to the squad—let’s make messy memories! Splash into spring with love and laughter. Shubh Holi! Holi blessings: Prosperity flows like syrupy malpua. Wishing a Holi where every color means a new blessing. Happy Holi! Play hard, forgive easy, love fully. May your Holi be guilt-free gujiyas and epic water wars. Shubh Holi—let positivity rain down like monsoon colors. Holi 2026: Time to recharge with fun and family. Colors symbolize unity; Happy Holi to all hearts joined. Wishing you a Holi sweeter than fresh jalebi. Happy Holi! Rise above grudges, dive into delight. Holika Dahan sparks hope—Happy Holi ahead! May Holi fill your home with giggles and good vibes. Shubh Holi 2026! Adventure awaits in every hue. Holi magic: Turning strangers into splash buddies. Wishing vibrant health and joyful chaos this Holi. Happy Holi—may success chase you like kids with pichkari. Colors of fortune shower on you. Shubh Holi! Holi cheers to unbreakable bonds and tasty treats. Let Holi wash away stress; welcome endless zest. Happy Holi 2026! Bloom like spring flowers in color. Shubh Holi—faith over fear, just like Prahlad. Wishing a Holi packed with love, ladoos, and laughs. Holi hai! Upgrade your happiness to full spectrum. May Radha’s grace color your path golden. Happy Holi to my sunshine—keep shining bright! Splash joy everywhere; that’s the Holi spirit. Shubh Holi 2026—new chapter, fresh palette. Holi wishes: Strength in every step, sweetness in every bite. Celebrate Holi like Krishna: Playful and pure-hearted. Wishing you a mess of fun and mountains of mithai. Happy Holi! Unity in colors, peace in hearts. Let Holika’s fire ignite your boldest dreams. Shubh Holi—hugs tighter than color stains. Holi 2026: Where love wins over everything.

For WhatsApp forwards, Instagram stories, or cards. Personalize with emojis like 🌈🎉 for extra pop!

30 timeless and inspirational Holi quotes

Holi is the festival of fire, reminding us to burn our winter woes. – Traditional proverb.In the canvas of life, Holi paints us with love and unity. – Swami Vivekananda (inspired).Colors are the smiles of spring. – Unknown.Holi teaches forgiveness as easily as colors wash away. – Folk wisdom.Play the colors of joy, not jealousy.Radha’s love for Krishna colors every heart this Holi.

Happy Holi 2026

Bonfire of Holika Dahan: Let negativity go up in flames!Holi hai! Life’s too short for dull moments.Spring whispers through colors: Rejoice! – Rabindranath Tagore vibe.Unity in diversity—like Holi’s rainbow on every face. Victory of good over evil: Prahlad’s faith lights our path. – Bhagavata Purana essence. Holi dissolves barriers between souls.Krishna played Holi with gopis; let’s play with pure hearts.Holi: Renew, forgive, celebrate anew.Paint your dreams bright this Holi!Creative Holi status updates for social mediaDrowning in colors, rising in joy! #HappyHoli2026Holika Dahan done—now let the colors fly!Holi mode: ON. Grudges: Deleted.Sweet like gujiya, wild like pichkari. Holi 2026!Warning: Excessive happiness ahead. Happy Holi!From bhang thandai to bonfire nights—Holi magic!Colors unite us all. Shubh Holi! Holi: Where friends become family in a splash.March 4th: Official day to be messy and merry!Holi wishes: Health, wealth, and water fights!

Hezbollah launched an aggressive wave of strikes across the Middle East late Sunday. In Israel, some of the incoming missiles were intercepted by the country’s powerful defence system known as the Iron Beam. The escalation came a day after a major development in the region, the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top leaders in Tehran.Following Khamenei’s death, the Lebanon-based Hezbollah flexed its military strength in fury, seeking revenge for the killing of the influential Shia leader. The group targeted locations it viewed as hostile, launching attacks on Israel a key partner in the United States’ most ambitious regional military mission against Iran, strongly backed by Donald Trump.

A video released by the Israel War Room showcased the capabilities of the Iron Beam, described as Tel Aviv’s “new era of warfare” defence system. The footage showed Hezbollah missiles lighting up the night sky before being neutralised mid-air, effectively eliminating the threat and reducing risks to the Benjamin Netanyahu-led country.Follow live updates on US-Israel vs IranThe Israel War Room said on X that this marked the “first-ever use” of the Iron Beam by Israel.The military escalation across the Middle East followed what the United States described as its most ambitious joint military effort with Israel aimed at toppling the Tehran regime. Washington dubbed the operation Operation Epic Fury, while Israel carried out its strikes under Operation Lion’s Roar.

Apart from the modern Iron Beam technology, Israel also relies on its widely known Iron Dome defence system, a key pillar of its air defence network and a symbol of the country’s military innovation.

Iron Beam: How does it work

Israel signed contracts worth more than $500 million this week with domestic defence companies Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems to expand the production of the Iron Beam air defence system. Developed alongside the Iron Dome, the Iron Beam is designed to neutralise a wide range of aerial threats, including missiles, drones, rockets and mortars, according to Israel’s defence ministry. Israeli officials say the technology could usher in “a new era of warfare” as the country faces growing threats from Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.The Iron Beam has been under development for more than a decade. It was first unveiled in 2014 and was declared operational in September after completing development and final testing.The system is not intended to replace existing air defence networks but rather to complement them. It is designed to intercept smaller projectiles, allowing larger and more complex threats to be handled by more powerful missile-based systems such as David’s Sling and Arrow missile defense system.Unlike traditional interceptor missiles, the laser-based system relies on a continuous energy source. As long as power is available, the system does not risk running out of ammunition. Israeli officials have therefore described the technology as a potential “game-changer” in defending against projectile attacks.However, the system has limitations. Laser weapons tend to be less effective in low-visibility conditions, such as heavy cloud cover, dust or other adverse weather, which can weaken or scatter the beam.

Sanju Samson claimed a rare achievement through his unbeaten, match-winning 97-run knock against the West Indies, last night at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. It was the first instance in the batter’s T20 International, and IPL career, when he remained not out till the end of the innings during a run chase.

The Kerala-born was not in his best ahead Team India kicked off their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Ahead of the series, when the Men in Blue brigade was facing New Zealand for a white-ball series, Samson was the first choice opener along with Abhishek. Later, because of a bad form, the team management dropped the batter from the playing combination.

The opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan did not work

The winner of the 2024 T20 World Cup formed a new opening pair with Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma, dropping Samson from the first eleven. Mostly because of the constant low-scoring knocks of Abhishek, the newly formed pair did not work according to the plans. Meanwhile, Sharma registered three ducks in three back-to-back matches he played in the group stage of the tournament.

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After being defeated by South Africa, the team management started to find the best possible combination, keeping the off-forms and inconsistency in mind. Sanju Samson nipped back into the playing combination again. This time, he lived up to the mark. It was the experienced opener who earned the much-needed win for the team.

A rare achievement for Sanju Samson

According to Cricbuzz, “Sanju Samson has opened the batting 29 times in run chase in T20Is and IPL – this is the first instance of him remaining unbeaten till the end of the innings.”

The undisputed 97-run knock came while chasing a target of 196. Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, both departed cheaply, each scoring 10 runs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav notched up 18 off 16 and Hardik Pandya scored 17 off 14. In the run chase,

Tilak Varma supported the unbeaten opener arguably in the most significant way, scoring 27 runs in 15 balls. Samson remained tall on the crease, he waited for his particular moment for nights. To decorate the landmark knock, the opener collected twelve 4s and four 6s.

Samson paid tributes to Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

While all the spotlights were on him, Sanju Samson remained humble and paid gratitude to some of the legends of the game like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. After the match, the opener clarified that he learned about the art of run chase from some of these icons.

“There is always a question – what if not? So definitely that keeps on playing in your mind. But when that thought kept on coming, I just brought myself into the present moment, looked at the ball, and trusted myself to react according to its merit. I think that worked out pretty well today”, Samson mentioned in the match after the presentation ceremony.

“I have been playing this format for a very long time. Playing IPL for around 10 to 12 years and being with the country for the last 10 years… I have not always been playing, but I have been looking from the dugout, learning from greats like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma – all the greats”, he added.

Read More: Sanju Samson’s blazing knock draws Rohit Sharma comparison from ex-Pakistan Skipper