Israel launched a new wave of strikes across Iran early Wednesday, while the US military said it has hit nearly 2,000 targets inside the Islamic republic since joining the campaign.The latest Israeli assault came after Iran fired three separate missile barrages toward Israel overnight. Most were intercepted, though a woman in Tel Aviv suffered mild injuries. Israel’s military described its response as a “broad wave of strikes” targeting missile infrastructure and military facilities.

The conflict began Saturday when Israel and the United States launched a joint operation dubbed “Epic Fury.” The first strikes hit sites near the offices of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran. In the days since, Washington has surged military power into the region, deploying aircraft carriers, fighter jets and guided-missile destroyers — including two of its largest warships, the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Abraham Lincoln.Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of United States Central Command, said American forces are targeting ballistic missiles and “all the things that can shoot at us.”“These forces bring a massive amount of firepower, representing the largest buildup by the US in the Middle East in a generation,” Cooper said, describing the opening barrage as exceeding the scale of the 2003 “shock and awe” campaign against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. “We’ve just begun,” he added.Also read | Israel strikes building where Iranian clerics were choosing Khamenei’s successor

Strikes on nuclear and military targets

Israel said it struck Iranian missile launchers and a nuclear research site Tuesday, with explosions reported across Tehran. Residents described hearing repeated blasts throughout the night. Admiral Cooper said American forces have “severely degraded Iran’s air defenses” and destroyed hundreds of ballistic missiles, launchers and drones.Information from inside Iran has been limited because of communication disruptions, round-the-clock airstrikes and tight media restrictions.

Iran targets US embassies and Gulf states

Iran retaliated across the region, targeting US diplomatic facilities and energy infrastructure.Two drones struck the US Embassy in Riyadh, causing a limited fire, according to Saudi authorities. An Iranian drone also hit a parking lot outside the US consulate in Dubai, igniting a small blaze, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said. All personnel were accounted for.US embassies in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Lebanon were closed to the public, and Washington ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and families from several Gulf states. Americans were urged to leave more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries, though many remain stranded because of airspace closures.Follow live updates: Consulate in Dubai, CIA station in Saudi Arabia: Iran its US assets across Middle East

Iran’s succession talks

Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts has selected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as his successor under pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to Iran International, which cited informed sources.However, The New York Times reported a different account, saying senior clerics tasked with choosing the next supreme leader were still deliberating. While Mojtaba had emerged as the clear front-runner, no formal announcement had been made.Israel struck a building in the Iranian city of Qom where senior clerics were reported to be gathered to appoint a successor, an Israeli security official said, as quoted by ANI. The site was linked to the Assembly of Experts, the powerful body tasked with selecting the supreme leader. The extent of damage and possible casualties was not immediately clear.

Trump weighs war aims and Iran’s future

Four days into what President Donald Trump suggested could last weeks or longer, the administration has outlined multiple objectives: dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities, crippling its navy, preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons and halting support for allied armed groups.While early strikes reportedly killed Khamenei, senior officials later insisted regime change is not the official goal. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the administration had not seriously considered Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s former shah, as a successor.“As far as possible leaders inside Iran, the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump said, while cautioning that replacing the regime could bring unintended consequences. He suggested that “someone from within” Iran’s existing power structure might ultimately take control.

Strait of Hormuz

With global energy prices rising, Trump said the US Navy stands ready to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic gateway to the Gulf that Iran has threatened to close.As fighting spreads across Iran, Israel and parts of the Gulf, the spiraling conflict has left the region bracing for a prolonged and unpredictable war — and raised urgent questions about how, and when, it might end.

Rising toll

At least 787 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict began, according to the Iranian Red Crescent, though the figure could not be independently confirmed. Nearly 800 deaths have been reported overall inside Iran.Iran has fired dozens of ballistic missiles toward Israel, killing 11 people since hostilities erupted.The fighting has spread beyond the two countries. In Lebanon, Israeli retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah militants killed at least 52 people, while the United Nations said more than 30,000 have been displaced.Three people were killed in the United Arab Emirates, and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain. The US military confirmed six American service members were killed, including four US Army Reserve soldiers who died in a drone strike Sunday at a command center in Kuwait.

As anticipation builds for the India vs England T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has made a bold prediction about the match.

The semi-final, scheduled in Mumbai just days before the tournament’s final on March 8, has already generated massive excitement among cricket fans worldwide. According to Kaif, Jasprit Bumrah’s four overs could ultimately decide which team progresses to the championship match.

Mohammad Kaif’s bold prediction ahead of IND vs ENG T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal

Kaif emphasized that Bumrah’s performance will be the biggest factor in India’s attempt to defeat England in the semi-final.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif highlighted the significance of Bumrah’s spell in the match.

“Jasprit Bumrah will be the biggest factor in the semi-final against England. Bumrah’s four overs will be crucial,” Kaif said.

Bumrah has been in exceptional form throughout the tournament. In six matches so far, the Indian fast bowler has claimed nine wickets at an impressive average of 14, maintaining a tight economy rate of 6.30.

His track record against England in T20 Internationals is equally impressive. In five matches against the Three Lions, Bumrah has taken nine wickets at an average of 9.11, with a strike rate of 10.2 and an economy rate of 5.34. Such numbers underline why Kaif believes the fast bowler could tilt the match in India’s favour.

With England known for their aggressive batting lineup, Bumrah’s ability to deliver in crucial moments – particularly in the powerplay and death overs – could prove decisive.

Wankhede pitch could produce a different challenge, believes Kaif

Kaif also offered valuable insights into the Wankhede Stadium pitch conditions, suggesting that the surface might behave differently compared to Eden Gardens, where India recently played against the West Indies.

Traditionally, teams winning the toss at Wankhede prefer to bowl first due to the possibility of dew under lights, which can make chasing easier. However, Kaif believes the current pitch may not follow that familiar pattern.

According to him, recent matches have shown that the surface has begun to assist spinners earlier than expected.

He pointed out that England themselves struggled while chasing 180 runs against West Indies at the same venue. Kaif explained that the pitch has been offering turn from the early overs, making batting more challenging as the innings progresses.

Unlike the Eden Gardens pitch, where dew significantly affected play, Kaif suggested that the dew factor at Wankhede may not be as influential this time. The ball has reportedly been turning consistently from the first over until the end of the innings, making conditions more balanced between bat and ball.

If this trend continues in the semi-final, spinners and bowlers who can maintain accuracy could play a crucial role.

While Kaif praised Bumrah, he also expressed concern about India’s mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy, whose recent performances have been slightly inconsistent.

Chakravarthy has been one of India’s leading wicket-takers in the tournament, with 12 wickets in seven matches. However, Kaif believes opposition batters have begun to understand his bowling patterns better.

According to Kaif, the spinner sometimes loses composure when attacked by batters.

He noted that when Chakravarthy gets hit for boundaries, he occasionally abandons his natural wicket-to-wicket line and starts bowling toward the pads. This change in strategy could allow aggressive batters to capitalize.

Statistics also highlight a shift in his effectiveness. During the group stage, Chakravarthy picked up nine wickets with an impressive economy rate of 4.75. However, in the Super 8 stage, he managed only three wickets, while conceding runs at 10.17 per over.

Kaif advised the spinner to rely more on his leg-spin variations instead of overusing the googly, which many batters now appear better prepared to read.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Wankhede pitch under spotlight ahead of IND vs ENG semifinal

Strong record at Wankhede to boost India’s confidence

India enter the semi-final with a solid record at the Wankhede Stadium. The team has won five of their seven T20 Internationals at the venue and has not suffered a defeat there since December 2017.

England’s record at the ground is also a balanced one. The defending champions have played six T20Is at Wankhede, winning three and losing three.

With both teams boasting explosive batting and world-class bowling attacks, the stage is set for a thrilling semi-final encounter. However, if Kaif’s prediction proves correct, Bumrah’s four overs could ultimately determine India’s path to the T20 World Cup 2026 final.

Also READ: Virat Kohli, IPL franchises lead Holi wishes for fans as cricket fraternity celebrates festival of colours

A ruthless New Zealand rode on a record-breaking 33-ball century from opener Finn Allen to outclass South Africa by nine wickets and storm into the T20 World Cup final in Kolkata on Wednesday. Allen smashed 10 fours and eight sixes to chase down 170 in just 12.5 overs, leaving the entire South African side stunned.The century, the fastest in T20 World Cup history, was a display of sheer power and timing rarely seen at Eden Gardens. Allen’s front-foot dominance and impeccable shot selection saw him clear the rope consistently, with the last 24 runs—from 76 to 100—coming off just five deliveries from Marco Jansen, whose 2.5-over spell for 53 runs turned into a nightmare.

New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, never looked like losing. Their spinners laid the foundation, restricting the Proteas to a below-par 169 for 8. Cole McConchie (2/9) and Rachin Ravindra (2/29) exploited the early grip of the Eden track, dismantling the top order with precision, while Tristan Stubbs (29 off 24) and Jansen (54* off 30) rescued the innings, adding a 73-run sixth-wicket partnership after South Africa slumped to 77/5. Jansen’s innings featured five towering sixes, with many landing deep into the stands, providing some respectability to the total.Allen and Tim Seifert then stole the show. Seifert scored 58 off 33 balls, putting on a whirlwind 117-run opening stand with Allen in just nine overs. The pair hit 13 boundaries and six sixes, effectively ending the contest inside the powerplay. Seifert reached his fifty off 33 balls, while Allen completed his half-century in just 19 deliveries, despite taking a brief medical timeout.The Eden track, slightly slower earlier in the day, became perfect for stroke-play as dew settled in, and the Kiwi openers capitalised brilliantly. Allen’s ability to pick the length and muscle the ball to all parts of the ground left South Africa shell-shocked. By the time he brought up his record century, New Zealand had already seized control, with the chase wrapped up with 7.1 overs to spare.This victory marked New Zealand’s second T20 World Cup final appearance, following their 2021 summit clash in the UAE. If India beat England in Mumbai on Thursday, the final will be a repeat fixture of last year’s Champions Trophy final.For South Africa, it was a frustrating night. Despite Jansen’s heroic 54* and Stubbs’ contribution, the Proteas were undone by a lethal combination of spin in the middle overs and Allen’s audacious power hitting. Dewald Brevis (34 off 27) and Aiden Markram (18) could not anchor the innings, and the top order’s collapse left the side chasing shadows. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Corbin Bosch struggled to contain the Kiwi openers, while Jansen’s earlier misfiring with the ball compounded the misery.

New Zealand opener Finn Allen created history in Kolkata by smashing the fastest century ever in a T20 World Cup on Wednesday, powering New Zealand into the final with a crushing nine-wicket win over South Africa.Chasing 170 in the first semi-final, Allen went on a rampage, scoring an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls.

His knock broke the previous World Cup record of 47 balls set by Chris Gayle. New Zealand chased down the target in just 12.5 overs, finishing the match with 7.1 overs to spare.After the game, Allen said: “Yeah I would say it’s up there. Wanted to get into good positions and hit the ball. Wanted to put them on the back foot early. The way Seifert batted and got us to a flier helped me as well. We wanted to hit straight and enjoyed it together. “You adapt to the wicket, training is important. The boys played a lot on the blacksoil pitches against India before the World Cup so that was good intel. We look forward to the final on Sunday.”Allen’s 33-ball hundred is now the fastest in T20 World Cups, the fastest against a full-member team in T20 internationals, and joint third-fastest in all T20Is.Earlier, South Africa posted 169/8 in 20 overs, with Marco Jansen top-scoring with 55. But their total proved nowhere near enough. Tim Seifert gave New Zealand a flying start with 58 off 33 balls, setting the stage for Allen’s record-breaking blitz.With this dominant performance, New Zealand stormed into the final in style.

The Indian rupee weakened sharply on Wednesday, slipping to a record closing low of 92.05 against the US dollar as soaring crude oil prices and global risk aversion linked to the Iran crisis weighed heavily on the domestic currency.The rupee depreciated by 56 paise during the session, pressured by rising energy costs, foreign fund outflows and broad-based weakness in domestic equities, PTI reported.At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 92.05 and slid further to an intraday record low of 92.35 against the greenback. It eventually ended the session at 92.05, marking its lowest-ever closing level.The domestic forex market remained shut on Tuesday due to the Holi holiday. On Monday, the rupee had already fallen 41 paise to settle at 91.49 against the US dollar.Forex traders said the global risk-off mood triggered by the US-Iran conflict strengthened the dollar and intensified pressure on emerging market currencies, including the rupee.Foreign investors sold equities worth Rs 8,752.65 crore on a net basis on Wednesday, according to exchange data, further weighing on the currency.“A sharp escalation in Middle East conflict and the consequent spike in oil prices have reduced investor risk appetite. Higher oil prices increase inflation concerns and fiscal pressure on India (a major oil importer), leading to selling in bonds and rising yields,” said Anil Kumar Bhansali, Head of Treasury and Executive Director, Finrex Treasury Advisors LLP.Meanwhile, the dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.23 per cent lower at 98.82.“The dollar index crossed 98 levels comfortably on the risk-off situation prevailing all around the globe with stocks and bond markets getting hit badly, along with Gold and Silver, with predominance of the dollar,” Bhansali said.Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, was trading 1.29 per cent higher at USD 82.46 per barrel in futures trade, as supply concerns intensified after US attacks on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions raised fears over energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.Dilip Parmar, Research Analyst at HDFC Securities, said, “The Indian rupee recorded its steepest two-session decline since May 2025, as soaring energy prices intensified fears of persistent inflation and a widening trade deficit.This prevailing risk-off sentiment, coupled with high energy costs, is expected to keep the currency under pressure in the near term. Investors are closely monitoring the longevity of the Middle East conflict, as a prolonged standoff would likely drive up the import cost of energy and precious metals while hindering export growth.”According to Parmar, the spot USDINR pair faces immediate resistance at 92.60, while key support is seen at 91.80.On the domestic equity market front, the BSE Sensex dropped 1,122.66 points to close at 79,116.19, while the NSE Nifty declined 385.20 points to settle at 24,480.50.

India’s Hardik Pandya (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

Former England seamer Stuart Broad has issued a strong warning to England ahead of their semifinal clash against India, singling out Hardik Pandya as the player who could decisively swing the contest.Broad stressed that Pandya’s impact goes far beyond numbers on the scoreboard. The Indian all-rounder has the rare ability to alter the tempo of a match, whether through late-innings power-hitting or by delivering crucial overs with the ball. According to Broad, Pandya relishes high-pressure scenarios and carries a self-assurance that energises those around him.

The semifinal also presents an added layer of comfort for Pandya, as it will be played at his IPL home venue. Familiarity with the surface and conditions, combined with strong crowd backing, could further enhance his influence on the game.Offering a tactical perspective, Broad suggested England must be smart about when Pandya comes to the crease. He believes the key lies in forcing him to bat earlier than he would ideally prefer, before he can slip seamlessly into his devastating finishing role.“If I am an England bowler, I think I need to get him in after 12 overs so I can bowl when he’s not in the hitting zone straightaway. He might think I would like to look at a few before going at the end. I would see that as my chance to get him out before he can hurt me in the last four overs. If India are just three or four down entering the death overs, that’s where India get over 200, and you are in a bit of trouble,” Broad said on the For the Love of Cricket podcast.Broad further explained that Pandya becomes especially dangerous if India lay a strong foundation in the first half of the innings. With a solid platform in place, the all-rounder’s confidence and presence can take over the game.“If India sets up a good first ten overs, Hardik Pandya becomes a huge danger. When he walks in, he’s extremely confident. He has got an aura about him and an ego on him in a positive way. He just believes he can do the job. He is so wiry and slim that you think how he can hit the ball 100 metres like he does. But he does it so effortlessly,” he added.

Walmart-backed fintech major PhonePe is targeting a valuation of $9 billion to $10.5 billion (about Rs 75,000 crore–Rs 87,000 crore) for its upcoming India IPO, with plans to raise around $1.05 billion through an equity sale, sources aware of the development told news agency PTI.The expected valuation is lower than the company’s last funding round in 2023, when PhonePe raised $100 million at a valuation of $12 billion.Even at the reduced valuation, the proposed public issue is expected to be the second-largest fintech IPO in India after rival Paytm, which listed at a valuation of about $20 billion (around Rs 1.4 lakh crore) in November 2021.The PhonePe IPO will be entirely an offer-for-sale (OFS) by existing shareholders.According to updated draft papers, shareholders including Walmart, Tiger Global and Microsoft Global Finance plan to offload stakes worth around Rs 10,115 crore, or about $1.1 billion, through the public issue.PhonePe promoter WM Digital Commerce Holdings Pte will sell 45,942,496 shares out of 371,517,890 shares, representing about a 12 per cent stake in the company through the OFS, priced at Rs 1,996.8 per share based on the weighted average cost of acquisition per equity share.Microsoft and Tiger Global are also planning to exit the firm through the IPO.PhonePe filed its draft papers for the IPO in September and expects to conclude the process by April, subject to favourable market conditions and the absence of major disruptions from the ongoing Middle East military conflict.The company has reported strong revenue growth and sharply narrowing losses over the past three fiscal years, according to its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP).Revenue from operations increased to Rs 7,114.85 crore in FY25 from Rs 2,914.28 crore in FY23, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 56.25 per cent.PhonePe’s revenue mix has also diversified beyond core UPI payments.The contribution from merchant payments rose from 14.75 per cent in FY23 to 30.78 per cent by September 2025.Financial services, including lending and insurance distribution, expanded from 0.96 per cent in FY23 to 11.55 per cent in the first half of the current fiscal year.Merchant payments and financial services accounted for 42 per cent of the company’s revenue, highlighting growing monetisation across verticals.Losses have also narrowed significantly. Restated losses declined by more than Rs 1,060 crore between FY23 and FY25 to Rs 1,727.41 crore, with loss margins improving to (22.64) per cent from (90.68) per cent over the same period.The company achieved positive adjusted EBITDA in FY24 and FY25 and reported adjusted EBIT profitability in FY25. It also generated free cash flow of Rs 190.47 crore in FY25 and over Rs 250 crore in the six months ended September 30, 2024.Founded in 2016 and headquartered in India, PhonePe had over 65 crore registered users and a merchant network of more than 4.7 crore as of September 30, 2025.Its services span consumer and merchant payments, lending and insurance distribution, and newer platforms such as Share Market and Indus Appstore

With only a few hours left before the much-awaited India vs England semi-final in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, excitement has reached fever pitch among cricket fans. Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium will host the blockbuster clash on Thursday, as defending champions India take on Harry Brook’s England for a place in the grand final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8. As anticipation builds for the high-stakes encounter, fans across the country are scrambling for tickets and making last-minute plans to be part of the action.

IND vs ENG, T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Final 2: Match details

The second semi-final is scheduled to begin at 7:00 pm IST, with stadium gates opening for spectators at 4:00 pm IST. Interestingly, this will be the third consecutive T20 World Cup semi-final meeting between India and England, after their clashes in 2022 and 2024. With both teams boasting explosive batting lineups and strong bowling attacks, the stage is perfectly set for a thrilling contest under the lights at Wankhede.

Slim chance of tickets for the marquee clash

Unsurprisingly, tickets for this high-voltage clash have been snapped up quickly. According to reports, tickets sold through the official platforms – BookMyShow and the ICC’s ticketing website – have already been marked as sold out. The initial ticket sale opened on February 24 at 7:00 pm IST, and the demand was so overwhelming that most categories were booked within minutes.

However, fans who missed out may still have a slim chance. There is a possibility that a limited number of “sponsor return tickets” could be released roughly 24 hours before the match. While there has been no official confirmation yet, fans are advised to keep checking the official booking platforms for any last-minute availability.

Ticket prices and seating categories

Ticket prices for the semi-final varied widely depending on seating category and location inside the stadium. Reports suggested that prices started at around ₹1,000 for general seats and went significantly higher upto ₹10,000 for premium areas. Wankhede Stadium, which can host around 33,000 spectators, offers several seating options including General Stands, Lower Tier, Mid-Tier, Premium Seats, Club Level and VIP Hospitality sections. Like most online bookings, a convenience fee is added to the ticket price during checkout.

One important detail for those who managed to secure tickets is that entry to the stadium is completely digital for this World Cup. Fans must ensure they have downloaded their M-ticket beforehand and keep it available offline. Mobile networks around the Marine Drive area often become overloaded on match days, making it difficult to access apps at the last moment.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 – Wankhede pitch under spotlight ahead of IND vs ENG semifinal

Watching the cricket match in theatres

For fans who couldn’t get their hands on stadium tickets, there’s still a great way to experience the excitement. Several theatres across Mumbai will screen the match live on the big screen, giving fans the chance to enjoy the atmosphere with fellow supporters. Popular locations like INOX, PVR, and Miraj Cinemas across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane will host screenings in both Hindi and English.

Show timings are expected to begin between 6:00 pm and 6:40 pm, with ticket prices ranging from ₹150 to ₹1500, depending on the theatre and seating option.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Semifinals – Date, Match Time, Venue, Broadcast and Live Streaming details