A day before the T20 World Cup final, the usual tension and mind games between teams have already started. India and New Zealand are set to clash for the title, and both captains had a few things to say during their pre-match press conferences.India head into the final with strong momentum after smashing 253/7 against England in the semifinal at the Wankhede Stadium. But New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner believes the key for his team is to stop India from posting another huge total.

Speaking ahead of the match, he said, “And at the end of the day, if it’s going to be flat like it was the other night, trying to restrict India to 220 instead of 250 might give us a good chance.”When India captain Suryakumar Yadav was asked about Santner’s comment, he responded with a smile and a bit of banter. “Jhooth bol raha hai (he’s lying). We will try to bat well. If we score 225 or 250, it will be good. But sometimes the wicket is different, and we have to play differently. We don’t predict from the dressing room that we have to score so much. Whatever the pitch demands, we have to play that way,” he said.Santner also spoke about the pressure India might feel while playing a final at home in front of a packed crowd. “That’s the goal – to silence the crowd – but there are a lot of challenges in cricket, and they are variable. I think there is a lot of pressure on India to win at home,” he said. At the same time, the Kiwi captain sounded confident about his team. “I am pretty excited. We have played here before. There are no secrets to it. The boys are buzzing for tomorrow. It is a one-game shootout. The boys are excited.”Santner’s remark reminded many of Pat Cummins’ famous comment before the 2023 ODI World Cup final about silencing the crowd. Suryakumar couldn’t resist poking fun at that as well, saying: “Sab hi same line chipka rahe hai. Kuch toh naya bolo (Everyone is now saying the same thing. Come up with something new).”

Months after filing a case against her husband Peter Haag, Celina Jaitly has once again opened up about the emotional realities of surviving an abusive marriage. The actress recently addressed a question often directed at survivors — “Why didn’t you just leave?” — sharing a deeply personal reflection on social media.

Celina reflects on why survivors don’t walk away immediately

In November 2025, Celina filed a case against her husband, Austrian entrepreneur and hotelier Peter Haag, before the Judicial Magistrate First Class court in Andheri, Mumbai. In her petition, she accused him of domestic violence, cruelty and manipulation, while also seeking Rs 50 crore and other financial compensation for the losses she claims to have suffered.

On Saturday, the actress took to Instagram to address the complex question many survivors face.“Why does someone successful, educated, stay in an abusive marriage for 15 years?” she wrote. “I have asked myself that question. Why didn’t I walk away after the first incident? Or the second… third. Was I blind? Weak? Used to it?”Celina explained that abuse often begins subtly rather than with immediate violence.“The truth is harder than people think. Abuse rarely begins with violence. It begins with love. Intensity. Promises. The slow building of dependency. You believe you’re building a future. Then something shifts,” she wrote.She added that the cycle of apologies and hope often keeps survivors emotionally trapped. “There are good days. Apologies. Tears. Change that almost feels real. Hope — and hope is addictive. You begin surviving on small windows of it.”

‘Mental and verbal abuse leaves no bruises’

The actor also spoke about the psychological impact of abuse, explaining how confidence erodes gradually.“Mental and verbal abuse leaves no bruises. Confidence erodes quietly. You adjust. Then over-adjust. Then question yourself,” she wrote, adding that fear about breaking a family, hurting children or starting over often complicates the decision to leave.Celina said motherhood added another layer of responsibility and hesitation. Referring to her children as her “4G — four greatest gifts,” she explained that decisions were no longer just about her.“You protect childhoods. Stability. What you believe is safety. Achievement does not protect you from manipulation. Degrees don’t stop gaslighting. Public strength doesn’t prevent private erosion,” she wrote.

‘Abuse isn’t always physical’

The actress also emphasised that abuse can take many forms beyond physical violence.“#Abuse isn’t always physical. Sometimes it’s silence. Humiliation. Control. Isolation. Making you doubt your own memory,” she wrote, adding that she had experienced multiple forms of it.She urged people to reconsider the way society frames the question. “Instead of asking, ‘Why didn’t you just walk away?’ ask what keeps accomplished, intelligent men and women trapped for years. Not incapability… psychological warfare.” Ending her note on a message of solidarity, she wrote, “If you’re still there, I see you. If you left, I respect you. If you’re preparing quietly, I understand you. Strength doesn’t always look like leaving immediately. Sometimes it looks like surviving until you can.”Celina married Haag in 2010. The couple has three sons — twins Winston and Viraaj, born in 2012, and Arthur, born in 2017. Another son, Shamsher, passed away due to a heart condition.

The stage is set for a thrilling finale as India take on New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. With two of the most consistent teams of the tournament locking horns for the coveted trophy, fans are expecting a high-voltage contest that could produce unforgettable moments.

The Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket venue, is expected to be packed to capacity for the summit clash. Supporters from across the country and abroad are likely to flock to Ahmedabad to witness the grand finale, creating a carnival-like atmosphere around the stadium.

India have enjoyed a remarkable run in the tournament and will aim to defend their title after winning the previous edition. Meanwhile, New Zealand have once again demonstrated their consistency on the global stage, setting up what promises to be a fascinating battle between two well-balanced sides.

With star players from both teams in form and the stakes at their highest, anticipation among cricket lovers has reached fever pitch. The final is not only expected to deliver intense on-field action but also a grand spectacle off the field.

International pop star Ricky Martin set to headline closing ceremony

Adding to the excitement surrounding the final, international music sensation Ricky Martin is set to perform during the closing ceremony of the tournament.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that the Grammy-winning singer will take the stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of the final. The performance is scheduled to begin at 5:30 pm, giving fans inside the stadium a special entertainment experience before the match begins.

The closing ceremony is expected to feature dazzling visuals, music and celebrations marking the culmination of another successful edition of the T20 World Cup. Martin’s presence has already generated considerable buzz among fans, as global entertainment icons rarely perform at cricket events of this scale.

The ICC has increasingly integrated music and entertainment into major tournament finals to enhance the fan experience, and the upcoming performance is expected to add another layer of glamour to the occasion.

Also READ: India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final: Reserve day, overs rule and who lifts the trophy if it rains

Ahmedabad Police announce traffic advisory ahead of the summit clash

With a massive crowd expected for the final and several VIP guests scheduled to attend the event, the Ahmedabad city police have issued a detailed traffic advisory to ensure smooth movement and security around the stadium.

According to a notification released by Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G. S. Malik, traffic restrictions will come into effect from 10:00 am on March 8 and will remain in place until midnight. In certain areas around the stadium, the restrictions could extend until 2:00 am on March 9.

Authorities have identified several routes near the Narendra Modi Stadium that will remain closed to general traffic during this period. These include the stretch between Janpath T-Junction and the main gate of the stadium, as well as the road from Krupa Residency T-Junction to Motera Gam T-Junction.

To help commuters navigate the area, the police have also announced alternative routes. Vehicles approaching from the Tapovan side are advised to travel via Tapovan Circle, ONGC Crossroads, Visat T-Junction, Janpath T-Junction, Powerhouse Crossroads and Prabodh Raval Circle.

Similarly, commuters reaching Krupa Residency T-Junction are recommended to divert through Sharan Status Crossroads and take the Bhat–Koteshwar Road towards Apollo Circle.

The city police have urged residents and visitors to strictly follow the advisory and cooperate with authorities to ensure a smooth experience for everyone on the day of the final. Officials also warned that strict action may be taken against those violating traffic rules.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Team India’s road to the final under Suryakumar Yadav

The Middle East conflict is entering another week, and its ripple effects are already being felt across the global economy. As tensions intensify, trade flows, energy supplies and food production are coming under strain at a time when markets already spent the last year grappling with tariffs and other disruptions.Although the latest escalation began just a week ago, early signs of pressure are already emerging across global trade networks. Shipments of crucial commodities have been delayed, shipping routes disrupted and prices of critical inputs have spiked. According to economists cited by CNN, the ultimate economic damage will depend on how long the conflict continues.

Before the United States and Israel carried out attacks on Iran over the weekend, the International Monetary Fund had projected global economic growth of 3.3% this year. The IMF has not yet revised this forecast, saying it is still “too early” to determine the full impact. However, the institution said it is “closely monitoring developments” and warned of several potential risks to the world economy, including further trade disruptions, “surges in energy prices” and “volatility in financial markets”.Dan Katz, deputy managing director at the IMF, said that the expanding conflict could have broad consequences, noting that it could be “very impactful on the global economy across a range of metrics,” including inflation and economic growth.Key ways the conflict could impact the global economyBased on early developments and industry assessments, the war could affect the global economy through several major channels:

1. Rising energy prices

Energy markets are at the centre of the economic risks. Concerns about supply disruptions have pushed Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, to its highest levels in more than 18 months.A major worry is the potential disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that serves as a vital route for global energy shipments. According to the US Energy Information Administration, around one-fifth of the world’s daily oil and liquefied natural gas production passes through this corridor.If the route becomes effectively impassable, the consequences for energy markets could be severe. Goldman Sachs estimates that European benchmark natural gas futures could more than double from levels seen before the conflict if shipments through the strait are halted for more than two months.Higher energy prices would likely feed into broader inflation across economies.In Europe, consumer inflation, which stood at 2% in January, could rise by more than one percentage point if the conflict lasts several months, according to Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg bank, as cited by CNN. In that scenario, economic growth in the European Union could also be reduced by up to half a percentage point.Fuel costs are already increasing. Germany has seen double-digit rises in petrol and diesel prices over the past week, according to the country’s largest automobile association, ADAC. Petrol prices have also risen in the United Kingdom, while in the United States they have climbed to their highest level in 11 months.Goldman Sachs estimates that if oil prices remain at current levels for several months, US consumer inflation could rise from 2.4% in January to 3% by the end of the year. That would make it harder for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates.

2. Greater vulnerability for Asian economies

Asian economies may be particularly exposed to energy shocks linked to the conflict. Consultancy Capital Economics estimates that between 80% and 90% of the crude oil and liquefied natural gas transported through the Strait of Hormuz is headed for Asia.China is among the largest buyers of these supplies. The conflict comes at a sensitive moment for the country, which has recently set its lowest economic growth target in decades.Capital Economics said the attacks on Iran could push inflation higher across Asia. “Most economies in Asia are worse off and facing higher inflation as a result of the attacks on Iran,” the firm’s economists wrote in a note Tuesday.They added that inflation could increase by around half a percentage point in many Asian countries if Brent crude prices remain at their current levels.

3. Disruption to exports and global trade

Trade flows are also starting to feel the impact of the conflict. Shipping disruptions across the Middle East have already begun affecting exports.India is one of the countries facing consequences with more than 400,000 metric tons of basmati rice grown in the country for export currently stuck at ports or in transit, because shipping routes through the region have been disrupted.According to Satish Goel, president of the All India Rice Exporters’ Association, around 75% of India’s annual basmati rice exports, roughly 6 million tons, are shipped to the Middle East.The region has become an important export destination for Asian economies that have faced higher tariffs from the United States. Deepali Bhargava, head of Asia-Pacific research at ING, said that if the conflict continues, exporters in India and China could suffer the most.

4. Pressure on fertiliser supply and food production

Another critical concern is the impact on fertiliser supplies, a key component of global food production.Svein Tore Holsether, CEO of Norwegian chemical company Yara International, warned that the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for the fertiliser trade.“The Strait of Hormuz is essential for global food production,” he told CNN.Holsether noted that around one-third of the world’s urea exports, one of the most widely used fertilisers, pass through the strait. Significant volumes of other raw materials used in fertiliser production also move through the same route.“Fertilizers are not just another commodity – nearly half of global food production depends on them.”Prices are already reacting. Egyptian urea prices, a key benchmark, have surged 35% this week, according to data provider CRU Group. Prices of sulphur, another ingredient used in fertiliser production, have also risen sharply. Nearly half of global sulphur trade originates from Middle Eastern countries.

5. Shipping congestion and supply chain delays

Shipping networks are also beginning to experience disruptions.Containers bound for the Middle East are starting to accumulate at Indian ports after several major shipping companies suspended services to the region, according to Judah Levine, head of research at logistics firm Freightos.If the situation continues, container shortages and reduced shipping capacity could spread to other markets.Shipping analytics company Xeneta warned that the conflict is creating immediate uncertainty for logistics networks. “Escalating conflict in the Middle East is creating immediate uncertainty for supply chains, with vessel movements changing by the hour and shippers left managing cargo that may no longer reach its intended ports.”

6. Impact on air cargo and global trade flows

Air freight operations are also facing disruption. Many aircraft have been grounded in the Middle East while airspace across parts of the region has been heavily restricted.Sportswear company Adidas has already warned that some shipments transported by air freight may face delays.Middle Eastern carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad together account for about 13% of global air cargo capacity, according to Freightos.Air freight plays a major role in global trade. The International Air Transport Association estimates that it carries roughly one-third of global trade by value, including high-value goods such as smartphones, microchips and electronics.With vessel routes shifting, shipments stalled and airspace restricted, the ongoing conflict is beginning to test the resilience of global supply chains, and the longer the disruption continues, the wider its economic effects could become.

NEW DELHI: In the Stick to Cricket podcast, former England captain Michael Vaughan recently said: “Pound for pound, they (New Zealand) might be the best team.”Vaughan is right.Since the inception of the ODI World Cup in 1975, New Zealand have reached the semi-finals nine times and finished runners-up twice. In the T20 format, the BlackCaps have made the semi-finals five times and will play their second final on Sunday.

Yet despite this consistent record, they continue to be labelled as ‘dark horses’.New Zealand are perhaps the most condescended-to team in world cricket. In almost every tournament preview, they are described as the “dark horses” or the side that “punches above its weight.”

Perennial dark horses?

New Zealand won the ICC Knockout Trophy, the tournament that was later renamed the Champions Trophy, in 2000. 21 years later, they defeated India again, this time in the final of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) in Southampton. They also reached successive ODI World Cup finals in 2015 and 2019, finishing runners-up despite not losing to England in either regulation play or the Super Over. They were also beaten in the finals of the 2009 Champions Trophy and the 2021 T20 World Cup, both times by Australia.

Cricket is not the number one sport in the island nation. Not even the second most popular. They have only six first-class teams, yet New Zealand have consistently produced competitive international sides.“It’s the New Zealand way, I think. There’s an in-built confidence, although it is not always loudly expressed. But we have confidence in our abilities,” Lockie Ferguson had told TimesofIndia.com during the ILT20.“We are a very proud sporting nation. It is not only in cricket that we do well for a small country. Whether it is the Olympics, sailing, rugby or even football now, we are doing quite well. And we are very proud of our sporting abilities,” Ferguson added.

Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner of New Zealand during an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup India & Sri Lanka 2026 of New Zealand net session at Narendra Modi Stadium on March 07, 2026 in Ahmedabad, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

Punching above their weight?

Not for the first time in recent years, New Zealand are in the knockout stages of a global tournament. Standing between them and the trophy are the hosts, India.At the start of the 2026 T20 World Cup, New Zealand were not even most people’s top-four picks, let alone ones for the title. Now they have defeated tournament favourites South Africa in the semi-final and on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad they will take on defending champions India.

I would not mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once

Mitchell Santner | New Zealand captain

Interestingly, India have never defeated New Zealand in T20 World Cups. New Zealand lead this head-to-head 3-0.India know too well the sting in New Zealand’s tail, having suffered defeats against them in several major global tournaments, including the two finals New Zealand have won and the 2019 World Cup semi-final in Manchester. Mitchell Santner, in the pre-match press conference, made it clear that they would not mind breaking a billion hearts.“Everyone knows we are probably not the favourites. But we do not mind,” he said.“I would not mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once.”New Zealand do not waste time complaining about conditions or searching for excuses. They confront every challenge head-on with quiet confidence and unwavering focus. They go about their business with little fuss. There is not much razzmatazz about them. That is the New Zealand way. It always has been.

New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner during a training session ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final cricket match between India and New Zealand, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)

“It’s easy to say it’s just another game, but everyone knows it’s probably not,” Santner said.“But the way you go about it has to be the same. Whether it is your preparation or what it looks like on the day leading up to the game. It always comes down to a couple of moments.“Especially in T20 cricket, where if you can squeeze the opposition or take advantage in those moments. I think we saw that the other night.“It often comes down to fielding at some stage. If you can be consistent in the way you approach the game, while recognising a couple of moments where you might need to be a little more ruthless, that is important.“You do not have to reinvent the wheel.

Poll

Do you believe New Zealand is truly a ‘dark horse’ in global cricket tournaments?

“You are making a final and coming up against another team that is also playing very good cricket. So it is never that easy.”

New Zealand’s players during a training session ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final cricket match between India and New Zealand, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)

New Zealand are not punching above their weight. This is their weight. The time for pundits and fans alike to acknowledge that has passed but even if they lose this, their credentials only get stronger for the future.