India defeated England by 7 runs in a thrilling ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Batting first, India posted a massive 253/7 in 20 overs, powered by a brilliant 89 off 42 balls from Sanju Samson. England mounted a strong chase, led by Jacob Bethell’s explosive 105 off 48 deliveries, finishing at 246/7 after 20 overs. Despite England’s aggressive batting, India’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs to defend the total. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya delivered a key bowling performance, helping India secure a place in the final of the tournament after a dramatic contest. (PC: BCCI)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the rapidly worsening situation in West Asia amid the ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict. During the call, both leaders expressed concern over rising hostilities and emphasized the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions. Modi said India and France would remain in close contact and coordinate efforts to support the early restoration of peace and stability in the region. The discussion reflects growing international concern about the conflict’s potential to destabilize global security, disrupt energy supplies, and trigger a wider regional war. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has warned Gulf nations to expel Americans and remove all US military bases if they want protection from Iranian missile attacks, as the US-Israel war with Tehran entered its sixth day. An Iranian MP said leaders of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Turkey must end American military presence to avoid further escalation. Iran continues missile strikes on Tel Aviv and Gulf military facilities following coordinated US-Israeli attacks on February 28. The death toll in Iran has reached at least 1,230. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi termed the US strike on warship Dena near Sri Lanka an “atrocity at sea.” Iran also claimed hitting a US tanker in the Gulf. (PC: AFP)

England reached 113/4 after 9.3 overs in their pursuit of 254, with Will Jacks attempting to counter India’s spin attack. Varun Chakaravarthy conceded boundaries, including a powerful pull from Jacks to deep square leg, and figures stood at 2-0-37-1. Jacks rotated strike with a single to long off and moved to 9 off 6 balls. Axar Patel returned to the attack, delivering a shorter ball angling down leg that beat Jacks’ attempted heave and struck his thigh pad. A wide followed as England maintained momentum despite four wickets down. India continue searching for breakthroughs to tighten their grip. (PC: BCCI)

A Sukhoi Su-30 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force has gone missing from radar contact in Assam, officials confirmed on Wednesday night. Authorities said efforts are underway to trace the aircraft and establish communication. The circumstances leading to the loss of radar contact have not yet been disclosed. Search operations have been initiated as per standard protocol, with relevant agencies coordinating to determine the jet’s last known position. Further details regarding the number of personnel onboard or the nature of the sortie were not immediately available. Officials said more information will be shared once verified as the situation develops. (PC: X)

England’s chase of 254 suffered key setbacks despite aggressive strokes. Jacob Bethell attacked Varun Chakaravarthy with three sixes, taking 18 off his first three balls before rotating strike. However, Varun responded by bowling Jos Buttler, reducing England to three down. Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Harry Brook with a slower delivery, brilliantly caught by Axar Patel running back. Brook had looked dangerous after striking a boundary, while Buttler also cleared the ropes in a 13-run over. Arshdeep Singh conceded 10 in one over as England sought momentum. Hardik Pandya earlier delivered a crucial over, conceding just two runs and claiming a wicket to tighten India’s grip.

The Indian Navy launched a search and rescue mission after receiving a distress call from Iranian warship IRIS Dena, struck by a US torpedo on March 4 within Sri Lanka’s exclusive economic zone, about 19 nautical miles off Galle. The vessel, returning from the Milan 2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, had at least 130 personnel aboard; over 80 were killed and 32 rescued by Sri Lanka. India deployed a long-range maritime patrol aircraft, kept another aircraft with air-droppable life rafts on standby, and sent INS Tarangini and INS Ikshak to augment efforts. The Navy said the ship had left Indian waters on February 25 and sought no assistance before the conflict began. (PC: AP)

India formally conveyed condolences on the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking a subtle shift from its earlier silence on the US-Israel airstrikes in Tehran. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi and signed the condolence book. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes. The move follows domestic opposition criticism and comes amid escalating regional tensions, including Iran’s announcement restricting Strait of Hormuz access to US, Israeli and European vessels, raising implications for India’s energy and strategic interests.

The Embassy of India in Doha has issued a fresh advisory urging Indian nationals in Qatar to strictly follow safety instructions amid escalating Gulf tensions. Citizens have been advised to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary movement, stay away from windows and balconies, and rely only on official updates. The mission has added an additional 24x7 helpline and confirmed temporary suspension of flight operations at Hamad International Airport following Qatari airspace closure. Qatar Airways will issue its next update at 0900 hrs (Doha time) on March 6. Meanwhile, Kuwait announced automatic one-month visit visa extensions and three-month absence permits for residents abroad under exceptional circumstances, with full fee exemptions.

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)