Rohit Sharma went on another explosive rampage to give India another blistering start after they opted to bat first against New Zealand. Rohit was in a merciless mood, clobbering the New Zealand bowlers all over the park to get India off to a flying start at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. His dazzling 47 off 29 balls included four 6s and four 4s before he fell to Tim Southee, caught Kane Williamson. India crossed the 100-run mark in just 12 overs. Both teams are unchanged from their last group matches. The semi is a repeat of the heartbreaking 2019 ODI World Cup exit when Dhoni's run out ended India's campaign in the final overs. India topped the group stage but lost in the semis last time. Former India coach Ravi Shastri shared poignant insights into the aftermath of India's 2019 World Cup semi-final loss to New Zealand, revealing that the entire team, including MS Dhoni, was emotionally shattered. Shastri recalled Dhoni locking himself away, expressing the pain of stumbling in the knockout stage. As India faces New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semi-final, Shastri believes the team, wiser from past experience, is poised for redemption, especially with the advantage of playing at home and recent victories against the Kiwis. This time Rohit's explosive start has given India early momentum as they aim to avoid a repeat semi exit versus New Zealand.

Breaking his silence, Matt LeBlanc, close friend and fellow 'Friends' star, expressed his deep sorrow over Matthew Perry's passing in an emotional Instagram post. LeBlanc reminisced about their cherished moments, stating, "The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life." Acknowledging the honor of sharing the stage and friendship with Perry, he bid a poignant farewell, saying, "Spread your wings and fly, brother, you're finally free." The post ended with emotional humor, 'And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me' referencing their on-screen characters. Perry's cause of death remains elusive, awaiting toxicology report results.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai announced that a decision regarding measures to combat pollution, such as odd-even restrictions and artificial rain, will be made after monitoring the situation for the next 2-3 days. With Delhi's air quality in the 'very poor' category, Rai mentioned that wind speed improvement after the specified period could lead to better conditions. If the Air Quality Index reaches the 'severe plus' category, stricter measures like odd-even restrictions will be considered. The odd-even rule, initially set for November 13, is on hold pending further evaluation of its effectiveness.

In the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final clash against New Zealand, India's captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat, maintaining an unchanged Playing XI from the match against Netherlands. Following suit, New Zealand also selected an unchanged team for the crucial encounter at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. The high-stakes semi-final determines which team secures a spot in the final showdown scheduled for Sunday in Ahmedabad. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the unfolding action in this pivotal World Cup matchup. [ photo courtesy: BCCI/X ]

Following the demise of Sahara Group's leader, Subrata Roy, over ₹25,000 crore lying with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has come back to attention. Roy faced regulatory battles over two Sahara group firms- SIREL & SHICL, with Sebi ordering the refund of funds allegedly raised through Ponzi schemes in 2011. After a long legal battle, the Supreme Court on August 31, 2012, upheld Sebi's directions asking the two firms to refund the money collected from investors with 15% interest. Sahara eventually deposited an estimated ₹24,000 crore with Sebi which rose to above ₹25,000 in due time. However, Sebi's latest report reveals only ₹138.07 crore refunded to investors in 11 years, while ₹25,163 crore lies in SEBI accounts. Roy, 75, passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday after battling illness.

On Bhai Dooj, PM Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed warm wishes on social media. Celebrating the unique bond between brothers and sisters, PM Modi called it a festival symbolizing sacred sibling bonds. Amit Shah extended greetings, emphasizing the festival's significance of love and affection. Rajnath Singh wished for a day filled with love, trust, and affection between siblings. Bhai Dooj, usually observed on the second day after Diwali, holds cultural importance across India with different regional names. [ Representative Image ]

Former Pakistani cricketer Abdul Razzaq has publicly apologized after facing backlash for making an inappropriate comment about Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan during a recent event discussing cricket coaching. Razzaq, while addressing intentions in coaching, metaphorically mentioned Rai in a manner perceived as disrespectful. He clarified on Samaa TV, stating it was a slip of the tongue and expressing regret for any unintended hurt caused. The comment, which went viral, drew condemnation from fellow cricketers, including Shoaib Akhtar, who emphasized the importance of respecting women. Razzaq's apology aims to address criticism and uphold standards of decency in public discourse.          

Toronto-based law firm Brauti Thorning LLP, representing Hindu Forum Canada, has called on Canadian law enforcement to investigate and categorize Gurpatwant Pannun of Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as a criminal inciting violence. The request follows SFJ's alleged threat to Air India flights. The letter, addressed to authorities including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), cites a September video instructing Hindus to leave Canada. Pannun denies violence intent, asserting an economic boycott motive. Canada is investigating the threat, with India's High Commission seeking enhanced security for Air India flights.      

India meet New Zealand in the ICC World Cup semi-final today at 2pm (IST) . aiming to end a run of four straight last-four losses since their 2011 World Cup triumph. The heavyweight hosts have demolished opponents in the group stage earlier, despite injuries, and will play at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium where they won the title 12 years ago. But captain Rohit Sharma admitted past failures loom large with fans still scarred. Virat Kohli can cement his legacy with another World Cup. Underdogs New Zealand lost the last two finals. India look overwhelming favorites, but must overcome the weight of history to reach Sunday's final against Australia or South Africa.

Anticipating the crucial World Cup semifinal clash against New Zealand at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium today, the Indian team management has opted for a slow pitch. After informing the Wankhede curator about their preference following the match against the Netherlands in Bengaluru, the team aims to leverage its strong performance on slow tracks. Head coach Rahul Dravid and Captain Rohit Sharma personally inspected the pitch, emphasizing the need for a slower surface. The decision aligns with India's strategy, seeking to make chasing challenging for opponents at a venue known for its historical difficulty for the team batting second.