IRIS Dena

An Iranian frigate with an estimated 180 Navy personnel on board was sunk in the Indian Ocean by a US submarine on Wednesday off the coast of Sri Lanka, killing 87 people on board. The Sri Lankan Navy was able to rescue 32 people on board frigate IRIS Dena. The fate of the remaining crew members is unknown.The Iranian warship was venturing in the international shipping lane off the Sri Lankan coast after participating in India’s International Fleet Review and subsequent MILAN exercise off Visakhapatnam, which concluded on Feb 25, when it was attacked by the US.

During a press briefing in Washington, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Iranian warship that sank in the Indian Ocean was the Islamic Republic’s “prize ship” and also revealed that it was the “the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II”. “Like in that war, we are fighting to win,” he said.According to the Pentagon, its submarine engaged the Iranian warship after it was identified as a potential threat amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran in West Asia. Officials said the torpedo strike was precise and resulted in the rapid incapacitation of the warship.The Sri Lankan Navy said it recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 people. Sri Lanka’s foreign minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament that its navy received information that IRIS Dena, with 180 people on board, was in distress and sinking. The island nation sent ships and air force planes on a rescue mission, he said. Navy spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath told the media that by the time their ships reached the location of distress signals, there was no sign of the Iranian ship and “were only some oil patches and life rafts. We found people floating on the water”.He said 32 people rescued were admitted to a hospital in the seaside town of Galle on the southern coast. The bodies recovered were being brought to land, he said. Both Sri Lanka’s navy and the air force said they were not releasing footage of the rescue because it involved the military of another state.Iran has not yet commented on the sinking. At least 17 Iranian naval vessels have been sunk during the ongoing Iran-US conflict, said US Adm Brad Cooper, who leads the American military’s Central Command. The Pentagon says one of the main aims of the US-Israeli war against Iran, launched Saturday, is to wipe out the country’s navy.The US Navy has about 50 nuclear-powered attack submarines in three classes, Los Angeles, Virginia and Seawolf. Because of their nuclear propulsion and design, all are extremely quiet — intended to tail enemy vessels without being detected. It was not clear which submarine fired the torpedo.US submarines are typically armed with Mk48 heavyweight torpedoes, which carry 650 pounds of explosive meant to detonate beneath a target’s keel, snapping it in two.

A delivery from New Zealand quick Lockie Ferguson hit right on the side of the eye of the New Zealand wicket-keeper Tim Seifert. After being hit by the fast delivery, the keeper went instantly to his knees and was visibly in pain. The South Africa vs New Zealand Semifinal match of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata paused for a while after the moment.

New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson is known for his extreme pace. For the very last ball of the 6th over, the pacer delivered an outside off, short off the length delivery against South Africa captain Aiden Markram. Markram left the ball, and it went flying straight towards the keeper.

Express delivery from Lockie Ferguson hit New Zealand keeper Tim Seifert

The ball had elevation, and pace. The keeper found it difficult to collect it into his gloves. As he missed grabbing it properly, the ball hit the side of his left eye. Tim Seifert went on knees, trying to endure the pain. Fielders of New Zealand rushed to their keeper to check him. After a while, Tim Seifert went on his knees and was again ready to go, showing his brave heart and strong mettle.

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Men Are Brave 🔥

A 143 km/h delivery from Lockie Ferguson struck Tim Seifert in the left eye, but he said, “No worries, I’ll keep going 🫡

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— CricketSanctum (@SanctumCricket) March 4, 2026

Tim Seifert carried on without sustaining any further trouble

Seifert carried the rest of the innings without any further trouble. And Aiden Markram also could not do much to revive the team’s innings. New Zealand’s tight bowling mostly kept the power-packed South African batting attack calm throughout the contest.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and decided to bowl first. The bowlers proved, why their skipper elected to bowl first. Santner, using his intelligence, shuffles his bowlers well to confuse the opposing batters.

Marco Jansen and Dewald Brevis helped South Africa to register a competitive total on the scoreboard

As, most of the top and middle-order batters departed cheaply, the Proteas managed to score only 169 runs in 20 overs, in exchange for 8 wickets.

Number 7 batter, the pace bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen did some rescue work for his team, scoring an unbeaten 55 off 30. Without Jansen’s half-century, South Africa could be limited to a below-par total. Along with Jansen, Dewald Brevis added a valuable 34 runs in 27 balls as well.

For the Kiwis, Matt Henry, Cole McConchie, and Rachin Ravindra claimed a brace each. Lockie Ferguson, and James Neesham bagged one scalp each as well.

The bowlers of New Zealand did their job well. Now, it is time for their batters to prove themselves on the stage. Ahead of the semi-finals, South Africa was the only team as undefeated. Will the New Zealand cricket team put them on the floor? The matter is on the kiwi batters right now.

Read More: Quinton de Kock’s HORROR form continues against New Zealand

LONDON: An Indian-origin senior British diplomat has quit the UK foreign office, criticising it for being woke, stuffed with paper-pushers and underperformers and putting the “worship of international law” above national security.In a column in the UK Times titled ‘Foreign Office fails to put Britain first’, Ameer Kotecha wrote: “Our impotence on Iran and craven surrender over Chagos happen when the long-term national interest is sacrificed to unquestioning worship of international law, the demands of noisy activist groups, or the appeasing of sectarian voting blocs.”He called for a “more ruthless focus on what benefits the British people” and said the govt’s decision to hand over the Chagos islands and UK PM Keir Starmer’s slowness to act on Iran influenced his decision to quit.“Rather than a really clear-sighted, level-headed assessment of what’s in the national interest and what’s good for the UK, we’re instead having our entire foreign policy dictated by what the lawyers tell us international law requires. I’m ashamed to serve this govt, so I’ve decided to throw the towel in,” he told the UK Times.Kotecha, an Oxford graduate, stepped down from his post at the British embassy in Tel Aviv last month. He said: “If the civil service was once a Rolls-Royce, it is now a banged-up hatchback driven by someone with decidedly dicey vision and a passionate hatred of driving. Our country will not get back on track until the car and the driver are made roadworthy once more.”He said on the day Kabul fell to the Taliban, he was invited to attend an event to mark World Afro Day (to celebrate Afro hair) and this week, with war raging in the Middle East, the main news on the foreign office intranet was about “taking charge of your development”.“In discussions about how the foreign office could improve productivity with AI, some colleagues were more concerned with an environmental impact assessment,” he said, adding some colleagues worked from home as “they didn’t want to work in a colonial office building.”

Mohammad Kaif and Mohammad Amir (Agency Image)

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has delivered a sharp response to ex-Pakistan quick Mohammad Amir after the latter continued to cast doubts over India’s campaign in the ongoing T20 World Cup.Amir had initially predicted that India would stumble against the West Indies and miss out on a semifinal berth. When that forecast failed to materialise, he shifted his stance, backing England to halt India’s charge and claiming that Suryakumar Yadav’s team would not reach the final. He also referred to struggling opener Abhishek Sharma as a “slogger”, a remark that has drawn criticism from Indian supporters.Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, accused Amir of making inflammatory comments purely to generate publicity, insisting that India need not dignify such remarks with a response.“Did Amir really not know that India would reach the semifinals? He also knew it, that the defending champions will make it. But because it will become news, they do all these things. We must not give them importance. There is no need for us to come down to their level and reply,” he said.The former India cricketer then took aim at Amir by referencing Pakistan’s surprising defeat to the USA at the 2024 T20 World Cup. He questioned the pacer’s performance in the decisive Super Over, suggesting that Amir was in no position to criticise others.“The loss that they faced against the USA in 2024, it was the same bowler who was the reason. In that over, there was only one boundary, but too many wides. His ball did not even land on the stumps. Who got scared against that USA team and made his team lose the game, then I do not have to say more,” he remarked.Kaif continued by urging India to ignore the outside noise, arguing that engaging with Amir would only amplify his comments and hand him the attention he seeks.“Why are we focusing on him? The country that is so behind in the sport, they have no players, no solid captain, or a solid bowler, nothing. Just let them be. We don’t have to talk about everything they talk. They cannot come to our level. They have different problems. If we focus on their comments, it is like we are giving them importance, and that is what they want anyway,” he added.

India will be facing England in the all-important semi-final clash on Thursday, March 5, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The match is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM IST. The Men in Blue are coming with high confidence after their 5 wickets win against the West Indies in a virtual quarter-final.

On the other hand, England taken a rise since the Super 8 stages as they will feature in this match after an unbeaten run of three matches. This will be the third consecutive meeting between the two sides in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. The head-to-head is evenly poised with one win for both sides in the last two games.

India is yet to win against England

India National Cricket Team won by 68 runs in the semi-final. England won back in 2022 by 10 wickets. However, this is the first time that these two sides will meet in a T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium.

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India’s Wankhede record at the ODI World Cup

Previously, these two sides have only once met in a World Cup back in 1987, during the Reliance World Cup semi-final. India lost the match by 35 runs while chasing a target of 255 runs. After almost four decades, the two teams are yet again face to face in a World Cup semi-final, however, in a different format.

India’s World Cup semi-final record still haunts them

Suryakumar Yadav’s side would be hopeful that they come out on top against the Three Lions, as they do not have a good record at this very venue. They have not won a single knockout game in the World Cup at Wankhede Stadium.

The last time the Men in Blue played a T20 World Cup semi-final was back in 2016 against the West Indies. The Men in Blue lost by 7 wickets despite scoring 196 in their 20 overs. However, they would want to change their fate and win the game and qualify for the finals.

India’s Wankhede record at the T20 World Cup

India’s last World Cup match at this venue was back in 2023, as they defeated New Zealand in the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final by 70 runs. So far, both India and England have lost one game at this tournament. Suryakumar Yadav’s side would look to break the Wankhede curse in the World Cup knockout format.

Sanju Samson key to India’s success

Since the inclusion of Sanju Samson, India has been performing well. The wicket-keeper batter has found his form just at the right time, scoring a match-winning 97* off 50 balls against the West Indies, and helped his team chase down the target of 196 with four balls to spare.

On the other hand, the two England openers Jos Buttler and Phil Salt have been quiet. The former has been struggling to get runs, and this could be the match against India where Buttler can show his class and get his team over the line.

Toss won’t be a key factor as there will not be much dew in the latter part of the innings. Both captains would want to win the toss and bat first in a high-pressure game like a semi-final.

Also Read: Pink-ball Ashes Tests officially dead! England and Australia strike major deal

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India’s Abhishek Sharma drops the catch of West Indies’ Roston Chase (ANI Photo)

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has flagged India’s slipping standards in the field as a major worry ahead of their ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against England at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.Despite an impressive run to the last four, India’s catching has been far from convincing. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the side has shelled 13 catches in the tournament so far, with their catching efficiency dipping to a competition-low 72.7 per cent. In contrast, Pakistan, long criticised for their work in the field, have managed a significantly better success rate of 83.3 per cent.“One concern I feel is the fielding and not just the way India fielded in the game at Eden Gardens. It has been happening for almost a year and a half. We are dropping quite a few catches. That is something India would definitely like to work on,” Patel told Jio Hotstar.India sealed their semifinal place with a gritty victory over the West Indies at the Eden Gardens, successfully overhauling a target above 190. Patel termed the result a huge boost for the side.“It was an outstanding win. It will be a great confidence booster for India going forward. India won the toss and decided to bowl first, thinking there would be a lot of dew. When the game finished, there was no dew at all, but the conditions did get slightly better. In a knockout game, chasing in excess of 190, someone needed to play an outstanding knock, and Sanju Samson did that,” Parthiv said.“The Captain took his hat off. He has scored a lot of hundreds in international cricket, but to me, this innings was right up there. Skill-wise, we all know that Sanju Samson is a very talented batter, but fighting those mental battles is very difficult. I thought Sanju Samson did that really well. He also spoke about how his experience came into the fold. I thought it was a very mature innings. He always looked in control. He did not try to hit the ball hard. He will remember this innings for a long time,” he added.Patel also singled out pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for special praise, highlighting his knack for breaking key partnerships.“Bumrah is not a banker. He is the bank. The way he comes out and bowls, when you want to take a wicket against an in-form Hetmyer, he comes in and takes his wicket, then gets a set Roston Chase. Obviously, India has looked up to Jasprit Bumrah most of the time, and he has never disappointed. That is what he does most often. You are playing in a format right now, in this era, where the only way you can stop a batter is by getting him out, and Jasprit Bumrah does that.”Looking ahead to the clash with England, Patel stressed the importance of early breakthroughs against a dangerous batting unit.“India obviously need to get England’s dangerous batters out as quickly as possible. You have Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, who is due for runs and likes the Wankhede Stadium. Then you have Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook. So, they have a good, solid line-up. It is a good all-round team. Obviously, against England, India will have to be at the top of their game,” he concluded.

Daryl Mitchell (Special Arrangement)

NEW DELHI: If Daryl Mitchell wasn’t representing the Black Caps, he might very well have been playing for the All Blacks. Instead of sending bowlers on leather hunts with his brutal hitting or executing sweeps and reverse sweeps against spinners, the experienced cricketer could have been taking on the role of a forward or back in rugby.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The son of renowned rugby player and current England women’s rugby team coach John Mitchell, Daryl’s journey into cricket began almost by accident — but he quickly fell in love with the gentleman’s game.

John Mitchell never pressured his son, always encouraging Daryl to pursue whatever he loved. Having already made his mark in the rugby world, John played for the All Blacks, including the 1993 tour of Britain, where he featured in six uncapped matches, captained the side three times, and led his team to victories on each occasion.After his playing career, John went on to coach the All Blacks, as well as teams in England, the USA, Japan, and beyond.Inspired by his father’s sporting achievements, Daryl initially started out in rugby but was soon drawn to cricket. Today, he has carved out a significant place for himself in New Zealand cricket, establishing a legacy in the sport just as his father did in rugby.

“Daryl was obviously brought up around rugby because I played and coached it. As a youngster, he tried both rugby and football. Later, a development officer from Northern Districts approached me and asked if he could try turning my son into a batsman. I agreed. We even created backyard games — for example, a 12-ball challenge where he had to score 15 runs, with six balls bowled fast and six slow, and consequences for hitting sixes over the fence. Over time, Daryl embraced every challenge, loved the sport, and had fun. I never imagined these games would prepare him for where he is today. What he’s achieved is entirely the result of his own development and mindset,” John Mitchell told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.“Before he played for school sides, Waikato under-15, and even Australian Country Schools, he made the first XV at Hale College in Perth. But he simply loved cricket more. He enjoyed rugby, yet he realised he might not have the speed to play at the highest level. Cricket offered him more opportunities and the individual challenges he thrives on. He has always taken his own decisions in his career—and, in fact, made the right ones!” the proud father added with a laugh.

‘DAD, I WANT TO BE A CRICKETER’John had been keeping a close eye on his son’s progress and noticed the natural inclination the right-hander had towards cricket.He patiently waited for the moment when Daryl would come to him and share his aspirations — and that day arrived sooner than expected.One fine day, a 15-year-old Daryl walked up and said, “Dad, I want to be a cricketer.”John smiled and embraced his son. Though he had dominated the rugby world, he understood how cricket had found its way into Daryl’s life — thanks in large part to Daryl’s grandfather, John’s own father.“We’ve always supported our children’s choices. I never wanted to be a dominant parent or interfere as a coach. I let him set his own goals, and whatever he chose, we were 100% behind him. That independence has likely played a big part in shaping the player he is today,” John Mitchell said.

“A development officer first approached us about shaping him as a batsman. Later, another Northern Districts coach, Pat, also guided him. But the greatest influence was his late grandfather, who drove him to cricket, supported him, and filled in whenever I was away,” he added.Does Daryl’s rugby background help him on the cricket field?“I’m not sure it directly helped, but in many ways, yes,” John said.“The foundations he observed — the preparation and mindset of world-class players—likely influenced him. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it comes through learning from wins and losses. Experiencing that early allowed him to master his craft. Physically, he’s a big guy, which helps, but more importantly, it’s his hard work and attitude that stand out,” he added.

DARYL – THE MAN WHO HANDLES FAILURE WELL, ENJOY SUCCESSDaryl donned the international jersey for the first time in 2019, at the age of 27, against India in Wellington. That same year, he made his Test debut against England in Hamilton, scoring a magnificent 73 on debut. However, the right-hander had to wait two more years to earn his ODI cap, which finally came in 2021 against Bangladesh in Dunedin.Since then, Daryl has become a mainstay in the New Zealand cricket setup, featuring in 35 Tests, 59 ODIs, and 102 T20Is. He has grown into a dependable player, one whom his team can rely on whenever he is at the crease.Whether it’s hitting towering sixes, finding gaps, demolishing the required run rate, or changing the course of a game with sweeps and reverse sweeps against the best spinners, Daryl has evolved into a batter that opposing teams plan meticulously against before even stepping onto the field. His ability to adapt to any conditions and deliver under pressure has made him a crucial asset for the Black Caps.

“It’s always a proud moment whenever I see him play for his country and contribute to victories. He’s mature, understands his role, and handles setbacks well. Daryl can play innovative shots, like reverse sweeps, and excels against spinners. Watching him perform for New Zealand is truly rewarding.“The Black Caps have a small player base, but they achieve a lot. They have a good mix of youth and experience. Kane Williamson has set high standards, and Daryl, along with players like Santner, carries that forward. Playing in Asia now gives them exposure to varied conditions and builds confidence,” he said.“One of the biggest qualities in him is how he balances life. No matter what, he makes time for his family. He trains hard, then spends quality time with his daughters, wife Amy, and close friends. He’s also taken up golf and maintains a personal training setup at home. That routine suits his lifestyle and keeps him energised,” the father signed off.