News for 'First Ball'

Bishnoi set to be axed! India likely to play extra seamer in crucial 3rd T20I vs England

Bishnoi set to be axed! India likely to play extra seamer in crucial 3rd T20I vs England

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

A struggling Indian team, yet to secure a win on their UK tour, is set to make a crucial change for the third T20 International against England, likely replacing out-of-form leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi with an additional pace bowler to strengthen their attack.

Unofficial Test: Jurel slams unbeaten ton as India A dominate Sri Lanka A

Unofficial Test: Jurel slams unbeaten ton as India A dominate Sri Lanka A

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

India A, led by skipper Dhruv Jurel's unbeaten 141, declared their first innings at 452 for six against Sri Lanka A. Early breakthroughs by Anshul Kamboj and Yash Thakur put Sri Lanka A in trouble, though Nuwanidu Fernando and Ashen Bandara mounted a recovery.

Why are all-rounders getting injured so often?

Why are all-rounders getting injured so often?

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Batting-order flexibility has become a key factor in modern white-ball cricket, and former India all-rounder Vijay Shankar believes players who can seamlessly adapt to different roles are increasingly valuable in a format driven by situational demands.

Was eyeing double hundred, Shubman Gill reveals after leading India to ODI series victory

Was eyeing double hundred, Shubman Gill reveals after leading India to ODI series victory

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

India opener and captain Shubman Gill revealed his ambition to score a double hundred in the second ODI against Afghanistan, where he made a masterful 154. He also shared his pre-series goal of batting for at least 40 overs and finishing matches. India secured a dominant 170-run victory, sealing the series, despite challenging conditions and cramps faced by players.

Thierry Henry: Messi 'Not Human' in World Cup Comeback; Beckham, Rivaldo Also Praise Star

Thierry Henry: Messi 'Not Human' in World Cup Comeback; Beckham, Rivaldo Also Praise Star

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Football legends Thierry Henry, David Beckham, and Rivaldo have lauded Lionel Messi's extraordinary performance in Argentina's dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 comeback against Egypt, with Henry stating Messi is 'not human' for his ability to elevate his game when it matters most.

Back-to-Back Glory! Sinner Lifts Wimbledon Trophy Again

Back-to-Back Glory! Sinner Lifts Wimbledon Trophy Again

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Jannik Sinner has done it again, defeating Alexander Zverev to claim his second straight Wimbledon title in a thrilling final on Centre Court.

Rohit Sharma will continue to play after Lord's ODI, confirms BCCI

Rohit Sharma will continue to play after Lord's ODI, confirms BCCI

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The BCCI on Friday rubbished speculation about Rohit Sharma's future, stating he will continue to play for India after the series-deciding third and final ODI against England at Lord's on Sunday.

Traffic jam delay adds to Team India's woes in Southampton

Traffic jam delay adds to Team India's woes in Southampton

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India's challenging UK tour threw up another obstacle on Saturday when a traffic jam delayed their arrival at Southampton for the fifth and final Twenty20 International against England, which the hosts won by 56 runs.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina stage stunning fightback to storm into quarterfinals

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina stage stunning fightback to storm into quarterfinals

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Argentina produced a stunning comeback after falling two goals behind, scoring twice in four minutes through Cristian Romero and Lionel Messi to beat Egypt 3-2 in their last 16 clash of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta on Tuesday.

Haaland scores twice as Norway shock Brazil to make World Cup quarter-finals

Haaland scores twice as Norway shock Brazil to make World Cup quarter-finals

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Erling Haaland scored two crucial late goals to lead Norway to a stunning 2-1 victory over five-times champions Brazil in the World Cup Round of 16, securing their place in the quarter-finals. Neymar's late penalty was not enough for Brazil, who also missed an earlier spot-kick.

Time For India To Unleash Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Time For India To Unleash Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

After yet another failure for Sanju Samson -- his third in a row -- 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could make his India debut in the second T20I against England on Saturday.

Commonwealth Games 2026 Kick Off In Glasgow With Focus On Environment

Commonwealth Games 2026 Kick Off In Glasgow With Focus On Environment

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The 23rd Commonwealth Games opened in Glasgow with a vibrant ceremony blending Scottish heritage and a strong message of sustainability. King Charles III declared the Games open, highlighting efforts to combat plastic pollution. The event featured a unique indoor setting, an early athletes' parade including the Indian contingent, and diverse musical and cultural performances, setting a new precedent for the multi-sport event.

FIFA World Cup: Haaland knocks Ivory Coast out with last-minute winner

FIFA World Cup: Haaland knocks Ivory Coast out with last-minute winner

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Erling Haaland struck a dramatic last-gasp winner to send Norway through to the next round of the 2026 World Cup, knocking Ivory Coast out in heartbreaking fashion.

Upset Alert! Ben Shelton crashes out of Wimbledon

Upset Alert! Ben Shelton crashes out of Wimbledon

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Qualifier Otto Virtanen caused a significant upset at Wimbledon, defeating fourth seed Ben Shelton in a thrilling five-set match. Virtanen, who came through qualifying, secured his fourth consecutive victory at SW19, while Shelton, a strong contender, made an early exit.

Historic! India Crush England at Lord's

Historic! India Crush England at Lord's

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India's women's cricket team secured a commanding 270-run victory over England in a one-off Test match in London, completing a dominant all-round performance on Day 4.

7 Facts About The World Cup Final Stadium

7 Facts About The World Cup Final Stadium

Rediff.com20 Jul 2026

What do you need to know about the MetLife Stadium that will host the 2026 World Cup final?

Bihari Recipe: Pratibha's Dalpuri

Bihari Recipe: Pratibha's Dalpuri

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Bihari Dalpuri is a festive stuffed flatbread made with spiced split Bengal gram or chana dal.

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in their World Cup last-32 encounter, which extended into extra time. An own goal in the 111th minute ultimately decided the match, sending the reigning champions into the last 16 where they will face Egypt.

Gill in ICC Player of the Month Award race: Who are the contenders?

Gill in ICC Player of the Month Award race: Who are the contenders?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

India captain Shubman Gill, Bangladesh all-rounder Mossadek Hossain, and New Zealand pacer Nathan Smith have been nominated for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for June 2026, recognising their exceptional performances across various formats.

India crush Sri Lanka in U-19 women's opener

India crush Sri Lanka in U-19 women's opener

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India's Under-19 women's team delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by 120 runs in the first unofficial one-day match. Led by Ira Jadhav's 83 and Nidhi Mahto's half-century, India posted a strong total before their bowlers dismantled the Sri Lankan batting lineup.

Ounahi's Double Propels Morocco Into World Cup Last Eight

Ounahi's Double Propels Morocco Into World Cup Last Eight

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Morocco defeated Canada 3-0 in the World Cup last 16, with Azzedine Ounahi scoring two goals, to advance to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive time. The victory ended Canada's tournament run.

'Give us 10 more Tests': Harmanpreet after Lord's win

'Give us 10 more Tests': Harmanpreet after Lord's win

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Following India's commanding 270-run victory over England in the one-off Women's Test at Lord's, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her strong desire for more Test cricket opportunities for women, stating, "Hopefully, we will get 10 more Test matches and we can keep performing."

How Rodri Bossed France and Powered Spain into World Cup Final

How Rodri Bossed France and Powered Spain into World Cup Final

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Rodri delivered a midfield masterclass against France, anchoring Spain's 2-0 victory and securing their place in the World Cup final. His performance marked a significant return to his pre-injury form, reminiscent of his dominant displays for Manchester City, as he frustrated France's attacking efforts and dictated play.

Why Ellis bowled slower delivery first up against Ireland

Why Ellis bowled slower delivery first up against Ireland

Rediff.com11 Feb 2026

I don't want to feel any pressure about not bowling a certain ball because it's first ball: Ellis

Krishna's fifer, Rohit 79 and Jaiswal ton help India sweep ODI series vs Afghanistan

Krishna's fifer, Rohit 79 and Jaiswal ton help India sweep ODI series vs Afghanistan

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Indian Pacer Prasidh Krishna took a career-best 5/23 to restrict Afghanistan to 218 in the third ODI, despite a valiant maiden century from skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi

How To Integrate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Into India's T20 Squad

How To Integrate Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Into India's T20 Squad

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

The Indian cricket team faces a significant selection challenge regarding the inclusion of 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, especially after recent losses to Ireland. The article explores various scenarios and opinions, including Sunil Gavaskar's strong recommendation, on how to integrate Sooryavanshi into the playing XI for the upcoming T20 series against England without disrupting the team's balance.

3rd Test, Day 3: Rachin Ravindra puts New Zealand in command at Trent Bridge

3rd Test, Day 3: Rachin Ravindra puts New Zealand in command at Trent Bridge

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

New Zealand played themselves into a strong position on day three of the series-deciding third test against England at Trent Bridge.

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia crush West Indies to reach final

Women's T20 World Cup: Australia crush West Indies to reach final

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Australia put in a commanding all-round display to beat West Indies by eight wickets and book their place in Sunday's final, chasing down 126 in just 13 overs.

Comeback Kings! Argentina's Great Escapes In FIFA World Cup 2026

Comeback Kings! Argentina's Great Escapes In FIFA World Cup 2026

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Argentina battled their way into the semis after edging Cape Verde and Switzerland in extra time and coming from 2-0 down to defeat Egypt 3-2.

Back Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, he's a 20-year investment, says Sivaramakrishnan

Back Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, he's a 20-year investment, says Sivaramakrishnan

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

At 15, a talent like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi should play right through the year without being rested as it would help him learn from mistakes while gaining invaluable experience in all conditions, former India spinner L Sivaramakrishnan said on Sunday.

Eustaquio's late strike takes Canada past South Africa to World Cup last 16

Eustaquio's late strike takes Canada past South Africa to World Cup last 16

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic 92nd-minute goal to secure a 1-0 victory for Canada over South Africa, propelling the co-hosts into the World Cup last 16 for the first time. The tense match in Los Angeles saw few clear chances until Eustaquio's late strike, ending Canada's frustration and sending them to face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the quarter-finals. South Africa, despite a strong defensive effort, exited the tournament.

2nd T20I: Hurt India Seek Revenge After Shock Loss To Ireland

2nd T20I: Hurt India Seek Revenge After Shock Loss To Ireland

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

India's star-studded top order will be under pressure to make amends when they take on a buoyant Ireland in the second and final T20I in Belfast on Sunday.

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet must attack, not rebuild, says Shikha Pandey

Women's T20 World Cup: Harmanpreet must attack, not rebuild, says Shikha Pandey

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur needs to stop thinking about the wickets falling around her and focus on playing her natural attacking game, believes former pacer Shikha Pandey, who says the batter can transform into a completely different player once she gets settled at the crease.

Arjun Earns Dad Sachin's Praise After IPL 2026 Debut

Arjun Earns Dad Sachin's Praise After IPL 2026 Debut

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Sachin Tendulkar posts emotional message after Arjun's long-awaited LSG debut in IPL 2026.

Subrata Paul Highlights Goalkeepers' Pivotal Role In World Cup Success

Subrata Paul Highlights Goalkeepers' Pivotal Role In World Cup Success

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Former India captain Subrata Paul asserts that goalkeepers were instrumental in the success of teams at the recent FIFA World Cup, often outshining attacking players. He highlights specific goalkeepers like Vozinha, Unai Simon, Emiliano Martinez, and Thibaut Courtois for their exceptional performances and discusses the evolving role of modern goalkeepers in tactical play.

What went wrong for France: 'Technically, we were second best'

What went wrong for France: 'Technically, we were second best'

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

France's World Cup campaign ended in a 'devastating' 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain, with coach Didier Deschamps admitting his team was 'technically, second best' and star players like Michael Olise failing to perform.

Stokes' final Test ends in heartbreak as New Zealand clinch series

Stokes' final Test ends in heartbreak as New Zealand clinch series

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

New Zealand defeated England by 160 runs at Trent Bridge to clinch the three-Test series 2-1, as Ben Stokes' international career ended in defeat following his surprise retirement announcement during the match.

Deepti Sharma: 'I knew my time would come'

Deepti Sharma: 'I knew my time would come'

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Deepti Sharma produced a career-best 5/10 as India defeated Pakistan by 64 runs in their Women's T20 World Cup opener at Edgbaston. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur also starred in India's dominant victory.

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

England defender Dan Burn, 34, has emerged as an unlikely hero at the World Cup, making crucial clearances and blocks in high-pressure matches against Mexico and Norway, defying a career path that saw him released by Newcastle as a boy and playing in lower divisions.

Nicolas Pepe's brace earns Ivory Coast World Cup knockout berth

Nicolas Pepe's brace earns Ivory Coast World Cup knockout berth

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Nicolas Pepe scored two goals to lead Ivory Coast to a 2-0 victory over Curacao, securing their first-ever qualification for the World Cup knockout phase. Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify, was eliminated. Ivory Coast will now face the second-place team from Group I (France or Norway) in Arlington, Texas.