News for 'First Ball'

Munoz strike sends Colombia into World Cup Round of 32

Munoz strike sends Colombia into World Cup Round of 32

Rediff.com24 Jun 2026

Daniel Munoz fired Colombia into the World Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday, sealing a 1-0 win over DR Congo in Group K.

Saudi Arabia coach rues lack of intensity in draw with Uruguay

Saudi Arabia coach rues lack of intensity in draw with Uruguay

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Saudi Arabia coach Georgios Donis said his players lacked self-confidence in the second as they failed to hold on to their lead with Maxi Araujo equalising for Uruguay in the 2nd half.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Vozinha-inspired Cape Verde frustrate European champions Spain

FIFA World Cup 2026: Vozinha-inspired Cape Verde frustrate European champions Spain

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

Cape Verde pulled off a World Cup shock by holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in the opening game of Group H on Monday, where the European champions and one of the tournament favourites could find no way past the debutants and their keeper Vozinha.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Debutants Cape Verde celebrate maiden point like champions

FIFA World Cup 2026: Debutants Cape Verde celebrate maiden point like champions

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

When the final whistle blew, players embraced, danced and celebrated on the pitch as if they had won the match. Their joy was understandable. Against one of football's traditional giants and the world's second-ranked team, Cape Verde had achieved something few thought possible.

FIFA World Cup: Germany crush debutants Curacao 7-1 to win opener

FIFA World Cup: Germany crush debutants Curacao 7-1 to win opener

Rediff.com15 Jun 2026

Germany gave debutants Curacao a reality check, as the former champions won 7-1 to kick-start their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a big win.

India thump Afghanistan by innings and 300 runs in Mullanpur

India thump Afghanistan by innings and 300 runs in Mullanpur

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Manav Suthar made a sensational Test debut, claiming a six-wicket haul against Afghanistan in the first innings before Washington Sundar took four wickets in their 2nd innings, as India outplayed Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs on day 3 of the one-off Test.

First T20I: Wolvaardt leads South Africa to victory vs India

First T20I: Wolvaardt leads South Africa to victory vs India

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

South Africa defeated India by six wickets in the opening match of the Women's T20 series, with captain Laura Wolvaardt leading the charge. India's batting lacked momentum, and their bowling attack struggled with indiscipline, allowing South Africa to comfortably chase down the target.

'Harsh Dubey has a good future as an all-rounder'

'Harsh Dubey has a good future as an all-rounder'

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

India's spin department is in 'transition' and the team management is in the process of assessing a pool of young bowlers who can potentially graduate to a higher level, said spin-bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule.

Sitanshu Kotak Hails Manav Suthar's Stellar Test Debut

Sitanshu Kotak Hails Manav Suthar's Stellar Test Debut

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded left-arm spinner Manav Suthar's impressive Test debut, where he took seven wickets, attributing his success to the BCCI's robust talent identification system. Kotak also commented on Sai Sudharsan's performance but remained non-committal on a settled batting line-up.

IPL 2026, Qualifier 1: Dharamsala holds the key to RCB vs GT showdown

IPL 2026, Qualifier 1: Dharamsala holds the key to RCB vs GT showdown

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The evidence from the three IPL matches played in Dharamsala this season suggests that it has evolved into a high-scoring venue where fast bowlers still remain relevant, a combination that could shape Tuesday's Qualifier 1 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans.

Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Arrives For World Cup Match

Cabo Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha's Mother Arrives For World Cup Match

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Cabo Verde goalkeeper Josimar 'Vozinha' Dias's mother, Ana Candida Evora, was welcomed by FIFA in Miami, ahead of Cabo Verde's FIFA World Cup 2026 Group H clash against Uruguay. This heartwarming gesture followed Vozinha's emotional revelation about his family's visa issues preventing them from attending his historic 0-0 draw against Spain. US authorities, in coordination with the State Department, the Cape Verde government, and FIFA, facilitated her travel, allowing her to support her son and the 'Blue Sharks' in person.

How Yastika Bhatia Overcame Injury To Star Against England

How Yastika Bhatia Overcame Injury To Star Against England

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Yastika Bhatia made a remarkable comeback from an ACL injury, scoring a match-winning half-century against England in the first women's T20I. Bhatia's resilience and partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues led India to a 38-run victory.

India Women Beat England In T20I Series Opener

India Women Beat England In T20I Series Opener

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia scored half-centuries, and debutant Nandani Sharma impressed with the ball as India defeated England by 38 runs in the first T20I.

3rd ODI: Rana returns, Jaiswal under scrutiny as India aim to sweep series

3rd ODI: Rana returns, Jaiswal under scrutiny as India aim to sweep series

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Harshit Rana returns to the Indian after regaining fitness even as Yashasvi Jaiswal will have to prove his ODI credibility as India look to sweep series against Afghanistan.

FIFA World Cup: Mbappe becomes France's record scorer

FIFA World Cup: Mbappe becomes France's record scorer

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

France captain Kylian Mbappe became his country's all-time leading scorer with a double against Senegal at the World Cup on Tuesday.

SRH Opener Abhishek Sharma Sets Unwanted IPL Record

SRH Opener Abhishek Sharma Sets Unwanted IPL Record

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Sunrisers Huderabad's Abhishek Sharma was dismissed for a golden duck by Rajasthan Royals' Jofra Archer on Monday, his 7th duck in T20s this year.

Champions League QF: Havertz's Late Goal Gives Arsenal First Leg Win Over Sporting

Champions League QF: Havertz's Late Goal Gives Arsenal First Leg Win Over Sporting

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Kai Havertz scored a late goal to give Arsenal a 1-0 victory over Sporting in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

India's Unity Cup Campaign Ends With Loss To Zimbabwe

India's Unity Cup Campaign Ends With Loss To Zimbabwe

Rediff.com30 May 2026

India's Unity Cup campaign concluded with a 1-0 defeat against Zimbabwe in the third-place play-off, with Prince Dube's first-half penalty proving decisive.

FIFA World Cup: Kane equals record as England edge Croatia

FIFA World Cup: Kane equals record as England edge Croatia

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

Harry Kane struck twice while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford delivered the knockout blows as England survived a back-and-forth battle to beat Croatia 4-2 on Wednesday and launch their World Cup campaign in a heavyweight clash that lived up to its billing.

FIFA WC: South Korea stun Czech Republic with late comeback win

FIFA WC: South Korea stun Czech Republic with late comeback win

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

South Korea have come from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their Group A opener at the 2026 World Cup, sealing a vital three points to start their campaign in style.

How Sooryavanshi's Bold Prediction Came True In IPL 2026

How Sooryavanshi's Bold Prediction Came True In IPL 2026

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made a stunning disclosure about how a bold personal goal powered his record-breaking campaign for Rajasthan Royals.

Will Rashid play Tests again? Afghanistan coach breaks silence

Will Rashid play Tests again? Afghanistan coach breaks silence

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus discussed the upcoming one-off Test against India, highlighting the crucial role of spin bowling on the Mullanpur pitch. He also confirmed star spinner Rashid Khan's absence due to a long-standing back problem and workload management.

Footballer Saves Seagull Hit By Ball With CPR During Match In Turkey

Footballer Saves Seagull Hit By Ball With CPR During Match In Turkey

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Istanbul Yurdum Spor's Gani Catan used CPR to revive a seagull that was struck by a ball during a match.

IPL Eliminator, RR vs SRH: Sooryavanshi's whirlwind 97 Carries Royals to Qualifier 2

IPL Eliminator, RR vs SRH: Sooryavanshi's whirlwind 97 Carries Royals to Qualifier 2

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive innings and Jofra Archer's pace bowling led Rajasthan Royals to a 47-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL Eliminator.

Rise of India Adds New Twist to Women's T20 World Cup

Rise of India Adds New Twist to Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 begins in England with Australia chasing a seventh title and India targeting a historic double. England, South Africa and New Zealand add to what promises to be the most competitive edition yet.

FIFA World Cup: South Africa ready to test Mexico in opener

FIFA World Cup: South Africa ready to test Mexico in opener

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

South Africa coach Hugo Broos said his side are prepared to face Mexico's quality and home-crowd advantage in Thursday's World Cup opener.

India U20 Women Secure First AFC Asian Cup Win Since 2004

India U20 Women Secure First AFC Asian Cup Win Since 2004

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The Indian U20 women's team defeated Chinese Taipei 3-1 in their final Group C match of the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup, boosting their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage.

Vekic denies Raducanu dream title at Queen's

Vekic denies Raducanu dream title at Queen's

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Croatia's Donna Vekic resisted a gutsy fightback by Emma Raducanu in front of a partisan crowd to claim the Queen's Club title with a 6-0, 7-6(6) win in a high-quality final on Sunday.

Former players urge ICC to review Afghanistan's Test status after India rout

Former players urge ICC to review Afghanistan's Test status after India rout

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

Former cricketers raise concerns over ICC's policy of awarding Test status based on limited-overs performance, following Afghanistan's heavy defeat to India.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The Don Bradman Of T20 Cricket

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: The Don Bradman Of T20 Cricket

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The numbers from this season alone are almost surreal. 680 runs in 15 innings. Average of 45. Strike rate of 242. A century, four fifties, best score of 103. 65 sixes and 55 fours from just 280 balls -- a boundary every 2.3 balls, a six every 4.3 balls.

Rohit Sharma completes 16,000 international runs as opener, joins elite list

Rohit Sharma completes 16,000 international runs as opener, joins elite list

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Adding another feather to his illustrious cap, Rohit Sharma on Saturday became only the second Indian opener after Virender Sehwag to score 16,000 international runs while opening the batting.

The Last Trip With My Father

The Last Trip With My Father

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

At Kolga Aabla, the closest beach to her grandmother's home, at the edge of a birch forest, we immersed her balance ashes. It was a sombre, precious day for both of us. But a day that also brought long-needed closure. My mother's spirit, chained for so many years in a Parkinson's-locked body, was free. But my father came back from the beach a visibly older man.

Teenager Stuns Bumrah In Guwahati!

Teenager Stuns Bumrah In Guwahati!

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

It is hard to recall when Jasprit Bumrah was last manhandled in such devastating fashion by two young batters.

First Time 10 Indian Captains In IPL!

First Time 10 Indian Captains In IPL!

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

For the first time in the history of IPL, all 10 teams will be captained by Indian players this season.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Switzerland unlock Bosnia defence, boost qualification hopes

FIFA World Cup 2026: Switzerland unlock Bosnia defence, boost qualification hopes

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Switzerland found the keys to break down a resolute Bosnia and Herzegovina defence with four late goals in a 4-1 win thanks to a brace from Johan Manzambi and further strikes from fellow substitute Ruben Vargas and captain Granit Xhaka with a penalty.

IPL 2026: Gill-Sai: Classical Duet in T20's Rock-n-Roll Era!

IPL 2026: Gill-Sai: Classical Duet in T20's Rock-n-Roll Era!

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Chasing a daunting 215 against Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 at Mullanpur, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan turned a high-pressure contest into an exhibition of timing, elegance and composure.

Heartbreak For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi As Batting Heroics Fall Short

Heartbreak For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi As Batting Heroics Fall Short

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was left heartbroken after Rajasthan Royals suffered a seven-wicket defeat against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 match.

Inside GSB Cuisine Queen Komal Prabhu's Kitchen

Inside GSB Cuisine Queen Komal Prabhu's Kitchen

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Discover the inspiring journey of Komal Prabhu, called the Queen of GSB Cuisine, that saw her switch professions -- a Bharata Natyam dancer became a celebrated chef devoted to preserving traditional Gaud Saraswat Brahmin food traditions.

IPL 2026: All-Rounder Archer Delivers Royal Masterclass!

IPL 2026: All-Rounder Archer Delivers Royal Masterclass!

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Much of the credit for Rajasthan Royals' qualification to the IPL 2026 playoffs goes to Jofra Archer.

India thrash Korea in U-18 Asia Cup Hockey, brighten semifinal prospects

India thrash Korea in U-18 Asia Cup Hockey, brighten semifinal prospects

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

The Indian men's hockey team secured a 4-1 victory against Korea in their third Pool A match of the U-18 Asia Cup, with Ketan Kushwaha scoring twice.