Sanju Samson plays a shot during the semi-final vs England at Wankhede stadium. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Sanju Samson believes one more good innings could complete a remarkable personal turnaround after his explosive knock powered India into the final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a thrilling victory over England in Mumbai.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Samson smashed a breathtaking 89 off 42 balls, studded with eight fours and seven sixes, guiding India to a massive 253/7 at the Wankhede Stadium. England fought hard through Jacob Bethell’s stunning 105 off 48 balls, but fell seven runs short, sending India into their second consecutive T20 World Cup final.

For Samson, the innings was another step in a redemption arc that has defined India’s campaign in the knockout stage. The Kerala batter had earlier hammered an unbeaten 97 against West Indies in Kolkata, and his back-to-back match-winning knocks have come after a long phase of uncertainty in his career.Speaking after the semifinal, Samson admitted the journey had been emotionally demanding.“It feels really great, really relieving. I have been trying for a few years to do something like this for my country,” he said. “There was a lot of patience, a lot of inner work, training and practice. But we still have one more step to go.”

That final step, Samson hinted, could finally lift a huge weight off his shoulders.“One more innings should be really good… one more match, then I will feel very light,” he added.Samson admitted he had tried too hard during the difficult stretch of New Zealand series at home.“In this format, even the best players struggle sometimes. I had to respect the game and go back to my basics,” he explained.READ ALSO: I made a big mistake dropping Sanju Samson, says Harry BrookTo regain focus, he even chose to step away from social media.“I closed all my windows, shut down my phone and stayed away from social media. Less noise helped me focus in the right direction,” Samson said.The 31-year-old also emphasised the aggressive philosophy of India’s top order in the tournament.“In the powerplay itself matches can be made or spoiled. As soon as you get a few balls, you try to attack. If it is your day, you bat long. If not, you support the others.”Now, with India set to face New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Samson knows the job is not finished yet.

Sanju Samson, right, and Abhishek Sharma (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes Sanju Samson has finally “come of age” in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, praising the wicketkeeper-batter’s improved mental strength, consistency and smarter shot selection after a string of match-winning performances.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Samson has emerged as one of India’s biggest stars in the knockout stage of the tournament. The opener blasted a stunning 42-ball 89 against England in the semifinal to power India to a thrilling seven-run victory. Earlier, his unbeaten 97 off 50 balls against the West Indies had laid the foundation for India’s crucial win in a virtual quarterfinal.

Reflecting on Samson’s resurgence, Shastri said the talented batter has finally found the balance between flair and responsibility.“I think he’s finally realising and coming to terms with the fact that he needs to be more consistent. He’s got to be wiser with his shot selection and he’s got to back his strengths,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.“The thing with Sanju is he’s got every shot in the book, but lapses in concentration. I think he’s toughened up mentally and there’s never been anyone who’s doubted his skill or talent ever since he made the side.”“What people have been disappointed about is that the run of consistency that should have been there by now wasn’t there. But he’s come of age now,” he said.

Samson’s heroics have played a crucial role in guiding India into the final, where they will face New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.Despite Samson’s success, his opening partner Abhishek Sharma has struggled to find rhythm in the tournament, scoring just 89 runs in seven innings. However, Shastri urged the team management to show faith in the young left-hander rather than making last-minute changes before the final.“I think they’ve just got to stick with him now,” Shastri said.“Don’t make any changes as the side’s having a good run. Just tell him, ‘believe in your ability, believe in your strengths and back them. Don’t go into a shell where you’re tentative or timid.’”According to Shastri, the biggest stage could bring the best out of Abhishek.“We back you, you back your strengths and go out there and play. The last game might be the best game for you,” he added.

Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed PM Narendra Modi-led government over its foreign policy in the backdrop of the recent waiver issued by the United States for India allowing New Delhi to buy Russian oil, alleging that it was the result of the “exploitation of a compromised individual.”Taking his criticism to X while retweeting a video shared by the Congress of his speech in the Lok Sabha on concerns related to India’s trade sovereignty, Rahul wrote: “India’s foreign policy emerges from the collective will of our people. It should be rooted in our history, our geography, and our spiritual ethos based on Satya and Ahimsa. What we are witnessing today is not policy. It is the result of the exploitation of a compromised individual.”

In the video shared by the Congress, Rahul can be heard blaming Prime Minister Modi and calling him “compromised.” He said, “The US will tell us who we can or cannot buy oil from — if it’s Russia or Iran, the US will decide. But our Prime Minister will not decide.”Earlier in the day, Congress targeted the Centre after the United States announced that it would allow India to continue purchasing Russian oil, questioning how long this “American blackmail” would continue.In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh wrote: “Trump ka naya khel, Dilli dost ko kaha, Putin se le sakte ho tel, kab tak chalega ye Ameriki blackmail (Trump’s new game; told his friend in Delhi you can get oil from Putin; how long will this American blackmail continue?).”The remarks came after the US issued a temporary waiver allowing India to continue buying Russian oil, saying the move was intended to stabilise global energy supplies amid rising tensions in the Middle East.US treasury secretary Scott Bessent said: “President Trump’s energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil.”He added that Washington expects India to increase energy imports from the United States in the future. “India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of US oil,” Bessent wrote, noting that the temporary measure would “alleviate pressure caused by Iran’s attempt to take global energy hostage.”The waiver comes at a time when India faces potential risks of energy supply disruptions in Middle East following escalating tensions in the region. The situation intensified after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iran that killed Ali Khamenei and several senior officials.India sources nearly 40 percent of its oil imports from the region, with a significant share transported through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.Meanwhile, Russia has indicated that it is ready to redirect crude shipments to India to offset potential supply disruptions caused by the conflict. According to Reuters, nearly 9.5 million barrels of Russian oil are currently positioned near Indian waters and could reach the country within weeks.The potential shift in supply follows Iranian strikes on vessels in the region, raising fears that the Strait of Hormuz could be partially closed — a development that could affect roughly 40 percent of India’s crude imports.

A second Iranian warship is heading towards Sri Lanka on Thursday, a day after a US submarine destroyed an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean.Sri Lanka’s media minister, Nalinda Jayatissa, told parliament that the vessel was just outside the island nation’s territorial waters but did not provide further details.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has meanwhile met senior officials to discuss how to respond to Iran’s request to allow the ship to enter Sri Lankan waters for safety, news agency AFP reported, citing sources.

According to the report, the warship is carrying more than 100 crew members, who fear they could face the same fate as a sister vessel that was sunk by a US submarine off Sri Lanka’s southern coast on Wednesday.In that attack, a US submarine destroyed the Iranian frigate **IRIS Dena**, killing at least 87 sailors. The strike has emerged as one of the most dramatic naval incidents in the widening Middle East crisis.Authorities in the southern port city of **Galle** were preparing on Thursday to hand over the remains of the 87 Iranian sailors killed in the torpedo strike claimed by the US military.Officials at the main hospital in Galle said 32 rescued Iranian sailors were still receiving treatment under tight security provided by police and elite commandos. The Emergency Treatment Unit has been closed to visitors and other patients, with a separate ward arranged for the injured crew.“Most of them have minor injuries, but a few suffered fractures and burns,” a nurse at the hospital said.Sri Lankan navy spokesman Buddhika Sampath said naval vessels were continuing search operations for missing Iranian sailors.The frigate had issued a distress call early Wednesday morning but had already sunk by the time a Sri Lankan rescue vessel reached the site. The attack took place about 40 kilometres south of Galle, according to local naval authorities.The warship had been returning after taking part in a military exercise in Visakhapatnam, an eastern port city in India.Iran has not yet officially commented on the sinking.Sri Lanka has maintained a neutral stance and repeatedly called for dialogue to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. Iran is also a key buyer of Sri Lankan tea, the island nation’s main export commodity.

India booked their place in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating England by seven runs in a dramatic semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The contest turned into a high-scoring spectacle as India piled up a mammoth 253/7, the highest total ever recorded in a knockout match in the history of the tournament.

Explosive knocks from Sanju Samson, along with powerful finishing contributions from Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya, powered India to the massive total. England responded with equal aggression, led by a sensational century from Jacob Bethell, but ultimately fell short, finishing at 246/7. Jasprit Bumrah’s calm execution in the death overs proved decisive as India sealed their place in the final.

Harry Brook opens up on the main reason of England’s defeat

Following the match, England captain Harry Brook reflected on the turning point of the game and openly admitted that a costly fielding error from his side played a significant role in the defeat. Brook candidly acknowledged that dropping Samson early in the innings proved to be a crucial moment that shifted momentum in India’s favour. The England skipper said the missed opportunity haunted him throughout the match as the Indian wicketkeeper-batter went on to punish England’s bowling attack.

“I’ll hold my hands up and say that I made a big mistake dropping Samson. Catches win matches, don’t they? Unfortunately, it just didn’t stay in my hands,” Brook said during the post-match presentation.

At the time of the incident, Samson had just begun to settle at the crease. After scoring 15 runs from his first six deliveries, he attempted a lofted shot that went straight towards mid-on. It was a straightforward chance by international standards, but Brook misjudged the ball slightly and failed to complete the catch. That moment proved costly for England as Samson capitalised on the lifeline and launched a blistering counterattack.

Sanju Samson makes England pay for missed opportunity

After surviving the early scare, Samson shifted gears and dominated the middle overs with fearless stroke play. The right-hander went on to score a brilliant 89, smashing boundaries and sixes with ease to put England under enormous pressure.

The dropped chance allowed Samson to add another 74 runs off just 35 deliveries, accelerating India’s innings and pushing them towards a daunting total of 253. England finally managed to dismiss him when Phil Salt held onto a high catch at deep cover off Will Jacks‘ bowling. Brook admitted that the mistake stayed in his mind throughout the game, especially as Samson continued to pile up runs.

“Obviously it’s in the back of your mind. I kept looking at the scoreboard and he was piling the runs on. I was thinking I might have to score 89 tonight to make up for it,” Brook added.

Also WATCH: T20 World Cup 2026 – Axar Patel plucks a jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Harry Brook in IND vs ENG semi-final

Axar Patel’s stunning catch sums up fielding difference

While Brook’s dropped catch hurt England early in the game, India showcased exceptional fielding under pressure. One of the standout moments came when Axar Patel produced a sensational diving catch to dismiss Brook himself.

The England captain tried to clear the infield against Bumrah’s slower delivery but miscued the shot. Axar sprinted nearly 24 metres before diving full stretch to complete a stunning catch, highlighting the difference in fielding standards between the two teams on the night.

Brook’s innings ended quickly for just seven runs, leaving England with a steep chase that proved just beyond their reach despite Jacob Bethell‘s heroic century.

With the thrilling victory, India advanced to the final of the T20 World Cup 2026, where they will face New Zealand. The title clash is scheduled to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Sanju Samson’s blazing knock powers India into T20 World Cup 2026 final after thrilling win over England

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday it launched the seventeenth wave of attacks under “Operation True Promise-4”, targeting strategic sites in Israeli-controlled territories that managed to bypass the US-made THAAD missile defence system, one of Washington’s most advanced missile defence systems THAAD, as the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States continues.Despite the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, Iran has continued to fire projectiles at targets in Israel and across the Middle East. The situation has raised concerns for the United States and its allies, including Israel and Gulf countries, which depend heavily on air defence systems to stop incoming attacks.

Western forces rely on several systems to intercept missiles and drones. The most important among them are THAAD interceptors, Patriot missile systems and the Standard Missile family used by US naval forces. Israel also uses its own Arrow interceptor systems. However, these defences are under growing strain as the conflict continues.Many interceptors have already been supplied to Ukraine during its war with Russia. Others were used in the Red Sea to protect shipping from attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi forces. Additional systems have been deployed in the Indo-Pacific to defend South Korea and Taiwan from possible threats from North Korea and China, according to news agency PTI.

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What is THAAD?THAAD, short for Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence, is one of the most powerful missile defence systems operated by the United States. It is designed to intercept short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the final phase of their flight.According to the US department of defense, THAAD) is a key element of US ballistic missile defense and employs interceptor missiles, using “hit-to-kill” technology, to destroy threat missiles.The system can destroy incoming missiles at distances of around 150 to 200 kilometres. Unlike traditional missile defences that explode near their targets, THAAD interceptors use kinetic energy. This means they destroy incoming missiles by colliding directly with them in mid-air.

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The system relies on advanced radar and targeting technology. Its AN/TPY-2 radar can detect and track missile threats at very long distances. In forward-based mode, the radar can track targets up to around 3,000 kilometres away. In terminal mode, it focuses on missiles descending toward their targets.According to the US Congressional Research Service, the US military currently operates seven THAAD batteries. Each battery includes six truck-mounted launchers with eight interceptors each, along with radar and command systems that coordinate missile defence operations.THAAD batteries can also work with other missile defence systems, including Aegis systems on US Navy ships and Patriot missile batteries deployed on land. Together, these create a layered defence designed to intercept missiles at different stages of flight.The system can be rapidly deployed by large US military transport aircraft such as the C-17 and C-5, allowing it to be positioned quickly in areas facing missile threats.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he was not worried about rising gasoline prices linked to the widening conflict with Iran, adding that the military campaign was a bigger priority.“I don’t have any concern about it,” Trump told Reuters in an interview when asked about higher prices at the pump. “They’ll drop very rapidly when this is over, and if they rise, they rise, but this is far more important than having gasoline prices go up a little bit.”Oil markets have reacted sharply to the conflict. Global crude prices have climbed 16% since the war began on Saturday as fighting disrupted supplies from the Middle East.In the US, the national average price of gasoline has increased by 27 cents over the past week to $3.25 per gallon, according to AAA, a US travel organisation that tracks fuel prices. The current average is also 15 cents higher than a year ago.Trump, however, said the increase was limited and that prices “haven’t risen very much.”The remarks represent a shift from the president’s recent messaging on energy prices. Last month, Trump highlighted falling gasoline prices during his State of the Union address and again at an energy-focused rally in Texas held hours before the US launched air strikes on Saturday.White House chief of staff Susie Wiles and Energy Secretary Chris Wright have both held discussions with oil company executives to explore possible steps to counter rising prices, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday.Another White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity to Reuters, said teams working on energy and national security policy were scrambling to identify measures that could help bring prices down.The official said Wiles had warned during internal meetings that failure to address higher fuel prices could be “catastrophic” for Republicans in the upcoming elections.Trump has said the military campaign against Iran could last four to five weeks, though political and military experts have questioned that timeline, noting that the US government has not clearly defined its ultimate objective as the conflict spreads across the region.Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier this week that the administration was preparing a package of measures to tackle rising energy costs. So far, however, the only step announced is US-backed risk insurance for oil tankers and the possibility of naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz.Officials are also considering other options, including a federal gasoline tax holiday and easing environmental regulations around summer gasoline to allow higher ethanol blends, according to the two sources familiar with the discussions.They said a potential release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve had also been examined. Trump, however, ruled out that option for now during the interview.He said he was not planning to tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the world’s largest emergency crude stockpile, and added that he expected the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments near Iran, to remain open because Iran’s navy is at the “bottom of the sea.”Despite the recent price rise, the White House believes the impact on fuel markets will be temporary and expects the pressure on gasoline prices to ease once the conflict stabilises.

Sanju Samson (Pic credit: BCCI)

MUMBAI: Harry Brook tried to laugh it off as he stood with his hands on his knees. Jofra Archer turned back dejected as he walked towards his mark and Sanju Samson heaved a sigh of relief as he marked his guard.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!It was a pivotal moment of the match in the third over, the second bowled by Archer, when the right-arm pacer got Samson to mistime a drive straight to Brook at mid-on. The England captain, though, ended up spilling a dolly. Samson, who was 15 off seven balls at that point, went on to add another 74 off 35 after that in a breathtaking assault on the England bowlers.

England had an opportunity to reduce India to 24/2 and tighten their grip on the match. Instead, they were left ruing things as the Kerala cricketer went on a rampage, scoring an entertaining 42-ball 89 that was built on the back of eight fours and seven sixes, to help India post 253/7. Samson’s knock was the joint-third highest score in a T20 World Cup match, alongside Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 89 against West Indies in the 2016 edition at the same venue.ALSO READ: I made a big mistake dropping Sanju Samson, says Harry BrookWith every Samson boundary, Brook got more and more worried. As Samson cut, pulled, and drove everything that was bowled at him, Brook would have felt like Herschelle Gibbs, who dropped Steve Waugh during the 1999 World Cup.Everyone was looking forward to the Archer vs Samson matchup, especially with the Englishman dominating the Indian opener during the T20I series at the start of last year. Samson struggled against Archer’s pace and short-pitched stuff, scored only 25 runs off the 23 balls he faced, and was dismissed three times.

To add to his woes, an Archer rocket fractured Samson’s right index finger in the last T20I of that series at this very venue, which sidelined him for a month.On Thursday, Samson took guard against Archer, but unlike the 2025 T20I series, where his confidence plummeted with every low-scoring outing, he entered the semifinal on the back of a matchwinning 97 against West Indies. He hoicked Archer’s third for a boundary over mid-on and then deposited a misdirected short ball over deep fine leg for a six.In the third over, the 31-year-old’s heart would have been in his mouth as he watched his drive sailing straight to Brook but once he saw it spooned, he quickly regathered his thoughts and, two balls later, pulled his nemesis for six over cow corner.Archer returned in the 13th over but Samson deposited two of the three balls he faced over the boundary. In total, Samson faced 14 balls from Archer and took 38 runs off him.

NEW DELHI: Congress on Friday targeted the Centre after the United States announced that it would allow India to purchase Russian oil, asking how long this “American blackmail” would continue.In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “Trump ka naya khel, Dilli dost ko kaha, Putin se le sakte ho tel, kab tak chalega ye Ameriki blackmail (Trump’s new game; told his friend in Delhi you can get oil from Putin; how long will this American blackmail continue?).”Congress leader Manish Tewari also criticised the government and said, “Issuing a 30-day waiver — the sanctimonious language of condescension drips with neo-imperial arrogance. Are we a banana republic that we need the permission of the US to secure our energy security imperatives?”He added, “The silence of an otherwise overly loquacious government is deafening. Does it not understand what sovereignty means?”The move comes after the United States issued a temporary waiver allowing India to continue purchasing Russian oil, with Washington stating that the step is aimed at stabilising global energy supplies amid rising tensions in the Middle East.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “President Trump’s energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil.”He added that the US expects India to increase energy imports from the United States in the future.“India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of US oil,” Bessent wrote, noting that the temporary measure would “alleviate pressure caused by Iran’s attempt to take global energy hostage.”The waiver comes as India faces potential risks from energy supply disruptions in the Middle East, following escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials.India sources nearly 40% of its oil imports from the region, with a significant portion transported through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.Russia has signalled that it is ready to redirect crude shipments to India to offset supply disruptions caused by the conflict. Nearly 9.5 million barrels of Russian oil are currently positioned near Indian waters and could reach the country within weeks, according to Reuters.The potential supply shift follows Iranian strikes on vessels in the region, raising fears that the Strait of Hormuz could be partially closed, affecting roughly 40% of India’s crude imports.

Orhan Awatramani, fondly known as Orry, is back in the spotlight for his entertaining online antics. After previously poking fun at his friends Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan, the influencer has now dropped a new video to celebrate Ibrahim’s birthday on March 5. The short clip features both of them, though Ibrahim’s face isn’t fully visible. Still, Orry’s witty caption has sparked buzz across social media.

Orry’s caption grabs all the attention online

Ibrahim, son of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, who recently made his acting debut with ‘Nadaaniyan’, is ringing in his birthday today. As fans and friends showered him with wishes, Orry surprised everyone by posting a rather cryptic video that seemed to subtly tease Ibrahim. The clip, shared on Instagram, shows the two posing together, with Orry sporting a visible bruise on his forehead. What truly grabbed netizens’ attention, though, was his caption, “It’s still not too late now 2 say Orry.” The video also had a cheeky text overlay that read, “When your mom randomly asks ‘what happened to that one friend of yours?’”.

Orry’s post gets mixed reactions from fans

Shortly after Orry uploaded the post, his friends and followers quickly reacted to it. Veer Pahariya dropped a comment saying, “Unacceptable.” One user humorously wrote, “No ibrahim was hurt in this reel,” while another added, “this is kinda sad but you guys were cute.”

Orry accuses Amrita Singh of causing “emotional trauma”

Orry recently stirred controversy after revealing that veteran actress Amrita Singh had caused him “emotional trauma.” In a chat with Hindustan Times, the influencer opened up about his strained ties with Sara and Ibrahim Ali Khan, saying, “I unfollowed Sara a while ago.. and I haven’t followed Ibrahim in years. Pretending to be friends with Sara means pretending to be ok with the trauma her mother put me through and I just don’t think I can do that anymore.” He further hinted that reconciliation might be possible only if Amrita Singh apologized, adding, “If Amrita Singh were to apologize I could maybe see myself letting it go in the future.”

Orry’s fallout with the Khans

Reportedly, the fight started when Amrita Singh felt uncomfortable about how close Sara and Ibrahim were to Orry. She was said to be acting like a protective mother, worried about the rumours going around about her kids and their friends in the film industry. After that, Orry began showing his anger on Instagram through Reels, comments, and memes. In one reel, which he later deleted, he mentioned “Sara, Amrita and Palak” as the “three worst names,” and after this, Sara and Ibrahim reportedly unfollowed him on Instagram.