Bangladesh vs Pakistan (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)

NEW DELHI: On the back of a disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2026, Pakistan endured an awful outing with the willow in the first ODI against Bangladesh as they were bowled out for just 114 in 30.4 overs after Bangladesh chose to field first at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday. The innings began on a steady note with Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat adding 41 runs for the opening wicket, but the momentum quickly faded once the breakthrough came.

What followed was a dramatic collapse, with Pakistan’s middle order falling cheaply and struggling to build partnerships on a challenging pitch.Opener Farhan top-scored early with 27, while Sadaqat made 18, but wickets fell regularly after the first dismissal at 41-1. Batters like Shamyl Hussain (4), Mohammad Rizwan (10), Salman Agha (5) and Hussain Talat (4) failed to convert their starts, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble. The situation worsened when Abdul Samad was dismissed for a duck, and skipper Shaheen Afridi could only add 4 before departing. By the 24th over, Pakistan had slumped to 82-9, highlighting the extent of their collapse.Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated the innings, led by Nahid Rana, who produced a superb spell to claim five wickets for 24 runs, dismantling the top and middle order. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz also played a key role with 3 for 29, while Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed chipped in with one wicket each.Amid the collapse, Faheem Ashraf tried to rescue the innings with a fighting 37 off 47 balls, hitting six fours and a six, and shared a small partnership with Abrar Ahmed, who remained unbeaten on 0. However, the resistance came too late as Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 114, leaving Bangladesh with a modest target to chase.

India’s victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup led to celebrations across the country. Fireworks lit up city skies. Fans gathered on the streets and outside homes. Social media quickly filled with congratulatory messages for the Indian team. In Kerala, the celebration took a slightly different form. A local businessman decided that the moment should also be shared with the people who help run his business every day. Instead of organising a public celebration, he chose a simple gesture that directly involved his employees.As reported, the decision was inspired largely by the performance of Kerala’s own cricketer, Sanju Samson, whose innings in the final played an important role in India’s win against the New Zealand national cricket team.

Kerala entrepreneur Nithin Babu rewards staff after Sanju Samson’s performance

Kerala entrepreneur Nithin Babu shares T20 World Cup joy with employees following Samson’s Heroics. The businessman behind the gesture is Nithin Babu, a 37-year-old entrepreneur from Pampady in Kerala’s Kottayam district. Reports indicate that he distributed Rs 1.64 lakh among employees working in his garment shops after India secured the World Cup title.The bonus was shared among 82 staff members working at his two retail outlets. Each employee reportedly received Rs 2,000 as a celebratory reward. The distribution happened shortly after the final match. For Nithin, the idea was simply to share the happiness of the moment with the people who contribute to his business operations every day. Samson’s performance in the final appears to have been the main reason behind the celebration. The wicketkeeper-batter scored 89 runs from 46 deliveries, helping India build a strong total in the title match.Many cricket followers in Kerala see Samson as one of the state’s most recognisable sporting figures. For fans in the region, his performances often carry a sense of regional pride.

Nithin Babu makes rewarding employees a tradition after Samson’s key innings

The final was not the first time Nithin decided to celebrate Samson’s batting during the tournament. Earlier in the competition, India played against the West Indies cricket team during the Super Eights stage. In that match, Samson scored an unbeaten 97 runs. After that innings, Nithin distributed Rs 500 to each of the 62 employees working at his main shop. The total amount shared at that time was about Rs 31,000. A similar celebration followed in the semifinal. India faced the England cricket team at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.Samson again produced a strong batting performance and scored 89 runs in that match. Following the semifinal victory, Nithin increased the reward to Rs 1,000 per employee. Around Rs 62,000 was distributed among staff members during that stage of the tournament.By the time India reached the final, rewarding employees after Samson’s performances had become something of a tradition inside the business.

Nithin Babu’s love for cricket shaped his early years

Nithin’s enthusiasm for Samson’s achievements seems to be linked to his own past interest in cricket. As a teenager growing up in Pampady, he regularly played in local tournaments and also represented his college team. Cricket was reportedly a major part of his life during those years. While studying in Class 12, he was selected to join the Kottayam Cricket Club. The opportunity could have helped him continue pursuing the sport at a higher level. Without the necessary equipment, continuing seriously in the sport became almost impossible. Gradually, his focus began to shift towards other career options.

Nithin Babu shifts focus from cricket to career in Bengaluru

After completing his studies, Nithin moved to Bengaluru to pursue a course in business management. During that period, he worked part-time to support his expenses. While travelling to work each day, he often passed a cricket academy where young players trained under professional coaches.The cost reportedly came to Rs 8,000 per month. Coincidentally, that amount was almost identical to the salary he earned from his part-time job. Paying for professional training was therefore not a practical option for him. As a result, he gradually moved away from the idea of pursuing cricket and instead concentrated on building a career.

Nithin Babu’s garment success story

After working for several companies in Bengaluru, Nithin later found employment at Technopark in Thiruvananthapuram. Eventually he and his wife Blessy decided to start a small business of their own. The couple opened a garment store in Pampady and named it Feya Garments, after their eldest daughter. The shop started as a modest venture but gradually expanded.Later, they launched another store called JRN Clothing. The couple also established a manufacturing and export unit in Tiruppur. Over time the business continued to grow. Reports suggest that the venture now generates an annual turnover of around Rs 30 crore.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Tuesday released a summary of the first 10 days of Operation Epic Fury, the joint strikes with Israel that triggered the conflict with Iran.“CENTCOM launched Operation Epic Fury under the direction of the President of the United States. Its forces are targeting sites to dismantle Iran’s security apparatus, focusing on locations that present an imminent threat,” the command said on its X account.

According to the command, the February 28 operation began at 1:15 am, though it did not specify the time zone. It added that US forces have struck more than 5,000 targets in Iran so far and that over 50 Iranian vessels have been damaged or destroyed in the campaign.It further stated that the United States had deployed the following military assets:B-1 BombersB-2 StealthB-52 bombersLUCAS dronesPatriot missile defence systemTHAAD anti-ballistic missile systemsF-15 fightersF-16 fightersF-18 fightersF-22 fightersF-35 Stealth bombersA-10 attacks jetsEA-18 G electronic attack aircraftAEW&C aircraftE-2D Advanced HawkeyeAirborne Communication RelayU-2 Dragon LadyP-8 maritime patrol aircraftRC-135 reconaissance aircraftMQ-9 ReapersM-142 High Artillery Rocket SystemsNuclear-powered aircraft carriersGuided-missile destroyersCounter-drone systemsRefuelling tanker aircraftRefuelling shipsC-17 Globemaster cargo aircraftC-130 cargo aircraftEC-130H Compass CallCounter-rocket, artillery, and mortar systems

Types of targets struckAccording to CENTCOM, American forces have stuck the Iranian military’s command and control centres, integrated air defence systems, ballistic missile sites, navy ships and submarines, air defence systems, anti-ship missiles, military communication capabilities, and ballistic missile and drone manufacturing.The headquarters buildings and intelligence sites of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were also targeted, the command stated.

India’s victorious campaign at the T20 World Cup 2026 has triggered significant movement in the latest ICC T20I Rankings, with several Indian players making notable gains. While explosive opener Abhishek Sharma managed to hold on to the No.1 position among batters, wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson made one of the biggest jumps after his match-winning performances in the knockout stage of the tournament.

Sanju Samson’s meteoric rise after T20 World Cup heroics

Fresh from being named the Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup 2026, Samson has enjoyed a remarkable climb in the ICC rankings for T20I batters. The stylish wicketkeeper-batter moved up 18 places to reach No.22 in the latest rankings update.

Samson played a pivotal role in India’s journey to their third T20 World Cup title, producing a series of crucial innings when the team needed them the most. He smashed three consecutive half-centuries in knockout games, including commanding knocks in both the semifinal and the final.

Before India’s must-win clash against the West Indies earlier in the tournament, Samson was placed at No.65 in the rankings. However, his match-winning performances dramatically transformed his standing.

The highlight of his campaign came in the final against New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where Samson delivered a breathtaking 46-ball 89. The innings not only helped India secure the trophy but also propelled him to a career-best rating of 637 points. His consistency under pressure and ability to anchor innings in high-stakes matches have been widely praised across the cricketing world.

Abhishek Sharma survives scare to retain No.1 ranking

Despite a relatively quiet start to the T20 World Cup campaign, Abhishek has managed to retain the No.1 position in the ICC T20I batting rankings. The young opener struggled for most of the tournament and had scored only 89 runs in his first seven matches, putting his top ranking under threat. However, he delivered when it mattered the most.

In the grand finale, Abhishek produced a stunning counterattack, blasting a historic 18-ball half-century, one of the fastest fifties in a T20 World Cup final. That explosive knock proved decisive not only in India’s victory but also in helping him hold on to the top spot in the global rankings.

Meanwhile, his opening partner Ishan Kishan also enjoyed a strong tournament. Kishan’s impactful performances, including a crucial fifty in the final, have helped him climb a couple of positions to become the No.2-ranked T20I batter in the world.

Also READ: Team India to receive jaw dropping cash reward as BCCI unveils prize money for T20 World Cup 2026 champions

Rashid Khan replaces Varun Chakaravarthy as top T20I bowler

There has also been a significant shift in the T20I bowling rankings. Afghanistan’s superstar spinner Rashid Khan has reclaimed the No.1 spot among T20I bowlers with a rating of 753 points. His consistent performances throughout the tournament in the subcontinent helped him overtake India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, whose form dipped in the latter stages of the event.

Chakaravarthy had entered the tournament as the top-ranked bowler but slipped down after a difficult second half of the competition. India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah enjoyed a slight rise in the rankings as well. Bumrah moved up one place to No.6, thanks to his match-winning spell in the World Cup final where he picked up a crucial four-wicket haul against New Zealand.

However, fellow pacer Arshdeep Singh experienced a minor setback. After a few expensive outings in the knockout stages, he dropped three places in the latest bowling rankings.

Also WATCH: Ishan Kishan reacts after Kirti Azad questions Indian team’s temple visit following T20 World Cup 2026 triumph

NEW DELHI: An Air India Express Boeing 737 MAX with 138 people on board made a hard landing in Phuket on Wednesday. The aircraft, which had taken off from Hyderabad, reportedly bounced once after the hard touchdown and then on the second contact with the runway, both the nose wheels got detached. It then got stuck on the runway and the airport was closed for flights till its sole airstrip becomes available again after required checks.Luckily no one on board was injured. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is in touch with Thailand aviation authorities. The aircraft is grounded there and the airline will send its engineers to repair the same. “The aircraft (VT-BWQ) operating flight IX 938 (Hyderabad-Phuket) was involved in suspected hard landing with bounce while landing at runway 09, Phuket. Passengers were deplaned on the runway and taken to terminal building. The aircraft was towed to the bay. On March 8, 2026, both the nose wheels were replaced as routine maintenance. Investigation will be carried out by appropriate authority after consultation with Thailand Aviation Investigation Authorities, Thailand being State of occurrence,” said a senior DGCA official.

An AI Express spokesperson said: “We confirm that our Hyderabad-Phuket flight on 11 March experienced an issue with the nose wheel at Phuket Airport. The crew followed all standard protocols, and guests were deplaned. We thank our guests, the Phuket airport authorities, and all stakeholders for their cooperation.” The flight with 132 passengers and six crew members on board had taken off from Hyderabad at 6.23 am and landed at 11.25 am (all timings local). A senior B737 captain said: “It’s a clear case of a hard landing, with nose wheel damage on the second touch down. Best would have been to take off again after the aircraft bounced. However only a probe can say what exactly happened. It’s also possible the aircraft had a problem with the nose wheel. The pilots would have done their best to make a safe landing.”Experienced pilots say the runway at Phuket has a pronounced upslope followed by down slope because of which “flare perception” — can get compromised. Flare perception is the visual and sensory process of judging altitude, speed, and closure rate to transition from a descending approach to a smooth, near-zero vertical speed touchdown, usually within 15-30 feet of the ground. It involves shifting focus from the end of the runway to the sides to use peripheral vision to sense height and “ground rush”. “Phuket is a tricky place to land if the winds are strong and thermals during hot afternoon time which is usually the case there,” said a pilot.

Japan will release part of its emergency oil reserves to stabilise energy supplies amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Reuters reported. The move will include the release of 15 days worth of oil held by the private sector and one month worth of state oil reserves as authorities attempt to ease supply concerns and calm global energy markets.“Japan plans to release 15 days worth of private-sector oil reserves and one month’s worth of state oil reserves,” Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.The decision comes as oil prices surge and supply risks grow due to the expanding conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has raised fears of shipping disruptions in key energy routes.Earlier this week, the International Energy Agency urged major economies to consider coordinated action. During an online meeting with Group of Seven finance ministers on Monday, the agency called for the release of emergency stockpiles to support global supply.“IEA called for each country to do a coordinated release of oil reserves,” Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said during a briefing.“In response to the current situation… the G7 has agreed to continue closely monitoring developments in the energy market and to take necessary measures to support global energy supply, including the release of oil reserves,” she said.The meeting included finance ministers from the G7 countries as well as representatives from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Katayama said. She added that the G7 energy ministers are expected to meet soon to discuss further steps.Oil prices earlier this week climbed to levels not seen since mid-2022 as some major producers reduced output while fears grew over prolonged disruption to shipping routes linked to the widening US-Israeli war with Iran.Japan is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in Middle Eastern supplies as it relies on the region for about 95 percent of its oil imports. The country maintains one of the largest strategic petroleum reserves in the world.The government had already been facing calls from domestic refiners to release oil from national reserves. Japanese oil companies earlier asked authorities to consider such a step amid concerns over supply shortages linked to U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, according to a Bloomberg report.Companies have also discussed using crude stored in tanks leased to oil producing nations, which Japan can purchase on priority during emergencies, according to the report.

File photo: CEC Gyanesh Kumar

NEW DELHI: Opposition parties on Wednesday voiced support for a proposal by the All India Trinamool Congress to move an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal.The proposal was announced by Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy, who said the party would seek Kumar’s removal under Article 324 of the Constitution of India, which governs the powers and functioning of the Election Commission.“We will bring an impeachment motion against the CEC as per Article 324 of the Constitution. We have many complaints regarding his functioning,” Roy said, according to news agency IANS.He also claimed that a large number of voters had been placed under scrutiny during the electoral roll revision exercise.“59 lakh voters are on the Adjudication list, which is a huge number. What Mamata Banerjee is saying is right… We will move it in the Rajya Sabha in a few days,” Roy said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

Congress backs proposal, cites concerns over voter rolls

The Indian National Congress welcomed the Trinamool Congress’ move, saying it had been raising concerns about alleged irregularities in voter lists for some time.Congress leader Udit Raj said the party would support the motion.“It is a welcome step. We have been fighting on this issue for quite some time,” he told IANS.He added that Congress had earlier raised concerns about alleged vote deletions and irregularities in voter turnout during elections in several states.Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat also criticised the conduct of the electoral roll revision exercise.“The way the Special Intensive Revision has been conducted in Bihar and West Bengal raises questions,” Bhagat said, alleging that such exercises were sometimes used as political tools.Independent MP from Purnia Pappu Yadav also backed the demand for action against the Chief Election Commissioner.“At present, it seems as though the Election Commission is no longer acting independently. There is a need to bring an impeachment motion against the Chief Election Commissioner,” he said.The Samajwadi Party also supported the proposal, with MP Dharmendra Yadav saying the party would stand with the Trinamool Congress in the impeachment move.

BJP criticises opposition move

Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party criticised the opposition’s proposal, arguing that political parties should focus on electoral contests instead of targeting the Election Commission.BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said opposition parties should channel their energy into elections rather than confronting the poll body.Union minister Sukanta Majumdar said the opposition lacked the numbers needed to move such a motion and noted that the matter was currently under judicial scrutiny.“First, let them bring it up—right now they don’t have the numbers. The most important thing is that they are questioning the Election Commission while the matter is still sub-judice. The Supreme Court is monitoring the entire issue,” he said.BJP MP Anurag Thakur also accused the Congress of undermining constitutional institutions in the past.“The Congress used to appoint just about anyone as Election Commissioner and cripple the Election Commission,” Thakur said, as quoted by news agency PTI.

Process for removal of CEC

Opposition MPs are expected to begin collecting signatures from members of both Houses of Parliament to formally move the motion.Under parliamentary rules, a notice for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner requires signatures from at least 100 members of the Lok Sabha and 50 members of the Rajya Sabha.The procedure for removing the CEC is similar to that for the removal of a judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court and requires proof of misbehaviour or incapacity. The motion must be passed in Parliament by a special majority, according to parliamentary provisions.

Sanju Samson (Image credit: Instagram)

NEW DELHI: India wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson expressed heartfelt gratitude after playing a key role in India’s successful campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, saying the moment felt like the realisation of a long-cherished dream that he once believed had slipped away.Samson scripted a remarkable comeback during the recently concluded tournament, battling inconsistency and spells on the bench to emerge as India’s leading run-scorer. He delivered crucial performances when it mattered most, producing a string of half-centuries from the virtual quarterfinal against West Indies cricket team to the title clash against New Zealand national cricket team.

The keeper-batter was also adjudged Player of the Tournament for his consistency, amassing 321 runs in five innings at an average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37. His tally included 27 fours and 24 sixes, and he finished as the third-highest run-getter in the tournament.He also surpassed Virat Kohli’s tally of 319 runs in the 2014 edition to register the most runs by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup.Speaking in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Samson admitted that he had always dreamed of achieving such a milestone for the country but never imagined it would unfold the way it eventually did.“Unbelievable, I think I already said before, I had the dream to achieve this, but I didn’t know it would happen so exactly in this current moment. So very grateful. I absolutely don’t have words for it, to be very honest. I know, I think genuine prayers and genuine wishes are very powerful, and when they are given by such a huge crowd, I think I can’t ask for more. I think they definitely, genuinely wish and pray for me,” Samson said.India, who defended their T20 World Cup crown by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs, became the first team to win the marquee event three times since its inception in 2007 and the first to successfully defend the title in consecutive editions.Reflecting on the support he received from fans across the country, Samson said the prayers from supporters meant more to him than any personal achievement.“I think that is much, much bigger than anything for me in this life. I want to thank each and every one of you out there who has wished for me, who has prayed for me. Thank you so much, and this means the world to me. You definitely can have a dream, you can definitely think that that’s what you want to achieve, but you can’t plan the way to get there. That is something only one person can do. I actually lost it,” Samson added.Ahead of the T20 World Cup, the wicketkeeper-batter endured a difficult home T20I series against the Black Caps, where he managed just 46 runs across five matches. Samson revealed that he believed his dream had been shattered after the series against New Zealand.“I think I left it alone after the New Zealand Series. I thought my dream was broken. I actually wanted to do this, wanted to be the man for India in this World Cup, but after the New Zealand Series, I thought that I didn’t utilise my opportunity, and the dream is broken. But I think the world and God’s grace, things turned around, and I’m very happy that what has happened here,” Samson concluded.