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India crush Zimbabwe by 72 runs in Super 8 match

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India crush Zimbabwe

In the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, India registered a dominant 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai, strengthening their bid for a semifinal spot.

Chasing a daunting 257-run target, Zimbabwe managed 184 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs.

After being invited to bat first, India’s batters dismantled the Zimbabwe bowling attack, smashing boundaries and sixes at will to post one of the biggest totals in tournament history.

India piled up a massive 256 for 4 in 20 overs, hitting a total of 17 sixes during the innings.

Sanju Samson scored 24, Abhishek Sharma made 55, Ishan Kishan added 38, while captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed 33 runs. In the death overs, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma unleashed a brutal assault on the bowlers. Pandya smashed 53 off 23 balls, while Tilak remained unbeaten on 44 off just 16 deliveries.

India’s 256 is the second-highest total in T20 World Cup history. The highest remains Sri Lanka’s 260 against Kenya in the inaugural 2007 edition. It is also the highest score of the 2026 tournament so far, surpassing West Indies’ 254 against Zimbabwe earlier in the competition. Notably, it is India’s highest-ever total against any team in T20 World Cup history.

In response, Zimbabwe posted 184 for 6 in 20 overs. Opener Brian Bennett played a valiant unbeaten knock of 97, while captain Sikandar Raza scored 31.

Following the defeat, Zimbabwe were eliminated from the semifinal race. From Super 8 Group 1, South Africa have already secured qualification for the semifinals.

The second semifinalist from the group will be decided after Sunday’s crucial clash between India and West Indies. The winner of that encounter will advance to the next stage.

Zimbabwe are scheduled to play their final Super 8 match against South Africa.

Bill Gates apologizes to foundation staff over name appearing in Epstein files

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Bill Gates apologizes

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, has apologized to staff at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation after his name appeared in documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

According to reports, Gates acknowledged making mistakes and told foundation employees that his past associations had caused reputational damage to the philanthropic organization, which focuses on global health and humanitarian work.

However, Gates maintained that he had no involvement in Epstein’s crimes. He said his interactions with Epstein were aimed at engaging with wealthy individuals for charitable initiatives and insisted that he neither participated in nor witnessed any illegal activity.

The development follows the release of extensive material by the United States Department of Justice, which made public approximately three million pages of documents, 180,000 images, and 2,000 videos related to Epstein.

The disclosures have drawn renewed scrutiny over individuals linked to Epstein, though no new criminal allegations against Gates have been announced in connection with the released files.

Iran’s proposed nuclear deal includes reduction of enrichment

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Iran’s proposed

An Arab diplomat has revealed that Iran has presented a proposed draft agreement to the United States regarding its nuclear program, according to Israeli media reports.

Speaking to Israeli media, the diplomat said the draft submitted by Tehran proposes reducing uranium enrichment levels from 60 percent to 3.6 percent — a level consistent with civilian nuclear energy use.

The diplomat further disclosed that Iran has offered to suspend uranium enrichment activities for seven years as part of the proposed framework.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, has arrived in Geneva for talks related to ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations.

Israeli media also claimed that Washington is not currently demanding zero uranium enrichment from Iran.

Instead, the United States is reportedly seeking the transfer of Iran’s existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad. However, Tehran has refused to move its highly enriched uranium outside the country.

According to the reports, Iran has offered to dilute its highly enriched uranium stockpile, while the US is pushing for a 10-year suspension of Iran’s nuclear program. Analysts cited by Israeli media suggest that Tehran’s proposal is unlikely to fully satisfy American demands.

Israeli media further warned that the likelihood of a US military strike on Iran in the near term has increased amid stalled negotiations.

Eight killed, 25 injured in Gas cylinder explosion in Chaman

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Eight killed

CHAMAN: At least eight people, including women and children, were killed and 25 others injured in a gas cylinder explosion inside a house in the Tor Pul area of Chaman, Balochistan, police said.

According to Chaman police, a 20-kilogram gas cylinder suddenly exploded in the kitchen of the house, causing multiple rooms to collapse. The intensity of the blast also damaged nearby houses and triggered panic across the neighborhood.

Police confirmed that the bodies of five children were recovered from the debris, while the other deceased included women.

The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital, where several are reported to be in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.

Rescue teams reached the site soon after the incident and launched relief operations. A bomb disposal squad was also called in to examine the scene and rule out any possibility of sabotage.

Preliminary investigations suggest the incident was caused by a gas cylinder explosion; however, officials said the exact cause will be determined after the final investigation report. Rescue efforts are ongoing.

Security forces kill 18 Indian-proxy groups in two operations in Zhob

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Security forces

RAWALPINDI: Security forces killed 18 Indian-sponsored militants during two separate operations in Zhob district of Balochistan, according to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In a statement, ISPR said an intelligence-based operation (IBO) was carried out on February 24 in Zhob, resulting in the killing of eight militants described as Indian-backed “Khawarij.”

The following day, on February 25, security forces conducted a comprehensive clearance operation in the same district. According to ISPR, the operation was launched to eliminate hidden elements of what it termed the Indian proxy group “Fitna al Khawarij.”

During the operation, troops traced the movement of militants along multiple routes and effectively targeted their hideouts. After an intense exchange of fire, 10 more Indian-sponsored militants were killed.

ISPR said weapons, ammunition, and explosive materials were recovered from the slain militants, who were allegedly involved in multiple terrorist activities in the area.

The military’s media wing added that clearance operations are continuing to eliminate any remaining Indian-backed terrorists in the region. It reiterated that counterterrorism efforts are being pursued under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” vision and affirmed that security forces remain determined to eradicate externally sponsored terrorism from the country.

PTI sources claim govt agreed to shift Imran Khan to hospital

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PTI sources claim

ISLAMABAD: Sources within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have claimed that the government had agreed in principle to transfer party founder Imran Khan to a private hospital for medical treatment.

According to party insiders, the opposition had demanded that Imran Khan be kept at Shifa International Hospital for at least 10 days. The government was reportedly willing to allow him to remain at the facility until the completion of his treatment.

Sources said the government had set conditions that medical details would not be made public and that party workers would not be called to the hospital.

It was further claimed that arrangements for the transfer had been finalized between Friday and Saturday night, with vehicles prepared for Imran Khan and party leadership.

According to PTI sources, authorities contacted Imran Khan’s sisters to nominate a family representative. They initially proposed Dr. Asim and Dr. Uzma, but the government reportedly did not accept those names.

Subsequently, Dr. Burki’s name was suggested, which was also rejected, leading to frustration among Khan’s sisters. Sources said the government then proposed Qasim Zaman’s name, which raised concerns among both the family and the party.

When consensus could not be reached, the government allegedly informed the party on Sunday night that the hospital transfer would no longer be possible.

Meeting with PIMS Doctors

Party sources also stated that PTI leadership met doctors at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and pledged that details of the consultation would not be disclosed publicly.

No official statement has yet been issued by the government regarding these claims.

Security forces kill 34 militants in operations across KP and Balochistan

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Security forces

RAWALPINDI: Security forces have killed 34 militants in multiple operations conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military’s media wing said operations against what it described as Indian-backed proxy groups were intensified in recent days based on intelligence reports.

According to ISPR, on February 24, four separate engagements were carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulting in the killing of 26 militants linked to the banned outfit referred to as “Fitna al-Khawarij.”

An infiltration attempt near Hasan Khel in North Waziristan was foiled, where one militant was killed. The deceased was identified as an Afghan national.

In Lakki Marwat, three militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation following an exchange of fire.

In the Narmi Khel area of Bannu, 10 militants were killed in two separate encounters.

In Mir Ali, North Waziristan, security forces eliminated 12 militants.

ISPR further stated that eight militants affiliated with what it termed “Fitna al-Hindustan” were killed during a clash in the Sambaza area of Zhob, Balochistan.

The military reiterated its commitment to continuing operations against militant groups to ensure peace and stability in the country.

Iran rejects US allegations over missile program, calls claims ‘big lies’

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Iran rejects US

TEHRAN: Iran has strongly rejected US allegations regarding its missile program, describing the claims as “big lies.”

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said in a statement posted on social media that US accusations about Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile activities are baseless.

Tehran Dismisses Nuclear and Missile Claims

Baghaei stated that allegations related to Iran’s nuclear activities and ballistic missile development lack credibility and are politically motivated. He also denied US claims concerning the number of casualties during protest incidents in January, saying the figures presented by Washington were false.

Trump Raises Concerns Over Missile Threat

The response comes after US President Donald Trump said in a recent statement that Iran’s missiles pose a threat to European countries and American bases in the region. He further claimed that Iran is developing missiles capable of eventually reaching the United States.

Tehran has consistently maintained that its missile program is defensive in nature and not aimed at threatening other nations.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s family targeted after defeat

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Pakistan captain

Pakistan cricket team captain Salman Ali Agha’s wife and young son became victims of online harassment following the team’s defeat to England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 8 stage.

On Tuesday, England defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a crucial Super 8 clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, securing a place in the semi-finals. The victory was powered by a brilliant century from Harry Brook.

Pakistan posted 164 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, England chased down the target in the final over, finishing at 165 for 8.

Following the loss, fans and former cricketers criticized the team’s performance. However, some social media users crossed the line by directing abusive comments toward Salman Ali Agha’s family.

Salman Ali Agha’s wife, Saba, addressed the situation through an Instagram story, condemning the harassment aimed at her and their innocent child.

“Abusing me or my innocent son will not help you win the World Cup,” she wrote, urging fans to show restraint.

Her message quickly went viral, drawing reactions from the cricketing community.

Tabraiz Shamsi Condemns Behavior

South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi publicly condemned the abuse, expressing support for the family.

In a post on X, Shamsi wrote that such “foolish behavior” angers him. He added that while disappointment over a team’s defeat is natural and winning and losing are part of sport, targeting players’ families is unacceptable.

“This is for fans of all countries—please respect others,” he emphasized.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing issue of online harassment faced by athletes and their families in the wake of high-profile sporting defeats.

ICC releases latest T20 player rankings

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ICC releases

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the latest T20 player rankings, featuring notable changes across batters, all-rounders, and bowlers.

Batters Ranking

Abhishek Sharma of India retains the top spot in the T20 batters ranking.

Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan climbs two places to third position.

Ishan Kishan of India improves three spots to reach fifth place.

South Africa’s David Bruus jumps ten places to ninth, while England’s Harry Brook rises ten spots to 18th.

All-Rounders Ranking

Sikandar Raza of Zimbabwe continues as the No. 1 T20 all-rounder.

Saem Ayub drops one place to second position.

Bowlers Ranking

Varun Chakaravarthy of India maintains the top spot among T20 bowlers.

South Africa’s Carbon Bosch rises 21 places to reach third position.

Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed drops two spots to fifth, while West Indies’ Matthew Ford climbs 23 places to seventh.

The latest rankings reflect players’ recent performances in T20 internationals across the globe.