New Zealand capped off a dominant opening day in the second Test at Basin Reserve, bowling out West Indies for a modest 205 before reaching a steady 24/0 at stumps. Trailing by 181 runs, the hosts firmly hold the advantage after a disciplined collective display with the ball, headlined by Blair Tickner and debutant Michael Rae.

Early Resistance from West Indies

Opting to bowl first under overcast Wellington skies, New Zealand initially found the West Indies top order resolute. While movement off the surface was limited in the first session, John Campbell’s 44 and Shai Hope’s fluent 48 ensured the visitors negotiated the early threat with composure. Their partnerships helped WI maintain stability heading into the second session, where the hosts began to claw their way back into the contest.

Blair Tickner destroys West Indies with bowling brilliance

As the pitch quickened after lunch, New Zealand’s pace brigade tightened the screws. Short-pitched bowling proved effective, unsettling the West Indies middle order. Blair Tickner, relentless with his lines and aggressive lengths, claimed 4/32, dismissing four of the top five batters at crucial moments. His ability to extract bounce and hurry batters forced errors that shifted the momentum significantly in New Zealand’s favour.

On debut, Michael Rae overcame initial nerves to deliver a composed and disciplined spell. His 3/67 included important middle-order wickets that prevented the visitors from rebuilding. Jacob Duffy and Glenn Phillips added a wicket each, contributing to a complete bowling performance.

Also READ: NZ vs WI, 2nd Test: Key Stats and Records at Wellington’s Basin Reserve

Six wickets for 29: WI collapse in the final session

What had been a fairly balanced contest through two sessions turned heavily in New Zealand’s favour after tea. The West Indies innings unraveled dramatically, losing their final six wickets for just 29 runs. The lower order struggled against the sharp rise in pace and sustained hostility, leaving WI well short of a competitive first-innings total.

However, New Zealand’s near-perfect day was marred by a concerning moment late in the innings. Tickner suffered a suspected dislocated left shoulder while making a full-length diving effort near the boundary rope to stop a flick from Tevon Imlach. He stayed down immediately, prompting urgent calls for help. Medical staff from both the New Zealand camp and the venue attended to him before he was stretchered off—sitting upright—to applause from the Basin Reserve crowd. He was later transported to a hospital by ambulance. Updates on his availability for the remainder of the Test are expected before the start of Day 2.

In the brief period before stumps, openers navigated the remaining overs safely, taking the hosts to 24 without loss. With a deep batting unit and favourable conditions forecasted, New Zealand are well-placed to build a substantial first-innings lead on Day 2.

New Zealand dominated the first day of the 2nd Test 👏#Cricket #NZvsWI pic.twitter.com/C5IFl0hgCz

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 10, 2025

Also READ: NZ vs WI: Fans go wild as Justin Greaves’ stunning double ton leads West Indies to historic draw in 1st Test against New Zealand

NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre over the chaos faced by air travellers amid disruptions at IndiGo, questioning why the government failed to prevent airfares from soaring to Rs 35,000–Rs 39,000 and what immediate measures were taken to assist stranded passengers. “Why did such a situation even precipitate? What steps were taken to assist passengers?” it asked.

“Question also is, if there was a crisis how can other airlines be permitted to take advantage? How can it go to 35-39k? How could other airlines start charging? How can it happen?” Live Law quoted Justice Gedela saying. The additional solicitor general told the court that a show-cause notice had already been served to the airline, which responded with a “profuse apology.” He further noted that implementation of the FDTL scheme had been delayed since 2024 due to the carrier’s repeated pleas for extensions and its continued assurances before the single-judge bench. The bench asked the government to explain the arrangements made to manage stranded travellers and prevent harassment at airports. “If they failed, what action did you take? You allowed the situation to reach this point,” it said. The IndiGo crisis drew the attention of both the Delhi high court and the Supreme Court against the backdrop of mounting frustration among air travellers after airlines cancelled hundreds of flights nationwide, triggering widespread disruption. The HC agreed to hear a plea on the matter after SC acknowledged the gravity of the situation, calling it a “serious matter,” even as it declined an urgent hearing. “It is a serious matter. Lakhs of people are stranded at the airports. We know that the government of India has taken timely action and cognisance of the issue,” CJI Surya Kant had said. IndiGo has come under sharp criticism from both the central government and travellers after it scrapped hundreds of flights since December 2, attributing the large-scale disruptions to changes in pilots’ flight duty and rest regulations. The cancellations have caused massive inconvenience, leaving lakhs of passengers stranded at airports nationwide.

NEW DELHI: Multiple schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails on Wednesday, prompting police to launch an investigation.The schools issued notices to parents requesting them to collect their children in a phased manner to prevent panic, while authorities launched investigations into the threats, according to news agency ANI.The Indian School sent a detailed notice to parents outlining specific pickup times for different grade levels. The schedule arranged collection times starting from 9.30am for nursery to Class 2, followed by other grades at 15-minute intervals, with Class 9 and above scheduled for 10.15am.“Dear Parents, the school has received a bomb threat via email. As a precautionary measure, the school is dispersing the children. You are requested to kindly come and collect your child as per the schedule below: Nursery to Class 2: 9.30am, Class 3 to 5: 9.45am, Class 6 to 8: 9.55am, Class 9 and above: 10.15am,” stated the notice from The Indian School.Ahlcon International School also received a similar threat and arranged for early dispersal at 11.30am.“Dear Parent, kindly note that due to an email threat received this morning, we are arranging an early dispersal for all students (on footers/bus users/van users) at 11.30am, keeping the safety of our students as our utmost priority. Parents are requested to kindly coordinate with the van drivers for timely pickup. Your patience and cooperation in this regard are highly appreciated. The competent authorities are being contacted for further instructions and clearance. From Ahlcon International school.”Schools in Laxmi Nagar and Sadiq Nagar also reported receiving bomb threats. The fire department received information in the morning, and police confirmed multiple schools were affected.This incident follows similar bomb threats received by two Delhi University colleges – Deshbandhu College and Ramjas College – the previous Wednesday. Police teams, bomb disposal squads, and sniffer dogs were deployed at both campuses.No suspicious objects were found during the searches at any of the locations. Security forces remain on high alert following a recent blast near the Red Fort that resulted in 15 casualties.

NEW DELHI: In a landmark recognition, Deepavali has been added to Unesco’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming the 16th Indian tradition to earn the honour, joining the ranks of Yoga and Durga Puja.“A historic day for India. Deepavali has been officially inscribed on the Unesco List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. During the tenure of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India’s cultural heritage is receiving unprecedented global recognition and this milestone strengthens that journey. This honour celebrates the universal message of our festival of lights: hope over despair, harmony over division, and light for all. My gratitude to Unesco and to every custodian of our timeless traditions,” said culture and tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.In the same round of additions, Unesco also inscribed “Georgian wheat culture: traditions and rituals” from Georgia, recognising the nation’s centuries-old agricultural heritage. The inscription of Deepavali on Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list comes as part of a significant global review underway in New Delhi, where the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage is being held from December 8 to 13 at the historic Red Fort. This marks the first time India has hosted the prestigious Unesco panel, which is tasked with evaluating cultural practices, traditions, and expressions from around the world for international recognition and protection. During the nearly week-long session, the committee is examining 67 nominations submitted by 79 countries, including India’s entry of the Deepavali festival. The assessments form part of Unesco’s larger mandate to safeguard cultural traditions that hold historical, artistic, or social value, ensuring their continuity for future generations. The global diversity of this year’s submissions — ranging from festivals and rituals to agricultural and craft traditions — underscores the expanding scope of the intangible heritage programme and the growing international interest in preserving living cultural practices.

Akshaye Khanna’s power-packed entry as Rehman Dakait in ‘Dhurandhar’ has gone viral. Choreographer Vijay Ganguly revealed Akshaye shot the ‘FA9LA’ track in Ladakh while carrying an oxygen cylinder due to low oxygen levels. Despite challenges, he completed the shoot flawlessly. The Aditya Dhar film also stars Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, and R. Madhavan.

Akshaye Khanna has successfully captivated audiences once again with his grand entry as the fierce character, Rehman Dakait, in the spy action-thriller, ‘Dhurandhar’. His commanding presence in the sequence has become a major talking point and a viral sensation across the internet. The excitement was significantly heightened by the use of the electrifying ‘FA9LA’ track accompanying his powerful introduction. Offering a glimpse behind the scenes, choreographer Vijay Ganguly shed light on the rigorous process. Ganguly revealed that filming this high-impact entry sequence came with its significant challenges for Akshaye Khanna.

The famous ‘FA9LA’ track, created by Bahraini hip-hop artist Flipperachi, has taken over Instagram trends. While filming the song sequence in the high-altitude terrains of Ladakh, Akshaye faced a tough challenge, coping with low oxygen levels. To manage the demanding conditions, he kept an oxygen cylinder close by throughout the shoot. Talking to Mid-Day, Vijay revealed, “Akshaye would carry a small oxygen cylinder with him. When we were shooting this song, his oxygen level had dropped. So, after every shot, he would put the oxygen mask on. He did the sequence unflinchingly, and then went home”.See More: Akshaye Khanna’s Rs 167 crore net worth: Inside ‘Dhurandhar’ actor’s lavish properties and car collection

Ganguly also opened up about the concept behind the energetic number, explaining the significance of the sequence. The choreographer added that the song is a celebration of Akshaye’s character being crowned as the Sher-E-Baloch. Originally, Khanna was supposed to enter, walk through the dancers, and sit on the throne. Seeing the scene’s mood and the dancers’ performance, he said he would dance a bit when he walked in. None of them knew what he was going to do. Akshaye entered the scene, took it from that point, and spontaneously performed.

Even with the tough shooting conditions, the team managed to wrap up the entire song in just two hours in Ladakh. Vijay credited this swift completion to Akshaye’s sharp professionalism and flawless execution. He further added, “It was the first shot we took that day, and it was perfect. Then we did a close-up, and we were done. Akshaye knows exactly what he has to do in a scene and plays with it.”

‘Dhurandhar’ brings together a stellar ensemble cast featuring Ranveer Singh, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, R. Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna in pivotal roles. Directed by Aditya Dhar, the much-awaited film arrived in cinemas on December 5.

Australia have strengthened their formidable Ashes campaign with the return of captain Pat Cummins, naming him in a 15-member squad for the third Test in Adelaide beginning December 17. Cummins’ comeback marks the only change to the group, but it brings significant implications for team balance as the hosts eye sealing the Ashes with a commanding 2–0 lead already in hand.

Pat Cummins back after lengthy injury layoff

After weeks on the sidelines, Cummins is finally set to don the Baggy Green again. The fast bowler had missed the opening two Tests due to a lumbar stress injury that had kept him out of competitive cricket since Australia’s tour of the West Indies in July. Although he pushed for selection at the Gabba, team management preferred caution, allowing him additional time to regain rhythm and workload through extended match-simulation spells.

His return now provides Australia with both leadership stability and a strengthening of their pace artillery—an area that has functioned well but will only benefit further with Cummins’ control and strike power.

Usman Khawaja keeps his place amid batting uncertainties

Experienced opener Usman Khawaja, who has had a restricted role so far in the series due to back trouble, also keeps his place. Khawaja did not feature in Perth and was unavailable for the second Test at Brisbane, but selectors remain confident in his value at the top of the order. His inclusion, however, raises selection puzzles, especially with Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster also part of the extended squad.

The decision on whether Khawaja returns to the XI—or whether Australia persist with their temporary combinations—could significantly influence the team’s structure heading into a decisive Test.

Also READ: England pacer Mark Wood ruled out of the remaining Ashes 2025-26 vs Australia; replacement announced

Bowling conundrum after duo’s return

With both Cummins and veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon are back into the playing XI, Australia face some difficult choices in the pace department. Scott Boland, Michael Neser, and Brendan Doggett have all contributed as rotational options, but at least two of them may be pushed out of contention for the Adelaide Test. Lyon’s comeback, in particular, adds a layer of complexity, as the Adelaide Oval often rewards spin, especially in day-night conditions. His presence alongside Cummins and Mitchell Starc may narrow the available seam-bowling spots even further.

Holding a commanding 2–0 advantage with three Tests remaining, Australia are perfectly positioned to retain the Ashes on home soil once again. A victory in Adelaide would wrap up the urn early, allowing the hosts to play the final two matches with freedom.
With Cummins’ leadership and experience back at the helm, the Australian camp will feel even more confident about extending their dominance over England in what has already been a compelling series.

Australia squad for third Ashes Test

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Ricky Ponting slams Jofra Archer for engaging in war of words with Steve Smith in Gabba Test

NEW DELHI: In one of the largest global tech investment flows into India, American tech giant Amazon on Wednesday committed a mega $35 billion for its operations here, over and above the $40 billion that it has already put into the country.The ecommerce, cloud and media giant said that the investments will be made by 2030 as it goes big on business expansion while focusing on three strategic pillars: AI-driven digitization, export growth and job creation

Announcement comes a day after Microsoft’s $17.5B promise

Amazon’s mega bucks come a day after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella had announced a $17.5 billion investment in AI and cloud infrastructure in India.“By 2030, Amazon plans to create one million additional job opportunities, boosting cumulative exports to $80 billion, delivering AI benefits to 15 million small businesses, hundreds of millions of shoppers, and providing AI education and career exploration opportunities to 4 million government school students,” the company said.“We are humbled to have been a part of India’s digital transformation journey over the past 15 years, with Amazon’s growth in India perfectly aligned with the vision of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat. We have invested at scale in growing the physical and digital infrastructure for small businesses in India, creating millions of jobs, and taking Made-in-India global. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue being a catalyst for India’s growth, as we democratize access to AI for millions of Indians, create 1 million job opportunities, and quadruple cumulative ecommerce exports enabled to $80 billion by 2030,” Amit Agarwal, Senior VP for Emerging Markets at Amazon said.Amazon said it has enabled over $20 billion in exports from India. “The company has now set a goal of enabling $80 billion in cumulative ecommerce exports from India by 2030.”The company launched “Accelerate Exports” — a manufacturing-focused initiative — designed to connect digital entrepreneurs with manufacturers while enabling manufacturers to become successful global sellers. “As part of the program, Amazon will host on-ground onboarding drives in over 10 manufacturing clusters across India, including Tirupur, Kanpur, and Surat. At the Smbhav summit, Amazon announced a key partnership with the Apparel Export Promotion Council of India to grow and scale the program across India,” the company said.