MUMBAI: Speakers at a seminar reviewing Maharashtra’s four women’s policies said that while the policies have expanded women’s participation in governance, their implementation remains uneven and many sections—particularly working-class and minority women—have yet to benefit fully.The discussion, titled “Dhoran Kuthevar Aala Ga Bai!” (Where has the policy reached?), was organised on Thursday at Sahitya Mandir Hall in Navi Mumbai as part of a statewide series of seminars marking International Women’s Day. The initiative was organised by the women’s wing of the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre to review the progress of four women’s policies adopted by the state over the years.Bhim Raskar, director of the Resource and Support Centre, said the policies had led to significant changes, such as entrusting women representatives, ASHA workers and anganwadi workers with responsibilities in local governance. “A few years ago, it was difficult to find women candidates for elections, but today competition among women in politics has increased,” he said.However, Raskar noted that many women representatives later take “U-turns” on issues and that women are still not adequately included in the budgeting process. He also called for increasing the number of women spokespersons within political parties and suggested that parties formulate internal gender policies. The provisions of the POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) law should also apply to political parties, he added, while advocating campaigns such as the Jyotiba Putra Abhiyan to build support systems among men.Senior social activist Hasina Khan said that although the policies are meant for all women, Muslim women are often overlooked during implementation. “They continue to be neglected in mainstream education and employment opportunities as well,” she said.Vrushali Magdum, trustee of Stree Mukti Sanghatana, reviewed key aspects of the four policies, particularly in education, health, gender equality and violence against women. She said that although 32 years have passed since the first women’s policy was introduced in the state, its benefits have yet to reach large sections of working women.Magdum pointed out that although the law against domestic violence came into force in 2005, cases of domestic abuse and dowry-related deaths continue even in 2026. “For effective implementation of these policies, efforts are needed not only from the government but also from social organisations and ordinary citizens,” she said, adding that complete implementation would remain difficult until broader social change takes place.The seminar was jointly organised by the Navi Mumbai district centre of the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, the Navi Mumbai Marathi Sahitya, Sanskruti and Kala Mandal, and the Navi Mumbai Voluntary Organisations Coordination Committee.The event was chaired by Subhash Kulkarni, president of the Navi Mumbai Marathi Sahitya, Sanskruti and Kala Mandal. Pramod Karnad, president of the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre’s Navi Mumbai centre, welcomed the gathering, while honorary programme manager Datta Balsaraf proposed the vote of thanks.The session was introduced and moderated by women’s wing head Sadhana Tippanakaje. More than 100 social activists from Navi Mumbai, along with office-bearers of the Chavan Centre and Yashaswini Navi Mumbai coordinator Manisha Desai, attended the event.

Dubai international cricket stadium

England’s women’s cricket team has moved its T20 World Cup preparatory camp to South Africa after cancelling plans to train in Abu Dhabi due to security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.Around 30 players will now gather in Pretoria for the camp. They will be split into two squads of 15 each for a five-match intra-squad series scheduled from March 10 to 27.The two teams are named after former England players Jan Brittin and Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, who were part of World Cup-winning sides on home soil.England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will lead Team Brittin. The side will be coached by former Durham batter and England Women assistant coach Jon Lewis. Vice-captain Charlie Dean will captain Team Heyhoe-Flint, with assistant coach Luke Williams in charge of the team.Head coach Charlotte Edwards will oversee both squads during the camp. She said the series will help players compete for places in the squad ahead of the T20 World Cup at home.“This is a big opportunity for every player involved to put their hand up and demonstrate that they’re an invaluable part of our World Cup plans,” Edwards said in a release, as cited by news agency PTI.“It’s the same chance for every player, whether they’re new to the team or they’ve played 100 games. We want to use this series as a chance to stretch ourselves and put ourselves under pressure in competitive match situations.“We’ve had two training camps this year, in Oman and Stellenbosch, which focused on skills. Adding a more competitive element is our next step and I’m really pleased with how the group is coming along ahead of a massive summer.”This will be England’s second training camp in South Africa this year after skill-focused camps in Oman in January and Stellenbosch last month.England are scheduled to host New Zealand and India in white-ball series before the T20 World Cup, which will be held from June 12 to July 5. They will then play India in a women’s Test at Lord’s.Team Heyhoe-Flint: Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean (capt), Sophie Ecclestone, Mahika Gaur, Dani Gibson, Jodi Grewcock, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Grace Potts, Grace Scrivens, Alexa Stonehouse, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.Team Brittin: Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Lauren Filer, Freya Kemp, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Paige Scholfield, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Linsey Smith, Rhianna Southby, Ellie Threlkeld, Mady Villiers, Issy Wong.

In a significant ruling on caste verification and allegations of religious conversion, the Bombay high court held that the mere presence of a Cross or a statue of Jesus Christ in a household cannot be treated as proof that a person has converted to Christianity or abandoned their Hindu caste identity.The decision came from the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay high court, where a division bench of MS Jawalkar and Nandesh S Deshpande set aside an order passed by the District Caste Certificate Verification Committee, Akola. The committee had earlier rejected a college student’s claim that he belonged to the “Mang” Scheduled Caste on the ground that his ancestors had allegedly converted to Christianity.Allowing the petition, the court observed that allegations of religious conversion must be supported by concrete documentary evidence. It held that authorities cannot infer conversion merely from religious symbols in a household or isolated entries in records without proof of formal religious rites such as baptism.The ruling came in a petition filed by a 19-year-old student from Akola challenging the committee’s decision that invalidated his caste claim despite the presence of multiple pre-constitutional documents showing that his family belonged to the Mang caste.

Background of the case

The case arose from a petition filed by Stavan Wilson Sathe, a student from Akola, who challenged an order dated September 27, 2023, passed by the District Caste Certificate Verification Committee, Akola. The committee had invalidated his claim that he belonged to the Mang community, which is listed as a Scheduled Caste at serial number 46 in Maharashtra.The petitioner had submitted several documents in support of his caste claim, including school leaving certificates of his great-grandfather Ganpat Bhika dated August 10, 1932, and of Chattarsingh Bhikaji dated July 16, 1934, both recording the caste as Mang. His caste validation proposal had been forwarded through Rajashri Shahu College, Paradhi in Jalna.The case was subsequently referred to the Vigilance Cell for verification. The Vigilance Cell raised objections based on certain records indicating that the petitioner’s grandfather was described as Christian in a school certificate and on statements suggesting that the family professed Christianity.Despite the petitioner submitting explanations and additional documents, including a certificate issued by Alliance Church, Akola in 2009 stating that the family belonged to the Matang caste, the scrutiny committee rejected the caste claim.

Appellant’s arguments

The petitioner argued that the scrutiny committee had wrongly ignored substantial documentary evidence showing that his ancestors belonged to the Mang caste. He relied on several official records, including school certificates and service documents, which consistently recorded the caste as Mang or Matang.He further explained that the entry showing Christian religion in a school record relating to his grandfather was made due to social circumstances. According to the petitioner, his grandfather faced caste discrimination while studying in school and therefore shifted to another school where the religion was recorded as Christian to avoid harassment. However, the family never actually converted to Christianity.The petitioner also relied on several judicial precedents, including decisions in Tejashree Mangilal Dambale, Bhanudas Hona Gajbhiv, Parvi Ashish Chakravarti and Suvarna Vijay Kharat, to argue that mere references to Christian identity in records or the presence of religious symbols cannot be treated as proof of conversion.

Response of respondents

The State opposed the petition and supported the findings of the scrutiny committee. It argued that the petitioner’s ancestors had converted to Christianity and therefore the petitioner could not claim the benefit of Scheduled Caste status.The government relied on certain entries in the family records and statements indicating that the petitioner’s grandfather and father had accepted Christianity. It also referred to judicial precedents such as Kiranlata Wamanrao Sontakke and C. Selvarani vs Special Secretary-cum-District Collector to justify the committee’s decision.According to the authorities, once a family had converted to Christianity, they could not continue to claim benefits reserved for Scheduled Castes.

High court’s analysis

After examining the documents and the family records, the high court found that the scrutiny committee had failed to properly evaluate the evidence on record. The bench noted that except for one entry describing the family as Christian, all other documents consistently recorded the caste as Mang or Matang.The court also observed that the petitioner had produced important supporting documents, including a caste validity certificate issued earlier to a relative and old school records showing Mang caste.Addressing the committee’s reasoning regarding the presence of Christian symbols, the court held that such circumstances alone cannot establish that a person has converted to Christianity. The bench emphasised that allegations of conversion must be supported by clear evidence of formal religious practices.Citing earlier judicial decisions, the court noted that proof of conversion generally requires evidence such as baptism or other religious ceremonies formally accepting the Christian faith. In the present case, there was no such evidence on record.The bench also observed that even visiting a church or having religious symbols in a house cannot be treated as proof that a person abandoned their original caste identity.

Legal significance

The ruling reinforces the principle that caste claims cannot be rejected merely on the basis of assumptions about religious conversion. Authorities dealing with caste verification must rely on concrete documentary evidence and not on symbolic or circumstantial indicators.The judgment also clarifies that proof of religious conversion must involve evidence of formal religious rites or official documentation. Without such proof, authorities cannot conclude that a person has abandoned their original caste identity.

The final order

Allowing the writ petition, the high court set aside the order dated September 27, 2023, passed by the Akola Caste Scrutiny Committee that had invalidated the petitioner’s caste claim.The court declared that the petitioner belongs to the Mang Scheduled Caste and directed the concerned authorities to issue a caste validity certificate within two months.

Key takeaways from the judgment

• Presence of a Cross, painting or statue of Jesus Christ in a house cannot be treated as proof of conversion to Christianity.• Religious symbols alone cannot establish that a person abandoned their original caste identity.• Authorities must rely on concrete documentary evidence to prove religious conversion.• Proof of conversion generally requires evidence such as baptism or other formal religious rites.• Caste scrutiny committees must carefully evaluate documentary evidence before rejecting caste claims.• The Akola scrutiny committee’s decision was found to be legally unsustainable.

Why this matters

The ruling has broader implications for caste verification proceedings across the country. It highlights the need for authorities to adopt a careful and evidence-based approach when examining allegations of religious conversion in caste claims.By clarifying that symbolic religious markers cannot substitute for documentary proof, the judgment strengthens procedural safeguards in caste verification cases and prevents arbitrary denial of constitutional benefits available to Scheduled Castes.

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NEW DELHI: As geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East, India is exploring alternative energy sources to strengthen its energy security, with countries such as Australia and Canada offering additional gas supplies, according to official sources cited by PTI on Saturday.With ships and oil tankers avoiding the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf amid fears of attacks, one of the world’s key energy transit routes has been disrupted.

However, these officials said the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran and the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have not affected India’s energy supplies, as the country now relies on a diversified network of crude import routes.The sources said that only around 40% of India’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while the remaining 60% are transported through other supply routes, which remain unaffected by the current crisis.They emphasised that India’s energy strategy has evolved significantly, ensuring that disruption in a single corridor does not lead to a supply emergency.Also read:Why US ‘agreed to let’ India resume buying Russian oil temporarily

Which countries have offered additional supplies?

According to officials, crude supplies from Russia, West Africa, the Americas, Central Asia and non-Gulf Middle Eastern routes have allowed India to manage sourcing adjustments smoothly even during global disruptions.Several countries, including Australia and Canada, have offered additional gas supplies as India continues to expand its energy partnerships.Officials added that India has also recently entered into new energy supply arrangements with the United States and the United Arab Emirates to ensure stable long-term energy availability.Over the past decade, India has significantly broadened its energy supplier base, increasing it from 27 to 40 countries across six continents.Sources said this diversification means that India’s energy security is no longer tied to a single maritime chokepoint.According to the officials, India’s crude procurement strategy remains guided by national interest or “wherever supplies are available.”“We source crude from wherever supplies are available, competitively priced, and deliverable, and we will continue to do so. This has been our consistent position across administrations and across geopolitical cycles,” a senior government official told PTI, adding that the recent US statements are meant for the country’s domestic audience.Explained:How Iran war is driving sharp rise in oil and gas prices

US waiver on Russian Oil

The remarks come after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday announced a 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to continue purchasing Russian oil, calling India an essential partner in global energy markets.Officials noted that India has complied with all 18 rounds of the G7 price cap rules since they were introduced.The waiver, they said, removes unnecessary friction and acknowledges the stabilising role played by India’s refining and procurement capacity in global energy markets.Sources added that India remains in close coordination with major global oil and gas suppliers as well as international energy organisations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).Officials reiterated that India’s energy transactions have remained within “international regulations.” “India acted within international law throughout. Every transaction used compliant shipping, audited channels, and legal traders. India did not break the rules. India stabilised markets and the record of global crude prices during a period when India was actively procuring is the clearest evidence of that,” the official added.Sources also pointed out that fuel prices in India have remained relatively stable compared with several other countries. According to officials, petrol prices during the same period rose by about 55% in Pakistan, 22% in Germany, 19% in France and 11.54% in the United States, while India’s petrol prices increased by less than 1% .India currently holds nearly eight weeks of total inventory cover for crude oil and petroleum products, including strategic reserves. This includes approximately 25 days of crude oil stocks and around 25 days of petrol and diesel inventory.Officials said government decisions in the petroleum sector continue to be guided by three key criteria: affordability, availability and sustainability, ensuring stable fuel supply for consumers.

DEHRADUN (UTTARAKHAND): Marking a historic milestone in the modernization of India’s judicial and law-enforcement system, Uttarakhand has secured the first position in the national implementation of the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0, according to data up to January 2026.This remarkable achievement reflects the visionary guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and his commitment to building a technology-driven justice system.According to the latest CCTNS/ICJS Progress Dashboard of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Uttarakhand has ranked first at the national level with an outstanding score of 93.46. The performance of the top five states in the national ranking has been highly commendable: Uttarakhand leads with 93.46, followed by Haryana with 93.41, Assam with 93.16, Sikkim with 91.82, and Madhya Pradesh with 90.55.Uttarakhand’s success is the result of the effective leadership and continuous monitoring by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. To ensure the implementation of the new laws–Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)–on the ground, the Chief Minister personally took charge.CM Dhami held continuous review meetings with senior government officials as well as field officers at the district level. This top-to-bottom monitoring helped in resolving technical challenges in time and enabled the police department to successfully adapt to the new legal framework.The foundation of this achievement lies in the “One Data, One Entry” mechanism under ICJS 2.0. Through this system, seamless data flow has been ensured among Police (CCTNS), e-Courts, e-Prisons, e-Prosecution, and e-Forensics. Once data is entered, it becomes instantly available to all concerned departments, reducing paperwork and accelerating the disposal of cases.To ensure transparency, videography of crime scenes and secure storage of digital evidence have been made mandatory through the “e-Sakshya” app.More than 23,000 police personnel in the state have been given intensive training on the provisions of the new laws. Facilities such as virtual court hearings through “Nyaya Shruti” and the availability of forensic mobile vans have been prioritized for technological strengthening.Confirming the ranking, Uttarakhand Police spokesperson and Inspector General of Police (Crime and Law and Order) Sunil Kumar Meena stated that the state has set a record not only in implementing the technological infrastructure but also in real-time data entry.Union home minister Amit Shah has specifically appreciated Uttarakhand’s efficiency in the “One Data, One Entry” system during high-level meetings. With this coordination and commitment, Uttarakhand has emerged as an ideal model of “smart policing” for the country, reflecting the visionary guidance of the Union home minister and his commitment to building a technology-driven justice system.

UAE billionaire Khalaf Al Habtoor on Thursday wrote an open letter to US President Donald Trump, questioning his authority to drag the Gulf and the Middle East into the ongoing military conflict with Iran.The founder of Al Habtoor Group raised questions in the open letter, authored in Arabic and shared on the social media platform X, asking Trump whether it was solely his decision to go to war or whether he was influenced by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Saturday, targeting its leadership and military infrastructure. Following the US-Israel attack, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on the UAE and other Gulf countries. The majority of those missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed.

The UAE and its neighbouring countries have been calling on all parties to end the conflict and engage in peace talks.“You have placed the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab countries at the heart of a danger they did not choose. Thank God, we are strong and capable of defending ourselves. We have armies and defences that protect our homelands. But the question remains: Who gave you permission to turn our region into a battlefield?” said Al Habtoor.He said the US decision to go to war with Iran threatened the people of the region and the American people, whom he promised peace and prosperity.“And here they are today, finding themselves in a war funded from their money and taxes, with costs ranging, according to the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), between 40-65 billion dollars for direct military operations, and could reach 210 billion dollars including economic impacts and indirect losses if it lasts four to five weeks, not to mention the sacrifice of Americans themselves in a war in which they have neither camel nor she-camel.”Al Habtoor Group has been vocal in sharing its views on local, regional and global issues. He also funds a think tank to highlight and bring solutions to topical issues.Al Habtoor said the US President broke his promises of not getting involved in wars.“You ordered foreign military interventions during your second term in seven countries: Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, Nigeria, Syria, Iran, and Venezuela, in addition to naval operations in the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean. You directed more than 658 foreign airstrikes in your first year in office, which equals the total strikes in (ex-US President Joe) Biden’s entire term, for which you directed your arrows of criticism for involving the United States in foreign wars.”He warned the US President that his approval ratings among Americans declined by about nine per cent in just 400 days as a result of these decisions.“These numbers say something clear: Even within the US, there is growing concern about being dragged into a new war, and about exposing the lives of Americans, their economy, and their future to unnecessary risks… If these initiatives were launched in the name of peace, then we have the right today to demand full transparency and clear accountability,” said Al Habtoor.In another message shared on X, Khalaf Al Habtoor questioned who would be held accountable for the damages inflicted on the Gulf and Middle East.“Who will pay the price for the tensions imposed on us as a result of a conflict we have no part in among Iran, America and Israel?” he said, adding that the entire region bears the consequences of the war involving three countries.“Our economies, our security, and the stability of our peoples are not arenas for settling scores among the great powers. We are advocates of stability and peace, and we did not choose to be part of this confrontation. Yet we find ourselves paying the price for an escalation we did not create,” he added.“The question that must be asked clearly today is: Who is responsible and who will compensate for the losses incurred by the region’s countries and peoples due to the conflicts of others? The region needs a cool head, not more reactions that fan the flames higher,” he concluded.

With just a day remaining before the much-anticipated India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, excitement is building not only for the cricket but also for the grand closing ceremony. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has planned a spectacular celebration to mark the end of the tournament, and global pop superstar Ricky Martin will headline the pre-match entertainment, setting the tone for what promises to be a memorable night.

Ricky Martin to lead the celebration at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony

On Friday, the ICC officially announced that the Puerto Rican pop icon will perform at the closing ceremony before the final. Known worldwide for chart-topping hits like Livin’ la Vida Loca and La Copa de la Vida, Martin’s performance is expected to bring a vibrant and energetic atmosphere to the stadium.

The ICC shared the announcement on social media, expressing excitement about having the global superstar as the headliner for the event. For many fans in India, this performance will be particularly special as it marks Ricky Martin’s return to the country after nearly three decades—his last major appearance in India dates back to 1998.

Often referred to as the “King of Latin Pop,” Martin has enjoyed a hugely successful career spanning more than 30 years. With multiple international hits and several Grammy nominations to his name, he is known for delivering electrifying live performances. Fans attending the final can expect a high-energy set featuring some of his biggest songs along with the signature Latin rhythms that made him a global sensation.

Final day schedule at the Narendra Modi Stadium

To help fans plan their experience at the stadium, the ICC has also released the full schedule for the final day’s events. Gates at the Narendra Modi Stadium will open at 3:30 pm IST, allowing spectators to enter early and soak in the festive atmosphere. The closing ceremony performances will begin at 5:30 pm IST, giving fans a full hour of entertainment before the cricket action begins.

The toss for the final is scheduled for 6:30 pm IST, while the match itself will start at 7:00 pm IST. With a massive crowd expected, fans have been advised to arrive well in advance to avoid last-minute rush and ensure they don’t miss any of the pre-match celebrations.

A blend of global and Indian entertainment at the T20 World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony

While Ricky Martin will be the main attraction, the closing ceremony is expected to feature a mix of international and Indian performers. Popular Indian artists Sukhbir and Falguni Pathak are also set to hit the stage during the celebrations.

Sukhbir, known for his energetic Punjabi hits, has long been a favourite at large-scale events, while Falguni Pathak – often called the “Dandiya Queen” – is famous for her lively performances that bring crowds to their feet. Their presence is expected to add a vibrant Indian flavour to the ceremony, blending global pop with traditional and contemporary Indian music.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Final – India vs New Zealand Ticket Prices and Booking Details

A perfect build-up to the T20 World Cup 2026 final

The entertainment spectacle will serve as the perfect build-up to what is shaping up to be a thrilling final between two strong teams. Defending champions India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, booked their place in the final after a thrilling victory over England in the semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

New Zealand, on the other hand, stormed into the final with a dominant nine-wicket win over South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Black Caps will be aiming to win their first-ever T20 World Cup title after finishing runners-up in the 2021 edition.

For India, the stakes are equally high. A victory on Sunday would make them the first team in history to successfully defend the T20 World Cup title, further strengthening their legacy in the shortest format of the game.

With more than 130,000 fans expected inside the Narendra Modi Stadium – the largest cricket venue in the world – and millions more watching from across the globe, the final promises to be a night to remember.

The combination of world-class cricket, star-studded entertainment, and an electric stadium atmosphere ensures that the T20 World Cup 2026 will end on a truly grand note. For fans of both music and sport, Sunday night in Ahmedabad is shaping up to be nothing short of unforgettable.

Also READ: IND vs NZ – ICC names the umpires and match referee for T20 World Cup 2026 final

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips plays a shot during the third T20 cricket match between India and New Zealand in Guwahati, India, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (AP)

India will face New Zealand in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday in Ahmedabad, with the hosts aiming to achieve several milestones in the tournament’s history.The defending champions are looking to become the first team to defend the T20 World Cup title and also the first side to win the tournament three times. India won the previous edition in 2024 after defeating South Africa in the final.

India suffered a heavy defeat to South Africa on February 22 in a Super 8 match of the tournament, but recovered to win their remaining Super 8 matches and reach the semi-finals. They then defeated England in a close and high-scoring semi-final.More than 100,000 spectators are expected at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the final. While India will aim for another world title in front of a home crowd, New Zealand will look to win the trophy for the first time.India enter the final as hosts and defending champions and have also recorded recent bilateral series wins against New Zealand. However, New Zealand hold a strong record against India in T20 World Cup matches, having won all three previous meetings between the teams in the tournament.

T20 World Cup 2007: New Zealand won by 10 runs in Johannesburg

In the first edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori delivered a strong all-round performance. He took 4 for 20 and also scored 15 runs from five balls to help New Zealand defeat India during the group stage.New Zealand had set a target of 191. India were 76 for 1 when Vettori came into the attack and dismissed Robin Uthappa and current India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who had scored 51 from 33 balls.Spin bowling then tightened New Zealand’s control. Jeetan Patel dismissed Yuvraj Singh, MS Dhoni was run out for 24, and Vettori returned later to remove Irfan Pathan and Dinesh Karthik.Earlier, Brendon McCullum scored 45 at the top of the order, while Craig McMillan and Jacob Oram added runs towards the end to take New Zealand to a total that India could not chase.

T20 World Cup 2016: New Zealand won by 47 runs in Nagpur

The two teams met again in the 2016 edition in Nagpur. New Zealand defended a total of 126 by bowling India out for 79, with three spinners taking nine wickets between them.Corey Anderson scored 34 from 42 balls for New Zealand, while Luke Ronchi added 21 not out from 11 balls after coming in at number eight.India struggled against spin bowling, with Virat Kohli scoring 23 and MS Dhoni making 30. When Ish Sodhi dismissed Kohli at 39 for 5 in the ninth over, India were already under pressure.Dhoni was dismissed in the 18th over and Adam Milne then took the final wicket by removing Ashish Nehra three balls later.Nathan McCullum finished with 2 for 15, Sodhi took 3 for 18 and Mitchell Santner returned figures of 4 for 11 along with scoring 18 runs. Milne was the only fast bowler to take a wicket in the match.

T20 World Cup 2021: New Zealand won by 8 wickets in Dubai

India and New Zealand met again in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai. India scored 110 for 7, which New Zealand chased comfortably.Trent Boult took a wicket in the powerplay and later picked up two more in the 19th over. Ish Sodhi returned figures of 2 for 17, Tim Southee took 1 for 26 and Adam Milne finished with 1 for 30.Mitchell Santner did not take a wicket but bowled an economical spell of 0 for 15, including 11 dot balls.In reply, Martin Guptill and Daryl Mitchell started the chase well. Mitchell scored 49 from 35 balls before being dismissed with New Zealand needing 15 runs. Captain Kane Williamson then finished the chase to seal the win.India vs New Zealand head-to-head in T20 World CupsPlayed: 3New Zealand: 3India: 0India and New Zealand will now meet again in the final of the T20 World Cup on Sunday, March 8, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.The two teams had also reached the final of the Champions Trophy in 2025, and nearly a year later they will again face each other in the final of an ICC tournament.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his views on Varun Chakravarthy’s bowling after the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying the spinner’s confidence drops when batters attack him early in his spell.India reached the final after beating England by seven runs in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Chakravarthy had a difficult outing in the match while defending a total of 253 runs.

The spinner conceded 64 runs and picked up one wicket. It became the joint second-most expensive bowling spell in a T20 World Cup match. He equalled the record of Sanath Jayasuriya, who had figures of 0/64 for Sri Lanka against Pakistan in Johannesburg in 2007.“What is happening with Varun is not that teams are attacking him or picking him. Everyone knows that Adil Rashid has a googly. Teams attacking or reading a bowler is normal — it happens to every cricketer. But if this happens, you have to be tactical. You cannot miss the lengths. Line and length variations with speed variations are important. Varun has to be spoken to,” Ashwin said on ‘Ash ki Baat’.“Every time he gets attacked upfront, the confidence is going down further, because he knows he is catching up. I am tired of saying this again and again. From the last few games, I am saying this. Do not bowl from round the wicket to the left-hander,” he added.The most expensive bowling figures in a T20 World Cup match were recorded in this edition when Saurabh Netravalkar of the United States returned 0/65 against India.Chakravarthy now has the joint second-most expensive bowling figures for India in all T20 internationals. Prasidh Krishna holds the record with 0/68 against Australia in Guwahati in 2023, while Yuzvendra Chahal also had figures of 0/64 against South Africa in Durban in 2018.India will face New Zealand in the final of the tournament on Sunday, March 8 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.The two teams had also reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and will again meet in the final of an ICC tournament nearly a year later.