News for 'First Ball'

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.

'That knock made the difference': Arora credits Rinku for KKR win

'That knock made the difference': Arora credits Rinku for KKR win

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Vaibhav Arora credits Rinku Singh's match-winning 83 and Sunil Narine's Super Over brilliance as KKR defeat LSG in a thrilling IPL 2026 clash to keep playoff hopes alive.

Con City Review: Heist Comedy That Keeps Misfiring

Con City Review: Heist Comedy That Keeps Misfiring

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Con City has a fun premise and a handful of clever scams, but its biggest con is convincing you it's smarter than it really is.

Why France are favourites to win the World Cup

Why France are favourites to win the World Cup

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

With Kylian Mbappe's depth and experience, economists predict France are tipped to edge Spain to lift World Cup.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Universal Baby Boss: An Unfolding Fairy Tale

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Universal Baby Boss: An Unfolding Fairy Tale

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

What lies behind Vaibhav's amazing journey over the last couple of years is something beyond mere analysis. By any stretch of imagination, some of the shots he has played seem to remain in the realm of impossibility. Doubtless reams will be written about this and we will still not have a clue, because he would have moved on to newer peaks, notes Shreekant Sambrani.

IPL 2026: Kohli leads RCB past GT for back-to-back IPL titles

IPL 2026: Kohli leads RCB past GT for back-to-back IPL titles

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defended their IPL crown in style, beating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets to win back-to-back titles in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

'No problem': Narine on delivering in KKR's decisive Super Over

'No problem': Narine on delivering in KKR's decisive Super Over

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Sunil Narine reflects on his match-winning Super Over for Kolkata Knight Riders, saying "you have no choice" in clutch moments as KKR beat Lucknow Super Giants.

India Dominates Hong Kong To Reach Snooker Final

India Dominates Hong Kong To Reach Snooker Final

Rediff.com18 Jun 2026

India's snooker team, led by Pankaj Advani and Aditya Mehta, defeated defending champions Hong Kong China 3-1 to secure a place in the final of the World Team Snooker Championship. The team will now face either China 'A' or Korea in the title clash.

How Bhuvneshwar Kumar Remains A Force In T20 Cricket

How Bhuvneshwar Kumar Remains A Force In T20 Cricket

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has defied expectations to become a leading bowler in T20 cricket, adapting his skills and adding variations to remain effective in the modern game. His success is attributed to his ability to swing the ball, use clever variations like the knuckle ball, and maintain peak fitness.

How India dominated Afghanistan on hot day at Mullanpur

How India dominated Afghanistan on hot day at Mullanpur

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

KL Rahul and Shubman Gill struck centuries as India dominated Afghanistan on a sweltering opening day in Mullanpur, finishing at 368/3 in the one-off Test after Rahul's third consecutive Test ton.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Struggling Spain face another stubborn opponent in Saudi Arabia

FIFA World Cup 2026: Struggling Spain face another stubborn opponent in Saudi Arabia

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

Spain arrive into their Group H clash against Saudi Arabia needing a sharper attacking display after being held to a shock 0-0 draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde in their opening match in Atlanta.

I worked hard to make it to Indian team: Harsh Dubey

I worked hard to make it to Indian team: Harsh Dubey

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Rookie spin bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey is focused on creating his own identity while representing India, following his maiden call-up for the Afghanistan Test and ODI series.

Kemp stars as England women level series against India

Kemp stars as England women level series against India

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Freya Kemp's outstanding all-round performance propelled England to a 26-run victory over India in the second Women's T20 International, levelling the three-match series.

Shubman Gill rises as Brook tops ICC Test rankings

Shubman Gill rises as Brook tops ICC Test rankings

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Shubman Gill climbed to eighth in the latest ICC Test batting rankings, while Harry Brook returned to the top spot, replacing England teammate Joe Root.

Manav Suthar: India uncover new spin star in big win

Manav Suthar: India uncover new spin star in big win

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Left-arm spinner Manav Suthar excelling on his Test debut is a testament to the robust structure that BCCI has created for talent identification, India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Monday after the home team trounced Afghanistan inside three days in Mullanpur.

Crystal Palace down Rayo Vallecano to win Conference League title

Crystal Palace down Rayo Vallecano to win Conference League title

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Crystal Palace claimed their first European trophy as Jean-Philippe Mateta's second-half goal secured a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the final of the Conference League

Shubman Gill fires warning to RCB before IPL 2026 final

Shubman Gill fires warning to RCB before IPL 2026 final

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Shubman Gill discusses Gujarat Titans' strategy for the IPL final, emphasising the importance of home advantage and mental fortitude.

Captain Shahidi Shoulders Afghanistan's Test Hopes Against India

Captain Shahidi Shoulders Afghanistan's Test Hopes Against India

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi is the batting fulcrum around whom Afghanistan's Test ambitions revolve.

FIFA World Cup: Brazil's players celebrate coach Ancelotti's birthday during training

FIFA World Cup: Brazil's players celebrate coach Ancelotti's birthday during training

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Brazil is preparing for their World Cup opener against Morocco without star forward Neymar, who is recovering from a calf injury.

IPL 2026: 'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi doesn't give a damn about any bowler'

IPL 2026: 'Vaibhav Sooryavanshi doesn't give a damn about any bowler'

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless batting approach in the IPL has impressed teammates and opponents alike, with his ability to take on world-class bowlers without hesitation.

IPL 2026 Eliminator: Sooryavanshi Has Gayle's Sixes Record In His Sight!

IPL 2026 Eliminator: Sooryavanshi Has Gayle's Sixes Record In His Sight!

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is close to breaking Chris Gayle's record for most sixes in an IPL season.

Tendulkar hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 'He's truly special'

Tendulkar hails Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 'He's truly special'

Rediff.com31 May 2026

Sachin Tendulkar has praised Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, urging coaches and mentors not to interfere with the youngster's natural instincts.

IPL 2026: Why Bhuvneshwar Kumar Deserves His India Cap Back

IPL 2026: Why Bhuvneshwar Kumar Deserves His India Cap Back

Rediff.com11 May 2026

Bhuvneshwar Kumar's impressive performance in IPL 2026 has sparked debate about his potential return to the Indian T20I squad.

Cape Verde keeper Vozinha set for emotional World Cup reunion with mom

Cape Verde keeper Vozinha set for emotional World Cup reunion with mom

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Cape Verde's heroic goalkeeper Vozinha will have his mother in the stands when he next takes to the pitch at the World Cup on Sunday, after US officials moved to ensure she could obtain a visa in time.

IPL 2026: From Replacement Player To Captain Fantastic: Rajat Patidar's Fairytale Rise

IPL 2026: From Replacement Player To Captain Fantastic: Rajat Patidar's Fairytale Rise

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Rajat Patidar has the golden chance to emulate legends Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma -- the only two captains to win back to back IPL titles.

Back in the nets, Rohit Sharma grabs spotlight with trademark strokeplay

Back in the nets, Rohit Sharma grabs spotlight with trademark strokeplay

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Rohit Sharma joined India's white-ball nets in Mohali on Wednesday and remained the box-office attraction despite the presence of young and emerging stars.

First IPL 2026 slow over-rate fine goes to ... Shreyas Iyer

First IPL 2026 slow over-rate fine goes to ... Shreyas Iyer

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer has been fined Rs 12 lakh for a slow over-rate during their IPL 2026 match against Gujarat Titans.

IPL 2026, PBKS vs RCB: All-round RCB Thump PBKS To Seal Play-Offs Spot

IPL 2026, PBKS vs RCB: All-round RCB Thump PBKS To Seal Play-Offs Spot

Rediff.com17 May 2026

Venkatesh Iyer's explosive innings of 73 not out off 40 balls propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a formidable 222 for four against Punjab Kings in their IPL match. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal also made significant contributions.

IPL 2026: Kishan, Abhishek, Klaasen blistering fifties help SRH trounce RCB

IPL 2026: Kishan, Abhishek, Klaasen blistering fifties help SRH trounce RCB

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs, but RCB secured the top spot in the IPL standings due to their net run rate. SRH posted a formidable 255/4, while RCB reached their target of 166 to ensure a top-two finish.

IPL 2026: Chris Gayle calls Sooryavanshi a new six machine

IPL 2026: Chris Gayle calls Sooryavanshi "a new six machine"

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Chris Gayle praised Rajasthan Royals teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the 15-year-old produced another breathtaking display in the IPL Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Viv Richards hails India's impact on white-ball cricket

Viv Richards hails India's impact on white-ball cricket

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

West Indies legend Viv Richards praises India's dominance in white ball cricket and discusses his role as an envoy for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

I Was In Race For India Captaincy For 1983 World Cup: Kirmani's Big Reveal

I Was In Race For India Captaincy For 1983 World Cup: Kirmani's Big Reveal

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Former wicketkeeper-batter Syed Kirmani revealed that he was in contention for India captaincy along with Dilip Vengsarkar ahead of the 1983 World Cup before the selection panel zeroed in on legendary Kapil Dev.

IPL 2026: Shami's Masterclass Sinks Sunrisers

IPL 2026: Shami's Masterclass Sinks Sunrisers

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

Mohammed Shami registered excellent figures of 2/9 in four overs against SRH -- including 18 dot balls.

IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals return to winning ways by thrashing Rajasthan Royals

IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals return to winning ways by thrashing Rajasthan Royals

Rediff.com2 May 2026

Delhi Capitals ended their three-match losing streak with a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in the IPL in Jaipur on Friday.

IPL 2026, Qualifier 2: Gill's ton takes Gujarat Titans past Rajasthan Royals to final

IPL 2026, Qualifier 2: Gill's ton takes Gujarat Titans past Rajasthan Royals to final

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive innings and Donovan Ferreira's late fireworks powered the Rajasthan Royals to a formidable total against Gujarat Titans in the IPL Qualifier 2.

Mushfiqur Rahim hits 14th Test ton as Bangladesh set Pakistan 437-run target

Mushfiqur Rahim hits 14th Test ton as Bangladesh set Pakistan 437-run target

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Mushfiqur Rahim struck a record-breaking century as Bangladesh tightened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan in Sylhet on Monday by setting the hosts a huge target of 437 runs. Pakistan's bowling coach Umar Gul remains confident that his team can chase down the target.

IPL 2026: Manish Pandey Turns Back Clock With Match-Winning Knock

IPL 2026: Manish Pandey Turns Back Clock With Match-Winning Knock

Rediff.com21 May 2026

On a tense night when KKR's season was hanging in the balance, Manish Pandey answered every critic in the best possible way -- a man-of-the match performance in a must-win clash against Mumbai Indians.

India's Football Team Bows Out Of Unity Cup After Loss To Jamaica

India's Football Team Bows Out Of Unity Cup After Loss To Jamaica

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian men's football team experienced a disappointing debut in the Unity Cup, losing 2-0 to Jamaica in the semi-finals held in London.

IPL 2026, MI vs SRH: Rickelton's record ton in vain as Sunrisers out-bat Mumbai Indians

IPL 2026, MI vs SRH: Rickelton's record ton in vain as Sunrisers out-bat Mumbai Indians

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

Ryan Rickelton's whirlwind unbeaten ton was overshadowed by Heinrich Klaasen's unbeaten 65 as Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets in an IPL match in Mumbai on Wednesday. Chasing a 244-run target, Travis Head (76 off 30) and Abhishek Sharma (45 off 24) shared 129 runs for the opening wicket to set the platform for SRH.