News for 'First Ball'

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.

PSG too good for Liverpool in Champions League QF first leg

PSG too good for Liverpool in Champions League QF first leg

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Paris St Germain defeated Liverpool 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, with goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

India down Bangladesh challenge to win SAFF Women's Championship 2026

India down Bangladesh challenge to win SAFF Women's Championship 2026

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

India beat defending champion Bangladesh 3-1 to win their first SAFF title in seven years.

Araujo saves Uruguay the blushes in draw with Saudi Arabia

Araujo saves Uruguay the blushes in draw with Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Maxi Araujo scored a late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw for Uruguay in their World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on Monday, preventing another stunning upset in Group H after Spain's earlier goalless draw with Cape Verde.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil eye payback as Japan stand in knockout path

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil eye payback as Japan stand in knockout path

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Brazil's World Cup Round of 32 meeting with Japan on Monday comes with the chance for revenge for Carlo Ancelotti's squad and a test of how far he has taken his team since a Tokyo collapse early in his tenure.

'Go Daddy' Family Cheers Harry Kane's World Cup Heroics

'Go Daddy' Family Cheers Harry Kane's World Cup Heroics

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Harry Kane struck in the closing stages to rescue England from a shock World Cup exit, sealing a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo and a place in the Round of 16, as emotional scenes unfolded in the stands with his family celebrating his match-winning heroics.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Balogun brace as US prove too good for Paraguay

FIFA World Cup 2026: Balogun brace as US prove too good for Paraguay

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

The United States men's national team secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup Group D opener, with Folarin Balogun scoring two goals and Giovanni Reyna adding another.

Romelu Lukaku's late impact helps Belgium rally to hold Egypt

Romelu Lukaku's late impact helps Belgium rally to hold Egypt

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Belgium drew 1-1 with Egypt in their World Cup opener after Romelu Lukaku's second-half introduction led to an own goal. Egypt had taken an early lead through Emam Ashour, and despite Belgium's numerous chances, they struggled to equalise until Lukaku's impact. Both coaches reflected on the match, with Belgium's coach highlighting the importance of their next game against Iran, and Egypt's coach feeling his side was closer to victory.

IPL 2026: KKR's gamble to bat first raises eyebrows after early collapse

IPL 2026: KKR's gamble to bat first raises eyebrows after early collapse

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Ajinkya Rahane's decision to bat first in rain-hit conditions draws criticism after KKR lose early wickets against Punjab Kings in IPL 2026.

Ghana's defence frustrates England in goalless draw

Ghana's defence frustrates England in goalless draw

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

England played out a 0-0 draw against Ghana in their second World Cup Group L match, a result that leaves both teams well-positioned for the next phase. Despite England dominating possession, Ghana's strong defensive strategy frustrated their attacking efforts, leading to a goalless stalemate.

IPL 2026: How Miller's final-over blunder handed GT first win

IPL 2026: How Miller's final-over blunder handed GT first win

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

Gujarat Titans secured a narrow one-run victory over Delhi Capitals in a thrilling IPL match, surviving a late onslaught from David Miller.

'Treated us very unfairly': Iran Coach Amir Ghalenoei Slams US

'Treated us very unfairly': Iran Coach Amir Ghalenoei Slams US

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Iran's football coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has strongly criticised the United States for imposing travel restrictions on his team during the World Cup, claiming it unfairly hampered their preparation and performance.

Amount of skills Manav has got, he is a treat to watch: Washington Sundar

Amount of skills Manav has got, he is a treat to watch: Washington Sundar

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Debutant left-arm spinner Manav Suthar is blessed with amazing skills-sets and will be a treat to watch in the coming days, reckoned all-rounder Washington Sundar.

3rd Test: New Zealand openers frustrate England with record 317-run stand

3rd Test: New Zealand openers frustrate England with record 317-run stand

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

New Zealand took control of the third Test at Trent Bridge with Tom Latham and Devon Conway setting a record partnership for the Kiwis against England on Thursday.

IPL 2026: Kohli hailed as greatest chaser after match-winning 81 vs Gujarat Titans

IPL 2026: Kohli hailed as greatest chaser after match-winning 81 vs Gujarat Titans

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn has described Virat Kohli as the finest chaser in cricket after his 81-run knock guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in an Indian Premier League match in Bengaluru on Friday, April 24. 2026.

Shreyas Iyer's Maiden IPL Century Keeps PBKS' Playoff Hopes Alive

Shreyas Iyer's Maiden IPL Century Keeps PBKS' Playoff Hopes Alive

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Josh Inglis's blistering 72 helped Lucknow Super Giants post a competitive 196 for six against Punjab Kings in their IPL match. Inglis and Ayush Badoni's aggressive batting helped Lucknow recover from an early slump.

FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi equals World Cup scoring record with hat-trick

FIFA World Cup: Lionel Messi equals World Cup scoring record with hat-trick

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi equalled the men's World Cup all-time scoring record with a hat-trick in Argentina's Group J opener against Algeria on Tuesday.

IPL 2026: Meet Madhav Tiwari, DC's New Match-Winner

IPL 2026: Meet Madhav Tiwari, DC's New Match-Winner

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Madhav Tiwari, a 22-year-old all-rounder from Madhya Pradesh, delivered a Player of the Match performance on his IPL debut for Delhi Capitals, showcasing his talent with both bat and ball.

Sooryavanshi will be a force for Indian cricket, world cricket: Sangakkara

Sooryavanshi will be a force for Indian cricket, world cricket: Sangakkara

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

Rajasthan Royals' head coach Kumar Sangakkara and Royal Challengers Bengaluru's batting coach Dinesh Karthik have lauded 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, highlighting his exceptional talent, grounded nature, and immense confidence.

India not a dominant force in white-ball cricket: Gambhir

India not a dominant force in white-ball cricket: Gambhir

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

'Because in white-ball cricket, we've lost two out of the last three series in the one-day format. If it was an era, we wouldn't have lost two series.'

India crush arch-rivals Pakistan 7-1 in FIH Pro League clash

India crush arch-rivals Pakistan 7-1 in FIH Pro League clash

Rediff.com27 Jun 2026

India delivered a commanding performance against arch-rivals Pakistan, securing a resounding 7-1 victory in their FIH Pro League return leg match. Despite Pakistan taking an early lead, India quickly retaliated with goals from Harmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Jugraj Singh, Abhishek, Rajkumar Pal, and Dilpreet Singh, showcasing superior attacking prowess and penalty corner conversion.

Yuvraj Singh Named Delhi Capitals' Batting Coach

Yuvraj Singh Named Delhi Capitals' Batting Coach

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh is slated to become the batting coach for Delhi Capitals for the 2027 IPL season. This marks his first coaching assignment in the league, joining a revamped support staff under Sourav Ganguly, who will serve as Director of Cricket.

Fit-again Kohli back for England ODIs; Bumrah recalled

Fit-again Kohli back for England ODIs; Bumrah recalled

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Virat Kohli was on Sunday named in India's squad for the three-match ODI series against England next month, subject to fitness clearance.

Gill's India Begin Afghanistan Test Preparations, Bahutule Joins Coaching Staff

Gill's India Begin Afghanistan Test Preparations, Bahutule Joins Coaching Staff

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Team India began preparations for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in New Chandigarh, with Shubman Gill leading the side and new spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule joining the support staff.

Bosnia beat Qatar, keep World Cup knock-out hopes alive

Bosnia beat Qatar, keep World Cup knock-out hopes alive

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Bosnia and Herzegovina kept their World Cup hopes alive thanks to a stunning goal from teenager Kerim Alajbegovic, which powered them towards a tense 3-1 win over Qatar on Wednesday and secured third place in Group B to eliminate their opponents.

India A capitalise on stunning Lankan meltdown to win tri-series opener

India A capitalise on stunning Lankan meltdown to win tri-series opener

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's first outing for India A in one-day cricket ended with a muted 14 but his team hung in there till the end against a self-destructing Sri Lanka A to pull off an eight-run win in the tri-series opener in Dambulla on Tuesday.

1st Test, Day 1: Robinson's dream return leaves NZ reeling

1st Test, Day 1: Robinson's dream return leaves NZ reeling

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Ollie Robinson marked his return to England's Test side with a four-wicket haul as New Zealand slid to 61-6 at stumps, trailing by 79 runs after a see-saw opening day of the three-match series at Lord's on Thursday.

Brendon McCullum dismisses talk of rift with Ben Stokes

Brendon McCullum dismisses talk of rift with Ben Stokes

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

England coach Brendon McCullum has strongly denied any rift with Test captain Ben Stokes, calling speculation 'amusing' after Stokes' suspension for a curfew breach.

IPL 2026: Ngidi's first message after nasty head injury

IPL 2026: Ngidi's first message after nasty head injury

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

Lungi Ngidi says "all good" after head injury scare during Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings IPL 2026 clash; pacer discharged from hospital.

Tri-nation series: India A register dominant win over Afghanistan A to seal final spot

Tri-nation series: India A register dominant win over Afghanistan A to seal final spot

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

A compelling all-round performance helped India A thrash Afghanistan A by 101 runs and qualify for the One-day tri-series final in Dambulla on Wednesday.

Why Suryansh Shedge's call-up could change everything

Why Suryansh Shedge's call-up could change everything

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Suryansh Shedge's India call-up may have come as a "lucky break", but the young all-rounder has been urged to treat it as a learning opportunity by soaking in everything inside a dressing room full of experienced players and young leaders.

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli's Century Fires RCB To Victory Against KKR

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli's Century Fires RCB To Victory Against KKR

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten century to fire Royal Challengers Bengaluru to an emphatic six-wicket victory against Kolkata Knight Riders.

What went wrong for India in first women's T20I vs SA...

What went wrong for India in first women's T20I vs SA...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Indian batter Jemimah Rodrigues admitted the team was short of runs in the opening women's T20I against South Africa, but emphasised the series offers a valuable opportunity for the batting unit, especially the allrounders, to prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

Almiron Red Card: New Rule Controversy

Almiron Red Card: New Rule Controversy

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off at the World Cup for violating a new rule against covering mouths during confrontations. His dismissal left Paraguay with 10 men, but they still secured a 1-0 victory over Turkey, keeping their World Cup hopes alive while eliminating Turkey. The incident has sparked debate among coaches about the impact of new rules on the game's essence.

Paris St Germain edge Bayern in Champions League semis first leg

Paris St Germain edge Bayern in Champions League semis first leg

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

Paris St Germain defeated Bayern Munich 5-4 in a thrilling Champions League semi-final first leg, setting a record for goals scored at this stage of the competition. PSG came from behind to lead 5-2 before Bayern fought back, leaving the tie finely poised for the return leg in Munich.

FIFA World Cup: What Every Fan Must Know

FIFA World Cup: What Every Fan Must Know

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Packed with legendary players and remarkable milestones, these fascinating FIFA World Cup facts offer a glimpse into the tournament's rich history.

Gurnoor Brar Reveals Secret Behind His Fast Rise

Gurnoor Brar Reveals Secret Behind His Fast Rise

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Gurnoor Brar has impressed with his pace and control in his debut ODI series against Afghanistan.

India's Women's Football Team Dominates To Win SAFF Championship

India's Women's Football Team Dominates To Win SAFF Championship

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

India's women's football team secured their sixth SAFF Women's Championship title, and their first in seven years, by defeating defending champions Bangladesh 3-1 in the final. The team maintained an all-win record throughout the tournament, scoring 18 goals and conceding only one, showcasing a dominant performance.

IPL 2026: Dropped catch of Virat Kohli cost Gujarat Titans a lot, says Gavaskar

IPL 2026: Dropped catch of Virat Kohli cost Gujarat Titans a lot, says Gavaskar

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said an early dropped catch of Virat Kohli proved decisive as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans in an Indian Premier League 2026 match in Bengaluru on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Capsey, Knight fifties floor India in 3rd women's T20I, England win series 2-1

Capsey, Knight fifties floor India in 3rd women's T20I, England win series 2-1

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Alice Capsey's explosive 82 and Heather Knight's unbeaten 70 guided England to a six-wicket win over India in Taunton, sealing the Women's T20I series 2-1 ahead of the T20 World Cup.