Global airlines have suffered their worst financial shock since the COVID‑19 pandemic as the ongoing war involving US Israel and Iran has disrupted industry operations, wiping more than $50 billion off the market value of the world’s largest carriers amid rising fears of fuel shortages.The conflict, now entering its fourth week, has grounded flights, disrupted key Gulf hub airports and driven jet fuel prices sharply higher, compounding pressure on an industry that was rebounding strongly following pandemic‑related losses.According to Financial Times calculations, the 20 largest publicly listed airlines have collectively lost about $53 billion in market capitalisation since the war began. In response, airline executives have warned of a potential rise in ticket prices as carriers seek to protect shrinking profit margins.Jet fuel, which accounts for roughly a third of operating costs for airlines, has doubled in price since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran at the end of February. Many carriers had hedged against fuel price swings, but the rapid rise is expected to force airlines to pass on costs to passengers.“Fuel spiked quite heavily after the Ukraine invasion in 2022 as well, but this has gone further north,” easyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis told FT, describing the current crisis as the most significant upheaval since the pandemic closed global skies in 2020.Executives also point to broader structural challenges, including the risk that sustained high fares may dampen demand. Carsten Spohr, CEO of Lufthansa, said higher ticket prices were unavoidable but expressed concern that they could weaken long‑term demand. “Our average profit is about €10 per passenger, there’s no way you can absorb the additional cost,” he said.In addition to passenger traffic pressures, airlines are preparing contingency plans for possible jet fuel shortages. Air France‑KLM CEO Ben Smith said the carrier is drawing up measures to cope with potential supply squeezes, including scaling back services on some Asian routes.The crisis has hit Middle Eastern carriers particularly hard. Carriers such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways have had to sharply reduce schedules due to airspace closures and a collapse in regional tourism, industry officials say. Despite the severity of the current disruption, Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), noted that it still falls short of the pandemic’s impact but is reminiscent of the downturn in transatlantic demand after the 9/11 attacks, according to FT.The conflict’s ripple effects are also visible in cargo operations, as freight traffic shifts from disrupted shipping routes to air cargo, straining airport facilities. At Geneva airport, for example, freight re‑routing has led to overflow onto services bound for Paris.Industry observers remain hopeful that airline valuations and demand will rebound once the conflict abates. “The share price has moved against all airlines since the start of the conflict,” Jarvis said, adding that short sellers would likely close positions quickly if a ceasefire is announced.

New Zealand Women delivered a clinical performance in Wellington, sealing a six-wicket win over South Africa Women in the fourth T20I and clinching the five-match series in dominant fashion. The match belonged to Jess Kerr, whose outstanding spell with the ball set the tone for the hosts and earned her the Player of the Match award.

Jess Kerr shines with ball for New Zealand

After being put in to bat, South Africa managed 159/6 – a competitive total on paper, but one that always felt slightly under par given the conditions. A big reason for that was Kerr’s exceptional control with the ball. She returned figures of 3/16 in her four overs, consistently breaking partnerships and never allowing the visitors to build real momentum.

Kerr made an early impact by trapping Chloe Tryon lbw, before striking again to remove captain Laura Wolvaardt. She later dismissed Tazmin Brits, a key wicket that halted South Africa’s progress during a crucial phase. Her disciplined line and length forced errors, keeping the scoring rate in check throughout the innings.

She was well supported by Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine, who chipped in with timely wickets. The New Zealand bowling unit worked as a cohesive group, applying pressure from both ends and ensuring South Africa never got away.

Despite the setbacks, Annerie Dercksen stood tall for the visitors with an unbeaten 55 off 32 balls. Her aggressive approach helped South Africa recover from early losses, with useful contributions from Nadine de Klerk and Kayla Reyneke towards the end. However, the lack of sustained partnerships meant they couldn’t fully capitalize, finishing with a total that always looked slightly vulnerable.

Also READ: Alana King steers Australia to series-clinching win over West Indies in 2nd Women’s T20I

Sophie Devine leads the chase as New Zealand seal the series

Chasing 160, New Zealand approached the target with confidence and composure. While they lost an early wicket in Isabella Gaze, there was never any sense of panic in the camp. Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr steadied the innings, building a solid foundation with a partnership that kept the scoreboard ticking.

Plimmer’s brisk 29 provided early momentum, while Amelia Kerr played a composed knock of 31, ensuring the chase stayed on track. But it was all-rounder Sophie Devine who truly took control of the game.

Devine’s explosive 64 off 34 balls turned the contest decisively in New Zealand’s favour. Mixing power with precision, she attacked the bowlers with authority, finding boundaries at will and putting South Africa under immense pressure. Her innings effectively took the game away from the visitors, leaving little doubt about the outcome.

Even after Devine’s dismissal in the later stages, the job was nearly done. Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green calmly guided the team home, finishing the chase with nine balls to spare and ensuring a comfortable victory.

New Zealand takes 3-1 lead in the 5-match T20I series over South Africa 🏏#NZvSA #cricket #T20I pic.twitter.com/FwUzCxJFIc

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) March 22, 2026

Also READ: Sophie Devine’s all-round show powers New Zealand to emphatic win over South Africa in 3rd Women’s T20I

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders’ players during a practice session ahead of IPL at Eden Gardens, in Kolkata. (PTI Photo)(PTI03_19_2026_000288A)

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have been forced into urgent action ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season after a major injury blow to promising pacer Harshit Rana. With their bowling attack suddenly weakened, the franchise has turned to mid-preseason trials at Eden Gardens to identify a suitable replacement.His absence has left a significant gap in both the powerplay and death overs, forcing the team management to rethink their pace combination just days before the tournament.

Trials Begin: Five Pacers Under Scanner

In response, KKR have invited a group of Indian fast bowlers for trials, hoping to find a reliable replacement:

Among them, Navdeep Saini has attracted attention for his raw pace and bounce, while Akash Madhwal has also put himself in strong contention following his impactful performances for Mumbai Indians in previous IPL seasons. Simarjeet Singh, meanwhile, who has previously been part of Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad squads, has taken 11 wickets in 14 IPL appearances. The Kerala medium-pacer duo of Warrier and Asif were also seen at the trials. Adding an element of intrigue is Sunil Kumar from Jammu & Kashmir. The left-arm seamer, who has impressed in longer formats.

KKR’s Bowling Concerns Grow

KKR’s worries extend beyond just one injury. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be without Akash Deep for IPL 2026 after the seamer failed to recover in time from a lower-back stress injury. The franchise had already released Mustafizur Rahman and brought in Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement. While Muzarabani is a strong addition, the tall Zimbabwean pacer has limited experience in the IPL. There is, however, some positive news for KKR fans. Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana is reportedly nearing full fitness after injury concerns.The three times IPL champion KKR have several other domestic medium-pace bowling options in their squad, their Indian seam options currently comprise Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik and Kartik Tyagi, with Cameron Green providing a seam-bowling allrounder option.