News for 'opening matches'

IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals thump Mumbai Indians in rain-hit match

IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals thump Mumbai Indians in rain-hit match

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive batting helped Rajasthan Royals reach 150 for 3 in a rain-curtailed IPL match.

Rohit comeback and Reddy test headline India's ODI reboot

Rohit comeback and Reddy test headline India's ODI reboot

Rediff.com3 days ago

India begin their 2027 ODI World Cup preparations against Afghanistan with Rohit Sharma's fitness and Nitish Kumar Reddy's all-round abilities under scrutiny, while Shubman Gill continues to shape his leadership credentials.

'Ravi bhai is box office': Ashwin lifts lid on dressing-room drama during Gabba triumph

'Ravi bhai is box office': Ashwin lifts lid on dressing-room drama during Gabba triumph

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

Ravichandran Ashwin recalls the injury that ruled him out of India's historic Gabba Test win, reveals Ravi Shastri's fiery dressing-room reaction and reflects on the unforgettable 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph.

ODI series: MI's Ghazanfar eager to test his skills against India's star batters

ODI series: MI's Ghazanfar eager to test his skills against India's star batters

Rediff.com6 days ago

Having observed Rohit Sharma up close during his stint with Mumbai Indians, Afghanistan's rising spin star AM Ghazanfar is eager to put those learnings to the test when he takes on the Indian batting great in the upcoming ODI series.

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 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.

India Concedes to Indonesia in Billie Jean King Cup After Close Matches

India Concedes to Indonesia in Billie Jean King Cup After Close Matches

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

India faced a defeat against Indonesia in the Billie Jean King Cup Asia/Oceania Group I tie, with Vaishnavi Adkar and Sahaja Yamalapalli losing their respective singles matches.

Robertson promises to play for late Jota at FIFA World Cup

Robertson promises to play for late Jota at FIFA World Cup

Rediff.com6 days ago

Scotland captain Andy Robertson has announced he will dedicate his performance at the upcoming World Cup to his late former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, following an emotional letter from Jota's widow.

Extreme heat poses fresh test for players and fans at 2026 World Cup

Extreme heat poses fresh test for players and fans at 2026 World Cup

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Extreme heat and humidity could emerge as a major challenge at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico expected to experience soaring temperatures during the tournament.

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

World Cup 2026: Can Football Unite a Fractured World?

Rediff.com4 days ago

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to be football's largest tournament but will unfold against a backdrop of significant geopolitical tensions, including conflicts, strained alliances, and complex immigration policies, challenging its traditional role as a symbol of global unity.

RCB Heavy Favourites Against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Final

RCB Heavy Favourites Against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Final

Rediff.com30 May 2026

In a fascinating battle of ideologies, the well-balanced and bold Royal Challengers Bengaluru will have to subdue a phlegmatic Gujarat Titans to lift their second consecutive IPL title.

Fakhar Zaman Banned for Two PSL Matches Over Ball Tampering

Fakhar Zaman Banned for Two PSL Matches Over Ball Tampering

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been suspended for two Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches after being found guilty of breaching the code of conduct related to changing the condition of the ball during a match between Lahore Qalandars and Karachi Kings.

Norway Chess: Why beating Carlsen meant so much to Praggnanandhaa

Norway Chess: Why beating Carlsen meant so much to Praggnanandhaa

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

R Praggnanandhaa described his Norway Chess triumph as the biggest achievement of his career, emphasising that defeating some of the world's strongest players - including the great Magnus Carlsen - made the title particularly memorable.

Pranavi Urs Survives Cut At Joburg Ladies Open

Pranavi Urs Survives Cut At Joburg Ladies Open

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Pranavi Urs was the only Indian golfer to make the cut at the Joburg Ladies Open, while Tvesa Malik and Diksha Dagar narrowly missed out. Celine Herbin and Brianna Navarrosa share the lead.

Richa's valiant 68 goes in vain as India lose final warm-up game to England

Richa's valiant 68 goes in vain as India lose final warm-up game to England

Rediff.com5 days ago

Richa Ghosh produced a breathtaking late assault but India's brittle top-order batting proved costly as Dani Gibson's sparkling all-round show powered England to a narrow five-run win in their final Women's T20 World Cup warm-up match in Cardiff on Wednesday.

India's Veer Chotrani upsets seed to reach Hamburg Open quarterfinals

India's Veer Chotrani upsets seed to reach Hamburg Open quarterfinals

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Veer Chotrani progresses to the quarterfinals of the Hamburg Open squash tournament, while other Indian players face defeat in the second round.

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.

Women's T20 WC: Deepti spins India to big win vs Pakistan

Women's T20 WC: Deepti spins India to big win vs Pakistan

Rediff.com1 days ago

Deepti Sharma starred with a five-wicket haul as India thrashed Pakistan by 64 runs in their Women's T20 World Cup opener in Birmingham.

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli Refuses To Shake Hands With Travis Head After Verbal Spat

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli Refuses To Shake Hands With Travis Head After Verbal Spat

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Virat Kohli and Travis Head had a heated exchange during the IPL match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, culminating in Kohli refusing to shake hands with Head after the game.

IPL 2026: Rahane drops strong message on captaincy pressure

IPL 2026: Rahane drops strong message on captaincy pressure

Rediff.com25 May 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane said thoughts of stepping down never crossed his mind despite the side's disastrous start to the IPL season, adding that it is important to show character when the team is struggling.

Sinner's clay secret could crush Alcaraz at French Open

Sinner's clay secret could crush Alcaraz at French Open

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Jannik Sinner's dedication to patience and control has transformed him into a formidable clay court player, making him a favourite for the French Open, even as he navigates the mental challenges of heightened expectations and a potential rematch with Carlos Alcaraz.

Injured Alcaraz pulls out of Madrid Open for second straight year

Injured Alcaraz pulls out of Madrid Open for second straight year

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Madrid Open for the second year in a row due to a wrist injury, impacting his preparations for the French Open.

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.

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.

Century of sporting ties: India to play biggest-ever bilateral series in New Zealand

Century of sporting ties: India to play biggest-ever bilateral series in New Zealand

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

India will tour New Zealand for a record 12-match series in late 2026, featuring five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, with NZC expecting packed stadiums throughout the marquee contest.

Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Claims Responsibility For Firing At Guru Randhawa's Gym

Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Claims Responsibility For Firing At Guru Randhawa's Gym

Rediff.com4 days ago

A gym associated with popular Punjabi singer Guru Randhawa in Paschim Vihar, Delhi, was fired upon by two motorcycle-borne men. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang's Anil Pandit group has claimed responsibility, citing Randhawa's continued association with Salman Khan despite prior warnings. Police are investigating the incident, which appears to be linked to an ongoing rivalry.

India Women Aim For Series Lead Against Australia

India Women Aim For Series Lead Against Australia

Rediff.com28 May 2026

The Indian women's hockey team aims to take the lead in their four-match series against Australia in Perth. After a loss and a shootout win, India looks to improve their penalty corner conversion rate and secure a victory ahead of major upcoming tournaments.

Gambhir's Faith Gives Sai Sudharsan Freedom To Excel

Gambhir's Faith Gives Sai Sudharsan Freedom To Excel

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Young Indian batsman Sai Sudharsan discusses how head coach Gautam Gambhir's confidence has given him the freedom to perform, leading to an impressive 81 in the one-off Test against Afghanistan. He also shared insights on batting with KL Rahul and strategies for playing spin on the evolving Mullanpur pitch, which he expects to offer more turn and become slower.

India exit World Team Table Tennis after loss to Austria

India exit World Team Table Tennis after loss to Austria

Rediff.com6 May 2026

The Indian men's team was eliminated from the World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals after a 0-3 defeat to Austria in the round of 32.

Saba Karim questions Suryakumar's future, backs Patidar for T20 captaincy

Saba Karim questions Suryakumar's future, backs Patidar for T20 captaincy

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Former India cricketer and selector Saba Karim believes Suryakumar Yadav's inconsistent form might cost him a spot in India's T20 World Cup 2028 plans. Karim also suggested Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, and Ishan Kishan as potential captaincy candidates, while expressing doubts about Hardik Pandya's leadership. He also advocated for the inclusion of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the national squad.

Ashish Purti's hat-trick powers India to men's Under-18 Asia Cup hockey crown

Ashish Purti's hat-trick powers India to men's Under-18 Asia Cup hockey crown

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

India's men's Under-18 hockey team defeated hosts Japan 4-1 in the final to win the Asia Cup title, with Ashish Purti scoring a hat-trick. Captain Ketan Kushwaha also scored, while Hockey India announced cash awards for the gold-winning men's team and the bronze-winning women's U-18 team.

Ronaldo and Portugal chase elusive FIFA World Cup title

Ronaldo and Portugal chase elusive FIFA World Cup title

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo, playing his 6th FIFA World Cup, headlines the Portugal squad that has a glittering supporting cast that includes Vitinha, Joao Neves, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes.

India U17 Women's Team Suffers Defeat Against Australia

India U17 Women's Team Suffers Defeat Against Australia

Rediff.com2 May 2026

India's AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup campaign began with a 0-2 defeat against Australia, marking their return to the competition after 21 years. Theodora Mouithys and an own goal secured the win for Australia.

India Beat Bangladesh To Secure SAFF Semifinal Spot

India Beat Bangladesh To Secure SAFF Semifinal Spot

Rediff.com31 May 2026

India defeated Bangladesh 3-0 to top Group B and secure a semifinal spot in the SAFF Women's Championship. Goals from Pyari Xaxa, Lynda Kom Serto, and Malavika P sealed the victory, marking India's first win against Bangladesh in seven years.

IPL 2026: Bodyline bowling to stop Sooryavanshi? Pathan fumes

IPL 2026: Bodyline bowling to stop Sooryavanshi? Pathan fumes

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's impressive performance in the IPL 2026 has led to calls for his inclusion in the Indian national team, with Irfan Pathan advocating for his gradual integration into the squad.

Who Will Rule Women's 2026 T20 World Cup? 12 Batters to Watch Out For

Who Will Rule Women's 2026 T20 World Cup? 12 Batters to Watch Out For

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

A look at the key batters to watch at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 in England and Wales, highlighting their recent form and potential impact on the tournament.

World Cup 2026: Watch Out For These 6 Dark Horses!

World Cup 2026: Watch Out For These 6 Dark Horses!

Rediff.com7 days ago

Morocco, Norway, Turkey, Colombia, Mexico and Japan are among the leading dark horses for FIFA World Cup 2026, with each side possessing the talent and momentum to challenge football's traditional powers.

Afghanistan coach Richard Pybus admits team's DRS rustiness

Afghanistan coach Richard Pybus admits team's DRS rustiness

Rediff.com7 Jun 2026

Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus admitted his team's "rusty" performance in making correct DRS calls, citing a lack of conviction and poor decision-making during matches against India, which cost them crucial wickets. He also offered insights into the rigorous review process for on-field umpires.

As US helicopter crashes near Hormuz, Trump predicts 'total victory' over Iran

As US helicopter crashes near Hormuz, Trump predicts 'total victory' over Iran

Rediff.com6 days ago

A US military Apache attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, with its crew successfully rescued, as US President Donald Trump confidently declared an imminent 'total victory' over Iran within two weeks and a new nuclear deal, despite ongoing regional volatility and a recent de-escalation between Iran and Israel.