TOI correspondent from Washington: In the volatile chessboard of Middle-East and Gulf politics, few alignments have been as striking as the quiet convergence between Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Jewish state of Israel over the question of Shia-dominated Iran. Long divided by ideology, history, and the unresolved Palestinian question, the two countries have found common cause in what they view as Tehran’s expanding arc of influence — and in the months leading to Washington’s military strike on Iran, their parallel lobbying efforts in the US reached an intensity rarely seen.According to media reports, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made multiple private phone calls to US President Donald Trump over the past month advocating a US. attack, despite his public support for a diplomatic solution, including pledging, following a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, that Saudi airspace or territory would not be used in an attack on Iran. In his discussions with US. officials, the Saudi leader actually warned that Iran would come away stronger and more dangerous if the US did not strike now, the Washington Post reported on Sunday, suggesting a double game.

For Riyadh, the calculus is rooted in a decade-long rivalry that is as much geopolitical as it is sectarian. Saudi Arabia, the self-proclaimed leader of the Sunni Arab world and custodian of Islam’s two holiest mosques, sees Iran’s revolutionary Shiite theocracy as a direct ideological and strategic challenger. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Tehran has sought to export its model of governance and build influence through a network of allied militias and political movements across the region — from Iraq to Lebanon and Yemen.Israel’s motivations, though framed differently, converge on the same focal point: Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its sponsorship of armed groups hostile to the Jewish state. Israeli leaders have long warned that a nuclear-capable Iran would alter the regional balance irreversibly. Over time, that concern evolved into a broader campaign to curb Iran’s regional footprint, including its support for Hezbollah in Lebanon and militias in Syria.The unusual alignment between Riyadh and Jerusalem was not born overnight. Shared intelligence assessments, quiet security dialogues, and a mutual anxiety about US. retrenchment in the Middle East laid the groundwork. Both capitals viewed Washington’s earlier diplomatic outreach to Tehran as a strategic error that legitimized Iranian power without constraining its regional activism. As Iran’s influence deepened in Baghdad, Damascus, and Beirut, Saudi and Israeli officials amplified their warnings in Washington, arguing that deterrence had failed and that only decisive action could reset the equation.According to the Post, the US attack came despite intelligence assessments in Washington that Iran’s forces were unlikely to pose an immediate threat to the US . mainland within the next decade. The strike on Iran, including the stunning assassination of its leader, is a break from decades of American policy to hold back from a full-scale effort to depose the Iranian regime. In fact, there have been times when President Trump spoke even of engaging the Iranian leadership.The motivations behind Tel Aviv and Riyadh urging a US. strike are layered. Saudi Arabia sought to blunt Iran’s capacity to project power into the Arab heartland and to reassert its own claim to leadership in the Islamic world. Israel aimed to degrade Iran’s military infrastructure and nuclear facilities, buying time and restoring what it calls credible deterrence. For both, an American strike offered the advantage of overwhelming force without the political and military costs of unilateral action.Yet the implications are profound and unpredictable. The Middle East’s sectarian map remains a fault line. Iran is the largest Shiite-majority country, but significant Shiite populations also reside in Iraq, Bahrain, Lebanon, Pakistan, and parts of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Sunni-majority states — including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and most Gulf monarchies — have historically aligned, formally or informally, to counterbalance Iranian influence. An attack on Iran risks hardening these divides. In Iraq, where a Shiite-led government governs a fractured polity, public opinion could tilt sharply against Washington and its Gulf partners. In Lebanon, Hezbollah would face pressure to respond, potentially widening the conflict.At the ideological level, the strike intensifies the contest for leadership of the Islamic world. Saudi Arabia’s claim rests on religious custodianship and financial clout; Iran’s rests on revolutionary legitimacy and its narrative of resistance against Western and Israeli power. A US-led attack — especially if perceived as encouraged by Riyadh — may allow Tehran to recast itself as the aggrieved defender of Muslim sovereignty, potentially galvanizing Shiite communities and even segments of Sunni opinion disillusioned with Gulf monarchies. The energy dimension adds another layer of global consequence. Iran sits astride the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which roughly a fifth of the world’s traded oil passes. Even limited military exchanges in or near the waterway could disrupt shipping lanes, spike insurance costs, and send crude prices soaring. Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, has spare capacity that could cushion supply shocks, but sustained instability would test global markets already sensitive to geopolitical risk. Asian importers — from India to China — would feel the brunt of any prolonged disruption.For Washington, the decision to act — under pressure from two unlikely partners — underscores the enduring pull of Middle Eastern alliances on American policy, now driven by Trump principals with deep financial ties to Riyadh. The deeper story is not merely about a military strike. It is about a struggle for regional primacy, identity, and narrative in a fractured Islamic world. In aligning to confront Iran, Saudi Arabia and Israel have reshaped regional diplomacy. Whether that alignment brings stability or ignites a wider conflagration may determine the Middle East’s trajectory — and the stability of global energy markets — for years to come.

Alyssa Healy of Australia bats during game three of the Women’s One Day International series between Australia and India at Bellerive Oval on March 01, 2026 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo/Getty Images)

Alyssa Healy ended her ODI career with a century as Australia completed a 3-0 sweep over India, defeating the world champions by 185 runs in the third and final match on Sunday.Asked to bat, Australia posted 409 for seven, built around Healy’s 158 and an unbeaten 106 from Beth Mooney. India, chasing 410, were bowled out for 224 in 45.1 overs.

The 35-year-old Healy, playing her 126th ODI, hit 27 fours and two sixes in her 98-ball knock. It was her eighth ODI hundred. She will retire from international cricket after the one-off pink-ball Test against India in Perth from March 6. Across 126 ODIs, she has scored 3,777 runs with eight centuries and 19 fifties.Australia lost Phoebe Litchfield (14) early, but Healy and Georgia Voll (62 off 52) added 134 for the second wicket. Healy then shared a 145-run stand with Mooney for the third wicket to set up the total. Voll struck seven fours and a six, while Mooney’s innings included 10 boundaries and one six. Annabel Sutherland (23) and Nicola Carey (34 off 15) added runs in the closing overs.For India, Sneh Rana (2/66) and Shree Charani (2/106) took two wickets each. Charani became only the third bowler to concede more than 100 runs in an ODI.India’s chase never gathered pace. Smriti Mandhana fell in the second over. Pratika Rawal (27 off 21) and Jemimah Rodrigues (42 off 29) added 54 for the second wicket before Rawal was dismissed in the eighth over, given out in front to Annabel Sutherland.Rodrigues, who hit nine boundaries, was caught at short fine-leg by Hamilton off Ashleigh Gardner while attempting a sweep. Harleen Deol (14) also fell without a major score. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur made 25 off 33 balls before being trapped LBW by Alana King. Richa Ghosh (18) and Kashvee Gautam were dismissed as the required rate climbed.Deepti Sharma (29 off 47) and Rana added 63 for the eighth wicket, but the effort came too late. Deepti was dismissed LBW by King in the 40th over. Rana, who had earlier returned figures of 2/66, scored 44 off 74 balls.India had lost the first two ODIs by six and five wickets. They had won the preceding three-match T20 series 2-1.Australia now lead the multi-format series 8-4 on points. Each T20 and ODI win carries two points, while a Test victory is worth four.

With tensions escalating in West Asia after US and Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks by Tehran, the Commerce Ministry has convened a meeting on Monday with exporters, shipping lines and freight forwarders to assess the potential impact on India’s trade flows, PTI reported citing officials.The US and Israel jointly launched military strikes on Iran on Saturday, prompting Iran to fire drones and missiles at Israel, US military installations in the Gulf and the global business hub of Dubai.An official said the ministry has called the meeting in hybrid mode to evaluate the evolving situation and its implications for shipments, freight rates and logistics corridors critical to Indian exports.Exporters have raised concerns that the conflict could disrupt trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, both key maritime passages connecting India to the Gulf, North America and Europe.Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President SC Ralhan said the hostilities have already started affecting established global logistics networks.“Air routes are being altered, and maritime trade through the Red Sea and key Gulf straits faces heightened uncertainty. If diversions become prolonged, shipments may increasingly have to reroute via the Cape of Good Hope, adding an estimated 15–20 days to transit time for Europe and the United States,” Ralhan said earlier.Exporters warned that prolonged disruption could push up freight rates and marine insurance premiums, adding to trade costs. Industry representatives said it may take a few days to get clarity on shipping capacity, alternative routes and revised insurance and freight charges.West Asia hosts major maritime corridors through which a large portion of India’s exports to its key markets pass. India’s exports to the US stood at USD 86.5 billion, USD 98.4 billion to Europe and USD 58.8 billion to West Asia. Together, these regions account for nearly 56 per cent of India’s merchandise exports.During the 2023–2025 Israel-Hamas conflict, freight rates had surged sharply as shipping lines avoided the Red Sea route and diverted vessels via the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transit time between India and Western markets by 15–20 days.Industry players said that unlike the earlier episode, the current situation appears broader in scope and could pose deeper risks if tensions persist.Freight rates are typically revised at the start of each month by major shipping lines, and fresh rates are expected to be published on Monday. At the beginning of 2026, rates had been contracting, exporters said.The outcome of Monday’s meeting is expected to determine whether additional policy support or trade facilitation measures may be required to cushion the impact on exporters.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday announced that a new interim leadership council has formally begun functioning. This comes after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli strikes.In a recorded video statement broadcast on state television, Pezeshkian said, “The interim leadership council started its work. We will continue with all our strength along the path set by Imam Khamenei, the founder of the Islamic Republic.”He added ““We will continue the path of the Leader with strength. Our Armed Forces are crushing the bases of the enemies.”Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that the process to appoint a new Supreme Leader could be completed within days, Al Jazeera reported.Speaking to the news outlet on Sunday, he said state institutions were functioning, and succession procedures were underway.“You may see the selection of a supreme leader in a day or two,” Araghchi said, adding that “Iran’s institutions are functioning” and that the country “has constitutional procedures in place.”Describing the killing as a watershed moment, Araghchi said, ““It is absolutely unprecedented and a major violation of international law for a leader of another country to be assassinated by foreign forces.”He further warned, “That would make this conflict – this war of aggression by the Americans against us – even more dangerous and more complicated, and it would perhaps add new aspects to it.”The foreign minister also confirmed that Tehran had activated constitutional provisions to ensure continuity of governance.“We have begun a constitutional process, and the Transitional Council was established today and will work to manage affairs,” he said. Emphasising Iran’s stance on retaliation and self-defence, Araghchi added, “We have no restrictions or limits in defending ourselves.”

How is Iran’s leader selected?

Under Iran’s constitution, the Supreme Leader is the highest authority in the country, wielding control over the armed forces, judiciary, state broadcasting and key appointments, while also setting overarching state policy.In the event of a vacancy, the Assembly of Experts — an elected clerical body — is tasked with selecting a successor.If the post becomes suddenly vacant, a temporary leadership arrangement is activated to ensure continuity. This typically involves senior constitutional authorities assuming interim responsibilities until a new Supreme Leader is chosen.

Zimbabwe players celebrate after the wicket of South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 cricket match between Zimbabwe and South Africa, at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. (PTI Photo)

TimesofIndia.com in New Delhi: Already out of the T20 World Cup semi-final race, Zimbabwe readied for the dead rubber against South Africa in New Delhi on Sunday. As they went through their paces on a hot Saturday afternoon a day prior, their focus shifted to their phones and news channels by the evening.After the US and Israel’s airstrikes on Iran and their counter-attack on US military installations around the Gulf, it has affected the airspace in the global business hub of Dubai. Zimbabwe were due to fly out through that region on their way back home after a positive tournament.“You still believe that the focus is on the game. At the end of the day, it is on the back of everyone’s minds. You know you’re going home, when you’re going home, how you’re going home, the conversations are happening in the groups. No clarity on travel plans, focus on game since,” said Zimbabwe coach Justin Simmons after their 5-wicket loss to South Africa.As a result, Zimbabwe and their travelling fans are forced to look at alternative routes. The team was due to leave in three batches, revealed Simmons, but have no clarity as things stand. One of the players in the squad, Graeme Cremer, lives in Dubai. The team and their fans are considering the possibility of flying for Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and then taking their onward journeys.South Africa, meanwhile, have more days left in India. They will now fly to Kolkata for the semi-final against New Zealand. The reality of the world outside, though, is not lost on the Proteas contingent.“Obviously it comes up in every conversation, so you can’t wish it away because it’s there. We’ve just got to try and nail our yorkers. So whilst it’s (in) conversations, we’ve managed to just move that aside,” said South Africa coach Shukri Conrad after they kept their unbeaten run going.“And obviously our manager, together with the ICC, we firmly believe that all the right decisions will get made. All our focus is on Kolkata and playing New Zealand on Wednesday,” he added.On Saturday, ICC, headquartered in Dubai, had issued a statement clarifying that they were monitoring the developing situation. “The International Cricket Council (ICC) is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and has activated comprehensive contingency plans to safeguard the travel, logistics and well-being of all stakeholders associated with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, currently underway in India and Sri Lanka,” said the statement.“While the crisis in the Middle East has no direct bearing on the conduct of the tournament, the ICC acknowledges that a significant number of personnel – including players, team management, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff – rely on Gulf hub airports, particularly Dubai (DXB), as key transit points for onward travel to their home countries upon concluding their commitments at the event,” it continued.As of Sunday, Indian airlines have cancelled 350 international flights due to the disruptions caused by the escalating conflict in the GUlf region.“In view of airspace restrictions arising from geopolitical developments in the Middle East, a total of 350 flights operated by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled on 01.03.2026,” the civil aviation ministry said in a post on X at 1634 hours on Sunday.

Experience shows markets often come to view geopolitical disruptions as temporary. (AI image)

The global markets are in for a phase of enhanced turmoil and uncertainty! The ongoing tensions in the Middle East after US and Israel’s strikes on Iran and Ali Khamenei’s death may have investors running for cover – looking for an asset class that is safer.During the night of February 27–28, the United States and Israel carried out joint aerial strikes on Iran as part of “Operation Epic Fury.” Statements by President Trump openly referring to regime change suggest that the confrontation could evolve into a prolonged campaign rather than remain a limited exchange, say market analysts at Franklin Templeton Institute.What does the situation mean for stock markets, energy markets (oil), gold and other asset classes? Here’s what Franklin Templeton Institute analysts have to say:From a market perspective, the key uncertainty is whether the conflict remains confined to direct military engagement or expands into disruptions affecting energy supplies and logistics networks, which would sustain a higher and more persistent risk premium.At the centre of the ongoing uncertainty from a global market and trade perspective is the Strait of Hormuz. While a complete blockade would carry severe consequences for Iran itself, the country has the capability to disrupt maritime traffic through tactics such as vessel harassment, seizures, drone activity, cyber operations, or the use of proxy forces.

Strait of Hormuz

The most immediate economic impact is expected in energy markets, where crude oil and natural gas prices are likely to move higher, they say. Such actions, feel analysts, will keep geopolitical risk premiums at high levels. In 2024, approximately 20 million barrels per day moved through the Strait of Hormuz, which is around one-fifth of global petroleum liquids consumption. Even a limited interference – which can be caused by delays, rerouting, or isolated seizure – can push prices higher through increased risk perception well before any actual shortages emerge.

Liquefied natural gas should not be overlooked in this context. Qatar has the world’s third-largest LNG export capacity, and roughly one-fifth of global LNG shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, largely consisting of Qatari exports. As a result, shipping risks in the region affect gas markets as significantly as oil markets.Also Read | US-Israel strikes on Iran: How will India be hit by Strait of Hormuz closure? ExplainedShipping expenses have already begun to rise, with insurance costs acting as a major driver. Insurers have started issuing cancellation notices and revising war-risk premiums for voyages in the Gulf region. Some routes have reportedly seen premium increases of up to about 50%, while earlier periods of tension recorded rises exceeding 60% on important trade corridors. These developments effectively tighten supply conditions even when production levels remain unchanged.The possibility of the conflict spreading across the region is increasing. Franklin Templeton Institute analysts are of the view that across global financial markets, the immediate response to such shocks is usually driven by adjustments in risk perception rather than by underlying economic changes. “The initial market reaction for this type of event would typically see Treasury yields move lower and equities lower—mostly a risk-premium repricing. Impacts on activity/earnings may be delayed and uneven. The US dollar reaction is not guaranteed; gold tends to benefit while bitcoin has been trading like a risk asset (i.e., down with equities), reinforcing that it’s not typically a reliable hedge/diversifier in geopolitical drawdowns,” say Franklin Templeton Institute analysts.However, they note that experience shows markets often come to view geopolitical disruptions as temporary. Initial spikes in risk premiums are frequently followed by the realization that the overall effect on corporate profitability is limited. The duration of the conflict, developments in shipping and insurance costs, and the eventual resolution will be more important than the initial headlines.“We would not yet label this a clean buy-the-dip setup—duration, shipping/insurance mechanics, and the endgame matter more than the first headline,” they say.From an investment perspective, the near-term outlook favours sectors linked to energy markets, as well as companies benefiting from higher shipping and insurance costs, along with defence-related industries, the analysts say. At the same time, caution is warranted toward emerging markets that depend heavily on energy imports and toward cyclical sectors sensitive to fuel and logistics costs, including airlines and certain industrial segments.“For protection, we prefer oil upside/volatility structures and selective gold exposure over broad equity shorts—the path will be driven more by shipping/insurance reality than by the new cycle,” they conclude.

With India gearing up for a decisive Super 8 encounter against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday, former cricketer Manoj Tiwary delivered a light-hearted yet pointed message to the Men in Blue. He joked that a failure to overcome the Caribbean side in their ICC T20 World Cup clash could even impact their future IPL prospects.The upcoming fixture is effectively a knockout, with the winner sealing a semi-final berth and the loser heading home. Both sides sit on two points from two matches in the Super Eight stage. Each recorded commanding victories over Zimbabwe but were outplayed by South Africa, making this contest a straight shootout for qualification.

During a discussion on Cricbuzz, Tiwary backed India to bounce back strongly, pointing to their recent batting fireworks.“India have scored 256 in their last match, so from that position, they should go through. There is no pressure at all. The expectation would be to score over 200 and defeat the West Indies easily. If they can’t defeat the West Indies, no one will get IPL contracts,” Tiwary said with a smile on his face.Former India opener Virender Sehwag, who was part of the same panel, struck a more measured tone. He reminded fans that no side can be underestimated in a global event.“It can happen; it is not as if we are invincible and cannot lose to anyone. The other team is also here to play and win. You had one bad day; you lost that day to South Africa. Then we have defeated Zimbabwe, and now if we defeat the West Indies, we will qualify with a laugh,” Sehwag said.He also reflected on the intense public reaction that followed India’s defeat to South Africa.“Our country is quite emotional; they get emotional quite quickly. After losing just one match, people were reacting as if we lost the World Cup,” he added.With England, New Zealand and South Africa already through to the semi-finals, the final spot will be determined in this high-pressure showdown between India and the West Indies.

The Super 8 clash between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata has all the ingredients of a high-stakes knockout. With South Africa already sealing their semifinal berth from Group 1, this encounter has effectively turned into a virtual quarterfinal. It is a straight winner-takes-all contest, with the victorious side booking the final remaining semifinal spot of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

For both teams, the equation is simple yet daunting. India have carried strong momentum into the Super 8 stage, while West Indies have shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. The pressure of a do-or-die contest adds an extra layer of intensity, especially given the rich history between the two cricketing giants. Eden Gardens, known for its electrifying atmosphere, is expected to be packed, with fans bracing themselves for a thriller.

Why Brandon King is not playing today’s match?

West Indies skipper Shai Hope confirmed at the toss that there has been one change in the playing XI. Spinner Akeal Hosein has come in for Brandon King. While Hope did not explicitly mention the exact reason behind King’s omission, the move appears to be a tactical one. With the Eden Gardens surface traditionally assisting spinners as the game progresses, West Indies seem to have opted for an additional spin option in Hosein. The left-arm spinner not only provides control in the middle overs but is also capable of contributing valuable runs lower down the order.

King, on the other hand, has endured a disappointing campaign. The aggressive opener has struggled to find rhythm in this tournament, failing to convert starts and putting the top order under pressure. Given the magnitude of this clash, the team management may have felt the need to make a bold call.

“It’s a do or die game today. This is what we play for – to play against big teams, best teams. One change, Akeal Hosein comes in for Brandon King,” said Hope at the toss.

Also WATCH: Sikandar Raza cleans up Aiden Markram with a carrom ball stunner in ZIM vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 clash

India stick with winning combination

India, meanwhile, have decided to back their settled combination. Captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed that there are no changes to the side. The management’s decision signals confidence in the balance of the team, especially with both pace and spin departments delivering in crunch situations. With big names like Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace attack and Varun Chakaravarthy adding mystery spin, India appear well-equipped for the Kolkata conditions.

Playing XI of both teams

West Indies: Shai Hope (c and wk), Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

India: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Dewald Brevis shine South Africa’s emphatic win over Zimbabwe

India’s automobile industry sustained its growth momentum in February, with leading carmakers reporting higher dispatches to dealers as steady consumer demand supported sales across passenger vehicles and utility segments.Leading automakers Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Mahindra & Mahindra and Hyundai posted an increase in vehicle dispatches last month, reflecting continued strength in the domestic market, PTI reported.Car market leader Maruti Suzuki India said its domestic passenger vehicle sales rose to 1,61,000 units in February compared with 1,60,791 units in February 2025.Sales in the mini car segment, comprising Alto and S-Presso, increased marginally to 10,238 units from 10,226 units a year earlier. However, the compact car category, including Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift and WagonR, declined to 66,386 units last month against 72,942 units in the year-ago period.Utility vehicle sales, covering Brezza, Ertiga, e-Vitara, Fronx, Grand Vitara, Invicto, Jimny, Victoris and XL6, rose to 72,756 units compared with 65,033 units in February 2025.Maruti Suzuki Senior Executive Officer for Marketing and Sales Partho Banerjee said the company has been calibrating production to reduce waiting periods across models.He noted that the automaker reported record sales of 2.14 lakhs in February while operating at over 100 per cent capacity, with a new manufacturing line expected to become operational in April and additional volumes likely from May onwards.“Domestic wholesales reached an all-time high of 1.64 lakh for the month of February, and retail sales grew by 12 per cent to 1.51 lakh units. Besides, the network stock is low at 12 days, with 7 days in transit,” he said.Banerjee added that the company’s mid-SUV sales have doubled from last year, increasing market share in the segment from 12.8 per cent to 19 per cent.Responding to a query on the impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East, Maruti Suzuki Senior Executive Officer Corporate Affairs Rahul Bharti said: “We are closely monitoring the situation. However, our exposure to the Middle East as an export region is not very high. This year it accounts for about 12.5 per cent of our total exports.”“In fact, as we export to nearly 100 countries, we have ensured that our portfolio is well diversified and inherently de-risked. It is in times like these that the depth of leadership truly comes through. We are not just increasing exports; we are expanding them in a broad-based manner, ensuring that we remain de-risked at the same time,” he added.Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles reported a 34 per cent rise in passenger vehicle dispatches at 62,329 units last month compared with 46,435 units in the year-ago period.Mahindra & Mahindra said domestic utility vehicle sales increased 19 per cent to 60,018 units in February against 50,420 units a year earlier.M&M CEO, Automotive Division, Nalinikanth Gollagunta said the February performance reflected “robust customer demand across the portfolio”.Hyundai Motor India reported a 10 per cent year-on-year rise in domestic sales to 52,407 units last month.The company’s MD and CEO Tarun Garg said, “We kicked off 2026 on a high note, achieving our highest-ever monthly sales in January, and the momentum continues in February”.Toyota Kirloskar Motor said domestic sales rose 16 per cent to 30,737 units compared with 26,414 units in February 2025.Executive Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Sabari Manohar said demand remained strong across the company’s product portfolio.Kia India reported a 10 per cent increase in sales to 27,610 units last month against 25,026 units in February 2025.In the two-wheeler segment, Hero MotoCorp reported a 45 per cent year-on-year rise in dispatches to dealers at 5,16,968 units compared with 3,57,296 units.

South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs and George Linde walk off the field, after winning the T20 World Cup cricket match between South Africa and Zimbabwe, as Zimbabwe’s captain Sikandar Raza wears the cap, in New Delhi, India, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo)

TimesofIndia.com in New Delhi: “Even though there are bruises, we will look to win and earn respect,” said Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza before facing India in the T20 World Cup Super Eight. But then they were hammered for 256 runs, just days after being wacked around for 254 runs by West Indies. Despite going for 510 runs in two matches, on the eve of the contest against South Africa, Zimbabwe bowling consultant Courtney Walsh reiterated that their achievements – beating Sri Lanka and Australia in the group stage – cannot be ignored. “We wanted to make a statement here and I think the performance showed itself,” he said.A day later, Zimbabwe restored their pride and respect by pushing the Proteas at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi which witnessed nearly 20,000 spectators on a hot Sunday afternoon. Following their 5-wicket win, South Africa have maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament. They will now approach the semi-final against New Zealand, to be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 4, with seven consecutive wins.

Raza, rather fittingly, led Zimbabwe’s effort in creating yet another upset in the competition. He scored 73 from 43 balls, laden with eight fours and four sixes, taking the side to 153/7, before chipping in with 3/29 from his four overs, including a first-over strike to dismiss Quinton de Kock and adding to South Africa’s troubles with wickets of Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis.Even though South Africa lost four wickets in the first 10 overs, they remained ahead of the scoring curve, producing 93 runs at the halfway mark. With Brevis falling not long after, Zimbabwe possibly had reason to believe. Was another upset in the offing? Were Zimbabwe on the cusp of beating their ‘big brother’?Those faint hopes were dashed by Tristan Stubbs (unbeaten 21 off 24) and George Linde (unbeaten 30 from 21 balls), stitching an unbroken stand of 53 runs from 43 balls.Earlier, Raza’s sublime ball-striking stood out in an otherwise ordinary batting display by Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe captain Raza hammered 73 off 43 balls while the other batters struggled to find the same flow against high quality pace.The batters, barring Raza, tried to attack the likes of Kwena Maphaka, Anrich Nortje and the in-form Lungi Ngidi but were unsuccessful.Brief Scores:Zimbabwe: 153/7 in 20 overs (Sikandar Raza 73; Kwena Maphaka 2/21).South Africa: 154/5 in 17.5 overs (Ryan Rickelton 31, Dewald Brevis 42, George Linde ; Sikandar Raza 3/29)