The Times of India

Cristiano Ronaldo achieved a historic sixth World Cup appearance, joining Lionel Messi in an elite club. However, this milestone was overshadowed by Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo. The veteran forward had a quiet game, struggling to make an impact and extending his major tournament goal drought to ten matches, raising concerns about his current form.

Cristiano Ronaldo faced a challenging start to his World Cup 2026 journey, failing to score for Portugal in a 1-1 draw. Following the match, Democratic Republic of the Congo fans chanted Lionel Messi's name, a stark contrast to Messi's recent hat-trick. Ronaldo, however, maintained his composure, responding with a smile and applause.

South Africa secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Women's T20 World Cup opener. Despite a strong fightback from Pakistan's captain Fatima Sana, South Africa's Annerie Dercksen and Nadine de Klerk steered them through a tense chase, ultimately winning by the narrowest of margins.

Cape Verdean goalkeeper Josimar 'Vozinha' Dias will be reunited with his mother at the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Uruguay in Miami. US authorities expedited visa arrangements after Vozinha expressed his disappointment that his mother couldn't attend his historic debut due to complications. This heartwarming development follows his heroic performance against Spain.

Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi's deep stoppage-time goal. The late strike denied Panama their first-ever World Cup point. Despite a tight encounter with few clear chances, Ghana's late heroics ensured they began their campaign with maximum points, joining England at the top of Group L.

Lionel Messi achieved a remarkable milestone, equalling Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals with a stunning hat-trick. This feat marks a significant chapter in his enduring World Cup journey, showcasing his perseverance and continued excellence on the global stage. Messi's performance captivated audiences, solidifying his legendary status.

Cristiano Ronaldo's influence is under scrutiny following Portugal's 1-1 World Cup draw against DR Congo. The veteran forward registered minimal touches and no shots on target, extending his major tournament goalless streak to ten matches. Despite the frustrating performance, Ronaldo remains optimistic, but the team faces pressure to rebound quickly.

Shubman Gill's brilliant 154 powered India to a massive 402 and a series win against Afghanistan. Battling cramps, Gill revealed he aimed for a double century, emphasising his goal to convert starts into match-defining innings. The skipper expressed confidence in his current form, highlighting a dominant performance alongside Ishan Kishan.

Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan's 224-run stand against Afghanistan in Lucknow was more than just a batting masterclass. In unforgiving conditions, with the temperature constantly hovering above 40 degrees, the duo showcased why the left-right combination could be central to their ODI plans heading into the 2027 World Cup.

The World Cup column highlights the latest ads from Nike and Adidas, featuring football legends and current stars. Lionel Messi's record-breaking hat-trick against Zinedine Zidane's son, Kylian Mbappe's dominant performance, and Erling Haaland's impactful debut are key moments. Upcoming matches include Portugal vs. DR Congo and England vs. Croatia.

Harry Kane etched his name in England's World Cup history, drawing level with Gary Lineker's 36-year-old record of 10 goals. Despite an initial penalty miss, Kane's composure shone through with a successful retake and a powerful header. This remarkable feat cements his status as one of England's greatest forwards as the team aims for glory.

Gurnoor Brar opens up on Mohammed Siraj's influence, death overs and debut series

Gurnoor Brar has made an impressive start to his international career, but the right-arm pacer insists the foundation of his success was laid in domestic cricket and strengthened through the India A setup. The 26-year-old has picked up three wickets in each of the first two ODIs against Afghanistan and is tipped as someone who could be part of India's squad for the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

India Women thrashed the Netherlands by 95 runs after posting a record Women's T20 World Cup total of 209/5. Smriti Mandhana (74) and Shafali Verma (55) shared a 115-run opening stand, while Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma provided late fireworks. The bowlers then bundled out the Dutch for 114, with debutant Nandani Sharma impressing. Shreyanka Patil's ankle injury was India's only concern.

After Afghanistan chose to bowl first in difficult afternoon conditions, India piled up 402 all out, powered by a 224-run partnership between Gill and Kishan for the third wicket. The stand came off just 141 deliveries and put India in complete control of the contest.

Smriti Mandhana scripted history by becoming the first player across men's and women's T20Is to hit 600 fours. The India vice-captain struck 74 off 47 balls and, alongside Shafali Verma (55), added 115 runs for the opening wicket against the Netherlands. Late cameos from Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma helped India post a record Women's T20 World Cup total of 209/5.

The incident took place in the sixth over of the Netherlands innings. Shreyanka had bowled just one delivery when she hurt herself while trying to stop the ball in the field.

Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria, equalling Miroslav Klose's record of 16 goals. However, his performance was overshadowed by controversy after a studs-up tackle on Aissa Mandi, with pundits Nedum Onuoha and Ale Moreno insisting the Argentine captain was fortunate to avoid a red card. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni hailed Messi's enduring brilliance.

Debut pacer Prince Yadav experienced a moment of heartbreak as his maiden ODI wicket was disallowed due to a marginal no-ball. Despite the unfortunate turn, Yadav's delivery troubled Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz. This incident occurred after India posted a formidable 402, powered by Shubman Gill's 154 and Ishan Kishan's 125.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the show with a sensational diving catch to dismiss Khalid Taniwal during India A's Tri-Nation Series clash against Afghanistan A. The 15-year-old's athletic effort helped India A tighten their grip on the match, which they eventually won by 101 runs to seal a place in the final, with Nishant Sindhu starring with four wickets.

Lionel Messi's team has accused former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas of causing chaos during the 'GOAT India Tour' in Kolkata. An email to police alleges Biswas repeatedly touched Messi and brought unauthorized individuals onto the field, forcing the footballer's early departure. Event organizer Satadru Dutta, who previously accused Biswas, is challenging the minister's protection from arrest in court.

India A secured their spot in the Tri-Nation A Series final with a dominant 101-run win over Afghanistan A. Half-centuries from Arya, Varma, and Kushagra, coupled with Nishant Sindhu's four-wicket haul, propelled India A to a commanding victory and a place in the championship match.

Shreyas Iyer achieved a significant milestone in his ODI career. He became the joint second-fastest Indian batter to reach 3,000 runs. Iyer reached this landmark in his 72nd innings. This places him alongside Shikhar Dhawan and ahead of Virat Kohli. The achievement occurred during India's second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow. Shubman Gill remains the fastest Indian to this mark.

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary urged 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to channel his aggression positively after his altercation with Sri Lanka A players. Tiwary said rival teams would target the youngster because of his rapid rise and advised him to decide the image he wants in cricket. India coach Sairaj Bahutule backed Sooryavanshi, saying the teenager would learn from the episode.

Gill's innings came after India found themselves at 96 for 2. He then joined forces with Ishan Kishan for a 224-run partnership that put India in control of the contest. Both batters went on to score centuries.

Krunal Pandya Interview: Father's influence, dream run with RCB, India comeback and more

Kishan reached the milestone on the final ball of the 33rd over. He cut a delivery from Bilal Sami through backward point for a boundary to bring up his second ODI century.

Cricket in the USA will see a significant boost when the Knight Riders Cricket Ground in Pomona, California, hosts its inaugural Major League Cricket match on July 1. This venue, designated for the LA28 Olympics, marks a major infrastructural development for the sport, promising to expand its footprint and engage a wider audience.

Tushar Deshpande's rise as a hard-hitting all-rounder has been fuelled by resilience, technical improvements and unwavering support from his father Uday. After overcoming criticism and limited batting opportunities, Deshpande excelled in the Mumbai T20 League and IPL 2026, boosting his confidence. Coaches and former players believe the pace-bowling all-rounder has the potential to become a valuable asset for India.

Bernardo Silva has joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after a successful nine-year spell at Manchester City. The 31-year-old midfielder, who won 20 major honours with City, including a historic Treble, has signed a two-year deal. He becomes a key signing under returning manager Jose Mourinho as Real Madrid aim to improve after a disappointing 2025-26 season.

Major League Cricket (MLC) returns for its fourth season with the same vigour as the last edition, the same level of competition and a new swanky venue in California with the LA Olympics two years away. A quick-fire Q&A before the season begins on June 18 with Texas Super Kings vs Seattle Orcas.

Nikhil Chaudhary made history as the first India-born male cricketer in 60 years to debut for Australia. Born in Delhi, he previously played for Punjab before moving to Australia and working various jobs during the pandemic. His impressive club performances led to his selection for the Australian T20I side.

Jharkhand's Kumar Kushagra impressed on his India A debut with a composed 58 against Afghanistan A, helping India A post 319/8. The promising wicketkeeper-batter, known for his record-breaking Ranji Trophy innings and IPL success, continues to showcase his talent on the big stage.

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar suggested dropping Vaibhav Sooryavanshi from the India A squad as a disciplinary action following an on-field altercation with Sri Lanka A players. Despite provocations, Manjrekar emphasized that physical contact is unacceptable. The 15-year-old's recent form has also been inconsistent, contrasting with his stellar IPL 2026 performance.

Team India faces an injury blow as Nitish Kumar Reddy is ruled out of the second ODI against Afghanistan with a sore left thigh, forcing a reshuffle in the bowling attack. Afghanistan also deal with fitness concerns, making multiple changes as both teams aim for consistency and valuable lessons from the opening match.

England secured a tense four-wicket win against Ireland in a rain-affected T20 World Cup match. Sophie Ecclestone starred with the ball, restricting Ireland to 118/9. Despite early scares in the chase, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight's partnership, followed by Charlie Dean and Danielle Gibson's calm finish, guided the hosts to victory, maintaining their winning streak.

Austria secured a long-awaited World Cup victory, defeating debutants Jordan 3-1. Romano Schmid opened the scoring, but Jordan equalised before an own goal and a late Marko Arnautovic penalty sealed the win. This historic triumph sets up a showdown with defending champions Argentina.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi survived a controversial third-umpire call on nought to score 38 runs off 28 balls against Afghanistan A. Despite a couple of fortunate escapes, his promising knock, featuring four boundaries and two sixes, added 75 runs for the opening wicket with Priyansh Arya.

The ODI series against Afghanistan serves as an early indicator for India's 2027 World Cup preparations, with KL Rahul emerging as a key middle-order option. His adaptability and ability to accelerate or consolidate innings provide crucial flexibility, making him an important asset regardless of his batting position or wicketkeeping duties.

Lionel Messi's emotional hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 World Cup win over Algeria marked a historic night, equaling Miroslav Klose's all-time scoring record. Despite personal difficulties, Messi delivered a masterful performance, celebrating his 200th international cap with a record-equalling feat.

India A opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi received a controversial reprieve on nought during a match against Afghanistan A. The third umpire ruled a one-handed catch not out, sparking debate. This incident follows a recent on-field altercation, adding to the young batter's eventful series despite modest scores.

Deepti Sharma's stellar five-wicket haul powered India's T20 World Cup opener, but the team seeks refinement against debutants Netherlands. While a comfortable win was secured, India aims to solidify batting depth and bowling control. Key players need more time in the middle, and the pace attack seeks early breakthroughs to build momentum for tougher encounters ahead.

Iran's football team faced immense logistical challenges and intrusive security measures during their World Cup campaign in the US, drawing 2-2 against New Zealand. Players expressed frustration over the disaster of unfair competition due to these issues. Despite political tensions and fan disruptions, the team received support, while Mexico was praised for its hospitality.