Sports / The Economic Times
KL Rahul's century helped India match England's 387 in the third Test. This is a rare instance in Test history. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja also contributed with the bat. England faced a challenging over before the end of the day. Jasprit Bumrah tested the English openers. There was some heated exchange between the players.
The end of Day 3 at Lord's saw high drama. Jasprit Bumrah tested England's openers. Shubman Gill and other Indian players had words with Zak Crawley. Crawley was hit, leading to sarcastic applause. Gill gestured towards the pavilion. Michael Atherton enjoyed the contest. England ended the day at 2/0, matching India's first innings total of 387.
Lionel Messi delivered another stellar performance, scoring twice to lead Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Nashville SC, extending his MLS-record scoring streak to five consecutive multi-goal games. The win ended Nashville's 15-game unbeaten run, with Messi's goals showcasing his dominance and driving Inter Miami's continued surge in the league.
The Indian Premier League's business valuation has surged to $18.5 billion, a 12.9% year-on-year increase, solidifying its position as a leading global sporting property. The league's brand value alone rose 13.8% to $3.9 billion, driven by strong digital engagement and a robust sponsorship ecosystem.
India's coach, Amol Muzumdar, attributes their historic T20I series victory against England to the Women's Premier League's significant role in player development, alongside a competitive domestic season. Debutant Shree Charani's exceptional performance, identified through the WPL, was pivotal.
India, having already secured a historic Women's T20 series victory against England, fell short in the final match, losing by five wickets in a thrilling last-ball encounter. Despite Shafali Verma's explosive 75, England chased down India's 167/7, winning the inconsequential game. Openers Sophia Dunkley and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge propelled England with a century stand, sealing the victory despite a late scare.
Paris Saint-Germain, fresh off their Champions League triumph, are overwhelming favorites against Chelsea in the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. PSG has dominated the competition, dismantling opponents en route to the final, while Chelsea, despite their Conference League win, face a daunting task. The final offers massive prize money, but concerns linger about the afternoon heat.
The third test between England and India at Lord's is intensely poised, with both teams scoring 387 in their first innings. Tensions flared at the end of day three as England's openers employed delaying tactics, angering the Indian team, especially captain Shubman Gill.
Amanda Anisimova experienced highs and lows at Wimbledon. She started with a dominant win. She reached her first Grand Slam final. Iga Swiatek of Poland defeated her in the final. The match ended with a rare 'double bagel' score. Anisimova reflected on her journey. She acknowledged her struggles with nerves. She focused on the positives from her successful run.
At Lord's, K L Rahul scored a century. India equaled England's first innings score. Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant supported India's batting. There was drama between Shubman Gill and Zak Crawley. Jofra Archer bowled fast. Rahul was out after his century. Pant scored a half-century. England led by two runs at the end of day three. The pitch is deteriorating.
The Indian Super League's 2025-26 season faces uncertainty as the AIFF and FSDL grapple with unresolved commercial terms, their agreement expiring on December 8. FSDL proposed a new governance structure, while AIFF sought a fixed annual payment, leading to a standstill. With the Supreme Court's intervention, negotiations are paused, casting doubt on the league's immediate future.
Iga Swiatek stunned the tennis world by claiming her first Wimbledon title, defeating Amanda Anisimova in a dominant 6-0, 6-0 victory. Swiatek, already a multiple Grand Slam champion, expressed disbelief at winning on grass, a surface she considered a distant dream. A tearful Anisimova, despite the loss, thanked the crowd for their support during her impressive run to the final.
Veteran journalist Jaydeep Basu's new book, Who Stole My Football, critically examines the downfall of Indian football since September 2022, attributing it to administrative failures within the All India Football Federation.
Iga Swiatek won her maiden Wimbledon title on Saturday, defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in just 57 minutes. The match marked the first womens final at Wimbledon in 114 years where a player failed to win a single game.
Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool made history as the first all-British team in 89 years to clinch the Wimbledon men's doubles title. They defeated Rinky Hijikata and David Pel in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6 (3).
Ajinkya Rahane, the former Indian captain, has voiced his strong desire to continue playing Test cricket for India, a format he deeply loves. Despite being out of favor since 2023 and receiving no response from selectors, the 37-year-old remains passionate about the red-ball game.
Rishabh Pant's explosive innings at Lord's etched his name in cricket history. Despite a finger injury, he surpassed Vivian Richards' record for most sixes against England in Tests. Pant also equaled Rohit Sharma's six-hitting feat and overtook MS Dhoni as the highest-scoring Indian wicketkeeper in an England Test series.
KL Rahul achieved a milestone at Lord's, joining Dilip Vengsarkar as the only Indian with multiple centuries there. Rahul scored 100 runs in the third Test against England. This was his second century in the series, following his earlier feat at Leeds. He joins the list of 10 Indians to have their names on the Lord's honours board.
The Indian Super League faces uncertainty as the AIFF halts operations due to stalled contract renewal talks with FSDL. This decision follows a Supreme Court directive advising against renewal until further orders, amidst ongoing constitutional reforms within the AIFF.
The ICC's search for a developer to create a flagship mobile cricket game has garnered significant interest from major gaming companies. Krafton, EA Sports, Dream11, and Nazara Technologies are among the firms vying for the opportunity.
Jannik Sinner seeks redemption against Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final, while Alcaraz aims for a third consecutive title, potentially solidifying their rivalry as the sport's next dominant force. Their recent French Open clash was epic, and Sinner now has a chance to even the score on grass.
Liverpool Football Club will permanently retire the number 20 jersey, previously worn by Diogo Jota, following his tragic death in a car accident in Spain. The club confirmed the decision after consulting with Jota's family, ensuring the number will no longer be used across any Liverpool team.
Jasprit Bumrah's impressive five-wicket haul wasn't enough to completely subdue England, as Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse showcased resilience with their respective fifties, enabling England to post a competitive 387 in their first innings on day two of the third Test. Root's century earlier in the day further bolstered England's total, despite Bumrah's efforts to dismantle the middle order.
Animesh Kujur made history as the first Indian sprinter in the Diamond League, finishing fourth in the 200m. Inspired by Usain Bolt, Kujur's performance follows national records in the 100m and 200m, boosted by a Swiss training camp.
Jannik Sinner dominated a hampered Novak Djokovic in straight sets at Wimbledon, securing his place in the final against Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz overcame Taylor Fritz earlier on Friday, setting the stage for a highly anticipated championship clash between the young stars. This final is a rematch of their recent epic showdown at the French Open.
Italy has achieved a monumental milestone by qualifying for their first-ever ICC Mens T20 World Cup in 2026, alongside the Netherlands, after a tense Europe Qualifier. Despite a loss to the Netherlands, Italy's strategic play to extend the chase secured their spot based on net run rate. Both teams will join other qualified nations in India and Sri Lanka.
Carlos Alcaraz overcame Taylor Fritz in a thrilling four-set match, securing his place in the Wimbledon final. Despite soaring temperatures and a resilient challenge from Fritz, Alcaraz's exceptional returns and precise serving proved decisive. He now awaits either Novak Djokovic or Jannik Sinner in the title match, aiming for his third consecutive Wimbledon crown.
Neeraj Chopra, aiming for a second world championship gold, has identified an issue in his throwing technique where he falls too much on his left side during competition. He will be training in the Czech Republic for 57 days to address this and improve his consistency in achieving 90m throws.
Ahead of the World Championships, India's top track and field athletes, including Neeraj Chopra, will train in Europe and the USA, supported by an Rs 86 lakh boost from the sports ministry. Chopra will train in the Czech Republic, while Avinash Sable, Parul Chaudhary, and Gulveer Singh head to Colorado Springs and Los Angeles.
Gautam Gambhir supports BCCI's decision to limit family stays on overseas tours, emphasizing national duty over personal time. He believes players should prioritize making the country proud, even if it means less time with family. Gambhir admits to struggling to disconnect from the game, constantly strategizing for future matches, highlighting his unwavering commitment to team success.
Joe Root achieved a significant milestone by scoring his 37th Test century. He surpassed Rahul Dravid and Steve Smith in the list of most Test centuries. Root also joined Jack Hobbs and Michael Vaughan as the third batter to score three consecutive centuries at Lord's. He now holds the record for the most runs at Lord's across all formats.
Smriti Mandhana credited India's historic limited overs series win in England to exceptional bowling and high-quality fielding. The vice-captain highlighted the team's improved fitness and the bowlers' remarkable comeback, especially in restricting England during crucial overs. Mandhana emphasized the team's hunger and clarity, which fueled their performance and led to a historic T20I series victory on English soil.
Team India faces a setback as Rishabh Pant is ruled out of Day 2 due to a finger injury sustained on Day 1. Dhruv Jurel, who stepped in yesterday, will continue as wicketkeeper. The incident occurred when Pant dived to stop a ball. Medical team is monitoring Pant's condition. Pant left the field after receiving treatment.
Deepti Sharma, the seasoned Indian Women's all-rounder, credits MS Dhoni for her ability to handle pressure, drawing inspiration from his calm demeanor in tough situations. Recently achieving 300 international wickets, she focuses on contributing to the team's success as an all-rounder rather than chasing personal milestones.
Anil Kumble believes Nitish Kumar Reddy deserves a permanent spot in the Indian Test team. Kumble praised Reddy's discipline and talent after his performance in England. Reddy's bowling impressed, consistently hitting the right areas. He also contributed with a century in Australia. England scored 251/4, adopting a reserved approach on a tough pitch. Jonathan Trott noted England's changed strategy.
John Khammuanlal Gwite from Manipur completed the 'Race Around Poland'. He finished the race in 237 hours. Gwite became the first Indian to complete it within 10 days. The race was also the World Ultra Cycling Championships. He overcame brutal climbs and chilling cold. Gwite previously completed 'Paris-Brest-Paris'. Now, he aims to participate in the 'Race Across America'.
Pakistan is evaluating the security conditions in India before deciding whether to send its hockey team for the Asia Cup and Junior World Cup. A government official stated that the team's participation hinges on satisfactory security assurances for Pakistani nationals. The Pakistan Hockey Federation is awaiting government clearance, especially given current strained relations and social media threats against players.
At Lord's, Joe Root's 99 not out steadied England against India. Nitish Kumar Reddy's early strikes had England at 44-2. Root and Ollie Pope built a partnership. Ben Stokes joined Root, adding an unbroken 79. Stokes appeared to tweak his groin. Jasprit Bumrah took one wicket. England closed the first day at 251-4.
Day one of the third England-India Test at Lords took an unusual turn when a swarm of ladybirds forced play to stop briefly. Joe Root anchored England with an unbeaten 99 as Ben Stokes battled a groin strain and swatted away insects between balls. Indias disciplined bowling pinned England back despite clear skies. With Roots calm resistance and Englands injury concerns, the Test sits on a knife-edge after a day that mixed steady cricket with an unexpected insect invasion.
Iga Swiatek showcased her dominance on grass, overcoming past struggles to secure her first Wimbledon final appearance. She delivered a swift victory against Belinda Bencic, winning in straight sets. Swiatek is now set to face Amanda Anisimova in the final, after Anisimova's upset win over Aryna Sabalenka.
Rishabh Pant sustained a blow to his left index finger during the second session of the third Test against England, prompting him to leave the field. The BCCI confirmed that Pant is under medical supervision, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in as wicketkeeper.
India's position as a prominent shooting destination is solidified as it secures hosting rights for major international competitions. The ISSF has confirmed India will host the ISSF World Cup in 2027 and the ISSF Junior World Championship in 2028.
Amanda Anisimova showcased exceptional skill, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to reach her first Wimbledon final. Anisimova's victory keeps alive American hopes for a Grand Slam title, following Keys and Gauff's earlier wins.
Nitish Kumar Reddy turned the tide at Lords with two crucial wickets in a single over, removing England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley just when they seemed settled. Backed by a lively but unpredictable surface, Indias bowlers tested England early. Jasprit Bumrahs return strengthened Indias attack, while Jofra Archer made his comeback for England. After their crushing defeat at Edgbaston, England needed a solid start but were rattled early, giving India the upper hand in the third Test.
The Indian men's football team has fallen to 133rd in the FIFA rankings, its lowest in nine years, after losses to Thailand and Hong Kong. This setback jeopardizes their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup, contributing to coach Manolo Marquez's departure. Despite Sunil Chhetri's return, the team's performance remains poor, with their next match against Singapore in October.
Sachin Tendulkar's portrait is now at Lord's. The unveiling occurred before the England versus India Test match. Artist Stuart Pearson Wright created the artwork. It is currently in the MCC Museum. Later, it will move to the Pavilion. Tendulkar called it a huge honour. He said it felt like life had come full circle.
Novak Djokovic is set to face Jannik Sinner in the Wimbledon semi-finals. He aims for a record 25th major title. Djokovic acknowledges the challenge from younger players like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz will play Taylor Fritz in the other semi-final. Djokovic has lost his last four matches against Sinner. The matches are highly anticipated.
Jasprit Bumrah's return to the Indian lineup, replacing Prasidh Krishna, marks a significant change as England's Ben Stokes elected to bat first after winning the toss. Jofra Archer also makes a comeback for the hosts, substituting Josh Tongue. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams are eager to gain an advantage in this crucial Lord's Test.
Rishabh Pant is on the verge of making history. He needs just five sixes to surpass Virender Sehwag's record. Sehwag has 91 sixes in Test cricket. The third Test against England is at Lord's. India and England are currently tied 1-1 in the series. Jasprit Bumrah returns to the Indian team. Jofra Archer is in England's team.
Telangana police have arrested five individuals, including top officials of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA), on charges of forgery and misappropriation of funds. HCA president A Jagan Mohan Rao, along with the treasurer and CEO, face allegations of using forged documents to contest elections and embezzling over Rs 2.3 crore.