News for 'First Ball'

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.

Why India A's Tour Of New Zealand Is Crucial For Senior Team Contenders

Why India A's Tour Of New Zealand Is Crucial For Senior Team Contenders

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

India A will undertake a shadow tour of New Zealand ahead of the senior team's multi-format series in the country, with the itinerary comprising three List A matches and two first-class games.

India Batting Coach Supports Rohit Sharma Despite Struggles Vs England

India Batting Coach Supports Rohit Sharma Despite Struggles Vs England

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has expressed strong support for veteran opener Rohit Sharma, dismissing concerns over his recent lean run in the ongoing ODI series against England. Despite Sharma's low scores in the first two matches and a challenging year with the bat, Kotak believes a player of his calibre does not feel pressure and expects him to return to form soon. England won the second ODI, levelling the series 1-1, with the decider set for Lord's.

'This goal belongs to Spain': Torres' historic strike

'This goal belongs to Spain': Torres' historic strike

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Spain forward Ferran Torres dedicated his World Cup-winning goal to the entire nation after his extra-time strike secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The 26-year-old's solitary goal of the tournament proved decisive, ending Argentina's hopes of retaining the title and delivering Spain's first World Cup triumph since 2010. The win also extended Spain's unbeaten run to a European-record 38 international matches.

Legendary All-Rounder Sir Garfield Sobers Passes Into The Ages

Legendary All-Rounder Sir Garfield Sobers Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history and a former West Indies captain, died in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Friday at the age of 89.

Rohit Sharma's ODI Career Nears End As BCCI Plans For Future

Rohit Sharma's ODI Career Nears End As BCCI Plans For Future

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

BCCI selectors have reportedly informed Rohit Sharma that they plan to move on from him after the ODI series against England.

2nd unofficial Test: Arachchige puts Sri Lanka A in command against India A on Day 1

2nd unofficial Test: Arachchige puts Sri Lanka A in command against India A on Day 1

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachchige scored an unbeaten 83, leading his team to 288 for 5 on the opening day of the second unofficial 'Test' against India 'A'. Indian bowlers Yash Thakur and Saransh Jain took two wickets each, but the hosts built strong partnerships on a slow Galle pitch.

Fear of failure has no place in this team, says Shreyas Iyer ahead of Zimbabwe T20Is

Fear of failure has no place in this team, says Shreyas Iyer ahead of Zimbabwe T20Is

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer has urged his team to play fearless cricket in the upcoming T20 series against Zimbabwe, despite a recent winless tour of England. He emphasised learning from past setbacks, adapting to new conditions, and focusing on team unity to overcome challenges.

3rd T20I: England hammer India by 125 runs, take 2-0 lead

3rd T20I: England hammer India by 125 runs, take 2-0 lead

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi got a taste of the fact that international cricket isn't always child's play as England pacers Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue were fast and furious in clinically decimating India by a record 125 runs in the third T20 International in Nottingham on Tuesday.

'We Smell Blood And We Go For It': Argentina's Epic Fightback Stuns England In World Cup Semis

'We Smell Blood And We Go For It': Argentina's Epic Fightback Stuns England In World Cup Semis

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni lauded his team's ability to perform under pressure, stating they 'play its best football when it's under pressure' after their dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England secured a spot in the World Cup final.

Bethell to open with Duckett: England announce playing XI for 1st ODI vs India

Bethell to open with Duckett: England announce playing XI for 1st ODI vs India

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

England has named its playing XI for the first One-Day International against India at Edgbaston, with young left-hander Jacob Bethell set to open alongside Ben Duckett.

Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to make World Cup last 8

Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to make World Cup last 8

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after the teams were locked goalless at the end of extra-time in the Round of 16 match to enter the World Cup quarter-finals at BC Place, Vancouver, on Tuesday.

India women's big Lord's moment is finally here

India women's big Lord's moment is finally here

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India's women's cricket team is set to make history by playing their first-ever Test match at Lord's against England. This follows an early exit from the T20 World Cup, allowing more preparation time. Head coach Amol Mujumdar expressed the team's excitement for this landmark occasion, highlighting the dream of playing a Test at the iconic venue. Both teams feature potential debutants, with England's Tammy Beaumont retiring after this historic match.

Why July 13 is special for Indian cricket

Why July 13 is special for Indian cricket

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Former India Women's cricketer Reema Malhotra has hailed the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side's historic Test victory over England at Lord's, drawing parallels between their win and Sourav Ganguly's iconic balcony celebration in 2002, stating, 'July 13 has become a memorable date in Indian cricket history.'

Belgium fight back to sink Senegal with extra-time penalty

Belgium fight back to sink Senegal with extra-time penalty

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Youri Tielemans struck a 125th-minute penalty as Belgium rallied from two goals down and defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their World Cup last 32 clash in Seattle on Wednesday to keep alive their title hopes that had looked dead and buried.

Abhishek, Shreyas rescue India before rain washes out opening T20I

Abhishek, Shreyas rescue India before rain washes out opening T20I

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Abhishek Sharma's dynamic 59 and skipper Shreyas Iyer's composed 68 helped India gain a slice of positivity despite their first T20I against England getting abandoned because of incessant rains.

Mbappe, Dembele shine as France cruise past Morocco into World Cup semis

Mbappe, Dembele shine as France cruise past Morocco into World Cup semis

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

France and Morocco were goalless at half-time in their World Cup quarter-final. Kylian Mbappe missed a penalty for France, whose early dominance did not translate into goals. Morocco's goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made a crucial save to deny Mbappe from the spot.

Portugal overcome Croatia in thriller to make World Cup last 16

Portugal overcome Croatia in thriller to make World Cup last 16

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in a dramatic World Cup match, with Goncalo Ramos scoring the winning goal in stoppage time after Cristiano Ronaldo had equalised from a penalty. The victory ends Luka Modric's fifth World Cup bid, and Portugal now advances to face Spain in the round of 16.

Women's T20 World Cup: Wyatt-Hodge Stars As England Knock Out New Zealand

Women's T20 World Cup: Wyatt-Hodge Stars As England Knock Out New Zealand

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Defending champions New Zealand were knocked out of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 as England triumphed by nine wickets at the Oval in London on Sunday.

England crush South Africa; meet Australia in women's T20 World Cup final

England crush South Africa; meet Australia in women's T20 World Cup final

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

England defeated South Africa by 40 runs in the semi-final at The Oval, securing their place in the Women's T20 World Cup final against Australia. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt's 75 runs and a crucial partnership with Heather Knight were key to their victory.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina fight back to beat England 2-1, face Spain in final

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina fight back to beat England 2-1, face Spain in final

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel has made three changes to his starting XI for the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, bringing Reece James and Djed Spence into the defence, while Argentina's Lionel Scaloni makes one switch, with Giuliano Simeone replacing Rodrigo De Paul.

IPL 2026: Lungi Ngidi reveals how he mastered the dipping slower ball

IPL 2026: Lungi Ngidi reveals how he mastered the dipping slower ball

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Lungi Ngidi discusses the development and effectiveness of his dipping slower ball in the IPL, highlighting its importance in T20 cricket and the mental fortitude required to execute it under pressure.

Shreyas Iyer Refuses To Blame Ravi Bishnoi For England T20I Defeat

Shreyas Iyer Refuses To Blame Ravi Bishnoi For England T20I Defeat

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer defended leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi after his expensive 29-run over proved pivotal in India's four-wicket defeat to England in the second T20I. Iyer acknowledged the momentum shift but refused to pinpoint blame, while England's Jacob Bethell was lauded for his match-winning unbeaten 76.

VVS Laxman to lead India's coaching staff for Zimbabwe tour, Asian Games

VVS Laxman to lead India's coaching staff for Zimbabwe tour, Asian Games

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

VVS Laxman will lead India's support staff for the upcoming Zimbabwe T20I series and the Asian Games, providing a break for the senior team's regular staff. This arrangement allows for simultaneous international commitments, with Gautam Gambhir coaching the ODI squad against West Indies.

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Moments That Defined 2026 World Cup

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to Cape Verde's fairytale run, VAR controversies and unforgettable fan moments, relive the memories that made the 2026 FIFA World Cup the biggest and most dramatic tournament in history.

Sai Kishore joins Gloucestershire for remainder of season

Sai Kishore joins Gloucestershire for remainder of season

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

India spinner Sai Kishore has signed a six-match deal with English county side Gloucestershire for the remainder of the season.

De Ketelaere double as Belgium thrash USA to make last 8

De Ketelaere double as Belgium thrash USA to make last 8

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The United States' World Cup dreams came to a crashing halt in the last 16 against Belgium on Monday as Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in a 4-1 win, overshadowed by FIFA's controversial decision to suspend US forward Folarin Balogun's ban.

PSL 2026: Labuschagne Questions Ball Discolouration in Season Opener

PSL 2026: Labuschagne Questions Ball Discolouration in Season Opener

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Marnus Labuschagne questions unusual ball discolouration during PSL opener as white ball turns pink, raising concerns over jersey dye transfer.

Joao Fonseca: The first teenager to beat Djokovic at a Grand Slam

Joao Fonseca: The first teenager to beat Djokovic at a Grand Slam

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Novak Djokovic's quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title ended in a stunning third-round defeat to Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca at the French Open.

FIFA World Cup: 'There is still a long way to go': Mbappe sends rivals a message

FIFA World Cup: 'There is still a long way to go': Mbappe sends rivals a message

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

France showcased their tactical superiority and attacking prowess to defeat Morocco in the World Cup quarter-final, effectively neutralising Morocco's usually exhilarating offensive style with a dominant midfield and relentless pressure.

Ireland upset fancied India by 34 runs in T20I series opener

Ireland upset fancied India by 34 runs in T20I series opener

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Ireland scripted history by registering their first-ever win over India, handing the visitors a 34-run defeat in the first T20I in Belfast on Friday. This is Ireland's first victory over India in any format.

Women's T20 World Cup: Shafali Powers India to five-wicket win over Bangladesh

Women's T20 World Cup: Shafali Powers India to five-wicket win over Bangladesh

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Shafali Verma's aggressive 53 laid the foundation for India's five-wicket win over Bangladesh, though dropped catches and fielding lapses remained a major concern ahead of the Australia clash.

Cummins, Hazlewood return as Australia name Test squad

Cummins, Hazlewood return as Australia name Test squad

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

Australia has announced a 13-man squad for the upcoming two-Test home series against Bangladesh, featuring the return of captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon from injury. The series, part of the World Test Championship, sees competition for fast bowling spots with Scott Boland's strong performance, while Jake Weatherald and Cameron Green retain their places despite recent struggles. The squad aims to solidify Australia's top position in the WTC standings.

'My Job Is With The Bat': Rohit Shuts Down Retirement Talk

'My Job Is With The Bat': Rohit Shuts Down Retirement Talk

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

Rohit Sharma answered the retirement rumours in the best possible way - by smashing a record-breaking century at Lord's.

IPL 2026: 'Reality check': Punjab Kings' coach after first loss

IPL 2026: 'Reality check': Punjab Kings' coach after first loss

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Punjab Kings' fast-bowling coach James Hopes views the team's first loss in IPL 2026 as a 'reality check' but remains confident in their ability to recover, emphasising the importance of adapting to varying conditions.