News for 'opening matches'

Time For India To Unleash Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Time For India To Unleash Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

After yet another failure for Sanju Samson -- his third in a row -- 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could make his India debut in the second T20I against England on Saturday.

Serena Williams' Comeback Ignites Wimbledon Women's Singles

Serena Williams' Comeback Ignites Wimbledon Women's Singles

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Serena Williams' unexpected return to Wimbledon after a four-year absence is set to be the dominant storyline of the women's singles draw. Despite her age and time away from competitive singles, her presence adds significant intrigue to a tournament already featuring top contenders like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and rising star Mirra Andreeva. Her comeback has generated immense buzz, with experts debating her potential impact on the wide-open field.

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

How Argentina pounced on window of opportunity gifted by England

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

Argentina staged a dramatic comeback, scoring two late goals to defeat England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final, with Lionel Messi orchestrating the turnaround after England had taken the lead.

PV Sindhu Bows Out Of Thailand Open After Quarterfinal Loss

PV Sindhu Bows Out Of Thailand Open After Quarterfinal Loss

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Indian badminton player PV Sindhu lost to Akane Yamaguchi in the quarter-finals of the Thailand Open after initially winning the first game.

'They thought we would turn up in tuxedos': Mbappe Slams Paraguay's Tactics

'They thought we would turn up in tuxedos': Mbappe Slams Paraguay's Tactics

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Kylian Mbappe's crucial second-half penalty secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for France over a resilient Paraguay, propelling them into the World Cup quarter-finals where they will face Morocco.

Plucky Spain throttle France to reach World Cup final

Plucky Spain throttle France to reach World Cup final

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot and Pedro Porro added another goal as Spain advanced to its first World Cup final since winning in 2010 with a 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday.

Lorenzo Musetti Forced To Miss French Open With Injury

Lorenzo Musetti Forced To Miss French Open With Injury

Rediff.com14 May 2026

Lorenzo Musetti has withdrawn from the French Open due to a thigh injury sustained at the Italian Open, joining a list of high-profile absentees.

'Everyone Needs to Earn Their Place': Gambhir on Samson's Exclusion

'Everyone Needs to Earn Their Place': Gambhir on Samson's Exclusion

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has clarified that Sanju Samson has received full clarity regarding his role after being dropped from the playing XI for the ongoing T20I series against England.

Ganguly's ICC Hall of Fame induction draws warm tributes from Sachin, Yuvraj

Ganguly's ICC Hall of Fame induction draws warm tributes from Sachin, Yuvraj

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Tributes continued to pour in for former India captain Sourav Ganguly a day after he was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, with batting great Sachin Tendulkar and former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh congratulating one of India's most successful captains.

De Ketelaere double as Belgium thrash USA to make last 8

De Ketelaere double as Belgium thrash USA to make last 8

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The United States' World Cup dreams came to a crashing halt in the last 16 against Belgium on Monday as Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in a 4-1 win, overshadowed by FIFA's controversial decision to suspend US forward Folarin Balogun's ban.

USA's Balogun becomes fourth player to score and see red in FIFA World Cup knockout

USA's Balogun becomes fourth player to score and see red in FIFA World Cup knockout

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament but was later sent off, becoming only the fourth player to score and receive a red card in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.

PV Sindhu And Lakshya Sen Advance At Thailand Open

PV Sindhu And Lakshya Sen Advance At Thailand Open

Rediff.com13 May 2026

PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and Kidambi Srikanth progressed to the singles second round with straight-game wins on a mixed day for India at the Thailand Open Super 500 tournament.

Sanju Samson dropped for Zimbabwe T20I series; Prabhsimran Singh called up

Sanju Samson dropped for Zimbabwe T20I series; Prabhsimran Singh called up

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Sanju Samson has been dropped from the Indian T20I squad for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe, making way for Punjab Kings' wicketkeeper-batter Prabhsimran Singh.

Indian Recurve Mixed Pair Misses Bronze At Archery World Cup

Indian Recurve Mixed Pair Misses Bronze At Archery World Cup

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

India's recurve mixed pair of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kirti Sharma lost 3-5 to Italy, missing out on the bronze medal at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid. Kirti Sharma also failed to secure a medal in the individual recurve section, resulting in India's recurve archers returning empty-handed from the event. The overall campaign concluded with two medals (one silver, one bronze) from the compound section.

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Australia's Dominance Knocks India Out Of Women's T20 World Cup

Rediff.com28 Jun 2026

India has been eliminated from the Women's T20 World Cup after a six-wicket defeat to Australia at Lord's. Despite a strong batting performance led by Harmanpreet Kaur, Australia successfully chased down India's target of 171, with Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner scoring crucial half-centuries. This marks India's second consecutive group-stage exit from the tournament.

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

First Day In India Blue! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Carries Drinks

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old cricket prodigy, joined the senior Indian team for the first T20I against Ireland but did not make his debut.

Klose Hails Messi After World Cup Record Is Broken

Klose Hails Messi After World Cup Record Is Broken

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

Lionel Messi's record-breaking night draws ultimate praise from former record-holder Miroslav Klose.

Morkel backs struggling Samson, in-form Abhishek despite Sooryavanshi buzz

Morkel backs struggling Samson, in-form Abhishek despite Sooryavanshi buzz

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has indicated that the team management will continue to back openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, despite the impressive performance of teen sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Morkel stressed the importance of showing faith in established players who have performed well previously, while also acknowledging the excitement around new talents like Sooryavanshi and pacer Prince Yadav.

Iga Swiatek On Wimbledon Exit: 'Need To Trust The Process'

Iga Swiatek On Wimbledon Exit: 'Need To Trust The Process'

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Defending champion Iga Swiatek was defeated by Filipina Alexandra Eala in the third round of Wimbledon. Swiatek attributed the loss to shortcomings in her game rather than pressure, contrasting it with her French Open exit. She acknowledged a year of inconsistency and stated her intention to "trust the process" and focus on improving her tennis.

'There's a few scars against India, so it's nice to get one up on them'

'There's a few scars against India, so it's nice to get one up on them'

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

England batter Jacob Bethell scored an unbeaten 76 against India in the second T20I, leading his team to a four-wicket victory while chasing 191.

PV Sindhu Bows Out Of Thailand Open After Quarterfinal Loss

PV Sindhu Bows Out Of Thailand Open After Quarterfinal Loss

Rediff.com15 May 2026

PV Sindhu lost to Akane Yamaguchi in the quarterfinals of the Thailand Open, squandering an early lead in the second game. Despite the loss, Sindhu holds a lead in head-to-head records against Yamaguchi.

India women confident about T20 World Cup despite England setback

India women confident about T20 World Cup despite England setback

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

India's build-up for the Women's T20 World Cup suffered a setback after hosts England came from behind to clinch the three-match T20I series 2-1.

Wimbledon: Coco Gauff survives scare, Sabalenka cruises

Wimbledon: Coco Gauff survives scare, Sabalenka cruises

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

oco Gauff staved off another early exit from Wimbledon by beating Argentina's Solana Sierra 6-3 3-6 7-6(10-7) with a tiebreak turnaround to reach the third round on Wednesday.

Latham's Milestone: Joins Crowe In Elite Test Century Club

Latham's Milestone: Joins Crowe In Elite Test Century Club

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

New Zealand opener Tom Latham has equalled legendary Martin Crowe's record of 17 Test centuries, becoming the joint third-highest century-scorer for his country. This milestone was achieved during his impressive 151-run knock against England in Nottingham, further solidifying his place in New Zealand's cricketing history.

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Dan Burn: From Rejection to World Cup Hero at 34

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

England defender Dan Burn, 34, has emerged as an unlikely hero at the World Cup, making crucial clearances and blocks in high-pressure matches against Mexico and Norway, defying a career path that saw him released by Newcastle as a boy and playing in lower divisions.

Wimbledon: Dmitrov overcomes fear and injury to stun young Mensik

Wimbledon: Dmitrov overcomes fear and injury to stun young Mensik

Rediff.com3 Jul 2026

Grigor Dimitrov, the veteran Bulgarian stylist, defeated rising Czech star Jacub Mensik at Wimbledon, overcoming past injury fears. Dimitrov, who had suffered multiple Grand Slam withdrawals due to injury, showcased a masterclass performance, drawing inspiration from Roger Federer's style, to advance to the third round. He expressed his determination to push limits and compete at the highest level despite his history of injuries.

Lord's Test: Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Deepti hit fifties as India make 285 vs England

Lord's Test: Mandhana, Harmanpreet, Deepti hit fifties as India make 285 vs England

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma struck well-timed fifties but regular strikes helped England bundle out India for 285 on the opening day of the one-off women's Test at Lord's on Friday.

'Crazy to play Serena': Maya Joint relishes dream Wimbledon clash

'Crazy to play Serena': Maya Joint relishes dream Wimbledon clash

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

Serena Williams returns to Wimbledon for the first time since 2022, with fans eagerly awaiting the seven-time champion's comeback as she faces Australian teenager Maya Joint in a blockbuster first-round clash.

Wimbledon 2026: Defending champ Swiatek shocked by promising star Eala

Wimbledon 2026: Defending champ Swiatek shocked by promising star Eala

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Philippines' Eala beat the World No 3 Swiatek 7-6(9), 6-2 on a centre court duel to advance to the fourth round.

Former India Coach Constantine Weighs In On Messi's Legacy

Former India Coach Constantine Weighs In On Messi's Legacy

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

Former India coach Stephen Constantine shares his views on Lionel Messi, ranking him below Pele, Maradona, and Ronaldinho due to his reliance on teammates for defensive work. He also predicts Spain will win the upcoming final against Argentina, despite acknowledging Argentina's experience and Messi's match-winning ability. Constantine further discusses England's semi-final exit and criticises hydration breaks and refereeing controversies.

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Late extra-time own goal takes Argentina past Cape Verde

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

Argentina secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Cape Verde in their World Cup last-32 encounter, which extended into extra time. An own goal in the 111th minute ultimately decided the match, sending the reigning champions into the last 16 where they will face Egypt.

Cricket Doesn't Respect Reputation; It Respects Courage

Cricket Doesn't Respect Reputation; It Respects Courage

Rediff.com30 Jun 2026

This is not just a historic series sweep for Ireland, but for world cricket itself. To beat India, which hasn't been beaten in 16 series over three years, is truly remarkable.

India's men's hockey team can beat anyone in the world, says coach Fulton

India's men's hockey team can beat anyone in the world, says coach Fulton

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

India's men's hockey team head coach Craig Fulton believes the squad can defeat any country if they stick to their game plan, following confidence-boosting victories against Germany and the Netherlands in the FIH Pro League, despite finishing eighth overall. The team's improved performance and maturity are seen as crucial stepping stones for upcoming major tournaments like the World Cup and Asian Games.

Mixed Pair Offers Hope After India's Recurve Teams Exit World Cup

Mixed Pair Offers Hope After India's Recurve Teams Exit World Cup

Rediff.com9 Jul 2026

Indian recurve teams faced early exits at the Archery World Cup Stage 4 in Madrid, losing to the USA in both men's and women's quarter-finals. Despite team setbacks, hopes remain high for the recurve mixed pair event featuring Dhiraj Bommadevara and Kirti Sharma, and several archers are still in contention in individual categories.

Morocco offer France first real test of World Cup credentials

Morocco offer France first real test of World Cup credentials

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

The meeting is a rematch of the 2022 World Cup semi-final, when France ended Morocco's historic run in Qatar.

FIFA World Cup: Harry Kane breaks Pele record, closes in on Ronaldo

FIFA World Cup: Harry Kane breaks Pele record, closes in on Ronaldo

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

England captain Harry Kane continued his record-breaking run, scoring a match-winning brace against DR Congo in the FIFA World Cup. His goals not only secured England's progression but also saw him surpass football legends like Pele in World Cup goals and join Cristiano Ronaldo as only the second player with 20+ goals across both FIFA World Cup and Euro Championships. England now faces Mexico in the Round of 16.

Sasikiran Advises Gukesh On World Championship Preparation

Sasikiran Advises Gukesh On World Championship Preparation

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Grandmaster Krishnan Sasikiran has offered advice to World Champion D Gukesh ahead of his title defence against Javokhir Sindarov. Sasikiran highlights Gukesh's tendency for time trouble due to complex play and suggests improving technique, speed, and defensive accuracy. He also advises Gukesh to identify and exploit opponent weaknesses, while acknowledging Sindarov's strong preparation and reliance on memory and speed.

India Secure Victory Against Malaysia In Asia Cup Hockey

India Secure Victory Against Malaysia In Asia Cup Hockey

Rediff.com30 May 2026

India's U-18 women's hockey team started their Asia Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Malaysia, thanks to a brace from Nousheen Naz.

FC Barcelona acquire Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim on three-year deal

FC Barcelona acquire Egyptian forward Hamza Abdelkarim on three-year deal

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

FC Barcelona have signed Egypt forward Hamza Abdelkarim on a three-year deal, the LaLiga club said in a statement on Tuesday.

Knight Riders Cricket Ground Makes Historic Debut In Los Angeles

Knight Riders Cricket Ground Makes Historic Debut In Los Angeles

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, Los Angeles, which is set to host cricket at the 2028 Olympics, recently held its inaugural competitive match. Developed by the Knight Riders Group, the venue saw the Los Angeles Knight Riders play against Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket, with Washington Freedom securing a six-wicket victory. This new, purpose-built stadium is a significant development for cricket in the United States.