India piled up a huge 253/7 against England in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. Sanju Samson led the attack with a blistering 89 off 42 balls. He brought up his fifty in just 26 balls and dominated the England bowlers. Samson was dropped by England captain Harry Brook before reaching the milestone. Ishan Kishan added a quick 39 from 18 balls, while Shivam Dube struck 43 off 25. India crossed 200 in the 17th over as the run rate stayed high. Hardik Pandya smashed two sixes in the final over before being run out. England now need 254 to reach the final. (PC:BCCI)

India are facing England in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. England captain Harry Brook won the toss and elected to field, replacing Rehan Ahmed with Jamie Overton, while India retained an unchanged XI. After Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal, Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan launched a counterattack, stitching a record-breaking partnership. Shivam Dube later joined skipper Suryakumar Yadav as India accelerated. At 17 overs, India reached 205/4, having been 190/4 after 15.6 overs, with 13 runs coming in Adil Rashid’s final over. Rashid ended with figures of 4-0-41-2 as the high-scoring semi-final remains in progress. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday about the rising tensions in West Asia. Both leaders expressed concern over the conflict and called for talks to restore peace. “Spoke with my friend President Emmanuel Macron today. We discussed our shared concerns over the evolving situation in West Asia and the need for a return to dialogue and diplomacy,” PM Modi said on X. He added that India and France will continue to work closely for the “early restoration of peace and stability in the region.” The call comes as tensions grow after recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran. France has also moved military assets to the Mediterranean. (PC: X)

The 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa at Eden Gardens was overshadowed by controversy after Aiden Markram’s dismissal. Chasing momentum, Markram attempted a lofted shot off Rachin Ravindra in the eighth over but was caught at long-on by Daryl Mitchell. On-field umpires referred the decision to third umpire Nitin Menon, who ruled Markram out after reviewing replays. However, many viewers felt the ball may have touched the ground, sparking widespread criticism of the decision. Markram scored 18 off 20 balls as South Africa posted 168. Marco Jansen’s 54 off 30 provided late impetus in an otherwise underwhelming batting performance overall.

After his match-winning unbeaten 97 that sent India into the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, Sanju Samson sparked debate by throwing his helmet in celebration, an act now under scrutiny by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct bars “abuse of cricket equipment,” and such actions can attract fines, demerit points, or, in rare cases, suspension. While some reports suggested a possible ban before India’s India vs England semi-final, experts say sanctions are more likely to be limited to fines or reprimands given the celebratory context and past precedents like George Munsey’s one demerit point for a similar act. (PC: X)

The Iran women’s national football team remained silent during their national anthem before their AFC Women’s Asia Cup 2026 opener against South Korea in Gold Coast, Australia, amid heightened tensions following US strikes that killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini. While no official statement was issued, the gesture was widely viewed as a possible protest against the Islamic regime. Reports said some fans waved pre-Islamic regime flags in the stands. Head coach Marziyeh Jafari also declined to comment and stood silent during the anthem. On the field, Iran suffered a 0-3 defeat to South Korea, with goals from Choe Yu-ri, Kim Hye-ri and Ko Yoo-jin.

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu was forced to withdraw from the All England Championships in Birmingham after being stranded in Dubai amid escalating Middle East tensions. Sindhu and her team were in transit through Dubai when Gulf airspace was suspended following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Her Indonesian coach Irwansyah faced the most harrowing experience, hearing a massive explosion just 100 metres away, with thick smoke visible, forcing evacuation to another hotel. Sindhu described Dubai Airport as overwhelmingly crowded with panicked travellers. She praised airline staff and the Indian Consulate for their support. The team eventually returned safely to India, abandoning the prestigious tournament entirely. (PC: BAI)

Cristiano Ronaldo's private jet reportedly departed Saudi Arabia for Madrid at 8 PM, landing in the Spanish capital shortly before 1 AM, amid escalating West Asia tensions. The US and Israel launched "Operation Epic Fury" on February 28, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with regional missile strikes disrupting Gulf infrastructure and halting commercial air traffic. Ronaldo, 41, has been based in Riyadh since December 2022 but is currently sidelined through injury. His luxury jet flew over Egypt and the Mediterranean before landing in Madrid, where he owns a mansion in La Finca, Pozuelo de Alarcón. (PC: X)

The Iran women’s football team did not sing their national anthem before their opening match at the AFC Women's Asian Cup on the Gold Coast. The players stood still as the anthem played at Cbus Super Stadium. Head coach Marziyeh Jafari also stayed silent. The gesture was seen as a protest amid the war involving Iran, the US and Israel, days after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in strikes. After the 3-0 defeat to South Korea, captain Zahra Ghanbari and Jafari avoided questions on the issue. An AFC official asked media to focus on football. Jafari said, “We knew that we would have a tough game ahead.”

PV Sindhu confirmed she is back home safely to Bangalore after being stranded in Dubai amid escalating Middle East tensions. She expressed gratitude to the ground teams, Dubai authorities, airport staff, immigration, Emirates, and the Indian High Commission in Dubai for their tireless efforts and care. Sindhu described the ordeal as intense and uncertain, emphasizing the importance of a united, calm team. She thanked her coaches and supporters nearby, noted the need to rest and reset, and shared appreciation for the safety coordination that helped her reach a secure location.