The United States on Tuesday tested its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile Minuteman III off the California coast amid the ongoing strikes in the Middle East.Referred to as “doomsday missile,” Minuteman III is capable of carrying nuclear warheads up to 20 times more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima in 1945.The test launch was conducted from Vandenberg Space Force Base near Santa Barbara at 11 pm.According to US Space Force, the unarmed rocket – GT 254 – hit its intended target near the Marshall Islands in the west-central Pacific Ocean. According to the press release, the missile was fired to “verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy,” according to the Air Force Global Strike Command.“It allowed us to assess the performance of individual components of the missile system,” Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron said in a statement.“By continually assessing varying mission profiles, we are able to enhance the performance of the entire [Intercontinental Ballistic Missile] fleet, ensuring the maximum level of readiness for the land-based leg of the nation’s nuclear triad,” it added.What is Minuteman III missile?The Minuteman III missile is one part of America’s nuclear triad, which include the ability to launch world-destroying weapons from the land, sea and air. The missiles are stored in silos scattered across the American west — and designed to deter nuclear armageddon, but ensuring that the US will be able to strike back if it is ever hit with an atomic attack.A Minuteman III missile was also launched in November after President Trump called for restarting the nuclear weapons tests.The missile can travel 6,000 miles at speeds of more than 15,000 mph and strike anywhere in the world.The test comes amid the ongoing escalation in the Middle East after the joint forces of US and Israel launched an airstrike on Iran, killing the nation’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The atmosphere at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata was nothing short of electric on Wednesday, as South Africa and New Zealand clashed in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026. With a spot in the final on the line, every run and every wicket carried the weight of a nation’s dreams. However, the match and perhaps the tournament, reached a fever pitch of controversy during the eighth over of the Proteas’ innings. What should have been a standard dismissal turned into a global debating point, centering on South African captain Aiden Markram and a sliding effort from New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell.

Daryl Mitchell’s catch sends Aiden Markram packing in T20 World Cup semi-final 1

The incident occurred at the 7.4-over mark with South Africa looking to rebuild at 55/2. Rachin Ravindra, continuing his stellar tournament form, dragged a delivery slightly short at 83 km/h. Markram, looking to break the shackles, attempted a powerful heave across the line. The ball failed to find the middle of the bat, instead catching the bottom edge and looping toward cow corner.

Mitchell sprinted in from the boundary, diving forward to intercept the dipping ball. As Mitchell tumbled, he immediately signaled for the third umpire to check the cleanliness of the take, while a stunned Markram stood his ground at the crease.

The stadium fell silent as the big screen displayed the slow-motion replays. The footage showed the ball entering Mitchell’s cupped hands, but the point of contention was a subtle bobble as his knuckles hit the turf. After multiple angles, Third Umpire Nitin Menon concluded that Mitchell’s fingers were successfully wedged underneath the ball. The Out signal flashed, and Markram was forced to depart for 18 off 20 balls, leaving South Africa reeling at 55/3.

Did Mitchell take it cleanly? Markram’s dismissal divides fans

As Markram trudged off the field, the digital world exploded. Within minutes, #T20WorldCup and #Markram were trending globally as fans and former cricketers dissected the frame-by-frame footage. The core of the debate rests on the soft signal philosophy and the visual ambiguity of a ball touching grass versus a ball resting on leather-covered fingers.

Supporters of the Black Caps argued that Mitchell’s honesty, signalling for the review himself showed integrity. They pointed to the zoomed-in side angle which appeared to show the ball wedged between Mitchell’s ring and middle fingers, never actually making contact with the Eden Gardens blades of grass.

Proteas fans were understandably livid, claiming the ball clearly pinched the turf as Mitchell’s hands hit the ground. Many argued that the benefit of the doubt should always go to the batter in high-stakes knockout games, suggesting the footage was too inconclusive to overturn the on-field uncertainty.

The controversy has reignited calls for even higher-frame-rate technology in ICC events. While the record books will show a catch for Mitchell and a wicket for Ravindra, the debate over whether the ball touched the ground will likely linger long after the final ball of this World Cup is bowled.

Also READ: Aiden Markram reveals key reasons behind South Africa’s crushing defeat to New Zealand in T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final

Here’s how fans reacted:

Good catch from Daryl Mitchell to send Aiden Markram back to the pavilion. 🔥#SAvNZ #T20WorldCup https://t.co/pnN7WfnELe

— Cricholic Mrigankaaaa🇮🇳❤️ (@MSDianMrigu) March 4, 2026

Daryl Mitchell takes a stunning catch in the deep to send Aiden Markram back! New Zealand on fire! #T20WorldCup #SAvsNZ #NZvsSApic.twitter.com/Hz06Kr2Yi6

— Arshy (@imArshit) March 4, 2026

🚨PATHETIC UMPEARING AT EDEN GARDENS NEW ZEALAND VS SOUTH AFRICA 🚨

– 3rd umpire given out by Captain Aiden Markram of Rachin Ravindra & A Treffic catch by Daryl Mitchell.
– 🇿🇦 SA in big Trouble in Semifinal at Kolkata 81/5……See more. pic.twitter.com/9kSFXYdD5E

— MANU. (@IMManu_18) March 4, 2026

pic.twitter.com/IeOLz635Vg
Daryl Mitchell flying at long-on to remove Aiden Markram.

Big moment in a semi-final.

Fielding turning the game?#3rdManView #T20WorldCup2026 #SAvNZ

— Third Man View (@3rdManView) March 4, 2026

What an incredible effort from Daryl Mitchell to send Aiden Markram back to the pavilion! 👏🔥

A brilliant moment in the field that could truly shift the momentum of the game! 💪🏏#SAvsNZ #NZvsSA pic.twitter.com/xPa4WpLorj

— Piyush (@PiyushNagar135) March 4, 2026

That didn’t look out at all. The ball clearly grazed the ground and even Daryl Mitchell seemed unsure. Tough call on Aiden Markram.

— Agam (@ThisIsAgam) March 4, 2026

What a fantastic catch by Daryl Mitchell to dismiss Aiden Markram..#SAvNZ #ICCMensT20WorldCup

— Param (@param22twit) March 4, 2026

BIG MOMENT!

A superb catch from Daryl Mitchell in the deep draws curtains for Aiden Markram ☝️#T20WorldCup#NZvsSA #T20WorldCup26 pic.twitter.com/K2qARAJmtH

— Ugam Raj Barwar (@Rj_Ugam_Barwar) March 4, 2026

लिख के लेलो Third empire द्रोणाचार्य ही होगा मारक्रम को आउट देनेवाला। #Sorry_South_africa#Markram #Daryl_Mitchell #CatchingUp #catch #Aiden_Markram #Iran #spainsolidarity #IsraelIranConflict #say_no_war pic.twitter.com/2Sty1hzyP1

— Chhaba Hdazabe 💎 (@NDParmar123) March 4, 2026

🎯 Daryl Mitchell with a stunning catch to send Aiden Markram packing! Game-changing moment in the field.#DarylMitchell #AidenMarkram #T20WorldCup #Cricket #SuperCatch pic.twitter.com/A4gD2Hy52M

— KHURUM ABBAS (@KHURUM455) March 4, 2026

Also READ: Netizens go wild as Finn Allen smashes a record-breaking century to power New Zealand into the T20 World Cup 2026 final with a win over South Africa

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NEW DELHI: Just four months after leading the NDA to a sweeping victory in the Bihar elections, chief minister Nitish Kumar has once again rewritten his political script.The veteran leader on Thursday announced his decision to step down from the state’s top job and head to the Rajya Sabha, marking a significant transition for a politician who has dominated Bihar’s politics for most of the past two decades.

Nitish said he had long harboured a desire to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar Legislative Assembly as well as both Houses of Parliament.“For more than two decades, you have consistently placed your trust and support in me, and it is on the strength of that trust that we have served Bihar and all of you with complete dedication,” he said on his social media account.“It was the power of your faith and support that has enabled Bihar today to present a new dimension of development and dignity. For this, I have expressed my gratitude to you on several occasions in the past as well.”The decision comes less than four months after Nitish led the NDA to a sweeping victory in the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election, securing a massive majority of 202 seats. On November 20, 2025, he took oath for a record tenth term as chief minister, a milestone that reaffirmed his hold over the state’s politics.

At 75, he now steps away from the chief minister’s chair after what many saw as an emphatic electoral endorsement. His move to the Rajya Sabha is expected once the new term begins after April 9, when outgoing members retire.Within the NDA, the transition is being seen as a carefully timed change of guard that could allow a new leadership team to settle in before the next political cycle. With Nitish shifting to Parliament, the door is open for the Bharatiya Janata Party to appoint its own chief minister in Bihar for the first time.Potential successors include Bihar deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary and Union minister Nityanand Rai, both seen as strong contenders if the BJP takes over the top post.At the same time, speculation has grown over the possible political debut of Nitish’s son, Nishant Kumar. Some within the alliance believe he could be considered for a deputy chief minister’s role, though there is no clarity yet about his position or responsibilities.

The ‘nirantar’ Nitish

For years, Nitish Kumar has remained the central figure in Bihar’s politics- a leader who repeatedly returns to the top despite doubts, criticism and shifting alliances.His image as “Sushasan Babu,” associated with development, stability and restored law and order, has long shaped his political identity, even as critics argued that policy stagnation and political fatigue had begun to dull that sheen.Yet in 2025, the verdict was emphatic.Despite being written off many times, Nitish once again emerged victorious with what supporters described as a “lion majority”, reaffirming his place at the centre of the state’s politics.

From engineer to political strategist

Born on March 1, 1951, in Bakhtiarpur, Nitish Kumar did not begin with political ambition. Trained as an electrical engineer, he eventually found his calling in public life.His political roots were shaped during the Emergency in India imposed during the era of Indira Gandhi. As part of the movement led by Jayaprakash Narayan, Nitish was among the thousands jailed during that period.He won his first assembly election in 1985 from Harnaut and briefly supported Lalu Prasad Yadav in 1989 before breaking away, beginning a rivalry that would define Bihar politics for decades.In 1994 came a decisive turning point. Fourteen MPs broke away under George Fernandes in the first major rebellion against Lalu. Insiders widely saw Nitish as the strategist behind the move.The group soon formed the Samata Party, marking a decisive shift in his political trajectory.Two years later, Nitish made another major move by aligning with the BJP in 1996, the beginning of a partnership that would form, break and reform repeatedly over the next three decades.He later entered the cabinet of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, holding the railway ministry and other portfolios between 1998 and 2004. His administrative approach and emphasis on law and order gradually helped build his technocratic image.His first attempt at becoming chief minister came in 2000, but the NDA lacked numbers and his government fell in just seven days.

Era that shaped Bihar

In 2005, Nitish returned to power, ending Lalu Prasad Yadav’s 15-year rule- a period often described by critics as “jungle raj”.His victory in 2010 further consolidated his political dominance and established him as the face of development-oriented politics in the state.Women-centred welfare initiatives including bicycles, uniforms, prohibition, jobs and cash transfers became a major pillar of his governance model, creating what some scholars describe as a maternal welfare state.Yet Nitish Kumar’s political career has been defined not only by governance but also by dramatic shifts in alliances.Since 1999, he has switched between the National Democratic Alliance and opposition formations such as the UPA or Mahagathbandhan multiple times.The frequent realignments earned him the nickname “Paltu Kumar”.Now, with his move to the Rajya Sabha, another chapter in that long and unpredictable political journey begins.

In a radiant tribute to a life in theatre, Lillete Dubey’s Primetime Theatre Company marked the culmination of its 35-year journey with a heart-warming staging of Salaam Noni Appa at the iconic Royal Opera House. Lillete, whose acting and directorial career has traversed continents and languages, brought down the curtain on the festival with an evening of laughter, nuance, and theatrical soul that perfectly reflects her ethos as an artist. For theatre lovers across the city, the past months have been a celebration of story and stagecraft. The Primetime Theatre Company’s festival showcased an array of landmark productions – from powerful ensemble works like 9 Parts of Desire to classics such as Dance Like a Man – all of which have been staged in Mumbai as part of the company’s ongoing legacy. But it was Salaam Noni Appa that captured both critics’ and audiences’ hearts as the festival’s grand finale. A STORY OF SECOND CHANCES AND QUIET JOY Adapted from the short story Salaam Noni Appa by Twinkle Khanna, this play adapted for the stage by Adhir Bhat. brings to life a story about age, love and freedom later in life, striking a rare and irresistible chord with contemporary audiences. Originally published as part of The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad, the tale’s transition from page to stage remains remarkably faithful to its source — retaining its humour, warmth and subtle poignancy. Set in the twilight of its protagonist’s life, the play follows Noni Appa, a widow navigating the unexpected world of companionship, passion, and self-discovery. What could have been a gentle comedy becomes something much more profound in Lillete’s hands: a meditation on freedom, friendship, and the courage to rewrite life’s second chapter. A CAST THAT ELEVATES EVERY MOMENT At the heart of the production was Lillete Dubey, who played Noni Appa with her striking elegance, seamlessly weaving together humor, fragility, and quiet resilience in a way that reflected her depth of experience. Well-known actress Jayati Bhatia brought lively comedic flair to the role of Binnie, Noni’s sister, while Yateen Karyekar offered a nuanced and heartfelt portrayal of Anandji, the man who gently pushes Noni beyond her comfort zone. Rounding out the cast, Rishi Khurana and Gillian Pinto contributed thoughtful, well-measured performances that enriched the narrative while keeping its emotional focus firmly intact Audiences and critics alike remarked on how the adaptation captured the spirit of Twinkle Khanna’s original prose — particularly its celebration of life’s unpredictability and the joyous assertion that “love doesn’t retire.” Indeed, as one audience member put it, it was a piece that “made us laugh, made us think, and reminded us that theatre, at its best, reflects our own hidden hopes.” A FITTING END TO THREE AND A HALF DECADES ON STAGE As Lillete and her cast took their bows beneath the historic chandeliers of the Royal Opera House, there was a palpable sense of not just closure but continuing possibility. Over the last three and a half decades, Lillete’s theatre company has staged an impressively diverse body of work in Mumbai and across international venues; spanning modern Indian storytelling to reimagined world classics, all marked by sensitivity and artistic polish. For those who have followed her artistic path — beginning with her formative years at Barry John’s Theatre Action Group and leading to the present — the company’s growth unfolds like a living chronicle, each production and performer representing a meaningful chapter. With Salaam Noni Appa, the celebration became more than a tribute to history; it reaffirmed that meaningful theatre does not dwell solely on what has been, but continually urges audiences to look ahead — to view themselves and the world with greater empathy and renewed curiosity.

China on Thursday announced a 7% increase in its defence budget for 2026, as it continues to step up its military capabilities to counter the United States and strengthen its claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea. The hike will take the country’s defence spending to about 1.9 trillion yuan, or $276.8 billion, according to a report released at the opening of the annual “Two Sessions” parliamentary meeting.China has been steadily increasing its defence spending in recent years, making it the world’s second-largest military spender, only after the United States. Last year, China increased its defence budget by 7.2% to $249 billion, almost $17 billion higher than 2024.With the latest increase, Beijing’s defence budget remains roughly a third of that of the US, which spent about $997 billion on defence in 2024, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Where will the funds be used?Presenting the figures at the National People’s Congress (NPC), Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that over the next five years, the country would continue efforts to strengthen its armed forces and “carry out major defence-related projects.”Analysts cited in the report said that the additional funds are expected to support a range of activities including military salary increases, training programmes, manoeuvres around Taiwan, the development of cyberwarfare capabilities and the procurement of advanced equipment.The increase also comes as Beijing pursues an anti-corruption campaign within the military that has led to the removal of several senior officials, including top general Zhang Youxia earlier this year.Steady defence build-upOfficials from Beijing said that the country’s defence spending remains comparatively modest when compared against indicators such as its share of GDP. According to SIPRI data, back in 2024, China’s defence budget accounted for about 1.7% of its GDP, compared with 3.4% in the United States and 7.1% in Russia.China has maintained annual increases of around 7% to 8% in its defence spending since 2016 as it continues the modernisation of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).Dragon aims to ‘fully restore’ Chinese jurisdiction Military commentator Song Zhongping, a former Chinese army instructor, said that strong defence capabilities are necessary for the country’s diplomatic independence.“China pursues an independent and self-reliant foreign policy. However, without robust military capabilities and technological prowess, our diplomatic stance would inevitably be subject to coercion or even dictated by certain nations, including the United States,” he told AFP.“China is unwilling to be a vassal state,” Song said, adding that Japan and South Korea “only submit to American dictates”.He also said the PLA must strengthen its capabilities to “fully restore” Chinese jurisdiction over the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, which are also claimed by the Philippines and are believed to hold vast natural resources.Despite Beijing’s assertion that its defence policy is focused on protecting its territory, including what it considers part of China such as self-ruled Taiwan, the country’s growing military capabilities have raised concerns among neighbouring states.China currently operates only one overseas military base in Djibouti, in contrast to the several hundred bases maintained by the United States worldwide.Niklas Swanstrom, director of the Stockholm-based Institute for Security and Development Policy, said China’s spending level was consistent with the size of its economy but still significant.“That is proportional to its economy and legitimate defence needs,” he said, while noting that “the absolute spending level (second globally) and rapid capability development concern neighbours”.Countering US influenceChina’s military expansion has also prompted countries in the region to deepen defence cooperation with Washington. In Taiwan, leader Lai Ching-te has called for increased military spending in response to Beijing, which has not ruled out the use of force to take control of the island.Philippines has granted the United States access to more of its military bases, while Japan has begun easing its long-standing pacifist stance, approving a record defence budget worth $58 billion in December for the coming fiscal year.Meanwhile, though the Chinese navy is believed to have more ships than any other country, it still trails the US Navy in terms of overall tonnage, nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers.Swanstrom noted that Washington also holds several other advantages, including stronger global logistics networks, more advanced submarines and stealth technology, a larger nuclear arsenal, combat-experienced personnel and a wide network of alliances.He added that the balance could look very different closer to China’s coastline if the US Navy were to intervene militarily, for instance in support of Taiwan.“The US remains the world’s first-class armed forces both in terms of its military hardware and the hard operational experience of its personnel,” said James Char, a Chinese military specialist at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.“Most critically, neither side could ‘win’ meaningfully,” he said, adding, that economic “devastation, casualties, and nuclear escalation risks would be catastrophic for all parties.”

South Africa players during the first T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal in Kolkata. (AP Photo)

NEW DELHI: South Africa’s dream run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 came to a crashing halt on Wednesday night as New Zealand handed them a crushing nine-wicket defeat in the semifinal. And head coach Shukri Conrad did not hold back while describing what unfolded.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking after the match, Conrad dismissed suggestions that South Africa had “choked” under pressure — a tag that has followed them in global tournaments for decades.“I don’t know if tonight was a choke. I thought it was a bloody walloping,” Conrad said bluntly. “In order for you to choke, you must have had a sniff in the game. We didn’t have a sniff.”

Chasing a competitive 170, New Zealand made a mockery of the target. Opener Finn Allen produced a historic assault, smashing an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls — the fastest century in the tournament’s history — while Tim Seifert hammered a 33-ball 58. The chase was wrapped up in just 12.5 overs, leaving South Africa stunned.Conrad even dipped into his native Afrikaans to sum up the scale of the defeat.“Tonight we got a proper ‘snotklap’,” he said. “That’s an Afrikaans word for a real hiding, a smack you don’t see coming. That’s what it felt like.”Earlier, New Zealand’s bowlers had laid the platform. Cole McConchie struck twice in the second over, removing Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton in consecutive deliveries. Spinners then tightened the screws as South Africa’s middle order — including Aiden Markram, David Miller and Dewald Brevis — failed to gain momentum.A late counterattack from Marco Jansen, who smashed an unbeaten 55 off 30 balls, and Tristan Stubbs helped South Africa reach 169, but the total proved nowhere near enough.“They strangled us up front and we never got any momentum,” Conrad admitted. “A hell of a lot didn’t go right tonight — but that was probably enforced because they were so good.”Despite the heavy defeat, Conrad said he remained proud of his team, who entered the semifinal as the tournament’s only unbeaten side with seven consecutive wins.“I thought we did some exceptional stuff throughout the tournament,” he said. “Not many people gave us a chance of making the semifinals when we left home. I’m incredibly proud of these guys — even if that’s no consolation right now.”

Commercial airlines have suspended most regional services across the Middle East after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Tehran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a sharp escalation in tensions and widespread airspace closures that have crippled travel through key Gulf hubs.Iran retaliated with waves of missiles, sending projectiles and interceptors over major Gulf hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Several countries temporarily closed their airspace, forcing thousands of stranded travelers to chart their own routes out of the region.

With airports shut and flights grounded, many have resorted to long desert drives, multiple border crossings and expensive last-minute tickets.‘Morning you woke up to missiles intercepted’Among those caught in the disruption was Kalie Moore, who became stranded in Doha after returning from a safari in Kenya. She was preparing to board a connecting flight to Berlin when Qatar closed its airspace as missiles flew overhead.After waiting with thousands of passengers at the airport, Moore checked into a nearby hotel, where staff advised guests to remain indoors.“It was actually pretty crazy because in the morning you woke up to the missiles being intercepted,” Moore told Bloomberg.Realizing flights would not resume soon, she decided to leave Qatar overland for Saudi Arabia, where air operations were still functioning. She teamed up with another traveler and hired a driver to take them on the six-hour journey to Riyadh for $1,000.Despite online narratives of influencers escaping in luxury vehicles and private jets, Moore’s journey was far less glamorous. The pair traveled in an old Toyota, switched cars and drivers at the border, and ate at roadside gas stations.From Riyadh, Moore booked a British Airways flight via London, paying an additional $2,000 to reach home. Her experience mirrors that of many others, including European officials and athletes stranded after events in Dubai.

‘Oman border is closed’A US State Department advisory urging Americans to leave several Middle Eastern countries quickly went viral. Many expatriates in Dubai contacted their employers to check whether evacuation plans would be activated.Some companies have begun relocating staff. Macquarie Group moved certain employees out of Dubai overland via Saudi Arabia and Oman.Two main exit routes have emerged: driving to Saudi Arabia or heading to Muscat International Airport, where operations remain normal. The journey from Dubai to Muscat takes under five hours, though travelers report long traffic queues and uncertain border conditions.“One day it was all open and no queue,” Karim Gharbi, head of Arton Capital’s private jet concierge and global mobility service told Bloomberg.“The second day was too many people going, then the Oman border is closed,” Karim said further adding that his company helped relocate more than 40 people, including families. Some were accompanied by bodyguards to assist with border procedures.‘You hear this explosion — time to go’Thierry Carbou, a French-Canadian tech entrepreneur who has lived in Dubai for 15 years, was having lunch at a beach club when he heard explosions overhead.He returned to his apartment in the Burj Khalifa and was speaking with his family when a blast struck City Walk nearby. “You hear this huge explosion, then this black smoke,” he said. “We looked at each other, and we said, ‘OK, time to go,'” he added.Will Bailey, a 26-year-old fitness coach and influencer from Manchester, had just returned to Dubai to launch a new business when the strikes began. Posting from a beach club as air defenses intercepted missiles overhead, he pointed to smoke rising from a nearby building and said, “That is the Fairmont Hotel in Dubai. Oh my God.”Bailey’s updates drew praise from followers for capturing the unfolding crisis, but also criticism from some in the UK.

‘It is such a scary time’The situation has sparked debate in Britain about whether expatriates should be included in any government evacuation.In Parliament, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey questioned whether “washed-up old footballers” and others who moved abroad to avoid higher taxes should receive state-funded evacuation support.Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded that all British citizens were entitled to assistance regardless of tax status.Entrepreneur Duncan Bannatyne defended Dubai residents on social media, writing, “Not one Dubai resident has expressed a desire to leave as far as I know. The British who need to vacate are on holiday or on business in Dubai.”Reality TV personality Arabella Chi said, “It is such a scary time right here at the moment.”Life goes onDespite the tension, daily life in parts of the UAE continues with an air of normalcy. Hotels remain open and beaches are active, even as missile interceptions light up the night sky. Bailey later moved with friends to a residential house away from tourist areas, continuing to post updates.“There are a lot of people in Dubai who are not taking it as seriously as some others,” he said during a radio interview interrupted by another interception, saying “I’m shaking now just hearing that sound.”As regional tensions remain high and airspace closures continue, thousands of travelers and expatriates face uncertain days ahead navigating not just borders and highways, but a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.

The high-stakes 2nd Semi-Final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 features defending champions India taking on two-time winners England at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. This is the third consecutive T20 World Cup where these two giants have met in the semi-finals.

The Men in Blue enter the semi-finals after a clinical Super 8 performance, capped by a victory against the West Indies. Sanju Samson is the man of the moment following a brilliant 97 off 50 balls, while captain Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have been consistent run-getters.

Led by Harry Brook, England topped their Super 8 group with a perfect record. Brook recently scored a century against Pakistan, and all-rounder Will Jacks has been in exceptional form, winning four Player of the Match awards in seven games.

IND vs ENG: Mumbai Weather Forecast

The weather conditions look excellent for an uninterrupted contest during the India vs England clash this evening. All indicators suggest a clear and pleasant evening for cricket, meaning fans and players can expect a full match without weather interruptions. The temperature during the evening is expected to be around 27°C, which is quite comfortable for players. With 0% cloud cover, the sky will remain completely clear, ensuring perfect visibility under the lights. There is 0% probability of precipitation, meaning rain is highly unlikely to interrupt the match. This is great news for both teams and fans eagerly waiting for the high-stakes encounter. Humidity levels are expected to be around 42%, which is moderate for coastal conditions. Players may feel slightly warm early in the evening, but overall the conditions should remain manageable. The dew point is around 15°C, which suggests that dew could develop later in the night, especially in the second innings. This might make the ball slightly slippery for bowlers and could favour the chasing side.

IND vs ENG: Dew factor at the Wankhede Stadium

Dew is traditionally a major factor at the Wankhede Stadium, often making the ball difficult to grip for bowlers in the second innings and aiding the chasing side. However, recent reports suggest the pitch has been providing consistent turn and grip, which might slightly mitigate the dew’s impact. India’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel, has labeled it a “big concern,” but analysts note that if the pitch remains dry or rough, spinners like Varun Chakaravarthy and Adil Rashid could still remain effective under lights.

Also READ: IND vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinal 2 Match Prediction – Who will win today’s game between India and England?

IND vs ENG: Toss Prediction

Historical data at Wankhede strongly favors the team winning the toss electing to field first.

Evening dew: Meteorological data for tonight indicates a “Heavy Dew Alert” starting around 8:00 PM IST. Humidity is expected to spike from 65% at the start of play to over 82% during the second innings. This will likely make the ball slippery, significantly hampering spinners like Varun Chakaravarthy and Adil Rashid, and making it difficult for pacers to execute precision yorkers.

Bounce and hitting: The Wankhede surface for this semi-final is reported to be a flat batting beauty with a “green tinge” that helps the pitch stay true. While the initial sea breeze might offer some “zing” and early swing for Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer, the true bounce will favor aggressive hitters. Both teams boast explosive power—India with Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav, and England with Harry Brook and Will Jacks—meaning the ball is expected to fly off the bat once the powerplay ends.

Chasing or defending?: Historically, Wankhede is a “chase-first” venue, and the heavy dew forecast reinforces that trend. Chasing teams have a distinct psychological and physical advantage under the lights when the ball slides onto the bat. However, there is a counter-strategy: England’s Harry Brook has shown a recent preference for setting massive totals (200+) to let “scoreboard pressure” do the work. Despite this, given the 82% humidity forecast, the captain winning the toss is almost certain to elect to bowl first.

Also READ: IND vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinal 2: Wankhede Pitch Report, T20I Stats and Record