Zimbabwe national cricket team produced a major surprise by beating Australia national cricket team by 23 runs in a ICC Men's T20 World Cup group match in Colombo. Zimbabwe posted 169 for 2 in 20 overs after a steady batting effort. Australia were then bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs. Zimbabwe’s pace attack led the fight with four key wickets from their lead fast bowler. Captain Sikandar Raza said the team aimed for a safe score, adding, “If you look for 190 now, it is 140 all-out.” The result puts Australia in danger in the group stage. 

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Bangladesh election winner Tarique Rahman after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party secured a clear majority in the national polls. The BNP won 213 of 299 seats. In a post on X, Modi said he was “delighted” to speak with Rahman and congratulated him on the “remarkable victory.” He added that he shared his “best wishes and support” for meeting people’s aspirations. Modi said India remains committed to “peace, progress, and prosperity” of both countries. The vote was held on February 12 after a long period of political unrest in Bangladesh. (PC: HT)

Donald Trump has reversed a 2009 ruling that said greenhouse gases endanger public health, a decision that supported many US climate rules. The White House called it the “largest deregulation in American history” and said it would lower car costs. Officials estimate savings of about $2,400 per vehicle. Trump called the earlier rule “a disastrous Obama era policy.” Former president Barack Obama said removing it would make Americans “less safe, less healthy.” Environmental groups said they will challenge the move in court. Legal experts say the ruling has been the base for limits on vehicle, power plant and industry emissions. (PC: BBC)

Actor-director Farhan Akhtar is set to make his Hollywood acting debut in filmmaker Sam Mendes’ multi-part project on The Beatles. According to Variety, Akhtar will play sitar legend Ravi Shankar, who influenced George Harrison and helped bring Indian classical music into the band’s sound in the 1960s. The four-film series will tell the band’s story from each member’s point of view and is planned for an April 2028 theatrical release. Akhtar earlier appeared in the web series Ms Marvel. The casting news comes as reports continue around creative and financial disagreements linked to his film Don 3 and actor Ranveer Singh. (PC: X)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has chosen his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae as his heir, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. Lawmakers were told she has reached the stage of “successor designation” after repeated high-profile public appearances. She has been seen at missile tests, military events and state ceremonies. Officials said the assessment is based on her visibility and signs she is giving policy input. Kim Ju Ae is believed to be about 13 years old. Analysts say the move is notable in North Korea’s male-dominated power system. The agency said it will watch upcoming party events for further signals. (PC: BBC)

Crishan Kalugamage produced a match-winning bowling spell to help Italy record their first ever T20 World Cup win, beating Nepal at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The leg-spinner, who earlier worked in pizzerias in Italy, once feared his cricket journey was over. He returned to competitive cricket and delivered a key performance on the big stage. Italy chased down the target without losing a wicket to seal the landmark result. The victory marked a major moment for Italian cricket in global competition. Kalugamage’s performance stood out as the turning point in the historic match.

India will receive zero tariff benefits on certain textile exports to the United States, similar to terms given to Bangladesh, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said. He stated that the proposed India–US trade deal will allow duty-free access for garments made using American cotton yarn. “If raw material is purchased from America… it will be available at zero reciprocal tariff,” he said. Goyal rejected claims that Bangladesh received better terms than India. He said details will be clearer after the interim agreement is finalised. He also said Indian farmers and exporters will gain as shipments to the US and other major markets increase. (PC: NDTV)

With the Bangladesh Nationalist Party set to form the next government, attention has shifted to the future of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is living in New Delhi after leaving Dhaka. BNP leader Tarique Rahman and party members have repeated their campaign demand for her extradition. Bangladeshi authorities have also moved under the bilateral extradition framework. Hasina has called the recent election a “sham” and urged supporters to oppose the interim setup. India has said her presence followed “certain circumstances.” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the decision about her next step rests with her. (PC: HT)

India opener Abhishek Sharma remains a doubt for the T20 World Cup match against Pakistan after a recent stomach infection. He was hospitalised with fever and pain but has now been discharged. He did not fully train with the squad and is still regaining strength. Teammate Varun Chakravarthy said, “He looks good… he told me he is on the way.” Captain Suryakumar Yadav earlier said the opener could miss “one or two games.” Team staff will take a final call after net sessions in Colombo. His batting workload in practice will guide the selection decision. (PC: NDTV)

Russia has ordered a nationwide block on WhatsApp as part of tighter controls on foreign messaging platforms. The Kremlin said the action was taken because Meta did not follow Russian legal rules. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Meta could return if it “complies with the law and enters into dialogue.” WhatsApp said the step would push over 100 million users toward a state-backed app and called it “a backwards step.” Regulators also moved to limit Telegram, citing security concerns. Authorities are promoting the state-developed Max messenger as an alternative. Critics say the app could allow surveillance, while state media deny those claims. (PC: BBC)