News for 'First Ball'

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.

Records Tumble as Jaiswal and Gurnoor Star in India's ODI Clean Sweep

Records Tumble as Jaiswal and Gurnoor Star in India's ODI Clean Sweep

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Yashasvi Jaiswal became the fastest Indian to score two ODI centuries while debutant pacer Gurnoor Brar set a new Indian bowling record as India completed a dominant 3-0 ODI series sweep over Afghanistan in Chennai.

Wimbledon: Djokovic mauls Tsitsipas to storm into Round 3

Wimbledon: Djokovic mauls Tsitsipas to storm into Round 3

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Novak Djokovic turned his Centre Court clash against Stefanos Tsitsipas -- a player he has twice beaten in Grand Slam finals -- into an exhibition.

Sinner, Djokovic Advance To Second Round At Wimbledon

Sinner, Djokovic Advance To Second Round At Wimbledon

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

World number one Jannik Sinner survived an early scare in his Wimbledon title defence but the Italian shook off the rust and fought past Serb Miomir Kecmanovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-3 on Monday to reach the second round.

IPL 2026: LSG stun RCB, end losing streak with Marsh masterclass

IPL 2026: LSG stun RCB, end losing streak with Marsh masterclass

Rediff.com8 May 2026

Mitchell Marsh's blazing century and Prince Yadav's bowling heroics powered Lucknow Super Giants to a nine-run DLS win over RCB in a rain-hit IPL clash, ending their losing streak.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Vinicius joins Brazil legends, reaches unique feat

FIFA World Cup 2026: Vinicius joins Brazil legends, reaches unique feat

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Brazil showed their attacking intent from the outset and thought they had taken an early lead when Raphinha finished from Bruno Guimaraes' clever through ball. However, the celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.

Morocco stun Scotland with FIFA World Cup's fastest goal

Morocco stun Scotland with FIFA World Cup's fastest goal

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

Morocco outmuscled Scotland for a 1-0 win thanks to the tournament's fastest goal on Friday, taking control of Group C in the World Cup and moving into top spot with one match left to play.

FIFA World Cup 2026: South Africa salvage draw with late penalty vs Czechia

FIFA World Cup 2026: South Africa salvage draw with late penalty vs Czechia

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

South Africa scored a penalty seven minutes from fulltime as they fought back to draw 1-1 with the Czechia at the World Cup on Thursday after falling behind early in the Group A clash.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane leads from the front as England quell Congo challenge

FIFA World Cup 2026: Harry Kane leads from the front as England quell Congo challenge

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Harry Kane scored twice, including a 75th-minute equaliser and a late winner against DR Congo, to guide England into the last 16 with their first World Cup comeback victory since 1990.

Wissa's double propels DR Congo into World Cup knockouts

Wissa's double propels DR Congo into World Cup knockouts

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a spot in the World Cup knockout stage after a thrilling 3-1 comeback victory against Uzbekistan. Yoane Wissa scored twice, including a crucial penalty, and Fiston Mayele added another goal to seal their progression. This win marks DR Congo's return to the World Cup knockouts after 52 years, setting up a clash with England.

Gurnoor Brar's dream ODI debut: 3 wickets for India

Gurnoor Brar's dream ODI debut: 3 wickets for India

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Punjab pacer Gurnoor Brar was more excited than under pressure on his India debut against Afghanistan and his first wicket settled the semblance of nerves, helping him walk away with a memorable outing in the rain-shortened first One-day International in Dharamsala.

Richa's valiant 68 goes in vain as India lose final warm-up game to England

Richa's valiant 68 goes in vain as India lose final warm-up game to England

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Richa Ghosh produced a breathtaking late assault but India's brittle top-order batting proved costly as Dani Gibson's sparkling all-round show powered England to a narrow five-run win in their final Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Can Ronaldo Spark Portugal's Revival Against Uzbekistan?

Can Ronaldo Spark Portugal's Revival Against Uzbekistan?

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Portugal's football team faces Uzbekistan in their next World Cup match, needing a significant improvement in their attacking performance after a disappointing 1-1 draw with DR Congo.

Odisha denied win as Mohammedan finally get first point in ISL

Odisha denied win as Mohammedan finally get first point in ISL

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Mohammedan Sporting Club secured their first point in the Indian Super League with a 1-1 draw against Odisha FC, thanks to Adison Singh's equaliser.

Pakistan crush Australia to seal stunning ODI series

Pakistan crush Australia to seal stunning ODI series

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Pakistan defeated Australia by four wickets in the third and final One-day International in Lahore, securing the series 2-1. Australia, batting first, were bowled out for 157, with Pakistan successfully chasing the target with 49 balls to spare, thanks to strong bowling performances and a steady knock from Babar Azam.

PBKS pacer Vyshak on what makes Shreyas a standout captain

PBKS pacer Vyshak on what makes Shreyas a standout captain

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Pacer Vijaykumar Vyshak who played under Shreyas Iyer's captaincy at Punjab Kings in the IPL, said that the skipper is understanding of young players and knows how to handle his team with maturity.

Would be a great honour to captain England in Tests if offered role: Harry Brook

Would be a great honour to captain England in Tests if offered role: Harry Brook

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

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FIFA World Cup: How 18-Year-Old Lamine Yamal Changed Everything for Spain

FIFA World Cup: How 18-Year-Old Lamine Yamal Changed Everything for Spain

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Spain returned to winning form with a strong 3-0 victory over Austria, as Lamine Yamal's return from injury proved key in lifting Luis de la Fuente's side back to their best.

Sooryavanshi buzz grows as India eye redemption against England

Sooryavanshi buzz grows as India eye redemption against England

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's possible T20I debut and India's batting struggles after the Ireland whitewash dominate the build-up to the five-match series against England, where testing conditions await Shreyas Iyer's side.

India concede late to settle for draw with Tajikistan in second friendly

India concede late to settle for draw with Tajikistan in second friendly

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

India's national football team played out a 1-1 draw against Tajikistan in their second international friendly. Vikram Partap Singh scored for India, but a late penalty conceded by a defensive lapse allowed Tajikistan to equalise. This match, following a 1-3 loss in the first friendly, is part of India's preparations for future international assignments.

Lord's pitch fails ICC test after 33 wickets fall in 2 days

Lord's pitch fails ICC test after 33 wickets fall in 2 days

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

The pitches used for the first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord's in London and the third ODI between Pakistan and Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore have been rated as "unsatisfactory" under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process.

India's T20 World Cup Exit: Harmanpreet Kaur Calls For Rethink

India's T20 World Cup Exit: Harmanpreet Kaur Calls For Rethink

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India's campaign in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup ended after a six-wicket loss to Australia at Lord's. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur admitted the team did not play to its standards and called for a "rethink" on their performance against top teams. Australian captain Sophie Molineux praised Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner for their match-winning partnership.

FIFA World Cup: USA crush Australia to seal last-32 spot

FIFA World Cup: USA crush Australia to seal last-32 spot

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

The United States football team secured its place in the World Cup knockout stage with a convincing 2-0 victory over Australia. An early own goal and an Alex Freeman header sealed the win, despite the absence of key player Christian Pulisic. The team's depth was highlighted as they dominated the match, moving to six points in Group D.

Neymar hints at return for Scotland game

Neymar hints at return for Scotland game

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Neymar missed Brazil's first two games of the FIFA 2026 World Cup and his likely to play against Scotland on Thursday.

Suthar shines for Warwickshire with three-wicket haul against Yorkshire

Suthar shines for Warwickshire with three-wicket haul against Yorkshire

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Fresh from a memorable Test debut for India, left-arm spinner Manav Suthar made an immediate impact in county cricket, claiming two wickets on his Warwickshire debut against Yorkshire on day one of the County Championship Division One in Scarborough.

FIFA World Cup: Cape Verde keeper sets up dream clash with Messi

FIFA World Cup: Cape Verde keeper sets up dream clash with Messi

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Cabo Verde's star goalkeeper Vozinha has expressed confidence ahead of their FIFA World Cup round of 32 clash against Argentina, vowing to make history. The debutant nation has impressed with three draws in the group stage, becoming the smallest country to reach the knockout phase. Vozinha also achieved a rare feat, becoming only the third goalkeeper over 40 to register multiple clean sheets in the tournament. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged Cabo Verde as a tough opponent.

Tri-nation series: India A go down to Afghanistan A via DLS method despite posting 349

Tri-nation series: India A go down to Afghanistan A via DLS method despite posting 349

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Afghanistan A caused a major upset by eking out a four-run win over star-studded India A via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-marred tri-nation series match in Dambulla on Thursday.

Archer's All-Round Show Powers Rajasthan Royals Into IPL 2026 Playoffs

Archer's All-Round Show Powers Rajasthan Royals Into IPL 2026 Playoffs

Rediff.com24 May 2026

Jofra Archer's superb all-round showing helped Rajasthan Royals outclass Mumbai Indians to seal their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs, in Mumbai.

K L Rahul's Blitz, Kuldeep's Magic Help Delhi Capitals Sink KKR

K L Rahul's Blitz, Kuldeep's Magic Help Delhi Capitals Sink KKR

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Kuldeep Yadav marked his return in stunning three-wicket haul to complement K L Rahul's blazing half-century at the top as Delhi Capitals outclassed a lacklustre Kolkata Knight Riders by 40 runs.

IPL 2026: Sanju Samson's Century Fires CSK To First Win Of IPL 2026

IPL 2026: Sanju Samson's Century Fires CSK To First Win Of IPL 2026

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Sanju Samson rediscovered his batting range with a fabulous hundred and bowlers' fangs regrew as Chennai Super Kings outclassed Delhi Capitals by 23 runs to register their first win of IPL 2026.

IPL 2026, GT vs CSK: Gill-Sudharsan record stand propels GT to massive win over CSK

IPL 2026, GT vs CSK: Gill-Sudharsan record stand propels GT to massive win over CSK

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings were eliminated from the race for the IPL 2026 playoffs after suffering a humiliating 89-run defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Thursday.

Haaland scores twice as Norway whip Iraq on World Cup return

Haaland scores twice as Norway whip Iraq on World Cup return

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Norway's prolific striker Erling Haaland wasted no time in opening his World Cup account as he found the net twice in a 4-1 defeat of Iraq in Group I on Tuesday that sent a warning to defenders in the rest of the tournament.

Sooryavanshi Could Spark Test Cricket Revival, Says Srikkanth

Sooryavanshi Could Spark Test Cricket Revival, Says Srikkanth

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth believes teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi can revive Test cricket if nurtured properly, urging patience and warning against excessive scrutiny of the young star.

FIFA World Cup: Canada's Larin salvages 1-1 draw against Bosnia in Group B opener

FIFA World Cup: Canada's Larin salvages 1-1 draw against Bosnia in Group B opener

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Canada striker Cyle Larin came off the bench to grab a 1-1 draw for his side against Bosnia and Herzegovina in a frenetic Group B opener on Friday that long looked like it would end in defeat for the World Cup co-hosts.

Who is Manav Suthar? India's new Test debutant

Who is Manav Suthar? India's new Test debutant

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Rajasthan all-rounder Manav Suthar has made his Test debut for India against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, becoming the 319th player to represent the country in Test cricket.

2nd T20I: Will India stick with Samson or pick Sooryavanshi?

2nd T20I: Will India stick with Samson or pick Sooryavanshi?

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson heads into the second T20I against England with his place under the spotlight, as teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waits in the wings after another underwhelming outing from the India opener.