News for 'First Ball'

Devdutt Padikkal Stars Before Weather Ends India A-Sri Lanka A Test in Draw

Devdutt Padikkal Stars Before Weather Ends India A-Sri Lanka A Test in Draw

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Devdutt Padikkal scored a patient 67 as India A set Sri Lanka A a target of 312, but persistent rain forced the opening unofficial Test in Galle to end in a draw.

Shedge, Prince make India debuts in 2nd T20I vs Ireland

Shedge, Prince make India debuts in 2nd T20I vs Ireland

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India handed T20I debuts to Suryansh Shedge and Prince Yadav in the second T20I against Ireland, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continued to wait for his senior debut as Shreyas Iyer opted to bowl first in Belfast.

Ex-India cricketers slam selectors over Sooryavanshi's omission from Ireland series

Ex-India cricketers slam selectors over Sooryavanshi's omission from Ireland series

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani reckons selectors missed an opportunity by leaving teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi out of the Ireland T20Is, and says he should now be backed for the white-ball series against England, starting on Wednesday (July 1).

'I am back': Record-breaker Ronaldo silences critics in style!

'I am back': Record-breaker Ronaldo silences critics in style!

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics in spectacular fashion, becoming the first player to score in six World Cups.

FIFA World Cup: Five-star Sweden rout Tunisia in opener

FIFA World Cup: Five-star Sweden rout Tunisia in opener

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Sweden trio Yasin Ayari, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres were all on target as they cruised to a 5-1 victory over Tunisia in Monterrey on Sunday.

Argentina's World Cup Resilience Tested Ahead of Switzerland Clash

Argentina's World Cup Resilience Tested Ahead of Switzerland Clash

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, have shown remarkable resilience in the World Cup knockout stages, overcoming a 2-0 deficit against Egypt and needing extra time against Cape Verde to reach the quarter-finals against Switzerland.

5 wickets off 5 balls! Kiwi bowler Brett Randell makes history

5 wickets off 5 balls! Kiwi bowler Brett Randell makes history

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Central Stags bowler Brett Randell achieved a historic feat by taking five wickets in five balls during a Plunket Shield match against Northern Districts, becoming the first player to do so in first-class cricket.

No pressure, learnt a lot in this series: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

No pressure, learnt a lot in this series: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi returned to his natural game to produce a match-winning performance against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla on Sunday.

Spain knock out Uruguay; take top spot in Group H

Spain knock out Uruguay; take top spot in Group H

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0 in a crucial Group H match, with Alex Baena scoring the decisive goal. This victory secured Spain's top spot in the group and a place in the World Cup knockout stage, while Uruguay, managed by Marcelo Bielsa, was eliminated from the tournament. Cape Verde also advanced from the group.

FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo Frustrated As DR Congo Hold Portugal To Draw

FIFA World Cup: Ronaldo Frustrated As DR Congo Hold Portugal To Draw

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Portugal and their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo were left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw by Group K rivals Democratic Republic of Congo in their World Cup clash in a sodden Houston.

The night England conquered the Azteca

The night England conquered the Azteca

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

England overcame Mexico, the hostile Azteca atmosphere, high altitude and a red card to seal a dramatic 3-2 World Cup victory, with Jude Bellingham inspiring a famous win that could define their tournament.

How India crushed Pakistan in T20 World Cup opener in Birmingham

How India crushed Pakistan in T20 World Cup opener in Birmingham

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Indian bowlers spun a web around Pakistani batters to kick-off their Women's T20 World Cup campaign with a winning start in Birmingham on Sunday.

One man threatens England's World Cup dream

One man threatens England's World Cup dream

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

England's national football team is gearing up to face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals, with their primary challenge being to contain prolific striker Erling Haaland, who has already scored seven goals in the tournament.

WPL: Capitals clinch last-ball thriller vs Warriorz

WPL: Capitals clinch last-ball thriller vs Warriorz

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Delhi Capitals secure first win of WPL after scratchy run chase

Brook open to taking over England Test captaincy

Brook open to taking over England Test captaincy

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

England white-ball captain Harry Brook on Tuesday said it would be a "privilege" for him to lead the country in Test cricket if offered the job following Ben Stokes' retirement.

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Goa's Chigurupati Ready For India U-19 Battle In Sri Lanka

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Goa's Venkata Chigurupati has earned his maiden India Under-19 call-up for the Sri Lanka tour after a standout season of 49 wickets and 380 runs, as the fast-bowling all-rounder sets his sights on the U-19 World Cup and a future in India's Test team.

'We were too naive' against India: Afghanistan coach

'We were too naive' against India: Afghanistan coach

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

This was Afghanistan's 12th Test in last eight years and the defeat by an innings and 300 runs against India was a humbling experience for the team.

Big relief as Jasprit Bumrah breaks five-match wicketless run

Big relief as Jasprit Bumrah breaks five-match wicketless run

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Mitchell McClenaghan hails Jasprit Bumrah's first-over spell as a "masterstroke" after MI pacer ends wicket drought and strikes early against Gujarat Titans.

Vargas, Manzambi strike as Switzerland beat Canada to top Group B

Vargas, Manzambi strike as Switzerland beat Canada to top Group B

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored second-half goals as Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 on Wednesday to qualify for the knock-out stage of the World Cup as Group B winners, with the tournament co-hosts also progressing as runners-up.

Dutch Masterclass: How Netherlands Secured A Resounding World Cup Victory

Dutch Masterclass: How Netherlands Secured A Resounding World Cup Victory

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

The Netherlands secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden in a World Cup match, with Brian Brobbey scoring an early double and Cody Gakpo adding two more in the second half. Crysencio Summerville sealed the rout with a late goal, despite Anthony Elanga pulling one back for Sweden. This win places the Netherlands at the top of Group F.

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Reminds Me Of Gary Sobers!'

'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Reminds Me Of Gary Sobers!'

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Former India and Irish cricketer M V Narasimha Rao said the young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reminds him of the legendary Gary Sobers.

Manpreet Singh's Milestone As India Beats Germany 3-1

Manpreet Singh's Milestone As India Beats Germany 3-1

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

India secured a 3-1 victory over Germany in the FIH Hockey Pro League, a match where Manpreet Singh became the most capped player for India. Goals from Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, and Nilakanta Sharma, coupled with a strong defensive performance, ensured the win, with Hardik Singh named Player of the Match.

FIFA World Cup: 10-man US overcome red card to knock out Bosnia

FIFA World Cup: 10-man US overcome red card to knock out Bosnia

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The United States defeated Bosnia 2-0 to advance to the World Cup round of 16. Malik Tillman scored the decisive goal from a free kick after Folarin Balogun was sent off, having previously opened the scoring. This marks their first knockout win since 2002.

'Not the IPL Iyer': Saba Karim questions T20 captaincy

'Not the IPL Iyer': Saba Karim questions T20 captaincy

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim has called for Shreyas Iyer to assert his authority as captain in international cricket, criticising his tactical decisions in recent T20I losses against Ireland and England. Karim also suggested crucial batting order changes, advocating for Sanju Samson and Suryansh Shedge to be included in the playing XI to address India's struggles with English conditions and middle-order scoring.

Sudharsan Century Puts India A In Strong Position

Sudharsan Century Puts India A In Strong Position

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

India A took firm control on the opening day of their unofficial Test series against Sri Lanka A, posting 333 for four. Sai Sudharsan scored a fluent century, while skipper Dhruv Jurel and Shaik Rasheed contributed unbeaten half-centuries, frustrating the Sri Lankan bowlers in Galle.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane double strike fires England into last 16

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane double strike fires England into last 16

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Harry Kane rose to rescue England, striking twice in the span of 11 minutes as the former champions fought back from a goal down to beat a a gritty Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup last-32 clash in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Shreyas Iyer rues middle-overs lapse after shock defeat to Ireland on captaincy debut

Shreyas Iyer rues middle-overs lapse after shock defeat to Ireland on captaincy debut

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

India skipper Shreyas Iyer said his bowlers had the Irish batters on tenterhooks early on but rued the lack of execution in the middle overs after the visitors suffered a shock 34-run defeat in the opening T20I in Belfast on Friday.

Indian Men's Hockey Team Falls To England In FIH Pro League Penalty Shootout

Indian Men's Hockey Team Falls To England In FIH Pro League Penalty Shootout

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Indian men's hockey team was defeated by England 1-4 in a penalty shootout after their FIH Pro League match ended in a 2-2 draw during regulation time. Dilpreet Singh scored both goals for India, while David Goodfield and Nicholas Bandurak netted for England. England secured the bonus point with a dominant shootout performance at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.

Vlasic's late header earns Croatia second place in Group L

Vlasic's late header earns Croatia second place in Group L

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

Nikola Vlasic scored a late header from a Luka Modric corner to give Croatia a 2-1 victory over Ghana, securing second place in World Cup Group L and a spot in the last 32. Petar Susic had opened the scoring for Croatia, while Derrick Luckassen equalised for Ghana before Vlasic's decisive goal.

FIFA World Cup: 'We were treated unfairly' vs Portugal: Croatia coach

FIFA World Cup: 'We were treated unfairly' vs Portugal: Croatia coach

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Croatia's World Cup exit sparked controversy after coach Zlatko Dali launched a furious attack on the refereeing following their 2-1 defeat to Portugal.

FIFA sticks with original kickoff time for Mexico-England showdown

FIFA sticks with original kickoff time for Mexico-England showdown

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

FIFA is expected to keep the scheduled kickoff for Mexico's World Cup Round of 16 clash against England at the Estadio Azteca despite weather concerns, as the hosts prepare to defend their formidable home record.

Not Vaibhav Sooryavanshi! Here Are IPL 2026's Most Talked About Stars

Not Vaibhav Sooryavanshi! Here Are IPL 2026's Most Talked About Stars

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Despite not playing in IPL 2026, MS Dhoni remains a central figure in fan conversations, highlighting his enduring legacy and connection with supporters.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan rout Tunisia in World Cup's 1,000th match

FIFA World Cup 2026: Japan rout Tunisia in World Cup's 1,000th match

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Japan delivered a commanding 4-0 win over Tunisia in the World Cup's 1,000th match on Saturday to move to the brink of the knockout stages, while the North Africans were eliminated after a second successive defeat in Group F.

Made lot of progress, ball in Iran's court: Vance

Made lot of progress, ball in Iran's court: Vance

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

US Vice President J D Vance stated that while progress was made during peace talks in Islamabad, it is now up to Iran to further the discussions and address US concerns regarding its nuclear ambitions.

Iran fight back to hold New Zealand in Group G thriller

Iran fight back to hold New Zealand in Group G thriller

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening World Cup match on Monday after an end-to-end contest played against the backdrop of Iranian fan protests against the government in Tehran.

IPL didn't stop me preparing for Tests: Manav Suthar

IPL didn't stop me preparing for Tests: Manav Suthar

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

For Manav Suthar, Test format is the "pinnacle" of cricket, and the India left-arm spinner revealed that he was practising with red-ball even during IPL 2026 to stay on top of his game.

India vs Afghanistan Test, Day 2: Suthar stars on debut after India pile 564/8

India vs Afghanistan Test, Day 2: Suthar stars on debut after India pile 564/8

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

India reduced Afghanistan to 113 for five at stumps after declaring their first innings on 564 for 8 on Day 2 of the one-off Test at Mullanpur on Sunday.

Rashid denies Rohit fifty, Jaiswal fails to impress

Rashid denies Rohit fifty, Jaiswal fails to impress

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 48 by Rashid Khan, while Yashasvi Jaiswal's return to the ODI side ended in disappointment as he was out cheaply. Both Indian openers failed to convert their starts in the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow.

Beyond soccer... Cricket finds a home in Houston

Beyond soccer... Cricket finds a home in Houston

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

World Cup fever has gripped Houston, but across the city the unmistakable sound of leather ball on willow bat can be heard as baseball mounds give way to cricket pitches and the gentleman's game begins to take hold in Texas.

Maratha Royals Win T20 Mumbai League, Sobo Mumbai Falcons Claim Women's Title

Maratha Royals Win T20 Mumbai League, Sobo Mumbai Falcons Claim Women's Title

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals men clinched their second consecutive T20 Mumbai League's title with an eight-run win over Arcs Andheri, while Sobo Mumbai Falcons clinched the inaugural women's title, in Mumbai, on Saturday.