New Zealand Captain Backs Varun Chakravarthy Ahead of T20 World Cup Final New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner emphasized the threat posed by India’s Varun Chakravarthy ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final against India, despite the spinner’s inconsistent performance in the tournament so far. The match, set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, will see over 100,000 fans in attendance. Santner acknowledged Chakravarthy’s potential to shift the momentum of the game with a single performance, even as the Indian bowler has struggled to replicate his past form. Santner highlighted the importance of pitch conditions in determining how bowlers perform, noting that flat surfaces can challenge even the most skilled spinners. He remarked that while such conditions might allow teams to score freely, Chakravarthy’s ability to adapt could still make a significant difference. “Everyone can go for 60 on such a day,” Santner said, adding that the spinner remains a key threat. “You should know that you are only one game away from changing the tide.” The New Zealand captain also addressed the need for his team to manage the innings effectively, particularly if the match turns into a high-scoring contest. Santner suggested that restricting India to a target of around 220 runs, rather than 250, could provide a competitive edge. He noted that the pitch, still under cover, is likely to be flat and high-scoring, making it crucial for New Zealand to limit India’s scoring opportunities. Santner’s comments came ahead of the final, where New Zealand faces the challenge of countering Chakravarthy’s spin and navigating the unpredictable nature of the pitch. The captain’s focus on preparation and adaptability underscores the high stakes of the match, with both teams aiming to secure a historic victory.#india #new_zealand #icc_men_s_t20_world_cup #mitchell_santner #varun_chakravarthy
India vs New Zealand: Fans hope for World Cup final redemption in Ahmedabad Millions of Indian cricket fans are preparing for a high-stakes showdown as their team faces New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. The match, set for Sunday, carries immense emotional weight for a nation still haunted by the bitter memory of a 2023 Cricket World Cup final loss to Australia. Two years after that defeat, the stadium—once a site of heartbreak—now symbolizes a chance for redemption. The 2023 final remains a painful chapter for many Indians. Australia’s six-wicket victory over India at the same venue left fans in stunned silence, with thousands of empty seats in the 132,000-capacity stadium. The defeat, described as a “cursed day” by some, has lingered in collective memory, reinforced by social media discussions about the stadium’s supposed bad omen. For fans like Sounak Biswas, the hope is to move past those memories and create new, joyful ones. “I want to forget the bad memories and create happier ones,” he said. The current final has sparked cautious optimism across the country. Bookmakers have given India a 70% chance of winning, and local media have rallied behind Suryakumar Yadav’s team. Fans are expected to gather in large numbers, watching the match on screens or traveling to Ahmedabad for an up-close experience. The stadium’s capacity and the national pride at stake have turned the event into a unifying moment for a population of over 1.4 billion. India’s journey to the final has been marked by resilience. The team faced early challenges, including a loss to South Africa and a tense semifinal against England, but rallied with standout performances from players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, and Sanju Samson.#india #new_zealand #t20_world_cup #ahmedabad #narendra_modi_stadium
New Zealand Aiming to End Title Drought in T20 World Cup Final New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expressed confidence as his team prepares to face India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, hoping to end a 12-year wait for a white-ball world title. The Black Caps, who have reached four previous finals in the last 11 years but never lifted the trophy, are determined to break free from the “good guys who finish second” label. Santner emphasized the team’s consistency in high-pressure tournaments, noting their ability to stay focused and execute their game plan regardless of the opposition. The final will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket ground, with over 90,000 fans expected to attend. India, the host nation, are chasing history by becoming the first team to defend a T20 World Cup title and the first to win three championships. New Zealand, meanwhile, aim to overcome the challenge of India’s formidable batting lineup and the pace of Jasprit Bumrah, who has been a key performer for the hosts. Both teams entered the final on the back of strong performances in the semi-finals. New Zealand, who had earlier lost to South Africa and England in the tournament, dominated the final four by defeating South Africa with a nine-wicket victory. Finn Allen’s record-breaking 33-ball century was instrumental in securing the win. India, meanwhile, maintained their perfect group stage record before overcoming England in a high-scoring semi-final, scoring 253/7 and falling just seven runs short of chasing the target. Santner acknowledged the pressure on India to win the tournament at home, while also highlighting the importance of momentum in T20 cricket. “Momentum’s a massive part. We are taking a lot of confidence from the last game,” he said.#icc_men_s_t20_world_cup_2026 #india #new_zealand #narendra_modi_stadium #mitchell_santner
Explosions rock Tehran as US official warns 'biggest bombing' of war is coming Explosions sent up dark plumes of smoke over Tehran on Saturday as the conflict escalated, with the United States warning of an impending "biggest bombing campaign" of the war. Iranian retaliatory missile strikes targeted Israel, while sirens blared across Bahrain and Saudi Arabia as the fighting expanded beyond regional borders. The violence, which has already claimed lives and caused widespread destruction, shows no signs of abating, with the Trump administration approving a new $151 million arms sale to Israel amid calls for Iran's "unconditional surrender." The attacks on Tehran, which included strikes on military infrastructure and leadership targets, were met with Iranian missile fire directed at Israeli cities. In Jerusalem, loud booms echoed as incoming Iranian missiles prompted residents to seek shelter. The conflict has also drawn in Gulf allies, with Saudi Arabia reporting the destruction of drones aimed at its Shaybah oil field and the interception of a ballistic missile near a US military base. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned in a televised interview that the "biggest bombing campaign" of the war was yet to come, reflecting the administration's escalating stance. Israel confirmed it had bombed an underground bunker believed to be a key Iranian leadership facility, though details of the operation remain scarce. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reiterated his refusal to negotiate with Iran without its "unconditional surrender," vowing to support the selection of a "great and acceptable leader" to replace the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the crisis on social media, acknowledging ongoing mediation efforts but offering no specifics.#iran #israel #bahrain #saudi_arabia #scott_bessent
Everything we know on the eighth day of the US and Israel’s war with Iran The United States and Israel have been engaged in a full-scale conflict with Iran for eight days, escalating tensions across the Middle East and drawing warnings of potential global consequences. The war has intensified with widespread attacks, displacement of civilians, and growing fears of a broader regional crisis. The United Nations has urged immediate diplomatic efforts to prevent the situation from spiraling further. Key developments include President Donald Trump’s declaration that Iran must achieve “unconditional surrender,” with no specific demands outlined. Trump emphasized that the U.S. and Israel’s primary concern is ensuring the new Iranian leadership treats them favorably, diverging from his earlier calls for the Iranian public to overthrow their government. Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General has called for urgent negotiations to de-escalate the conflict, warning that the situation could become uncontrollable. Israel has launched a “broad-scale wave of strikes” against Iran, targeting key infrastructure in Tehran. Footage showed Mehrabad airport engulfed in flames, while U.S. Central Command reported over 3,000 Iranian targets struck in the past week. The attacks have resulted in significant casualties, with Iranian state media confirming more than 1,230 deaths, including children. Residents in Iran describe living in constant fear, with many hiding indoors or fleeing villages due to relentless bombardment. An internet blackout has further exacerbated the crisis, leaving people without access to critical information or warnings. In Lebanon, Israeli strikes have continued, targeting Hezbollah command centers. Lebanese state media reported over 200 deaths and nearly 800 injuries from the attacks.#us #iran #israel #united_nations #hezbollah
US-Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates with Saudi Drone Interceptions and US Bombing Threats The escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has intensified, with Saudi Arabia intercepting 16 drones near an oil field and the U.S. warning Iran of an impending "biggest bombing campaign" targeting its missile infrastructure. The situation has drawn global attention as the Middle East faces one of its most volatile crises in decades. The war has seen a series of military actions, including missile exchanges, naval strikes, and regional spillover. Iran has launched fresh missiles at Israel, while Israel has expanded its strikes to Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. A U.S. submarine reportedly sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, marking a significant escalation at sea. Casualties have mounted, with over 1,000 reported dead in Iran and dozens killed in Lebanon and Israel. Tehran is under sustained bombardment, and the search for a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei adds further political uncertainty. The United Nations reports that tens of thousands have fled the Iranian capital. In Washington, Senate Republicans blocked an effort to limit President Trump’s war powers, signaling strong political support for continued military operations. The White House maintains that U.S. ground troops are not part of the current plan but has not ruled out future involvement. The conflict is also disrupting global trade and energy supplies, with missile attacks near the Strait of Hormuz sharply reducing tanker traffic and sending oil prices higher. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that Iran is facing pressure on two fronts, describing the upcoming strikes as the "biggest bombing campaign" aimed at Iran’s missile infrastructure. He stated that the U.S.#us #iran #israel #saudi_arabia #iranian_capital
Rahul Gandhi says PM Modi 'betrayed the country' by signing US trade deal Rahul said the entry of large and mechanised American agricultural corporations into the Indian market would put small farmers under severe pressure and could lead to "devastation" in the agricultural sector. He further alleged that the country’s energy sector had been compromised and claimed that US President Donald Trump had obtained Indian data through the agreement. #Rahul_Gandhi #trade_deal #deal_Rahul #American_agricultural #mechanised_American #agricultural_corporations #put_small #small_farmers #severe_pressure #Indian_market
“We intend to launch our first end-to-end commercial DNA Data Storage solutions before the end of 2026”: Biomemory outlines its DNA storage roadmap after Catalog deal French DNA storage pioneer Biomemory has acquired rival Catalog, and told us where it sees the technology in the years ahead. #DNA_storage #DNA_Data #French_DNA #commercial_DNA #deal_French #Data_Storage #Biomemory_outlines
Gold, cash & more! TVK chief Vijay wooes women voters, promises 'super-good regime' #TVK #Gold #cash #promises #TVK_chief
Lakshya Sen vs Victor Lai LIVE updates, All England Open Badminton: Sen eyes final vs Lin ChunYiFollow the live score and updates of the All England Open Championships semifinal match between Lakshya Sen and Victor Lai. Follow the live score and updates of the All England Open Championships semifinal match between Lakshya Sen and Victor Lai. #live_score #semifinal_match #Lakshya_Sen #England_Open #Victor_Lai #Open_Championships #Open_Badminton #Championships_semifinal #Lin_ChunYiFollow #Sen_eyes
