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



In a contest that ebbed and flowed before tilting decisively in the hosts’ favour, New Zealand Women delivered a composed and clinical performance to seal a six-wicket victory over South Africa Women in the third T20I at Eden Park. Chasing a competitive total, it was a captain’s knock from Sophie Devine, complemented by a disciplined bowling effort earlier, that ensured the White Ferns crossed the line with confidence and control.

South Africa post competitive total despite early setbacks

After winning the toss and opting to bat, South Africa Women endured a shaky start as both Sune Luus and Tazmin Brits fell cheaply, leaving the visitors under pressure in the powerplay. However, Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a steady 37 off 39 balls, stabilizing the innings alongside Annerie Dercksen.

Dercksen injected much-needed momentum with an aggressive 27 off 18 balls, striking boundaries at crucial intervals. Later, Kayla Reyneke provided a strong late flourish, smashing 34 off just 20 deliveries, including three sixes, to push South Africa to a respectable 149/7 in their 20 overs.

New Zealand’s bowling unit shared the workload effectively. Devine led from the front with two key wickets while maintaining control, while Suzie Bates also chipped in with two scalps in a tidy spell. Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair contributed with one wicket each, ensuring the visitors never fully broke free.

Also READ: West Indies vs Australia, Women’s T20I Series: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Sophie Devine leads the chase with authority

In response, New Zealand Women began briskly, with Georgia Plimmer finding the boundary early before falling. Isabella Gaze added a quick 17, setting the tone for the chase. However, it was the partnership between Amelia Kerr and Devine that laid the foundation.

Kerr played a composed hand of 30 off 28 balls, rotating strike efficiently and keeping the scoreboard ticking. At the other end, Devine took charge, displaying her trademark aggression and timing. Her 55 off 38 balls, featuring six fours and a six, dismantled the South African bowling attack and put New Zealand firmly in control.

Even after Devine’s dismissal, Maddy Green ensured there were no late hiccups, finishing unbeaten on 34 off 25 balls. New Zealand comfortably reached 152/4 in 18.4 overs, sealing the chase with eight balls to spare.

South Africa’s bowlers found it difficult to stem the flow of runs once Devine settled in. Ayanda Hlubi and Nonkululeko Mlaba managed to pick up a wicket each, while Annerie Dercksen also contributed with a breakthrough. However, the lack of sustained pressure allowed New Zealand to dictate terms throughout the chase. Despite some disciplined spells from Ayabonga Khaka, the bowlers couldn’t break the crucial partnerships at key moments, which ultimately proved costly.

Also READ: Beth Mooney’s explosive innings powers Australia to dominant win over West Indies in Women’s T20I opener

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



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‘Destiny got me here’: Samson on Dhoni as CSK drops 1st Sanju-MSD video | WATCH | Cricket News


'Destiny got me here': Samson on Dhoni as CSK drops 1st Sanju-MSD video | WATCH
MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson (Agency Image)

Chennai Super Kings recently shared a special video capturing the first interaction between MS Dhoni and Sanju Samson, offering fans a glimpse into a moment that has been years in the making.In the clip, Samson is seen chatting with Dhoni, while his voice plays in the background, reflecting on how much this moment means to him. “After that, we used to meet at the IPL and there used to be a huge crowd in front of the stadium. There were 5-10 people here and 5-10 people there. I used to think that this is not enough. I have to see it alone. I had such a desire. Destiny has got me to come and play with him in one dressing room. Like that couple of months, I am very very excited. Definitely very genuinely excited to meet him and interact with him. Sit, have breakfast with him, practice with him, play match with him, move out. Just thinking about it makes me very happy.”The moment carries added significance as Samson begins a new chapter in his IPL journey. After being the face of Rajasthan Royals for over a decade and representing the franchise across 11 seasons, he has now moved to CSK ahead of IPL 2026. The trade saw the Royals receive Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja in return.Samson’s arrival comes on the back of a remarkable run with the Indian team. He played a key role in India’s triumph at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where he was named Player of the Tournament.His campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. After struggling for form and even being benched earlier in the tournament, Samson returned in the Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe and turned things around in stunning fashion. He followed it up with three successive half-centuries, scoring 97* against West Indies in a virtual quarter-final, 89 against England in the semi-final, and 89 against New Zealand in the final, anchoring India’s innings throughout.In just five innings, Samson amassed 321 runs, surpassing Virat Kohli’s record of 319 runs in the 2014 edition for the most runs by an Indian in a T20 World Cup. He also set a new record for the most sixes in a single World Cup, smashing 24.Along the way, he broke several other milestones, including records for most runs in consecutive innings for India, most runs in T20 World Cup knockout matches, and the highest score by an Indian in both a T20 World Cup final and in a chase.Now, as Samson prepares to share the dressing room with Dhoni in CSK colours, the excitement is evident. What once felt like a distant dream for the cricketer has now turned into reality, setting the stage for one of the most talked-about partnerships of IPL 2026.

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HDFC Bank shares down 7.5% in just two days after Atanu Chakraborty’s resignation; what’s the outlook?


HDFC Bank shares down 7.5% in just two days after Atanu Chakraborty’s resignation; what’s the outlook?

HDFC stock price today: Shares of HDFC Bank, the country’s largest private sector lender, dropped a further 2 per cent to hit an intraday low of Rs 781 on the BSE on Friday. The drop followed a similar 2 per cent fall in its American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) listed on the New York Stock Exchange, indicating continued weakness after the stock had already tumbled about 5 per cent in Thursday’s session, briefly erasing nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in market value.With the latest slide, the stock has fallen around 7.5 per cent over the past two trading sessions. The sustained pressure on ADRs points to ongoing investor unease after the sudden resignation of chairman Atanu Chakraborty, despite efforts by the bank’s management and board to reassure stakeholders.

HDFC Bank shares slide after Atanu Chakraborty’s resignation

The sharp selloff on Thursday saw the bank’s market capitalisation shrink by nearly Rs 1 lakh crore at one point. The decline was triggered by Chakraborty’s exit, in which he stated that certain “happenings and practices” within the bank over the past two years were not aligned with his personal values and ethics.In response, chief executive and managing director Sashidhar Jagdishan said the board had urged Chakraborty to reconsider his decision and explain his concerns. He added that “every board member” had attempted to convince him to withdraw his resignation or provide further clarity, but he chose not to do so.The bank moved quickly to ensure continuity, appointing Keki Mistry, former CEO of HDFC, as interim part-time chairman with approval from the Reserve Bank of India. Following the development, the lender also held a conference call to address investor concerns.Speaking to analysts a day after the unexpected resignation, interim chairman Keki Mistry said there was “no power struggle within the bank” and emphasised that the board had not experienced any major differences of opinion during its meetings.“None of us are aware of the issues raised by Chakraborty in [his] letter,” Mistry said, adding that matters related to governance had not been discussed within the board.He reiterated that the leadership team remains aligned and dismissed any notion of internal conflict. The management team continues to function cohesively, he said, again noting that governance concerns had not been a subject of board deliberations.Mistry added, “I would never remain on the board if there were any issues with governance,” while asserting that the institution remains “very very strong on ethics.”

HDFC Bank shares: What experts feel

Despite the sharp market reaction, some analysts believe the correction may present an opportunity rather than indicate deeper structural concerns.Deven Choksey said the decline has brought the stock into a “deep value” zone, though he acknowledged that recent developments could lead to some valuation discounting.Ishan Tanna of Ashika Capital told ET that the situation as tactical rather than structural, viewing the chairman’s resignation as a potential buy-on-dips opportunity. He added that the bank’s long-standing track record of strong processes provides reassurance.Tanna also pointed to management commentary suggesting the issue stems from differences in value systems rather than regulatory or compliance concerns, indicating that it reflects differing perspectives rather than any underlying regulatory problem.(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)



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Bank holiday today: Are banks closed on March 20, 2026 for Eid-ul-Fitr? Check state-wise list


Bank holiday today: Are banks closed on March 20, 2026 for Eid-ul-Fitr? Check state-wise list

March 2026 bank holidays: Planning to visit the bank today? There is a lot of confusion among customers who are planning to visit the bank regarding the bank holiday for Ramadan 2026. The date of the Eid festival may vary from state to state depending on the timing of the sighting of the moon. Therefore, customers are advised to check the holiday schedule in advance to avoid any inconvenience. The Reserve Bank of India has announced the bank holidays in several states on March 20 and 21.

Bank holiday on March 20:

Banks are closed in Srinagar and Andhra Pradesh to celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr (Ramzan)/Jumat-ul-Vida.Digital banking services, including ATMs, UPI, online banking and mobile apps, will continue to function on holidays, allowing fund transfers, bill payments and other routine financial activities without interruption. Services that require branch visits, such as cheque clearances, large cash deposits or demand draft issuance, will not be accessible today.

Upcoming bank holidays on March 2026

Date States Holiday
21 March Assam, Gujarat, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Nagaland, West Bengal, Delhi, Goa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Srinagar Ramzan-Id (Id-Ul-Fitr) / Khutub-E-Ramzan / Sarhul
26 March Mizoram, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Mumbai, Nagpur, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh Shree Ram Navami
27 March Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, Telangana, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh Shree Ram Navami (Chaite Dasain)
31 March Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand Mahavir Janmakalyanak / Mahavir Jayanti



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8-year-old boy dies after falling into water-filled construction pit in Mumbai | Mumbai News


MUMBAI: An eight-year-old boy died after falling into a water-filled construction pit in Malad East on Thursday evening.The incident took place at Chagan Patel Chawl in Ambewadi, Kurar Village.According to civic officials, the child — identified as Divyansh Rajesh Mourya — had ventured near the site around 8 pm to retrieve a ball when he accidentally slipped into the pit, which had been excavated by a private contractor.Local police personnel rushed to the spot and rescued the boy, who was then taken to the civic run BDBA Hospital in Kandivali. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.Civic officials from Kurar Village police station said the pit was filled with water, which may have contributed to the fatality. Further inquiry is underway.



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IPL 2026: 5 players CSK could target as replacements for injured Nathan Ellis | Cricket News


IPL 2026: 5 players CSK could target as replacements for injured Nathan Ellis
Nathan Ellis (X-Cricbuzz)

Chennai Super Kings have suffered a significant setback ahead of IPL 2026, with Australian pacer Nathan Ellis ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.The 31-year-old fast bowler was last seen in action for Tasmania during the Australian One-Day Cup final in Hobart, where he returned figures of 2/26 from five overs in a losing cause against New South Wales. While the exact moment of his injury remains unclear, Ellis had earlier been dealing with a hamstring issue that forced him to miss the knockout stage of the Big Bash League, where he captained the Hobart Hurricanes.Ellis was expected to play a crucial role for CSK as their primary death bowler and was set to be their specialist in that phase, especially after the franchise parted ways with Matheesha Pathirana before the auction. His absence now leaves a major void, forcing the team management to explore alternatives.Here are five players who could step in as replacements for Ellis:Ottneil Baartman (South Africa)Perhaps the closest like-for-like replacement, Baartman has earned high praise, with South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj calling him the best death bowler in the country. He played a key role in Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s back-to-back SA20 title wins in 2023 and 2024 and also contributed to South Africa’s run to the T20 World Cup final in 2024. Having gone unsold at the IPL 2026 auction and with prior links to Texas Super Kings, he represents a seamless fit for CSK.Sean Abbott (Australia)A proven performer in T20 cricket, Abbott aligns well with CSK’s preference for experienced Australian quicks. He holds the record for most wickets in BBL history with 165 scalps, underlining his consistency, especially in pressure situations. His accuracy and experience at the death make him a strong candidate to fill Ellis’ role.Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)Coetzee offers a high-impact but slightly risky option. He was South Africa’s leading performer at the 2023 ODI World Cup, registering the most wickets by a South African in a single edition. Known for his pace and ability to move the ball, he can be effective both upfront and in the death overs. However, injuries remain a concern, as he missed the T20 World Cup 2026 and played only three matches in SA20 2026. If fit, he could be a match-winning addition. He also has IPL experience, having played for the Mumbai Indians.Shamar Joseph (West Indies)Joseph brings an element of unpredictability but also immense potential. He made headlines with his 7/68 in Brisbane, helping West Indies secure a historic win over Australia after 27 years. While primarily known for his red-ball exploits, his raw pace and skiddy action could translate well into T20 cricket. Unsold at the IPL 2026 auction after being released by Lucknow Super Giants, he remains an intriguing option.Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)The left-arm pacer has prior IPL experience with Rajasthan Royals and continues to be a regular in Afghanistan’s T20 setup. Though he has taken six wickets in 12 IPL matches, his economy rate of 10.32 has been a concern. Nevertheless, his ability to provide variety as a left-arm seamer could appeal to CSK, and he is also a viable option for death bowling.

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Why coconuts are not allowed on flights and the surprising reason behind it |


There are many rules and regulations associated with air travel. These rules and regulations include no carrying of sharp objects, no carrying of large quantities of liquids, and no carrying of inflammable items. However, some rules and regulations seem unusual. The case of carrying coconuts is one such case. Coconuts are commonly found and are associated with religious, food, and everyday activities. However, there is a restriction on carrying coconuts on an aircraft.What makes this restriction particularly interesting is that it combines multiple safety concerns rather than just one. From chemical properties to practical handling challenges, coconuts fall into a grey area where everyday items intersect with strict aviation safety protocols.Many people face difficulties and are surprised when they are not allowed to carry coconuts during air travel. The seemingly harmless item poses many risks and hazards. The risks associated with carrying coconuts in an aircraft include the risk of fire and pressure. The reasons behind this restriction will show how ordinary items can pose risks and hazards.

Why are coconuts considered a safety risk

The main reason for this restriction on coconuts in flights is that they are high in oil. Dry coconuts are also known as copra, and they are high in oil, which is highly flammable. In certain conditions, this oil may catch fire in front of sparks or in hot conditions. According to international aviation safety standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), materials that are flammable or capable of self-heating are restricted on flights, and dried coconut can fall into this category due to its high oil content.The cargo area and cabin area in flights are strictly regulated, and any small fire risk is taken seriously. As part of aviation safety, we focus more on preventing rather than reacting.

The risk of fire and self-heating

It is not only flammable but may also have the ability to produce heat on its own in certain circumstances. Some materials have the ability to produce heat due to their oil content and may even catch fire after a series of slow chemical reactions.This is one of the reasons why dried coconut is considered a dangerous material in the guidelines related to air travel.

Pressure and structural concerns

Another lesser-known reason has something to do with the air pressure. It is already known that during a flight, the air pressure may affect objects with liquid or air pockets. A coconut has both.As the pressure differs, there is a small possibility that the shell of the coconut might crack or leak. Although it does not seem like a big deal, any unexpected leak of the coconut shell might cause complications during the flight.

Security and scanning challenges

Airport security also makes extensive use of X-ray scanning to detect possible threats. However, the hard outer covering of coconuts makes it hard for X-ray scanners to get a good view of what is inside them.This lack of visibility may also spark suspicion, as it is hard for authorities to easily ascertain whether the item is safe or not. In places like airports, which are highly sensitive, any item that cannot be scanned easily may be forbidden.

Could coconuts be used as a physical hazards

Besides chemical hazards, coconuts are also solid and heavy objects. When in situations such as turbulence, anything that is loose and hard could become a threat.The hard shell of coconuts could also become a source of damage should it suddenly change position. Although this may not be the main reason for banning coconuts, it is just another reason for aviation authorities to worry about.

Are coconuts allowed in any form

There are a few exceptions depending on the airlines’ rules and regulations. In some cases, carrying coconuts is allowed as long as they are cut into small pieces and packed in the checked baggage.However, carrying whole coconuts and dried copra is not allowed in either the cabin baggage or the checked baggage. The best advice that a traveller should follow is not to carry coconuts at all.



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Beth Mooney’s explosive innings powers Australia to dominant win over West Indies in Women’s T20I opener



Australia Women kickstarted their T20I tour of the West Indies with a clinical performance in Kingstown on March 19, 2026, defeating the hosts by 43 runs. In a match defined by individual brilliance and collective bowling pressure, the world champions proved too strong for a resilient but ultimately outmatched West Indies side. The victory was built on the back of a masterclass from opener Beth Mooney, whose ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a high strike rate remains the gold standard in the shortest format of the game.

Beth Mooney’s batting masterclass sets the tone for Australia in the series opener

Opting to bat first, Australia faced early jitters as the West Indies bowling attack, led by the returning Deandra Dottin, struck quickly. Georgia Voll (8) and Phoebe Litchfield (6) fell within the powerplay, leaving Australia at a precarious 34/2 after 5.3 overs. However, Mooney remained unphased, finding a reliable partner in the veteran Ellyse Perry.

Mooney played a blistering yet calculated knock, scoring 79 off just 55 deliveries. Her innings was a perfect blend of placement and power, featuring 8 fours and 3 towering sixes. Alongside Perry, who contributed a solid 36 off 32 balls, Mooney stitched together a vital 99-run partnership for the third wicket. This stand shifted the momentum entirely, taking Australia from a cautious 56/2 at the drinks break to a commanding position.

Despite a late flurry of wickets including Mooney falling in the 18th over to Chinelle Henry, Australia finished with a robust total of 164/6. Dottin was the pick of the Caribbean bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/35, but the target of 165 always looked a mountain to climb against the disciplined Australian attack.

Also READ: West Indies vs Australia, Women’s T20I Series: Schedule, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

Disciplined Australian bowling stifles the West Indies chase

The West Indies chase began with promise but lacked the sustained aggression needed to overhaul Australia’s total. Openers Qiana Joseph and Hayley Matthews navigated the powerplay safely, reaching 33/0 after six overs. However, once the fielding restrictions were lifted, the Australian spinners tightened the noose.

Alana King turned the game on its head with a mesmerizing spell of leg-spin. She dismissed the dangerous Matthews (11) and followed up by trapping Shemaine Campbelle (15) LBW. The collapse was exacerbated when King clean-bowled Dottin for a duck, leaving the West Indies reeling. King finished with remarkable figures of 3/14 from her 4 overs, including a maiden, effectively ending the hosts’ hopes of a comeback.

Joseph top-scored for the West Indies with a valiant 45 off 39 balls, but she found little support at the other end. The Australian bowlers were relentless; Kim Garth (1/17) provided exceptional control, while Georgia Wareham (2/14) cleaned up the tail, dismissing Stafanie Taylor (28) and Jahzara Claxton in the final over. The West Indies were restricted to 121/6 as the required run rate climbed out of reach. With this 43-run win, Australia take a 1-0 lead in the series, fuelled by Mooney’s Player of the Match performance and a bowling unit that refused to give an inch under the lights in Kingstown.

Also READ: Tahlia Wilson earns maiden call-up as Australia Women announce squad for West Indies white-ball tour

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



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Rupee breaches 93 per dollar for first time amid Iran war oil shock; down 19 paise in early trade


Rupee breaches 93 per dollar for first time amid Iran war oil shock; down 19 paise in early trade

The rupee fell to a record low of 93.12 against the US dollar on Friday, pressured by rising global uncertainty and higher crude oil prices amid the ongoing Iran war.The domestic currency declined 0.55% to breach its previous low of 92.63 recorded yesterday, extending losses to nearly 2% since tensions in the Middle East escalated. Global energy supply disruptions from the Mideast continue to threaten Asia’s third-largest economy by impacting its growth-inflation balance.Despite the currency weakness, domestic equity markets saw a recovery. The BSE Sensex rose over 900 points, or around 1%, while the Nifty 50 gained about 300 points, or 1.35%.Oil prices jumped close to $120 per barrel on Thursday after attacks on major energy infrastructure in the Gulf but retreated on Friday. Prices eased as Brent crude futures dropped as much as 3.39% to an intraday low of $104.96 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 3.22% to $92.47.However, crude prices remain elevated. As the conflict entered its third week, Brent crude has risen nearly 40%, from $77.74 on March 2 to $108.65 on March 19, adding to inflationary pressures and weighing on currency markets.Several European countries and Japan have offered to help ensure safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, while the US has announced measures to boost oil supply.The rupee is likely to remain under pressure, as concerns over rising oil prices have led foreign investors to withdraw more than $8 billion from Indian equities so far in March, marking the largest monthly outflows since January 2025. Economists warn that a sustained rise in energy costs could weigh on India’s growth and push up inflation.(With inputs from agencies)



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