Abhishek, Hardik fire as India post imposing 256/4 against Zimbabwe in Super 8
Chennai (PTI): Opener Abhishek Sharma returned to form with a fine half-century as India rode on an aggressive batting display to post the highest total of this T20 World Cup, an imposing 256/4, against Zimbabwe in their must-win Super 8 clash, here on Thursday.
Abhishek, who had endured three successive ducks at the start of the competition, struck a brisk 30-ball 55 to provide the early momentum alongwith Sanju Samson (24) as India put on a 48-run opening partnership after Zimbabwe opted to bowl.
Ishan Kishan (38) and Suryakumar Yadav (33) chipped in with quickfire contributions before Hardik Pandya smashed a 23-ball 50 not out in the back end to prop up the total.
Tilak Varma made 44 not out from 14 balls as the duo added 84 runs off 31 balls in their unbroken stand.
For Zimbabwe, Richard Ngarava (1/62), Blessing Muzarabani (1/43), Tinotenda Maposa (1/40) and Sikandar Raza (1/29) were among wickets but struggled to contain India’s attacking approach.
Brief Scores:
India 256/4 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 55, Tilak Varma 44, Hardik Pandya 50; Sikandar Raza 1/29).
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Hubballi: Gym trainer assaulted; police say clash due to personal reasons
Hubballi: A gym trainer was allegedly assaulted by a group of people following accusations of sexual assault and ‘love jihad’, even as both families involved in the case traded serious allegations.
According to police, a group of individuals went to the residence of Sameer Mulla, a resident of Vijayanagar, and questioned him over his friendship with a woman he had met at a gym. The situation escalated into a clash, during which he was allegedly dragged away and assaulted. He sustained minor injuries and was admitted to KIMS hospital.
N. Shashikumar said that after this incident, members from Sameer’s side went to the woman’s house, leading to another clash in which one person was injured. “It was wrong for groups to go near houses. We will take necessary legal action,” he said, adding that the incident appears to have arisen from personal reasons. Police have taken some individuals into custody and are investigating the matter.
Sameer Mulla was reportedly thrashed by a group of Sangh Parivar activists and later handed over to police at the Old Hubballi Police Station after relatives of the woman and members of Hindu organisations gathered at his residence in Rajnagar.
The woman’s family alleged assault and threats from Sameer’s relatives at their Vikas Nagar residence.
Meanwhile, Sameer’s family denied the allegations and accused the woman’s relatives and others of assaulting and kidnapping him. His sister said the two had been in a relationship for three years and that the allegations were baseless.
Police said statements from both sides have been recorded, and a detailed investigation is underway. Sameer remains hospitalised, and appropriate legal action will be taken based on findings.
In a video statement shared on social media, the 20-year-old woman alleged that Sameer had given her an intoxicant, recorded videos without her consent, and sexually assaulted her. She lodged a complaint alleging rape and blackmail, which police are investigating.
In another video, Sameer denied the allegations, claiming the video was recorded with consent and that the accusations were made under pressure.
Former Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority (HDUDA) chairman Nagesh Kalburgi termed the incident a serious matter and urged police to take strict action.
Police said the case involves multiple complaints from both sides, and further investigation is underway.
