News for 'opening matches'

England plot secret plan to stop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

England plot secret plan to stop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

England has devised tactics for Indian batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the T20I series opener, amidst anticipation of his potential debut. The 15-year-old, who was the top scorer in this year's IPL, could become India's youngest international debutant, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar's record.

U Mumba TT secure dominant 8-3 victory over Kolkata ThunderBlades to reach UTT final

U Mumba TT secure dominant 8-3 victory over Kolkata ThunderBlades to reach UTT final

Rediff.com2 days ago

Defending champions U Mumba TT, led by captain Manush Shah and Anna Hursey, secured an emphatic 8-3 victory over HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades in the second semi-final of Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7, setting up a final clash with Dempo Goa Challengers.

Big change? FIFA plans 64-team for 2030 World Cup

Big change? FIFA plans 64-team for 2030 World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced that the governing body will discuss expanding the World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 edition, following the already planned increase to 48 teams in 2026. Infantino believes a larger tournament encourages smaller nations and highlights the success of previous expansions, with the 2030 event already set to be hosted across six nations on three continents.

Lightning scare shuts FIFA World Cup party before opener

Lightning scare shuts FIFA World Cup party before opener

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto was cancelled due to lightning risk, disappointing fans on the eve of Canada's first World Cup game.

Defending Champions U Mumba TT Secure Spot In Ultimate Table Tennis Final

Defending Champions U Mumba TT Secure Spot In Ultimate Table Tennis Final

Rediff.com2 days ago

Defending champions U Mumba TT, led by Captain Manush Shah and Anna Hursey, secured a commanding 8-3 victory over Kolkata ThunderBlades in the Ultimate Table Tennis semi-final. This win sets up a title clash against Dempo Goa Challengers, marking U Mumba TT's second successive UTT final appearance.

Why Iran moved its FIFA World Cup base days before opener

Why Iran moved its FIFA World Cup base days before opener

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Iran's World Cup team conducted open training in Tijuana, Mexico, after relocating their base camp due to geopolitical tensions.

PM Narendra Modi surprises Steve Waugh with nostalgic photograph

PM Narendra Modi surprises Steve Waugh with nostalgic photograph

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a nostalgic moment with former Australia captain Steve Waugh during a visit to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, presenting him with a photograph from their first meeting more than two decades ago when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

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.

Tanzid Hasan's Unbeaten 66 Secures Bangladesh T20 Series Win Over Zimbabwe

Tanzid Hasan's Unbeaten 66 Secures Bangladesh T20 Series Win Over Zimbabwe

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

Bangladesh secured a 2-1 T20 series victory over Zimbabwe, winning the final match by four wickets. Opener Tanzid Hasan's unbeaten 66 and a crucial partnership with Towhid Hridoy were instrumental in chasing down Zimbabwe's target of 143.

'I didn't believe Rohit': Samson reveals turning point behind T20 WC heroics

'I didn't believe Rohit': Samson reveals turning point behind T20 WC heroics

Rediff.com6 days ago

Sanju Samson reveals why he didn't believe Rohit Sharma after being dropped before the T20 World Cup 2026 and how self-reflection helped him return as India's leading run-scorer and Player of the Tournament.

Bangladesh crush Netherlands in women's T20 World Cup opener

Bangladesh crush Netherlands in women's T20 World Cup opener

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Bangladesh Women secured a six-wicket victory over tournament debutants Netherlands in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, powered by Juairiya Ferdous's half-century and a strong collective bowling performance. The Netherlands, making their historic T20 World Cup appearance, struggled against Bangladesh's disciplined attack despite a fifty from skipper Babette de Leede.

Commonwealth Games 2026: India kick off campaign with bowls fixtures

Commonwealth Games 2026: India kick off campaign with bowls fixtures

Rediff.com4 days ago

The Glasgow Games will be held across four venues. India's campaign opens with two bowls matches before the opening ceremony later in the day.

Sanjay Manjrekar Calls For IPL Reforms After India's T20I Debacle

Sanjay Manjrekar Calls For IPL Reforms After India's T20I Debacle

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has criticised the Indian Premier League (IPL) for contributing to the national team's T20I struggles, particularly in overseas conditions. He urged selectors to pick players based on their suitability for international cricket rather than their IPL performance, highlighting issues like batting-friendly pitches and the 'Impact Player' rule.

Mirabai Chanu wins third Commonwealth Games gold as lifters boost India's medal tally

Mirabai Chanu wins third Commonwealth Games gold as lifters boost India's medal tally

Rediff.com1 days ago

Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu secured her third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold, breaking records in the women's 48kg weightlifting. Rishikanta Singh and Raja Muthupandi also added silver medals, contributing to India's growing tally at the Games.

Bangladesh Face Injury Woes Ahead Of Crucial Australia Test Series

Bangladesh Face Injury Woes Ahead Of Crucial Australia Test Series

Rediff.com5 days ago

Bangladesh's Test squad for the upcoming series against Australia faces significant challenges with pace spearhead Ebadot Hossain unavailable due to personal reasons and Nahid Rana's participation uncertain due to injury. Despite these setbacks, the team remains optimistic about Litton Das's recovery and the batting unit's ability to perform, as they prepare with an early arrival and warm-up match in Darwin.

Andreeva beats Chwalinska to win French Open title

Andreeva beats Chwalinska to win French Open title

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Russia's Mirra Andreeva became the youngest Roland Garros women's singles winner since Monica Seles in 1992, to claim the French Open title and her maiden Grand Slam crown.

Sinner's Wimbledon Defence Under Spotlight After French Open Setback

Sinner's Wimbledon Defence Under Spotlight After French Open Setback

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

Defending champion Jannik Sinner heads to Wimbledon under scrutiny after his French Open disappointment, but coaches and experts believe the world No. 1 remains the favourite to retain his title despite fitness concerns.

Indian Women's Hockey Team Secures World Cup Berth Despite Final Loss

Indian Women's Hockey Team Secures World Cup Berth Despite Final Loss

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Indian women's hockey team secured a silver medal at the FIH Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat, losing 2-4 to China in the final. Despite the loss, their strong performance, including an 8-1 semi-final win against Kazakhstan, earned them a qualification spot for the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup. Hockey India also announced cash prizes for the team and support staff.

Sindhu's BWF title drought continues after Australian Open semis loss

Sindhu's BWF title drought continues after Australian Open semis loss

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu's quest for a BWF title continues after she was defeated by top seed Akane Yamaguchi in the semifinals of the Australian Badminton Open. The Indian shuttler lost in straight games, marking her second semifinal exit this season and ending India's campaign in the tournament.

Kostyuk wins all-Ukrainian thriller at French Open

Kostyuk wins all-Ukrainian thriller at French Open

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Marta Kostyuk defeated Elina Svitolina in an emotional all-Ukrainian match at the French Open, dedicating her victory to the Ukrainian people.

Will Tiger Shroff make Durand Cup debut?

Will Tiger Shroff make Durand Cup debut?

Rediff.com1 hour ago

Bollywood action hero Tiger Shroff is all set to turn his football dream into reality with a likely Durand Cup debut for Mumbay FC.

Mirabai Chanu Leads India's Medal Haul At Commonwealth Games

Mirabai Chanu Leads India's Medal Haul At Commonwealth Games

Rediff.com1 days ago

India had a successful day at the Commonwealth Games, with Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu securing a record-breaking third consecutive gold in weightlifting. Rishikanta Singh also earned a historic silver despite battling an injury. The day also saw Indian swimmers qualify for the finals, while the lawn bowls team faced a defeat.

Indian Women's Hockey Team Finishes Second In Youth Asian Championship

Indian Women's Hockey Team Finishes Second In Youth Asian Championship

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Indian women's hockey team secured a spot in the FIH Youth Hockey5s World Cup despite finishing as runner-up in the Youth Hockey5s Asian Championship in Muscat, losing 2-4 to China in the final. The team had previously defeated Kazakhstan 8-1 in the semi-final.

Indian Women's Badminton Stars Shine Bright At Australian Open

Indian Women's Badminton Stars Shine Bright At Australian Open

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and teenager Tanvi Sharma led a strong performance by Indian women in the Australian Open Super 500 badminton tournament, both advancing to the round of 16. While Sindhu secured an easy win, Tanvi caused an upset. However, it was a disappointing day for Indian men's singles players, with all three bowing out in the opening round, though the mixed doubles pair of Dhruv Rawat and Maneesha K progressed.

How Ahmedabad APL Pipers Overcame Early Setbacks To Secure UTT Victory

How Ahmedabad APL Pipers Overcame Early Setbacks To Secure UTT Victory

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Ahmedabad APL Pipers secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over U Mumba TT in their Ultimate Table Tennis match in Panaji, despite ace Indian paddler Manika Batra losing her singles match. Trailing 0-2, Ahmedabad mounted a spirited comeback, winning the last three matches, including a crucial mixed doubles and men's singles, to clinch the tie. The report also covers Dabang Delhi TTC's 3-2 win over Kolkata ThunderBlades, highlighted by Sutirtha Mukherjee's dominant performance.

He'll be there opening for India: Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's ODI World Cup chances

He'll be there opening for India: Gavaskar on Rohit Sharma's ODI World Cup chances

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma's ability to open for India in the upcoming 50-over World Cup, despite ongoing scrutiny. Gavaskar believes the England ODI series will be a crucial platform for Sharma to demonstrate his consistent performance. He also touched upon the continuous pressure on senior players like Rohit and Virat Kohli, emphasising the need for consistent delivery and physical fitness as they age. Additionally, Gavaskar commented on Ben Stokes' surprising retirement timing.

'Is This How You Groom Players?' Srikkanth Slams Iyer

'Is This How You Groom Players?' Srikkanth Slams Iyer

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

The decision to bring in and then drop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during India's T20I series against England has raised eyebrows, and former captain Kris Srikkanth has shared his disappointment over the way the youngster was handled.

Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali to spearhead Indian challenge in Chess Olympiad

Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali to spearhead Indian challenge in Chess Olympiad

Rediff.com3 days ago

India is sending a strong contingent, including world champion D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and R Vaishali, to the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand from September 16 to 27.

Zampa, Davies spin Australia to victory in T20 series opener vs Bangladesh

Zampa, Davies spin Australia to victory in T20 series opener vs Bangladesh

Rediff.com17 Jun 2026

Spinners Adam Zampa and Joel Davies picked up three wickets each as Australia defeated Bangladesh by four wickets in the first T20 International of the three-match series in Chattogram on Wednesday.

CWG 2026: Day 3: Siwach, Lawn Bowls Pair Advance; India Eye More Medals

CWG 2026: Day 3: Siwach, Lawn Bowls Pair Advance; India Eye More Medals

Rediff.com2 days ago

Indian boxer Sachin Siwach advanced to the pre-quarterfinals in the men's 60kg class, while the women's lawn bowls pair of Rupa Rani Tirkey and Pinki Singh secured their third consecutive victory at the Commonwealth Games. Despite some disappointments in swimming and wheelchair basketball, India is looking forward to potential medals, with Olympic silver medallist Mirabai Chanu expected to retain her weightlifting crown.

Alzarri Joseph's Shock Decision Rocks West Indies Ahead Of Pakistan Tests

Alzarri Joseph's Shock Decision Rocks West Indies Ahead Of Pakistan Tests

Rediff.com3 days ago

West Indies head coach Darren Sammy has revealed that pacer Alzarri Joseph declined selection for the upcoming two-Test home series against Pakistan, despite being chosen.

Dempo Goa Challengers dominate Dabang Delhi to reach UTT final

Dempo Goa Challengers dominate Dabang Delhi to reach UTT final

Rediff.com3 days ago

Dempo Goa Challengers have secured their spot in the Ultimate Table Tennis final after a dominant 8-2 victory over former champions Dabang Delhi TTC. Olympian Alvaro Robles was instrumental, starring in both men's singles and mixed doubles, extending Goa's unbeaten run in the tournament.

Anahat Singh Ends India's 18-Year Wait, Reaches World Junior Squash Final

Anahat Singh Ends India's 18-Year Wait, Reaches World Junior Squash Final

Rediff.com3 days ago

Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh has made history by becoming the first Indian since Joshna Chinappa in 2005 to reach the World Junior Squash Championship final.

Brook open to taking over England Test captaincy

Brook open to taking over England Test captaincy

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

England white-ball captain Harry Brook on Tuesday said it would be a "privilege" for him to lead the country in Test cricket if offered the job following Ben Stokes' retirement.

Mexico Eye Winning Start Against South Africa In FIFA World Cup Opener

Mexico Eye Winning Start Against South Africa In FIFA World Cup Opener

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Mexico will kick off their home World Cup campaign against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, carrying the pressure of fan expectations and a strong unbeaten run.

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.

Saransh Jain gets maiden India call up, Jadeja recalled for Sri Lanka Tests

Saransh Jain gets maiden India call up, Jadeja recalled for Sri Lanka Tests

Rediff.com2 hours ago

Uncapped off-spinner Saransh Jain has been named as the replacement for the injured Washington Sundar in India's Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, while the availability of key players Jasprit Bumrah and Sai Sudharsan hinges on their fitness clearance.

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.

1st T20I: Sooryavanshi becomes youngest batter to score T20I fifty

1st T20I: Sooryavanshi becomes youngest batter to score T20I fifty

Rediff.com4 days ago

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion, becoming the youngest batter to score a T20I half-century with a stunning 18-ball fifty against Zimbabwe in the first T20I in Harare on Thursday.

Will Bumrah Recover In Time For Sri Lanka Tests?

Will Bumrah Recover In Time For Sri Lanka Tests?

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka is expected to be announced next week, with fitness concerns surrounding pace leader Jasprit Bumrah.