India posted a dominant 80/1 in the powerplay against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash at Chennai. Sanju Samson blazed an explosive start before throwing his wicket away, picking out deep square-leg. Abhishek Sharma then took charge, finishing the powerplay on a high with a stunning six, racing to 33 off just 13 balls. India, reeling after a heavy loss to South Africa, desperately needed a strong batting performance. The opening stand delivered before Samson's dismissal opened a brief window for Zimbabwe. With Group 1 qualification at stake, India need not just a win but a commanding statement against rivals England, South Africa, and New Zealand watching closely. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day Israel visit yielded landmark outcomes, elevating India-Israel ties to a "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation, and Prosperity." A major highlight was the agreement to introduce UPI digital payments in Israel, alongside progress on a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement. Both nations signed multiple agreements covering trade, agriculture, energy, cyberspace, and defence, including joint development and production of military hardware. Modi strongly backed the Gaza Peace Initiative, asserting humanity must never fall victim to conflict. India and Israel also announced a critical and emerging technologies partnership spanning AI, quantum computing, and critical minerals. Discussions also covered the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and I2U2 framework cooperation.

India are cruising in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash against Zimbabwe at Chennai, reaching a stunning 46/0 in just 3 overs. Sanju Samson set the tone early, smashing 9 runs off the first over against Richard Ngarava, including a six. In the second over, Samson hit Blessing Muzarabani for another six to long-on, racing to 18 off 11 balls. The third over proved catastrophic for Zimbabwe as Tinotenda Maposa conceded 23 runs marking the most expensive over of the innings with Abhishek Sharma clubbing two fours and a six. Sunil Gavaskar praised Abhishek's sensible approach early on. Zimbabwe's bowling attack has offered little resistance so far. (PC: X)

India face Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup Super 8 clash at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bowl first. The marquee update: Sanju Samson replaces Rinku Singh and opens the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma, while Axar Patel comes in for Washington Sundar. Samson wasted no time, smashing a six off Richard Ngarava in the very first delivery before India posted 13/0 in the opening over. Suryakumar Yadav confirmed Samson will also keep wickets. A passionate Chepauk crowd erupted at Samson's inclusion. India have won all three previous T20Is at this venue, making conditions historically favorable for the hosts. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a joint press briefing with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, reaffirmed India's strong stance against terrorism and full support for Gaza peace efforts. Modi declared that "humanity must never become a victim of conflict," endorsing the US-led Gaza Peace Plan endorsed by the UN Security Council as a pathway to "just and durable peace." He emphasized India's commitment to continued dialogue with all nations for regional stability, including addressing the Palestine issue. Modi and Netanyahu jointly condemned terrorism in all forms. This marks Modi's second visit to Israel as Prime Minister, his first being in 2017, further cementing the newly announced Special Strategic Partnership between both nations.

India face Zimbabwe in a must-win Super Eight match at Chepauk in the T20 World Cup 2026. The team must win both remaining games to stay in the semi-final race. Weather remains a concern ahead of the match.   Former batter Virender Sehwag said India should pick players on form. “India have to pick their best playing XI on the basis of form,” he said. He suggested giving Abhishek Sharma a break.   Anil Kumble warned against taking Zimbabwe lightly. “They must be respected,” he said. He added that India should play their “natural, aggressive brand of cricket”.   Both teams lost their opening Super Eight matches. (PC: X)

US and Iranian officials met in Geneva for a third round of indirect talks aimed at preventing conflict. The talks are mediated by Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. He said both sides showed “unprecedented openness to new and creative ideas and solutions”.   US President Donald Trump has warned of a possible strike if no nuclear deal is reached. He said Iran must say it will “never have a nuclear weapon”. Iran has rejected calls to stop uranium enrichment but says it will “under no circumstances ever develop a nuclear weapon”.   The US has increased its military presence in the region. It has sent troops, warships, and aircraft in recent weeks. (PC: BBC)

The Supreme Court on Thursday imposed a blanket ban on a Class 8 NCERT social science book over a chapter on “corruption in judiciary.” The court ordered seizure of printed copies and removal of digital versions.   Chief Justice Surya Kant said, “We would like to have a deeper probe.” He called the inclusion a “calculated move” and added, “Heads must roll.”   The bench said the NCERT response showed “no remorse but justification.” It also remarked, “They fired the gunshot. Judiciary is bleeding today.”   However, the court clarified it does not want to stop “legitimate critique” but aims to protect the integrity of education. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said humanity must not suffer because of conflict as he backed the Gaza Peace Plan during his visit to Israel. He spoke at a joint press briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.   Modi said, “Humanity must never become a victim of conflict.” He added that the UN-endorsed Gaza Peace Plan offers a path to peace and that India fully supports it.   He said India will continue dialogue and cooperation with all countries. Addressing Israel’s parliament, he stressed that terrorism threatens peace everywhere and called for wisdom and courage in efforts toward stability. (PC: India Today)

An imported anti-dew chemical has been sprayed at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai before India’s key Super Eight match against Zimbabwe in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.   According to a report in The Indian Express, the product called “Dew Cure” was brought from the United States. It was sprayed on Tuesday and Wednesday. It may be used again on Thursday afternoon.   The aim is to reduce heavy dew during the night game. Humidity is expected to be between 80 and 90 percent. Dew often makes bowling difficult in the second innings.   India must win to stay in the semi-final race after their 76-run loss to South Africa. (PC: X)