News for 'First Ball'

India on brink of series sweep despite Sri Lanka's brief fightback

India on brink of series sweep despite Sri Lanka's brief fightback

Rediff.com3 days ago

India is on the verge of a comprehensive series-sweeping victory against Sri Lanka in the second and final Test, despite a defiant 115-run partnership between Pasindu Sooriyabandara (92) and Kamindu Mendis (55) in Sri Lanka's follow-on innings.

IPL Stays in Australia's Plans, But Workload Comes First

IPL Stays in Australia's Plans, But Workload Comes First

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald discusses how the Indian Premier League (IPL) can be integrated into the national team's demanding international schedule, emphasising the need for workload management, especially for fast bowlers. He highlights the IPL's benefits for player development while acknowledging the challenges of a packed calendar including major Test series and ICC events.

Anvay Dravid strokes 67-ball 87 but India U-19 Lose To Sri Lanka

Anvay Dravid strokes 67-ball 87 but India U-19 Lose To Sri Lanka

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Anvay Dravid, son of legendary Rahul Dravid, displayed his potential with a 67-ball 87, but opener Dimantha Mahavithana made an unbeaten 155 to guide Sri Lanka U-19 to an eight-wicket win over India U-19 in the second Youth ODI.

Gary Kirsten tips Dhruv Jurel as a world-class Test prospect

Gary Kirsten tips Dhruv Jurel as a world-class Test prospect

Rediff.com2 days ago

Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten praised Sonal Dinusha's twin centuries and pressure-handling ability, while calling India's Dhruv Jurel a world-class player with superb technique and short-ball skills.

India crash out of hockey World Cup after Argentina loss

India crash out of hockey World Cup after Argentina loss

Rediff.com5 days ago

The Indian men's hockey team was eliminated from the FIH World Cup semifinal race after a 3-5 loss to Argentina in a crucial pool match. India needed to win by at least two goals but struggled to find form against a strong Argentine side.

Hockey World Cup: Netherlands dent India's semi-final hopes with 3-1 win

Hockey World Cup: Netherlands dent India's semi-final hopes with 3-1 win

Rediff.com7 days ago

India's strong defensive start unravelled after half-time as three Dutch goals secured a 3-1 win, denting the team's World Cup semifinal hopes.

Pakistan under pressure at Headingley as Brook's 91 drives England to commanding lead

Pakistan under pressure at Headingley as Brook's 91 drives England to commanding lead

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Harry Brook's blistering 91 and strong partnerships with Dan Lawrence, Joe Root and Jordan Cox put England firmly in control, leaving Pakistan facing an uphill battle in the first Test at Headingley.

Rahul Dravid insists on balance in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's development

Rahul Dravid insists on balance in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's development

Rediff.com7 days ago

According to former India coach Rahul Dravid, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's development must balance white-ball success with sustained red-ball exposure, giving the teenager time, patience and experience to eventually become a Test cricketer.

Haaland, Cherki score twice as Manchester City whip Crystal Palace

Haaland, Cherki score twice as Manchester City whip Crystal Palace

Rediff.com1 days ago

Manchester City secured their second consecutive Premier League win with a dominant 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Rayan Cherki and Erling Haaland each scored twice, showcasing City's attacking prowess and maintaining their perfect start to the new season.

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan criticised spin coach Sairaj Bahutule after Ravi Bishnoi's costly no-balls against England, calling it "a crime" for a spinner and urging a return to attacking leg-spin fundamentals.

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

'A spinner bowling no-balls is a crime': Siva questions Bahutule after Bishnoi's horror show

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan criticised spin coach Sairaj Bahutule after Ravi Bishnoi's costly no-balls against England, calling it "a crime" for a spinner and urging a return to attacking leg-spin fundamentals.

Murali Kartik dissects Ravi Bishnoi's no-ball issues, suggests run-up adjustment

Murali Kartik dissects Ravi Bishnoi's no-ball issues, suggests run-up adjustment

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Former India spinner Murali Kartik attributes Ravi Bishnoi's recent back-foot no-ball issues to his exaggerated semicircular run-up, which alters his alignment and forces him to cut the return crease, rather than a problem with his bowling action itself.

Second Test: England seize command at Lord's, leave Pakistan facing another heavy defeat

Second Test: England seize command at Lord's, leave Pakistan facing another heavy defeat

Rediff.com1 days ago

England seized total control at Lord's after bowling Pakistan out for 110, building a 261-run lead as Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer dismantled their batting.

Tim Seifert's Blistering Fifty Secures Maiden Hundred Title for Manchester Super Giants

Tim Seifert's Blistering Fifty Secures Maiden Hundred Title for Manchester Super Giants

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Tim Seifert's explosive half-century and 'Player of the Match' performance, alongside his 'Player of the Tournament' award, propelled Manchester Super Giants to their first Men's Hundred title, defeating Trent Rockets by five wickets in a thrilling final at Lord's.

Cricket Fans Rush For India-New Zealand Tour Tickets

Cricket Fans Rush For India-New Zealand Tour Tickets

Rediff.com3 days ago

India's multi-format cricket tour of New Zealand has seen unprecedented early ticket sales, with 26,000 tickets sold in the first 48 hours of the pre-sale. The 12-match series, starting in October, is proving to be a major draw, particularly for white-ball matches, prompting New Zealand Cricket to urge fans to secure their seats quickly.

2nd Test: Shoriful Islam leads Bangladesh's stunning fightback after Starc masterclass

2nd Test: Shoriful Islam leads Bangladesh's stunning fightback after Starc masterclass

Rediff.com7 days ago

Left-arm pacemen Mitchell Starc and Shoriful Islam starred with six-wicket hauls as Bangladesh rallied from a dreadful start to pin back Australia on a roller-coaster opening day of the second Test on Saturday.

Djokovic Pranks Ball Girl; Challenges Rory McIlroy To Jacket Swap

Djokovic Pranks Ball Girl; Challenges Rory McIlroy To Jacket Swap

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Novak Djokovic pranked an unsuspecting ball girl by crying out in pain as she followed his orders to cut off some black tape from his right shoulder with a pair of scissors.

Colombo Test: Rishabh Pant Walks Off Retired Hurt After Wrist Injury

Colombo Test: Rishabh Pant Walks Off Retired Hurt After Wrist Injury

Rediff.com6 days ago

India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant retired hurt during the second Test against Sri Lanka after being hit on his left arm by a short ball from Lahiru Kumara. He received medical attention but was visibly in pain and left the field, with Ravindra Jadeja replacing him.

After Darwin Humiliation, Starc Leads Australia Rout of Bangladesh

After Darwin Humiliation, Starc Leads Australia Rout of Bangladesh

Rediff.com7 days ago

Australia secured a thumping innings and 51-run victory over Bangladesh in Mackay, levelling the two-match series 1-1. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were instrumental, with Starc taking 10-51 in the match.

Ganguly 'surprised' by India's white-ball slump, backs team to bounce back

Ganguly 'surprised' by India's white-ball slump, backs team to bounce back

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly expressed surprise at India's recent white-ball slump, which saw them suffer a crushing 125-run defeat against England and a 0-2 series loss to Ireland, but backed the team to recover, while also commenting on his upcoming biopic 'Dada'.

2nd Test: Abbas' four-fer puts Pakistan in command as England battle to 248-9 on Day 1

2nd Test: Abbas' four-fer puts Pakistan in command as England battle to 248-9 on Day 1

Rediff.com2 days ago

Mohammad Abbas claimed four wickets as Pakistan controlled much of the opening day at Lord's, but England recovered through Cox, Smith and Atkinson to reach 248-9.

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Kuldeep's Test spot in doubt after forgettable Galle show

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Former India leg-spinner L Sivaramakrishnan believes that advising Kuldeep Yadav to bowl faster in Test cricket is 'the worst piece of advice' he could receive, advocating instead for focus on alignment and natural speeds to maximise spin.

Barcelona Begins LaLiga Title Defence With Resounding 5-0 Win At Elche

Barcelona Begins LaLiga Title Defence With Resounding 5-0 Win At Elche

Rediff.com6 days ago

Barcelona commenced their LaLiga title defence with a dominant 5-0 away victory against Elche, featuring two goals each from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez, and one from debutant Karim Adeyemi.

Day 3: Rain forces early stumps as Sri Lanka reach 265-8 in Colombo

Day 3: Rain forces early stumps as Sri Lanka reach 265-8 in Colombo

Rediff.com4 days ago

Prasidh Krishna's hostile spell and Manav Suthar's two wickets helped India keep Sri Lanka under pressure on Day 3, despite 50's from Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha in Colombo on Tuesday.

Kohli Got Benefit Of Doubt First Ball

Kohli Got Benefit Of Doubt First Ball

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

Virat Kohli survived a controversial catch call on the first ball he faced in the fifth and final Test at Sydney on Friday.

England rout Pakistan at Headingley to go one up in Test series

England rout Pakistan at Headingley to go one up in Test series

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

A dominant display against a hugely disappointing Pakistan side saw the game wrapped up before tea on the third day despite the loss of more than half a day's play to rain.

Duleep Trophy: 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi steps up as captain after Kishan's injury

Duleep Trophy: 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi steps up as captain after Kishan's injury

Rediff.com51 minutes ago

15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made his captaincy debut for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy semi-final after regular skipper Ishan Kishan was injured.

Devdutt Padikkal falls five runs short of Rahul Dravid's record in Galle Test

Devdutt Padikkal falls five runs short of Rahul Dravid's record in Galle Test

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Devdutt Padikkal's match aggregate of 211 runs is the second-highest by an Indian No. 3 in a Test against Sri Lanka. Dravid holds the record with 215 runs in the 2009 Ahmedabad Test, where he made 177 and 38.

After Ashwin and Jadeja, Manav Suthar looks ready to lead India's new spin generation

After Ashwin and Jadeja, Manav Suthar looks ready to lead India's new spin generation

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Manav Suthar's 10-wicket haul against Sri Lanka showcased his skill, meticulous preparation and growing maturity, marking him as India's potential next spin leader.

Messi Masterclass Powers Inter Miami To Big Win Against Montreal

Messi Masterclass Powers Inter Miami To Big Win Against Montreal

Rediff.com4 hours ago

Lionel Messi scored four goals, including a hat-trick, to lead Inter Miami to a dominant 7-1 victory over Montreal in Major League Soccer, ending their five-game winless streak and moving them to second in the Eastern Conference.

Has India Found Its Answer To Its No. 3 Riddle?

Has India Found Its Answer To Its No. 3 Riddle?

Rediff.com6 days ago

It is not easy to score two consecutive Test centuries unless one knows how to play the good ball on its merit and punish the bad ball to full effect.

Premier League: Munoz rescues Liverpool with late equaliser; Spurs go down to Newcastle

Premier League: Munoz rescues Liverpool with late equaliser; Spurs go down to Newcastle

Rediff.com13 hours ago

Liverpool survived a Nottingham Forest scare with Victor Munoz's late equaliser, but Andoni Iraola remains without a Premier League win after two games in charge.

Duleep Trophy: Yash Dhull's selection blunder comes back to haunt North

Duleep Trophy: Yash Dhull's selection blunder comes back to haunt North

Rediff.com5 days ago

North Zone secured a crucial 64-run first-innings lead against West Zone in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final, largely due to exceptional bowling from Abid Mushtaq (5/39) and Arshdeep Singh (3/53). However, controversial selection Yash Dhull failed to score, raising questions about his inclusion over specialist opener Sanat Sangwan. North Zone ended day two with a 171-run overall lead, aiming to extend it further.

Kaith's shootout heroics help Mohun Bagan set up Durand Cup final against East Bengal

Kaith's shootout heroics help Mohun Bagan set up Durand Cup final against East Bengal

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated NorthEast United 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in the Durand Cup semi-final. Goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was the hero, making two crucial saves to send Mohun Bagan into the final, where they will face arch-rivals East Bengal FC in the Kolkata Derby.

Pant Has Made Sixes His Test Signature

Pant Has Made Sixes His Test Signature

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Watch Rishabh Pant closely and one can see that his ability to clear the boundary comes from his hand speed, powerful wrists, swing of the bat and remarkable balance. Above all, he has the courage to play those shots despite the fact that Test batting manuals never demand them.

Arjun Tendulkar Commits To Goa; Ends Exit Rumours

Arjun Tendulkar Commits To Goa; Ends Exit Rumours

Rediff.com7 days ago

Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, has confirmed he will continue playing for the Goa cricket team, dispelling recent rumours of his departure after missing a tour to Oman.

'Kuldeep is in the scheme of things, one match does not define him'

'Kuldeep is in the scheme of things, one match does not define him'

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

India's spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule defended Kuldeep Yadav's performance in the first Test, stating he remains in the team's plans despite a modest outing.

1st T20I: Sooryavanshi, Mayank dazzle in India's commanding win over Zimbabwe

1st T20I: Sooryavanshi, Mayank dazzle in India's commanding win over Zimbabwe

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hit an 18-ball half-century as India crushed Zimbabwe by seven wickets to go 1-0 up in the 3-match T20I series in Harare on Thursday.

Padikkal's Fighting Ton Steadies India After Pant Injury Blow in Colombo

Padikkal's Fighting Ton Steadies India After Pant Injury Blow in Colombo

Rediff.com6 days ago

India faced early pressure in the second Test against Sri Lanka, reaching 88 for two at lunch on day one. Openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were dismissed after a solid start, with Devdutt Padikkal and Shubman Gill at the crease. The session also saw some on-field drama and a dropped catch.

Why Couldn't India Get Dinusha Out?

Why Couldn't India Get Dinusha Out?

Rediff.com2 days ago

'Every batter has a shortcoming somewhere. You need to find where the shortcoming is.'