News for 'First Ball'

England stun France in 10-goal thriller to finish third at World Cup

England stun France in 10-goal thriller to finish third at World Cup

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

England bagged third place at the World Cup after beating France 6-4 on Saturday, while Les Bleus' captain Kylian Mbappe became the tournament's all-time top scorer with 22 goals on coach Didier Deschamps' last game after 14 years in charge.

Friendship Day: The Art Of Letting Building Friends Go

Friendship Day: The Art Of Letting Building Friends Go

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

There are friends you make because life brings you together. And then there are friends who become part of the place you call home. Mine lived across my building.

Sir Garfield Sobers leaves behind an unmatched cricket legacy

Sir Garfield Sobers leaves behind an unmatched cricket legacy

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Sobers excelled at many sports, including soccer and basketball, but cricket was his passion. His first memories of the sport were of playing in the road or on the beach, aged eight.

First in six decades: Australia pick India-born Nikhil Chaudhary for Bangladesh T20s

First in six decades: Australia pick India-born Nikhil Chaudhary for Bangladesh T20s

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Delhi-born Nikhil Chaudhary, who played for Punjab till 2016-2017, was called up to the Australian T20 squad for a three-match tour to Bangladesh next week.

India crush West Indies in T20 World Cup warm-up

India crush West Indies in T20 World Cup warm-up

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

India defeated West Indies by 26 runs in their first Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match. Bharti Fulmali's unbeaten 56 and strong bowling performances from Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav secured the victory, despite a batting collapse by the West Indies.

Ignored by India, Kuldeep gets big County deal

Ignored by India, Kuldeep gets big County deal

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Indian left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav has signed an eight-game deal with Yorkshire for the ongoing English county season, participating in both the Metro Bank One Day Cup and the Rothesay County Championship. Concurrently, uncapped Indian all-rounder Ashutosh Sharma made an impressive debut for Hampshire, taking three wickets in a one-day match against Yorkshire.

Xavi And Mascherano Reflect On Barcelona's Impact On World Cup Final

Xavi And Mascherano Reflect On Barcelona's Impact On World Cup Final

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Barcelona legends Xavi Hernandez and Javier Mascherano discuss the profound influence of their former club on the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. They highlight the impact of La Masia-bred players like Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi for Spain, and the enduring brilliance of Lionel Messi for Argentina, all products of Barcelona's footballing philosophy. Both former players express pride in the shared playing style and the quality of the final.

Former Australia opener David Warner pleads guilty to drink-driving, faces jail time

Former Australia opener David Warner pleads guilty to drink-driving, faces jail time

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

Former Australia batter David Warner has pleaded guilty to a mid-range drink-driving charge in Sydney, facing a potential prison sentence of up to nine months and a minimum six-month driving ban.

Shreyas Iyer Expresses Confidence Ahead Of Zimbabwe T20I Series

Shreyas Iyer Expresses Confidence Ahead Of Zimbabwe T20I Series

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer has expressed confidence in the team's preparations ahead of the T20I series against Zimbabwe, aiming for his first series win as captain. The tour is seen as a crucial opportunity for the team to acclimatise and perform, with young talents like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma also in the spotlight.

2nd unofficial Test: Sudharsan extends hot form as India A respond strongly on Day 2

2nd unofficial Test: Sudharsan extends hot form as India A respond strongly on Day 2

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Sai Sudharsan scored his second consecutive century, and Devdutt Padikkal added an unbeaten 94, guiding India A to a strong 247 for one on Day 2 of the second unofficial Test against Sri Lanka A, trailing by 119 runs.

How India Bowling Coach Joshi Helped Bishnoi Bounce Back To Form

How India Bowling Coach Joshi Helped Bishnoi Bounce Back To Form

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

India bowling coach Sunil Joshi revealed that a minor adjustment in leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi's run-up was crucial in helping him regain his rhythm against Zimbabwe, following a challenging performance against England.

England pacer Robinson leaves NZ reeling on rain-hit Day 3

England pacer Robinson leaves NZ reeling on rain-hit Day 3

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Persistent rain limited play to fewer than 10 overs on Day 3 at Lord's, but Ollie Robinson struck twice to leave New Zealand struggling at 55/5 in pursuit of a 254-run target against England

Comeback from injury was very difficult and challenging, says Mayank Yadav

Comeback from injury was very difficult and challenging, says Mayank Yadav

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

India pacer Mayank Yadav has described the two-year injury-enforced absence from international cricket as the most difficult phase of his young career, admitting that battling repeated setbacks at the age of 22-23 tested him mentally.

Lord's Test: Mandhana magic and Gaud's five-for put India in control

Lord's Test: Mandhana magic and Gaud's five-for put India in control

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Kranti Gaud announced herself on the Test stage with a stunning maiden five-wicket haul, while Smriti Mandhana's unbeaten fifty put India firmly in control against England.

Bhai Tera Star Hai Review: Raghav Juyal's Film Is Absurd

Bhai Tera Star Hai Review: Raghav Juyal's Film Is Absurd

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

For such a likeable ensemble cast, it is almost tragic how Bhai Tera Star Hai never grows funnier, notes Mayur Sanap.

'Greatest to walk the earth': Gavaskar on Sobers' legacy

'Greatest to walk the earth': Gavaskar on Sobers' legacy

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers, widely considered the greatest all-rounder in the sport's history, has passed away at the age of 89. Tributes poured in from across the cricketing world, with former India captains Sunil Gavaskar and Virat Kohli expressing their profound sadness and respect for the West Indies icon. The Lanka Premier League will also honour his legacy.

Baffling that Lord's yet to host a women's Test: Muzumdar ahead of landmark game

Baffling that Lord's yet to host a women's Test: Muzumdar ahead of landmark game

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India head coach Amol Muzumdar is baffled that it has taken this long to stage a women's Test at Lord's, 142 years after the 'Home of Cricket' hosted a men's Test.

From ACL rehab to Lord's honours board: Yastika Bhatia's remarkable comeback

From ACL rehab to Lord's honours board: Yastika Bhatia's remarkable comeback

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia became the first woman cricketer to score a Test century at Lord's, hitting 113 against England. This remarkable achievement marks a significant comeback for Bhatia, who recovered from a career-threatening ACL injury sustained last year. She credited her family, teammates, and support staff for her successful rehabilitation and expressed her belief that her best is yet to come.

Women's T20 World Cup: Spirited Sri Lanka Stun Champions New Zealand

Women's T20 World Cup: Spirited Sri Lanka Stun Champions New Zealand

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A brilliant unbeaten half-century from Nilakshika Silva saw Sri Lanka complete a spectacular chase and claim a five-wicket win over reigning champions New Zealand at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.

'Total disgrace': Argentina slammed after World Cup

'Total disgrace': Argentina slammed after World Cup

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Argentina's conduct after their World Cup final defeat to Spain has come under fire, with players and fans facing criticism for their actions during the trophy presentation and post-match celebrations.

Gill Blames India's Death Bowling For ODI Series Loss To England

Gill Blames India's Death Bowling For ODI Series Loss To England

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

India captain Shubman Gill attributed his team's 27-run defeat in the series-deciding third ODI against England to their inability to contain runs in the death overs, allowing England to post a formidable total of 388.

Australia whip England, win Women's T20 World Cup title for record-extending 7th time

Australia whip England, win Women's T20 World Cup title for record-extending 7th time

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Australia beat England by seven wickets to win the Women's T20 World Cup for a record-extending seventh time at Lord's on Sunday.

Deepti Sharma outlines India's strategy vs England on Day 2 of women's Test

Deepti Sharma outlines India's strategy vs England on Day 2 of women's Test

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

India all-rounder Deepti Sharma emphasised the importance of the first hour on day two of the one-off women's Test against England, aiming for early wickets to pressure the hosts. India posted 285 in their first innings, with half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti herself, before taking an early England wicket. Sharma also discussed the variable pitch conditions, which she expects to continue assisting bowlers.

Virat Kohli creates history with record 30th SENA ODI half-century

Virat Kohli creates history with record 30th SENA ODI half-century

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Virat Kohli has added another landmark to his remarkable ODI career by becoming the Indian batter with the most half-centuries in SENA countries -- South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia.

England crush India again, win 4th T20I by nine wickets to clinch series

England crush India again, win 4th T20I by nine wickets to clinch series

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

India continued their dismal run, suffering yet another defeat in the ongoing tour of England, going down by nine wickets in the fourth T20I to concede the five-match series in Bristol on Thursday.

2nd T20I: England spoil Sooryavanshi's big day with four-wicket victory

2nd T20I: England spoil Sooryavanshi's big day with four-wicket victory

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's much-anticipated India debut ends with 14 off 10 balls as Tilak Varma's explosive final over lifts India to 190/7 against England in the second T20I at Old Trafford.

New France Head Coach Zidane aiming for Euro 2028 glory

New France Head Coach Zidane aiming for Euro 2028 glory

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

Zinedine Zidane, the 1998 World Cup hero and former Real Madrid manager, has been appointed to lead the France national team, with the primary goal of converting recent near-misses into major trophies, starting with the 2028 European Championship.

Ravi Shastri Hails Yastika Bhatia, Kranti Gaud for Lord's Honours Board Entry

Ravi Shastri Hails Yastika Bhatia, Kranti Gaud for Lord's Honours Board Entry

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Former India men's coach Ravi Shastri has lauded Yastika Bhatia and Kranti Gaud for becoming the first Indian women to secure places on the Lord's Honours Board during the one-off Test against England, with Yastika scoring a century and Kranti taking a five-wicket haul.

'We need to be aware and adapt': Shreyas Iyer Lashes Out After 4-0 Whitewash In England

'We need to be aware and adapt': Shreyas Iyer Lashes Out After 4-0 Whitewash In England

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer attributed his side's comprehensive 4-0 T20 International series defeat to England to a failure in adapting to changing conditions, sloppy fielding, and an inability to build crucial partnerships.

8 Weird Football Terms

8 Weird Football Terms

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

As the sport's popularity spread across the world, it developed its own colourful language/expressions. From clever slang to bizarre nicknames, the game's changing culture has thrown up some rather unusual turn of phrase. Here are 8 of the strangest football terms ever used.

Nepal apologise after Bhutan batter's 'timed out' dismissal

Nepal apologise after Bhutan batter's 'timed out' dismissal

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

The Cricket Association of Nepal apologised after its players got a Bhutan batter 'timed out' in Thursday's ACC Women's Premier Cup match, saying the dismissal was within the laws but did not reflect the spirit of the game it wanted to uphold.

Commonwealth Games Kick Off With Focus On Sustainability

Commonwealth Games Kick Off With Focus On Sustainability

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony at the OVO Hydro, blending Scottish heritage with modern performances. King Charles III declared the Games open, emphasising a message of sustainability, particularly regarding plastic pollution in oceans. The event showcased a new, more compact model for the Games, focusing on existing venues and integrated Para sports, following Glasgow's role as a step-in host.

Buttler Smashes Century As England Demolish India To Complete 4-0 T20I Series Whitewash

Buttler Smashes Century As England Demolish India To Complete 4-0 T20I Series Whitewash

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Jos Buttler rolled back the years with a blistering century, while skipper Harry Brook hammered a quickfire 95 as England annihilated an out-of-sorts India by 56 runs in the fifth and final T20 International.

1st unofficial Test: Auqib Nabi 4-fer puts India A in command vs Sri Lanka A

1st unofficial Test: Auqib Nabi 4-fer puts India A in command vs Sri Lanka A

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi's impressive four-wicket spell with the second new ball helped India 'A' secure a substantial 122-run first-innings lead against Sri Lanka 'A' on day three of the opening 'Test'. Sri Lanka 'A' were bowled out for 330 after being in a strong position, with India 'A' further consolidating their lead to 170 runs by stumps.

Lord's Test: Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Deepti hit fifties as India make 285 vs England

Lord's Test: Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Deepti hit fifties as India make 285 vs England

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma struck well-timed fifties but regular strikes helped England bundle out India for 285 on the opening day of the one-off women's Test at Lord's on Friday.

Remembering Garry Sobers: The Greatest Cricketer Ever

Remembering Garry Sobers: The Greatest Cricketer Ever

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Sir Garfield Sobers, widely considered the greatest all-rounder in cricket history, passed away just days before his 90th birthday, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy that included a significant connection with India both on and off the field.

Iyer reaches HUGE milestone, Abhishek smashes record again

Iyer reaches HUGE milestone, Abhishek smashes record again

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Indian middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer has completed 5,000 international runs across all formats, achieving this milestone during a T20I against England where he scored 68 runs. The article also highlights his impressive career statistics and mentions Abhishek Sharma's new record for the fastest 100 T20I sixes by a Test-playing nation player.

Yastika Bhatia: Karate Kid To Lord's History Maker

Yastika Bhatia: Karate Kid To Lord's History Maker

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Yastika Bhatia scripted history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord's. Here's the inspiring story of her journey from Baroda prodigy and ACL injury comeback to India's latest cricket hero.

Does Rajkummar Rao Get Dada right? VOTE!

Does Rajkummar Rao Get Dada right? VOTE!

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

RajKummar Rao is set to portray Sourav Ganguly in the upcoming biopic Dada: The Sourav Ganguly Story, with the first look poster dramatically recreating Ganguly's iconic shirtless celebration at Lord's after India's historic 2002 NatWest Trophy victory.

India vs England ODIs: Why is Kuldeep Yadav warming the bench?

India vs England ODIs: Why is Kuldeep Yadav warming the bench?

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Former cricketers and experts are questioning India's decision to omit specialist spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI, suggesting the team's focus on batting depth might be compromising its wicket-taking ability.