Month: March 2025

YouTuber Ranveer Allahabadia arrived at the office of the Crime Branch, Guwahati Police Commissionerate, on Friday.

His visit comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the controversial ‘India’s Got Latent’ show, which has sparked legal and public backlash due to its explicit content.

The controversy began when an FIR was filed by the Guwahati Police on February 10, accusing several prominent influencers and YouTubers, including Ashish Chanchlani, Jaspreet Singh, Apoorva Makhija, Ranveer Allahabadia, and Samay Raina, of promoting obscenity through their participation in the show.

The FIR references charges under various sections, including the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Cinematograph Act, specifically highlighting the inappropriate and vulgar discussions that took place during the episode in question.

Earlier, on February 27, Ashish Chanchlani appeared before the Guwahati Crime Branch along with his advocate, where police officials recorded his statement as part of the investigation.

The police had registered a case under Cyber PS case no. 03/2025, which involved charges of promoting indecent representation of women and engaging in obscene conduct.

On March 6, the legal proceedings surrounding the ‘India’s Got Latent’ show escalated with the influencers appearing before the National Commission for Women (NCW) in Delhi.

Among those present were YouTubers Ashish Chanchlani and Ranveer Allahabadia, influencer Apoorva Makhija, and the show’s producers, Saurabh Bothra and Tushar Poojari.

The group provided statements to the NCW Chairperson and legal team in connection with the controversial remarks made during the show.

The controversy began when a viral incident from the show drew sharp criticism from the public and netizens, leading to calls for stricter regulation of online content.

The show featured inappropriate comments from its guests, which led to widespread outrage. In response, Ranveer Allahabadia and Apoorva Makhija recorded their statements before the NCW to address the issue.

In the midst of the ongoing legal battle, YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani took to social media to express his gratitude for the overwhelming support from his fans.

In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, he acknowledged the messages he had received and reflected on the difficult times he was facing.

“Hello doston, kaise ho aap log? I know, maine aapke messages padhe hain, chal raha hai. Maine socha story pe aapse baat kar lun, lekin ab samajh nahi aa raha kya kahun. Lad lenge situation se, dekhe hain aise tough times, isse bhi kuch naya seekh lenge,” Chanchlani said in the video.

He further asked for his followers’ continued support when he resumes posting content. “Main aap sabse bas yahi request karta hoon ki meri family aur mujhe apni prayers mein rakhna. Jab bhi main wapas aaun, mera kaam thoda idhar-udhar ho gaya hoga, lekin tab bhi support karna. I will work hard, as I have always worked hard. Bas dhyan rakhiye sab log apna,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ranveer Allahabadia, who was also involved in the controversy, addressed the issue on social media.

Allahabadia had made a highly inappropriate comment during an episode of ‘India’s Got Latent’, which drew considerable backlash.

In response to the criticism, Allahabadia issued a public apology on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

“My comment wasn’t just inappropriate, it wasn’t even funny. Comedy is not my forte. I am just here to say sorry,” Allahabadia said in his video.

He further emphasized his commitment to using his platform more responsibly, particularly given his influence over younger audiences.

“Family is the last thing that I would ever disrespect,” Allahabadia said.

In a related development, the Supreme Court has granted Ranveer Allahabadia permission to resume his podcast, ‘The Ranveer Show,’ albeit with specific conditions regarding decency and morality. (ANI)

A Bengaluru court has granted the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) custody of Kannada actress Ranya Rao for three days in connection with a gold smuggling case.

The order was issued on Friday by the Economic Offenses Court, presided over by Justice Vishwanath C. Gowdar.

Ranya, known for her roles in Kannada films like Maanikya and Pataki, was detained earlier this week by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in connection with an alleged gold smuggling case after returning from Dubai on March 3.

Authorities allege that Ranya was carrying 14.8 kilograms of gold, which she intended to smuggle into the country.

On March 4, Ranya Rao was produced before a special court for financial offences and was remanded to judicial custody until March 18. Prior to her transfer to custody, she underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru. During questioning, Ranya reportedly claimed that her trip to Dubai was for business purposes, though authorities allege that her visit was linked to the illegal importation of gold.

Meanwhile, soon after the Kannada actress was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport, an image of her with swollen eyes and bruises began circulating on social media, leading to speculation that the actress might have been allegedly assaulted during or after her arrest at the airport.

The Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Women, Nagalakshmi Chaudhary, responded to the viral image while speaking to ANI on Firday and stated that the commission cannot conduct an investigation unless a formal complaint is filed.

“Actually, someone has to file a complaint with us. The Women’s Commission is not an authority to conduct an investigation,” she said.

Condemning any act of violence against Ranya, Chaudhary stated, “Whoever has committed the assault should not have done so. That’s for sure. No one should take the law into their hands. We must allow the investigation, and the law will take its own course. No one has the right to assault anybody, whether it’s a woman or anyone else, but I’m totally against that.”

Chaudhary also added that if Ranya files a complaint, the commission would act accordingly. “Unless she writes to the commissioner or sends a letter to me asking us to look into the matter, we will write to the concerned authorities to help her, support her, conduct a proper investigation, and submit a report. That’s all the commission can do. Since she has not asked or filed a complaint, I can’t comment further,” she said. (ANI)

As Friday marks the ‘Jan Aushadhi Diwas’, Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Friday said that the today more than 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are functioning in the country which are selling inexpensive medicines to more than 10 lakh people, leading to savings of Rs 30 thousand crores.

Nadda stated that the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana has transformed healthcare system of the country with the mantra ‘Achi Bhi, Sasti Bhi’, ensuring high-quality and affordable medicines for all.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said, “Under the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana has transformed healthcare with the mantra ‘Achi Bhi, Sasti Bhi’, ensuring high-quality, affordable medicines for all. Today, more than 15,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras are functioning in the country. They sell inexpensive medicines to more than 10 lakh peoples in a day. These centres sell 50-90 percent cheaper medicines. This has resulted in Rs 30 thousand crores of savings.”

The Union Minister said that this Jan Aushadhi Kendras sells 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical items, covering diverse therapeutic needs.

“The extensive portfolio includes 2,047 medicines and 300 surgical items, covering diverse therapeutic needs. Unlike free medicine schemes, PM-BJP maintains sustainability through stringent quality checks, competitive procurement, and a robust supply chain managed by PMBI (Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India). To promote entrepreneurship and inclusivity, special incentives are provided for the SC/ST communities, women and businesses in remote areas,” Nadda said.

Emphasising on the plans of future expansion of these centres, the Union Minister stated that the government has goal of opening 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by 2027 with 5,000 centres to be opened this year.

He further stated that the first oversees Jan Aushadhi Kendra was launched in Mauritius.

Nadda asserted, “Expanding beyond India, the first oversees Jan Aushadhi Kendra was launched in Mauritius. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, we have set a goal of opening 25,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras by 2027… This year also we will be opening 5,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras… I urge everyone to visit Jan Aushadhi Kendras. If you are already benefitting from Jan Aushadhi medicines, share your experience with others…”

Every year, March 7 is celebrated as ‘Jan Aushadhi Diwas’ to raise awareness about the scheme and promote the use of generic medicines. Week-long events are organized across the country from March 1st to 7th to support this initiative.

This year, the celebration was flagged off on March 1 to disseminate information about PMBJP in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)” was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in collaboration with Central Pharma Public Sector Undertakings.

The initiative aims to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the public through dedicated outlets called Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK). (ANI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday wrote a letter to other Chief Ministers and former Chief Ministers expressing concern over the Union Government’s proposed delimitation exercise.

He warned that the exercise could diminish the influence of states like Tamil Nadu, which have successfully controlled their population, in shaping the nation’s future.

In the letter Stalin pointed out that the previous delimitation exercises were conducted in 1952, 1963, and 1973, but were frozen by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 until the first census after 2000. The freeze was extended in 2002 until the census after 2026. However, with the 2021 Census delayed, the delimitation process might happen earlier than expected, potentially affecting states that have controlled their population and achieved better governance.

The Chief Minister stated that if the exercise is based on population after 2026, states with better population control would face a reduction in parliamentary representation, which he called unjust. He also stated that the Union Government has not provided clarity on the matter, only offering vague assurances.

In the letter, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K Stalin explained the delimitation and wrote, “The delimitation math is simple and sobering. Reports suggest that the delimitation exercise is being considered based on population, with two potential approaches. In the first case, the existing 543 seats could be redistributed among the states, and in the second case, the total number of seats could be increased beyond 800. In both scenarios, all the states that have successfully implemented population control measures stand to lose significantly if the exercise is based on post 2026 population.”

Further he added, “We should not be thus penalized for effectively controlling population growth and upholding national development goals. Despite the gravity of this issue, the Union Government has provided neither clarity nor any concrete commitment to address our concerns. Their representatives have vaguely stated that delimitation would follow a “pro-rata” basis, without explaining the base used for such pro-rata calculation as well as raising an empty rhetoric than no State will face a decrease in its seats. When the very foundation of our democracy is at stake, can we accept such vague assurances? When our States’ futures hang in the balance, do we not deserve transparent dialogue?”

To address this issue, Stalin had organized an all-party meeting in Tamil Nadu, where political parties unanimously opposed the proposed delimitation. They agreed to form a Joint Action Committee (JAC) with states facing the same challenge. The JAC will work together to protect the states’ representation and ensure that the delimitation process is fair.

In his letter, Stalin requested other states to join the JAC and nominate senior representatives to work together on the issue. He invited them for an inaugural meeting in Chennai on March 22, to plan a collective strategy to protect the interests of the states. (ANI)

A delegation of women Ambassadors and High Commissioners from nine nations visited Khavda and Mundra in Gujarat to witness the Adani projects, where renewable energy is a cornerstone of environmental stewardship.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, the envoys visited the world’s largest renewable energy park, run by Adani Green Energy in Khavda, Gujarat, and India’s largest commercial port, operated by Adani Ports and SEZ Limited, in Mundra.

The envoys were amazed to see women professionals and engineers contributing to India’s industrial, economic and energy transformation, underlining the growing role of women in shaping the country’s future.

Adani Green Energy, India’s largest renewables company, is developing the world’s largest clean energy plant. Built across 538 square kilometers, it is five times the size of Paris and almost as large as Mumbai.

The delegation comprised of women Ambassadors and High Commissioners from countries like Indonesia, Lithuania, Moldova, Romania, Seychelles, Slovenia, Lesotho, Estonia, and Luxembourg.

While speaking with ANI, the envoys shared their insights on visiting the sites of the projects in Gujarat, which left them all ‘impressed’ and said that it was a learning experience about how the company is helping India advance towards its zero-emissions goals.

Ina Krisnamurthi, Ambassador of Indonesia to India, while speaking with ANI, said, “This is an amazing visit for us, not only me as a person or an Ambassador. But as Indonesia , as a country that has a very deep rooted relationship with Adani group.”

She added, “Adani has invested in Indonesia for a long time, so this visit has been very enlightening and very important for us to understand where India stands now and where Adani is now. So it’s been an amazing visit. Hospitality is excellent.”

Emphasising the collaborative efforts between their countries and India to foster cleaner and greener solutions for the region and beyond, the Envoys of Lithuania and Seychelles underscored the importance of sustainable energy and said that there is a lot that can be learned from the Adani group in terms of large-scale expansion to achieve a ‘win-win collaboration’ between countries.

Diana Mickeviciene, Ambassador of Lithuania to India to ANI, said, “I am participating in this great visit because the business developed here is relevant to my country, Lithuania. We have solar technologies and ports, and we look forward to establishing contacts for cooperation.”

She said, “I was inspired by what I saw. A couple of things stand out: the ‘scale’ and ‘sense of mission’. It is a very strategically placed objective. Using a landscape which is barren and developed to make it useful to the country in strategic ways. The high-level technology that we saw was outstanding.”

“What we have seen today, first is hard work and second it was a big vision. Very impressed by the scale of project that we have seen. I am looking forward to propose it to my county, to take from your experience. You as a country should be proud to have this kind of project”, added Ana Taban – Ambassador of Moldova to India.

Khavda is a remote site in Western India’s arid Kutch district, where Adani Green Energy, the largest renewables company in India, is developing the world’s largest clean energy plant. The 30 GW solar and wind energy project will play a critical anchor role in meeting India’s rising energy demands with clean, affordable and reliable power.

The Ambassadors saw first hand how the renewables project are integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable development, including the Energy Network Operations Centre (ENOC) overseen by women engineers.

Sena Latif, Ambassador of Romania to India, said, “It was an impressive experience. We read about it but none of us expected the scope of this project. The Khavda site is absolutely impressive. They told us that it is five times the size of Paris.”

She added, “It’s really extraordinary how the whole society is being transformed and built over here. Impressive to see so many women involved, women engineers, young women. In Mundra, also, where we have just visited we saw how women are themselves contributing. It is impressive to see how the whole ecosystem is prepared by the Adani group.”

Peggy Frantzen, Ambassador of Luxembourg to India, said, “I am very thankful for this opportunity offered to our women Ambassadors to India to visit this solar power park, which is really very impressive by its size and by the effort that went into building it.”

She added, “In my country, which is small in size, we have solar panels on our rooftop, but it’s really magnificent to see power panels of this size. Impressive job. Women who worked there were very committed to the project, which produced green energy. Good to encourage young women to realise what they are capable to do well typically in a field not chosen by Women.”.

The envoys further visited the Mundra Port, India’s largest commercial port handling nearly 11 percent of the country’s maritime cargo and 33 per cent of its container traffic. The women Ambassadors explored the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC)in the Mundra Special Economic Zone (SEZ), where global players are investing in advanced manufacturing.

Lalatiana Accouche, High Commissioner of Seychelles to India, said, “Since morning, we have been visiting very important and interesting places. It’s very beneficial, especially for Seychelles. I have been learning a lot. Seychelles is very well known for the conservation of environment. So, I have been learning a lot. Getting ideas from what can be done.”

She added, “Seychelles is a small country. We have a port, but seeing how it been developed here, gives me an idea where we can collaborate. We can learn from Adani group, about the management and expansion of the port and can be a win- win collaboration.”

The envoys also visited Adani group’s state-of-the-art solar manufacturing plant, a key spoke in India’s push for self-reliance in renewable energy. Across these facilities, the Ambassadors met women professionals and engineers contributing to India’s industrial, economic and energy transformation, underlining the growing role of women in shaping the country’s future.

Mateja Vodeb Ghosh, Ambassador of Slovenia to India, said, “It is my first visit to this area. I must say that I am very pleasantly surprised. Not only that…, but when we saw the solar plant, solar panels and the port, it’s state-of-the-art, I would say; it’s very high technology.”

She added, “I was surprised that there was so much emphasis on women’s empowerment, and it was very nice to see young girls and women being engaged and encouraged to contribute to the development of the county. So, I had a very nice and pleasant experience. Kudos to the Adani Foundation, which is doing an excellent job.”

Highlighting India’s strides in clean energy, the Ambassador of Estonia to India appreciated India’s industrial development and said that the country is ‘well equipped’ to use renewable energy.

“We had an excellent and magnificent experience here. It was impressive to see the scale of the Khavda. I knew that it was big. We also have solar plants in Estonia, but I didn’t imagine it to be so big. It’s extremely important that we are now using renewable energy. India is very well equipped. In northern countries like Estonia, we don’t have as much sun, and we don’t even have as much wind as India. So, we are struggling a little bit with those challenges. But it is very impressive to see that solar energy has been put into use to this extent”, added Ambassador Marje Luup. (ANI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, youth will now be able to write their Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) examination in all languages in the eighth schedule, including Tamil.

He inaugurated various infrastructure and development projects at the 56th Raising Day of CISF in Arakkonam, Ranipet, on Friday. He released the CISF journal ‘Sentinel’ on the occasion.

He reviewed the parade being held at the 56th Raising Day of CISF in Arakkonam.

Amit Shah said, “Till now, there was no place for mother tongue in the CAPF recruitment. PM Narendra Modi decided that our youth will now be able to write their CAPF exam in all languages in the eight list, including Tamil. I want to urge the CM of Tamil Nadu to take steps towards introducing curriculum of medical and engineering courses in the Tamil language as soon as possible.”

He said that through this, not only the mother tongue would be strengthened but also the youth taking exams in Tamil would get equal opportunity.

Amit Shah said, “In the last 56 years, CISF has played a crucial role in the progress of the country and movement of the people. Whether it is industrial development or trade, tourism, or any research centre in the country without CISF, the security of these institutions cannot be imagined. PM Modi has taken the commitment to make India the third-largest economy by 2027 and ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.”

He said that CISF would play an important role in fulfilling these objectives.

“I paid tributes to 127 fallen CISF jawans who laid down their lives in line of duty. 22 jawans were awarded here. 10 jawans got the President police medal. 10 have got gallantry medal. 6 projects have been inaugurated worth 88 crores for the welfare of CISF personnel. In 2019 it was decided to celebrated this event in various parts of the country instead of Delhi,” he further said.

He further said that Tamil Nadu has strengthened the Indian culture.

“Everyday CISF ensures safe movement of at least 1 crore people in the country. Since CISF has taken charge of airports, there are no incidents of any security lapse. The security of the new Parliament is also being handled by CISF. In the Delhi metro, more than 70 lakhs passengers are travelling safely. In marine safety, nearly 250 ports would be ensured security by CISF,” he added.

He further said that in a year, more than 1 lakh youth have been recruited through CAPF.

“In 2024, recruitment has been done in more than 14000 posts. The recruitment is going on for 50,000 youths through CAPF,” he further added. (ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while presenting the state’s budget on Friday, emphasized that the region is on the path to lasting peace.

It is the first budget to be presented by the elected government in the last seven years. He mentioned that the state’s GST compliance has increased and expressed commitment to aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Abdullah highlighted that the focus of the budget was on empowering youth and women, addressing regional disparities, and striving for the restoration of statehood.

The budget includes an allocation of Rs 815 crores for agriculture, to generate 2.88 lakh jobs. The state will promote a two-crop pattern and focus on expanding horticulture. The government also plans to boost wool processing and promote the leather tanning industry, which is expected to help the local economy.

Abdullah emphasized the state’s ongoing journey towards peace, noting that Jammu and Kashmir is now on the path of lasting peace after decades of unrest.

Tourism is another major focus, with the government projecting a volume of 2.36 crore tourists in 2024. Events like the Kashmir Marathon, which hosted 1,800 global participants, and the growing popularity of places like Shiv Khori and Dudh Pathri, led to the inflow of tourists in the state.

The budget has provisioned Rs 390.20 crore for tourism development, with plans to increase homestays, promote water sports, and develop Sonmarg as a winter sports destination. Jammu will see a new water park in Sidhra, and Basholi will be developed as an adventure destination.

The JK CM stressed the importance of transparency in welfare measures and stated that the government is focused on empowering sectors like agriculture, tourism, and local industries.

Additionally, the government plans to operationalize a new film policy, aiming to make JK a prime destination for film production and eco-tourism. The state will also focus on constructing 500 new Panchayat Ghars to improve local infrastructure.

The budget reveals that 70 percent of the funds are being allocated towards salaries, which is putting a significant strain on the state’s finances. Additionally, there are high ATNC (Administrative, Technical, and Non-Commercial) losses, and the state’s debt has increased. However, all borrowing has been kept within the prescribed limits to maintain financial discipline.

The budget also includes provisions for grants worth Rs 5,000 crore, aimed at boosting the region’s development.

The budget also focused on industry as it plans to establish 64 industrial estates and address traders’ concerns with a new policy offering price preferences. Additionally, there will be a focus on promoting Pashmina and other local products, with seven more products set to receive GI (Geographical Indication) tagging.

In the healthcare sector, the budget includes provisions for two new AIIMS institutions and ten fully-equipped nursing colleges.

Aiming to enhance access to healthcare, Abdullah announced a Rs 5 lakh health insurance coverage for all citizens, alongside plans to integrate telemedicine services across the state.

To further improve medical infrastructure, three new Cath Labs will be established, MRI machines will be installed in all government hospitals, and dialysis services will be expanded to all district hospitals.

He also stated that feedback had been taken into account while preparing the budget to ensure it meets the needs of the people, particularly in terms of reducing regional disparities and improving overall economic health.

Omar Abdullah expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Finance Minister for their continued support and cooperation in the state’s progress. (ANI)

The debate on the alleged third language imposition as part of the National Education Policy in Tamil Nadu has snowballed into an all out battle between the BJP and the ruling DMK alliance in the state.

BJP State Chief K Annamlai on Friday claimed that the BJP’s pro NEP signature campaign had received a positive response from the people of the state.

“Thiru MK Stalin, our online signature campaign through http://puthiyakalvi.in is supported by over 2 lakh people within 36 hours, and our on-ground signature campaign continues to receive an overwhelming reception across TN. As the TN CM, you seem visibly rattled, and your rants against the signature campaign mean nothing to us,” Annamalai posted on X.

He further hit out at the Tamil Nadu CM alleging that the DMK could not carry out a signature campaign despite being in power.

“Despite being in power, you couldn’t carry out a signature campaign against NEET, and remember that your cadres had to throw the pamphlets in the dustbin after realising where they truly belonged. Thiru MK Stalin, stop swinging your paper word against the delusional Hindi imposition. Your fake Hindi imposition drama has already been exposed. It’s unfortunate that you haven’t realised it yet,” he further said.

Annamalai’s post was in response to MK Stalin’s earlier post which mocked the BJP’s campaign calling it a circus.

In a post on X Stalin wrote, “Now the BJP’s circus-like signature campaign for the three-language formula has become a laughing stock in Tamil Nadu. I challenge them to make this their core agenda in the 2026 Assembly elections and let it be a referendum on Hindi imposition. History is clear. Those who tried to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu have either been defeated or later changed their stance and aligned with DMK. Tamil Nadu will not tolerate Hindi colonialism replacing British colonialism.”

“From the names of schemes to awards to Union government institutions, Hindi has been imposed to a nauseating extent, suffocating non-Hindi speakers, who are the majority in India. Men may come, men may go. But even long after the dominance of Hindi is shattered in India, history will remember that it was DMK that stood as the vanguard,” he further added. (ANI)

The Black Caps have showcased excellent ODI form, rebounding strongly from a defeat to secure a commanding spot in the Champions Trophy final, as per the ICC.

New Zealand have shown fine form during the tournament so far, with great displays with bat and ball.

Their only hiccup came against India in Dubai, having already qualified for the knockout stage by the time they played that game, setting up for a shot at sweet redemption against the Indians.

They opened the tournament by defeating Pakistan reasonably comfortably. Will Young and Tom Latham both hit hundreds as the Black Caps amassed a total of 320/5, with 113 coming off the last ten overs.

Mitchell Santner and Will O’Rourke then took three wickets apiece as they bowled the co-hosts out for 260.

They then knocked Bangladesh out of the tournament with a five-wicket win.

Michael Bracewell was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4/23. Rachin Ravindra came to the crease with his side at 15/2 and capped off his return from a brief stint on the sidelines brilliantly, producing a memorable century. Combined with a fifty from Latham, they made good headway towards the target, leaving it to the sixth-wicket partnership of Glenn Phillips and Bracewell to see the team home with 23 balls to spare.

Back-to-back wins confirmed semi-final qualification.

Top spot in Group A was on the line when the Black Caps travelled to Dubai to take on India and it wasn’t to be, as New Zealand had to settle for a runner-up finish and a semi-final showdown against South Africa back in Pakistan.

The Kiwis tried hard against India, with Matt Henry collecting an impressive five-wicket haul as Rohit Sharma’s side was restricted to just 249/9 from their 50 overs.

Kane Williamson collected a half-century in reply, but it wasn’t enough as New Zealand was bowled out for just 205 to leave the side 44 runs short of victory. Despite the loss, it was a good chance to gain familiarity with the Dubai conditions.

The Kiwis bounced back from the India loss with authority.

In a must-win affair, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson came up clutch, both scoring impressive hundreds at faster than a run-a-ball. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips fired in the middle order to help New Zealand to an imposing 362/6 from their 50 overs.

South Africa’s top order was unable to emulate the efforts of their Kiwi counterparts, as spinners Mitchell Santner, Ravindra and Phillips all produced with the ball, which bodes well for their chances on the Dubai deck in Sunday’s final. (ANI)