News for 'First Ball'

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debut? Shreyas Iyer finally breaks silence

Will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debut? Shreyas Iyer finally breaks silence

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

India captain Shreyas Iyer addressed the media ahead of the T20I series opener against England, discussing team selection, particularly the potential debut of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Iyer emphasised the importance of backing experienced players who won the T20 World Cup and reflected on India's recent series loss to Ireland, highlighting lessons learned for the upcoming challenging series in England.

Rayudu: India's IPL hangover exposed in Ireland

Rayudu: India's IPL hangover exposed in Ireland

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Ambati Rayudu says India's 0-2 T20I series loss to Ireland was the result of poor preparation for challenging conditions, urges Tilak Varma to improve against slow bowling, and advises patience with teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

T20 Mumbai League 2026: Arjun Tendulkar delivers match-winning all-round show

T20 Mumbai League 2026: Arjun Tendulkar delivers match-winning all-round show

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Arjun Tendulkar starred with both bat and ball as Arcs Andheri registered a convincing nine-wicket win over Bandra Blasters in the Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai League 2026 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday.

Defiant Cape Verde hold Uruguay to 2-2 draw in Miami thriller

Defiant Cape Verde hold Uruguay to 2-2 draw in Miami thriller

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Cape Verde pulled off a stunning 2-2 draw against two-time World Cup winners Uruguay in Miami on Sunday.

2nd Test: Phillips century puts New Zealand in firm control vs England

2nd Test: Phillips century puts New Zealand in firm control vs England

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Glenn Phillips completed his maiden Test century as New Zealand punished a wayward England attack to pile on the runs on the second day of the second Test at the Oval in London on Thursday.

Ben Stokes reinstated as captain ahead of third Test vs New Zealand

Ben Stokes reinstated as captain ahead of third Test vs New Zealand

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Captain Ben Stokes and speedster Gus Atkinson will return to the side for the third Test against New Zealand in Nottingham following conclusion of a disciplinary hearing.

FIFA World Cup: Messi dazzles with a 'trick' as Argentina crush Algeria

FIFA World Cup: Messi dazzles with a 'trick' as Argentina crush Algeria

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi earned a spot in the World Cup history books with a hat-trick that saw Argentina begin the defence of their title with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J opener at Kansas City Stadium, Missouri, on Tuesday.

Serena's return puts familiar force at centre of Wimbledon

Serena's return puts familiar force at centre of Wimbledon

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

The 23-time Grand Slam champion has become the undisputed headline act at a tournament at which she has won seven singles titles and six doubles crowns with sister Venus.

How Adidas Is Winning The World Cup Brand War Against Nike

How Adidas Is Winning The World Cup Brand War Against Nike

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Early data from the World Cup indicates that sportswear giant Adidas is currently gaining a significant advantage over rival Nike in brand visibility and sales. Adidas, an official sponsor, is seeing a substantial surge in apparel spending and foot traffic, particularly driven by jersey sales. While Nike's business is also growing, it is being outpaced by Adidas, which appears to have a more resonant product offering. Nike, facing declining market share and intense competition, is relying on the World Cup for a boost, though its footwear presence remains strong.

SEE: Inside Belgium's wild dressing room celebrations

SEE: Inside Belgium's wild dressing room celebrations

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Belgium's dressing room erupted in celebration after their dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Senegal, with match-winner Youri Tielemans leading the festivities.

'Leave him alone and let him have fun': Parag on Sooryavanshi

'Leave him alone and let him have fun': Parag on Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Riyan Parag praised teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after Rajasthan Royals' eliminator win over Sunrisers Hyderabad but said RR should have crossed 260 and need to finish innings better heading into Qualifier 2.

Quinones, Jimenez fire Mexico into last 16 with historic World Cup win

Quinones, Jimenez fire Mexico into last 16 with historic World Cup win

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Mexico ended a 40-year wait for a FIFA World Cup knockout victory as Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored in a 2-0 win over Ecuador, sending the co-hosts into the last 16 amid emotional scenes at the Azteca Stadium.

Messi Magic Powers Argentina To World Cup Knockouts

Messi Magic Powers Argentina To World Cup Knockouts

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage on Monday as Lionel Messi recovered from an early penalty miss to score a record-breaking double in a 2-0 victory over Austria.

Women's T20 World Cup: Wyatt-Hodge ton powers England to crushing win over Sri Lanka

Women's T20 World Cup: Wyatt-Hodge ton powers England to crushing win over Sri Lanka

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Danni Wyatt-Hodge struck a magnificent unbeaten century as England launched their Women's T20 World Cup campaign with an emphatic 87-run victory over Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on Friday.

FIFA World Cup: Uzbekistan dream crushed by Colombia's late surge

FIFA World Cup: Uzbekistan dream crushed by Colombia's late surge

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Colombia began their World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan in a Group K encounter at the Azteca Stadium. Luis Diaz was instrumental, assisting the opening goal and scoring another, as Colombia secured three points to top their group.

2nd Test: Root, Brook fight on but New Zealand set for big win

2nd Test: Root, Brook fight on but New Zealand set for big win

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Chasing 463 for victory, England's Joe Root and Harry Brook hit half tons, even as Kyle Jamieson had the hosts reeling with three-wickets, on day four of the second Test at the Oval in London on Saturday.

Women's T20 World Cup: Spin quartet guide Australia to easy win against SA

Women's T20 World Cup: Spin quartet guide Australia to easy win against SA

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Australia's spinners shone in a 65-run win over South Africa as the six-time winners made a successful start in their quest to regain the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

FIFA World Cup: Neymar back in training but unlikely to return against Haiti

FIFA World Cup: Neymar back in training but unlikely to return against Haiti

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Neymar offered Brazil a flicker of World Cup encouragement on Tuesday when he trained on the pitch with the national team in the United States for the first time.

FIFA World Cup: Netherlands Ease Past Tunisia

FIFA World Cup: Netherlands Ease Past Tunisia

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

The Netherlands secured the top position in World Cup Group F with a decisive 3-1 victory over Tunisia. Tunisia's campaign ended disastrously, marked by an early own goal and a series of errors, following previous heavy losses and a coaching change.

Bryce Sisters Power Scotland To Historic Win At Women's T20 World Cup

Bryce Sisters Power Scotland To Historic Win At Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Sarah and Kathryn Bryce's 106-run partnership powered Scotland to a first-ever ICC Women's T20 World Cup victory as they beat Ireland by 40 runs.

Iran wait on World Cup progress after late goal disallowed in Egypt draw

Iran wait on World Cup progress after late goal disallowed in Egypt draw

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Iran face an anxious wait to see if they will progress to the World Cup knockout stage after they came from behind to hold Egypt to a 1-1 draw.

Major blow! Shreyanka Patil out of T20 World Cup

Major blow! Shreyanka Patil out of T20 World Cup

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Off-spinner Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the Women's T20 World Cup due to an ankle injury sustained during a match against the Netherlands. Uncapped leg-spinner Prema Rawat has been named as her replacement, marking a significant setback for the Indian team and a maiden call-up for Rawat.

Pakistan Cricket Selectors Drop Key Bowlers For West Indies Test Series

Pakistan Cricket Selectors Drop Key Bowlers For West Indies Test Series

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Pakistan's cricket selectors have opted for a significantly revamped pace attack for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies. Key players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah, and veteran spinner Nauman Ali have been dropped, making way for a mix of experienced and uncapped bowlers. This decision aims to build a squad better suited for Test cricket and future tours.

'The victory that inspired generations': BCCI Celebrates 1983 World Cup Triumph

'The victory that inspired generations': BCCI Celebrates 1983 World Cup Triumph

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

India created history on on June 25, 1983, when they won the ODI World Cup for the first time, stunning the mighty West Indies in a thrilling final at Lord's.

'I Have Been Speaking To Ben Every Day': Brendon McCullum Backs Ben Stokes

'I Have Been Speaking To Ben Every Day': Brendon McCullum Backs Ben Stokes

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

England expect Ben Stokes to return to captain the side in the third Test against New Zealand, head coach Brendon McCullum said on Sunday.

Gurbaz credits Gambhir after slamming century against India

Gurbaz credits Gambhir after slamming century against India

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz credited India head coach Gautam Gambhir for his technical inputs after smashing a 51-ball 102 in the rain-hit first One-Day International.

Collina: New World Cup rules have transformed the game

Collina: New World Cup rules have transformed the game

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina says the World Cup's new anti-time-wasting rules have been a major success, speeding up play, reducing injuries and improving discipline while defending VAR's controversial decisions.

Indian Men's Hockey Team Crushes Arch-Rivals Pakistan 7-1 In London

Indian Men's Hockey Team Crushes Arch-Rivals Pakistan 7-1 In London

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

The Indian men's hockey team delivered a commanding performance, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 7-1 in the FIH Pro League's London leg. After conceding an early goal, India rallied with seven unanswered goals from multiple players, showcasing strong offensive and defensive play, with Hardik Singh named Player of the Match.

Japan score late to hold Netherlands in Texas thriller

Japan score late to hold Netherlands in Texas thriller

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Japan showed their battling qualities to eke out a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their World Cup Group F opener on Sunday, as Hajime Moriyasu's side backed up their desire to make an impact at the tournament with a gritty display.

'India a very tough team in their own conditions': Hashmatullah Shahidi

'India a very tough team in their own conditions': Hashmatullah Shahidi

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Teams like India do not offer too many chances and Afghanistan must learn to capitalise on the opportunities that come their way, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi said.

Oyarzabal double powers Spain past Austria to World Cup last 16

Oyarzabal double powers Spain past Austria to World Cup last 16

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Spain secured their spot in the World Cup Round of 16 with a convincing 3-0 win over Austria, featuring two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal. The dominant performance saw Spain maintain their perfect defensive record, setting up a clash with either Portugal or Croatia in the next stage.

Undav double powers Germany into FIFA World Cup knockouts

Undav double powers Germany into FIFA World Cup knockouts

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Germany secured a spot in the World Cup knockout stage after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Ivory Coast.

Argentina manager Scaloni on 'extremely difficult' Cape Verde win

Argentina manager Scaloni on 'extremely difficult' Cape Verde win

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni discussed his team's hard-fought 3-2 extra-time victory over Cape Verde in the World Cup last-32, emphasising the unexpected difficulty of the match despite being heavy favourites. He praised his players' resilience and character, acknowledging the physical toll and the need for improvement, while also highlighting the unique "suffering" inherent in being Argentine in football.

FIFA World Cup: 'If it was Messi, no red card' ex-US star sparks controversy

FIFA World Cup: 'If it was Messi, no red card' ex-US star sparks controversy

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

After the US's win in the round of 32 fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which involved striker Flo Balogun being shown a red card and sent off after a tackle with an opponent, former US footballer Alexi Lalas questioned why Argentina superstar Lionel Messi escaped any notice

'They thought we would turn up in tuxedos': Mbappe Slams Paraguay's Tactics

'They thought we would turn up in tuxedos': Mbappe Slams Paraguay's Tactics

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Kylian Mbappe's crucial second-half penalty secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for France over a resilient Paraguay, propelling them into the World Cup quarter-finals where they will face Morocco.

India rally to beat Pakistan in thrilling FIH Pro League clash

India rally to beat Pakistan in thrilling FIH Pro League clash

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 in a thrilling FIH Pro League match in London, extending their decade-long unbeaten streak against them in international hockey. Despite Pakistan taking an early lead, India rallied with goals from Abhishek, Nilakanta Sharma, Sukhjeet Singh, and Rajinder Singh. Pakistan mounted a late comeback in the final quarter, but India held on for a crucial victory, moving up to seventh in the standings.

2nd ODI: India seal series win vs Afghanistan as Gill, Kishan blast hundreds

2nd ODI: India seal series win vs Afghanistan as Gill, Kishan blast hundreds

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Skipper Shubman Gill battled the oppressive heat and cramps to produce a magnificent 154 while Ishan Kishan ended a three-year wait for an ODI hundred as India beat Afghanistan by 170 runs in the second ODI to take 2-0 unassailable lead in the three-match series, in Lucknow on Wednesday.

FIFA World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw for Brazil against Morocco

FIFA World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw for Brazil against Morocco

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Brazil and Morocco played to a 1-1 draw in their World Cup Group C opening match. Morocco took an early lead through Ismael Saibari, but Vinicius Jr's brilliant goal brought Brazil level before halftime. Despite Brazil's second-half improvements, Morocco's strong defence held them to a point.

Messi Turns 39: The Legend Continues to Grow

Messi Turns 39: The Legend Continues to Grow

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, celebrated his 39th birthday. The article chronicles his journey from humble beginnings in Rosario to becoming a global superstar, highlighting his unparalleled success at Barcelona, his international triumphs with Argentina including the 2022 World Cup, his individual accolades like eight Ballon d'Or awards, and his current impact with Inter Miami, cementing his legacy as a record-breaking legend.

'Injustice Is Clear!': Egypt's Zico Accuses FIFA Of 'Fixing' World Cup For Argentina

'Injustice Is Clear!': Egypt's Zico Accuses FIFA Of 'Fixing' World Cup For Argentina

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Egypt's players and Coach Hossam Hassan blasted FIFA and accused the governing body of blatantly 'favouring' Lionel Messi and his team.