News for 'opening matches'

England pick uncapped James Coles for India T20I series

England pick uncapped James Coles for India T20I series

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

England has announced a 17-member T20I squad, including uncapped all-rounder James Coles, to face India in a five-match series starting next month.

Mukund Sasikumar Exits SM Krishna Memorial Open After Quarterfinal Thriller

Mukund Sasikumar Exits SM Krishna Memorial Open After Quarterfinal Thriller

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Mukund Sasikumar's impressive run at the SM Krishna Memorial Open ended in a quarterfinal loss to Alastair Gray after a thrilling match. Ilya Ivashka and Hamish Stewart advanced to the semifinals with dominant performances.

Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams To Perform At FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony

Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams To Perform At FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will conclude with a spectacular closing ceremony at New Jersey Stadium, featuring performances by global superstars like Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and IShowSpeed. Jennifer Hudson will perform the US national anthem.

So close! NZ miss historic first FIFA World Cup win

So close! NZ miss historic first FIFA World Cup win

Rediff.com16 Jun 2026

New Zealand's football coach Darren Bazeley lauded his team's performance in a 2-2 draw against Iran at the World Cup, where they came close to securing their first-ever win. Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand, but Iran equalised late, leaving all Group G teams with one point.

Indian team honour retiring England legends Knight, Beaumont

Indian team honour retiring England legends Knight, Beaumont

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

Retiring England women's cricket icons, Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont were paid a heartfelt tribute by the Indian cricket team after the historic one-off Women's Test at Lord's on Monday.

Szocs Secures Dramatic Win For Goa Challengers In UTT Season 7

Szocs Secures Dramatic Win For Goa Challengers In UTT Season 7

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Dempo Goa Challengers secured a thrilling 8-7 victory over HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades in Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7, with Bernadette Szocs clinching the decisive final game. The win maintains Goa's unbeaten record, highlighted by strong performances from Szocs and teenage sensation Abhinandh PB.

Szocs Secures Dramatic Win For Goa Challengers In UTT Season 7

Szocs Secures Dramatic Win For Goa Challengers In UTT Season 7

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Dempo Goa Challengers secured a thrilling 8-7 victory over HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades in Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7, with Bernadette Szocs clinching the decisive final game. The win maintains Goa's unbeaten record, highlighted by strong performances from Szocs and teenage sensation Abhinandh PB.

Szocs Secures Dramatic Win For Goa Challengers In UTT Season 7

Szocs Secures Dramatic Win For Goa Challengers In UTT Season 7

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Dempo Goa Challengers secured a thrilling 8-7 victory over HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades in Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7, with Bernadette Szocs clinching the decisive final game. The win maintains Goa's unbeaten record, highlighted by strong performances from Szocs and teenage sensation Abhinandh PB.

FIFA World Cup: 'We Become Friends Again': Mbappe's Emotional Hakimi Message

FIFA World Cup: 'We Become Friends Again': Mbappe's Emotional Hakimi Message

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

After France's 2-0 victory over Morocco in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal, Kylian Mbappe was seen consoling his close friend Achraf Hakimi. This moment of mutual respect between the former Paris Saint-Germain teammates quickly went viral, highlighting that fierce rivals can still share genuine friendship off the pitch, despite Mbappe's insistence on no emotions during the game.

Will Serena play doubles at Wimbledon? Injury raises big questions

Will Serena play doubles at Wimbledon? Injury raises big questions

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Serena Williams sustained a knee injury during her opening singles defeat at Wimbledon, casting doubt on her participation in the doubles campaign alongside her sister Venus. Her agent confirmed the injury and stated Williams is doing everything to be ready for her upcoming doubles match.

PIX: Raducanu wins first US Open match since 2021

PIX: Raducanu wins first US Open match since 2021

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

Former champion Emma Raducanu claimed her first victory at the tournament since lifting the trophy in 2021 by beating Japan's Ena Shibahara in the first round on Sunday.

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Shetty Advance At Thailand Open

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Shetty Advance At Thailand Open

Rediff.com12 May 2026

Top seeds Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty overcame a tough challenge to defeat Indonesia's Muh Putra Erwiansyah and Bagas Maulana in the first round of the Thailand Open Super 500 tournament.

West Indies clinch Test series against Sri Lanka after rain-affected draw

West Indies clinch Test series against Sri Lanka after rain-affected draw

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

West Indies have secured their first Test series victory in three years, defeating Sri Lanka 1-0 after the second and final Test in North Sound ended in a rain-affected draw.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina's passion faces Spain's precision in final showdown

FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina's passion faces Spain's precision in final showdown

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

The World Cup final offers football's grandest stage a deliciously odd pairing: Argentina, all pulse, fire and Lionel Messi, against Spain, the European champions who appear to treat chaos as an administrative error and have turned control into something close to an art form.

England crush India again, win 4th T20I by nine wickets to clinch series

England crush India again, win 4th T20I by nine wickets to clinch series

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

India continued their dismal run, suffering yet another defeat in the ongoing tour of England, going down by nine wickets in the fourth T20I to concede the five-match series in Bristol on Thursday.

'Why Washington Sundar Again?' Fans Question India's Selection

'Why Washington Sundar Again?' Fans Question India's Selection

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Following a poor performance against England, all-rounder Washington Sundar's place in India's T20 team is being heavily debated by fans and critics. His inability to consistently deliver with both bat and ball has led to questions regarding his continued selection.

'I am an entertainer': Naomi Osaka's Eiffel Tower Look Lights Up French Open

'I am an entertainer': Naomi Osaka's Eiffel Tower Look Lights Up French Open

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Japanese player Naomi Osaka raised the fashion stakes in Paris on the third day of the Grand Slam when she walked onto Court Suzanne Lenglen in a black Kevin Germanier skirt, before unveiling her layered yellow-brown and gold Nike match dress.

Rashid, Nabi, Ghazanfar hold key to Afghan challenge in ODI series opener vs India

Rashid, Nabi, Ghazanfar hold key to Afghan challenge in ODI series opener vs India

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Afghanistan relying on seasoned spin trio to script first ever win over India

Yuki Bhambri Advances To Geneva Open Final

Yuki Bhambri Advances To Geneva Open Final

Rediff.com22 May 2026

India's Yuki Bhambri and his partner Michael Venus have reached the men's doubles final of the Geneva Open after defeating Petr Rikl and Adam Pavlasek in the semi-final.

After T20 humiliation, can Kohli-Rohit revive India in England ODIs?

After T20 humiliation, can Kohli-Rohit revive India in England ODIs?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are set to return for India's three-match ODI series against an upbeat England, aiming to lift the team's spirits after a dismal T20I performance.

Rohit back in nets, sends warning ahead of England ODIs

Rohit back in nets, sends warning ahead of England ODIs

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Indian opener Rohit Sharma has returned to net practice, showcasing good form with elegant strokes, as he prepares for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England starting July 14. The "Hitman" is India's third-highest ODI run-scorer, and his inclusion, alongside Virat Kohli, boosts the squad.

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Advance To Thailand Open Final

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Advance To Thailand Open Final

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty displayed resilience and skill to reach the men's doubles final at the Thailand Open Super 500 badminton tournament, overcoming Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin in a thrilling three-game match.

Noskova stuns Keys, storms into Wimbledon last 8

Noskova stuns Keys, storms into Wimbledon last 8

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Linda Noskova, a rising Czech tennis star, defeated American Madison Keys in straight sets to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time. The 21-year-old showcased her growing maturity on grass, overcoming a mid-set wobble to secure her spot in the last eight, continuing a strong tradition of Czech players at the All England Club.

Prithika Pradeep Stuns World No 11 Burun To Win Archery World Cup Bronze

Prithika Pradeep Stuns World No 11 Burun To Win Archery World Cup Bronze

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Teenage Indian archer Prithika Pradeep secured her first individual World Cup bronze medal in Madrid, overcoming world No. 11 Hazal Burun of Turkey.

Wimbledon 2026: Muchova topples defending champion, joins Pegula in quarterfinals

Wimbledon 2026: Muchova topples defending champion, joins Pegula in quarterfinals

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Tenth seed Karolina Muchova snuffed out the Wimbledon hopes of friend and 2024 champion Barbora Krejcikova on Sunday, winning 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 in a tight battle for Czech supremacy and a place in the quarterfinals. The 32-year-old Pegula said beforehand she had expected the 18-year-old Jovic to come at her hard and so it proved, but after a scrappy first set, she won 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinal and equal her best Wimbledon run.

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Shetty Reach Thailand Open Final

Satwiksairaj-Chirag Shetty Reach Thailand Open Final

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty displayed resilience to reach the men's doubles final at the Thailand Open Super 500 badminton tournament, overcoming Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin in a thrilling three-game match.

Djokovic prevails in longest Wimbledon quarter-final; sets up Sinner clash

Djokovic prevails in longest Wimbledon quarter-final; sets up Sinner clash

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

Novak Djokovic defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in a five-set thriller lasting over five hours to reach his eighth consecutive Wimbledon semi-final, setting a new record.

'We are better': Yamal sparks fire ahead of France clash

'We are better': Yamal sparks fire ahead of France clash

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Spain's young star Lamine Yamal has confidently stated that France holds no advantage in the FIFA World Cup 2026, dismissing them as favourites. Yamal expressed strong belief in Spain's ability to win the tournament, highlighting that knockout rounds are a different challenge from the group stage.

French Open: Gauff, Osaka, Sabalenka sweat it out to move into third round

French Open: Gauff, Osaka, Sabalenka sweat it out to move into third round

Rediff.com29 May 2026

Naomi Osaka battled past Donna Vekic in straight sets to reach the French Open third round for the first time since 2019, continuing her impressive comeback run at Roland Garros.

UTT: Szocs Secures Dramatic Win For Goa Challengers Against Kolkata ThunderBlades

UTT: Szocs Secures Dramatic Win For Goa Challengers Against Kolkata ThunderBlades

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Dempo Goa Challengers secured a thrilling 8-7 victory over HVR Kolkata ThunderBlades in Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7, with Bernadette Szocs clinching the decisive final game.

Wimbledon 2026: Injured Chwalinska suffers first-round exit; Andreeva, Sabalenka cruise

Wimbledon 2026: Injured Chwalinska suffers first-round exit; Andreeva, Sabalenka cruise

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

French Open runner-up Maja Chwalinska crashed out of Wimbledon in the opening round following a 2-6, 7-5, 6-2 loss to Thai qualifier Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Monday after the Pole fell and hurt herself while on match point.

Linda Noskova survives Muchova fightback in thrilling final to win Wimbledon

Linda Noskova survives Muchova fightback in thrilling final to win Wimbledon

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

Linda Noskova survived missing five match points to outlast compatriot Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 to win a maiden Grand Slam title as she extended the Czech Republic's remarkable Wimbledon success story.

Why Zverev is happy to face Cobolli in French Open final

Why Zverev is happy to face Cobolli in French Open final

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Alexander Zverev's French Open final against Flavio Cobolli will carry a personal twist, after their friendship grew at the Laver Cup and the support of the Italian's father in difficult moments on tour deepened ties heading into Sunday's showdown.

Wimbledon 2026: Sinner, Djokovic send title warning with contrasting wins

Wimbledon 2026: Sinner, Djokovic send title warning with contrasting wins

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Jannik Sinner's Wimbledon title defence gathered pace on Friday as the world number one swept aside American Jenson Brooksby 6-4 6-3 6-4 to enter the fourth round and reinforce his status as the man to beat at the All England Club.

French Open: Ailing Sinner knocked out in second round by Cerundolo

French Open: Ailing Sinner knocked out in second round by Cerundolo

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Jannik Sinner's bid for a maiden French Open title and career Grand Slam went up in smoke as he experienced physical issues in his second-round match against Juan Manuel Cerundolo and fell to a 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1 defeat on a scorching Thursday.

'I hope he gets a hundred and goes': Kapil on Rohit

'I hope he gets a hundred and goes': Kapil on Rohit

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Cricket legend Kapil Dev has urged fans to celebrate Rohit Sharma's illustrious career and the joy he has brought to the sport, rather than feel sad about his eventual retirement. Dev's comments come amidst speculation about Sharma's future in international cricket.

Can Zverev finally crack Sinner and Alcaraz?

Can Zverev finally crack Sinner and Alcaraz?

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Alexander Zverev, after reaching the Wimbledon final and losing to Jannik Sinner, believes his new attacking strategy will help him challenge the dominance of Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Despite the loss, Zverev's improved performance and first Grand Slam win at the French Open indicate a significant shift in his game, aiming for consistent success against the sport's top players.

Sinner ends Djokovic's dream in straight sets, faces Zverev for Wimbledon crown

Sinner ends Djokovic's dream in straight sets, faces Zverev for Wimbledon crown

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Defending champion Jannik Sinner ended Novak Djokovic's latest bid to claim a record 25th Grand Slam title in ruthless fashion with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 win to reach the Wimbledon final on Friday.

World Cup 2026 Set to Shatter All-Time Sports Gambling Records

World Cup 2026 Set to Shatter All-Time Sports Gambling Records

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

World Cup 2026 is on track to become the biggest betting event in history, with global wagers expected to exceed $50 billion as sportsbooks report record-breaking activity driven by the expanded tournament format and growing legal gambling markets.

IPL 2026 Dream XI: Sooryavanshi Opener; Patidar Captain

IPL 2026 Dream XI: Sooryavanshi Opener; Patidar Captain

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the limelight in his first full season of IPL with some dazzling performances for the Rajasthan Royals.