The Times of India

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.

Lionel Messi delivered a vintage performance, scoring a World Cup hat-trick as defending champions Argentina began their title defence with a dominant 3-0 win over Algeria. The star forward's treble, his first in the tournament, saw him draw level with Miroslav Klose on the all-time scoring charts. Messi's brilliance, despite pre-tournament injury concerns, showcased Argentina's formidable strength.

Lionel Messi achieved a career milestone, scoring his first World Cup hat-trick to lead Argentina to a 3-0 win over Algeria. This remarkable feat drew him level with Miroslav Klose atop the tournament's all-time scoring charts with 16 goals. The performance also marked his 200th appearance for Argentina and extended his scoring streak to five consecutive World Cup matches.

Portugal enter the 2026 World Cup amid major change, with Roberto Martinez set to leave after the tournament regardless of results. Cristiano Ronaldo, likely playing his final World Cup at 41, leads a squad chasing history. As attention builds around transition and legacy, Portugal aim to secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup title in North America.

Lionel Messi etched his name in history, becoming the second player ever to score in five World Cups. His hat-trick against Algeria secured a dominant lead for Argentina, propelling him to the top of the all-time World Cup scoring charts alongside Miroslav Klose. This remarkable achievement marks another milestone in Messi's illustrious career.

Growing up in Nagpur, Harsh Dubey wanted to become a batter. While buying books for the fifth grade, he took his father to Ruby Cricket Club in Nagpur, where it all began for him under the watchful eyes of Sanjog Binkar. Later, Madhav Bakre honed his craft at the Nagpur Cricket Academy. But the real turnaround came before his record-breaking 2024-25 domestic season, when he spent three weeks in Chennai with Ramji Srinivasan, the former Head Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Indian cricket t

Sri Lanka Cricket has reportedly sanctioned Sri Lanka A spinner Vishen Halambage following the heated post-match altercation with India A batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after the Super Over thriller in Dambulla. Wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella was also fined for a separate offence. India spin coach Sairaj Bahutule backed the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi, saying the youngster would learn from the incident.

Lionel Messi marked his 200th appearance for Argentina during the nations FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria, adding another milestone to one of footballs greatest careers. The 38-year-old captain became only the third mens player to reach 200 international caps while extending his record as the most-capped World Cup player. A world champion, two-time Copa Amrica winner and holder of multiple World Cup records, Messis latest landmark further underlines his extraordinary longevity and end

Norway marked their return to the FIFA World Cup after a 28-year absence with an impressive 4-1 victory over Iraq in Group I. Erling Haaland scored twice on his World Cup debut, while Leo stigrd and a late own goal completed the scoring. The win moves Norway level with France on three points and sets up a potentially decisive group-stage showdown between Haaland and Kylian Mbapp later in the tournament.

India's 72nd Grandmaster Mitrabha Guha, who once appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati and won Rs 4.8 lakh has secured India's final spot for the Esports Nations Cup 2026. The Kolkata player overcame years of financial struggles and family sacrifices to reach the top. Now pursuing an MBA, the Commonwealth classical chess champion is set to compete alongside stars like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura.

Kylian Mbapps 2026 World Cup campaign is already rewriting record books after his brace against Senegal in Frances Group I opener. At just 27, the France captain became his nations all-time leading scorer and moved past Just Fontaine as their top World Cup scorer. He now sits among the tournaments greatest marksmen, closing in on Ronaldo and Miroslav Klose in the all-time list while chasing multiple historic milestones still within reach.

Nilakshika Silva's unbeaten 54 guided Sri Lanka to a memorable five-wicket victory over defending champions New Zealand in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. Chasing 151, Sri Lanka secured the win with one ball to spare, marking their first success of the tournament and boosting their campaign.

Inside India nets: How Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill trained before 2nd ODI

France and Senegal renew their historic World Cup rivalry in East Rutherford, 24 years after Senegals famous 2002 opening-day shock. Kylian Mbapp leads France after a prolific qualification campaign, while Sadio Man returns fully fit after missing 2022. Both unbeaten in qualifying, the sides meet in a high-stakes Group I opener featuring two of footballs defining modern forwards.

Ahead of the second ODI against Afghanistan, India spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule backed Rohit Sharma, calling him a champion cricketer and highlighting his influence on ODI captain Shubman Gill and the team. Bahutule also praised KL Rahul's versatility and form, saying the batter can adapt to any situation and remains a key member across formats.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan backs Ben Stokes to continue leading the national side despite his suspension for breaching team curfew. Vaughan acknowledges Stokes' mistake but emphasizes his significant contributions, suggesting the ECB should allow him to return as skipper. He also commends the ECB for their swift handling of the situation.

Four draws in one day, Spains 2,500-pass drought, Cape Verdes LinkedIn hero, Bielsas anti-modelling rant, and a night where football remembered that stalemates can still have stories.

England's World Cup hopes have been hit as defender Tino Livramento is out with a calf injury sustained in training. Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah has been called up as a replacement, offering versatility at right-back. This change comes just before England's opening match against Croatia, with tournament rules allowing such replacements.

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan put in the hard yards at the Ekana Stadium ahead of the second ODI against Afghanistan. While Kuldeep Yadav bowled an extended spell, Iyer worked extensively on the pull shot that proved to be his undoing in Dharamsala. India will take on Afghanistan on Wednesday in Lucknow.

Sairaj Bahutule on Rohit's importance, team combination & ODI plans

India A spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutale addressed a post-match altercation involving 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after their Super Over loss to Sri Lanka A. Bahutale called the incident unfortunate, emphasizing the need for education on player conduct for both teams. He expressed confidence that Sooryavanshi, a young representative of India, would learn from the experience and avoid repeating it.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia urged India A players to stay focused on the tri-series after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's on-field altercation with Sri Lanka A's Vishen Halambage following a Super Over defeat in Dambulla. Sources claimed sledging triggered the clash, while the India A camp was also unhappy with several umpiring decisions, alleging biased officiating during the match.

Former captain Kris Srikkanth backs Ravindra Jadeja for the 2027 World Cup, urging selectors not to dismiss the all-rounder despite recent form. He also believes Rohit Sharma's ODI future hinges on performance, not age, as India shapes its squad for the next global tournament. The team currently leads Afghanistan 1-0.

Serena and Venus Williams will reunite for doubles at Wimbledon after receiving a wild card entry, marking their first partnership since the 2022 US Open. The sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, including six at Wimbledon. Serena's comeback has also sparked speculation about a singles return, while Stan Wawrinka, Grigor Dimitrov and Nick Kyrgios received wild cards.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's impressive bowling, particularly a match-turning yorker to dismiss Rahmanullah Gurbaz, has earned high praise from Sunil Gavaskar. The all-rounder's developing bowling prowess and batting ability offer significant tactical flexibility to the Indian ODI team, making him a valuable asset. His recent IPL success further solidifies his all-round credentials.

Persistent rain in Dharamsala during the first ODI between India and Afghanistan highlighted the urgent need for advanced sub-surface drainage systems in Indian cricket stadiums. While HPCA Stadium and Chinnaswamy boast this technology, other venues rely on outdated methods, leading to significant delays and fan disappointment.

New Zealand's Sarpreet Singh became the first player of Indian origin to start a FIFA World Cup match, playing nearly the full game in a 2-2 draw with Iran. Born to Punjabi parents, the 27-year-old previously made history with Bayern Munich. Other Indian-origin players at the tournament include Australia's Nishan Velupillay, DR Congo's Samuel Moutoussamy and Qatar's Tahsin Mohammed Jamshid.

Away from the cricket pitch, Virat Kohli is cherishing family time during his injury recovery. Viral photos show the star batter enjoying a relaxed outdoor outing with his son Akaay and wife Anushka Sharma. Kohli is rehabilitating a hamstring tear sustained during the IPL final and is expected back for the England series.

India aims to seal the ODI series against Afghanistan in the second match at Lucknow on June 17, holding a 1-0 lead. Shubman Gill's team secured a dominant win in the opener, while Afghanistan seeks to level the series despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz's century. India may also test bench strength with potential changes to their lineup.

Tunisia have sacked head coach Sabri Lamouchi after a humiliating 5-1 World Cup loss to Sweden. Experienced French manager Herv Renard takes over, aiming to salvage their campaign. This marks the tournament's first managerial change, with Tunisia facing must-win matches against Japan and the Netherlands to avoid another group-stage exit.

India A faces a must-win scenario against Afghanistan A in the Sri Lanka A-Team Tri-Series on June 17. Following two close defeats, Tilak Varma's side needs a victory to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Suryansh Shedge are key players for India A, while Imran Mir and Abdullah Ahmadzai pose threats for Afghanistan A.

FIFA has cleared Australian video review official Shaun Evans of any wrongdoing after investigating a hand gesture resembling a white supremacist symbol. The governing body's disciplinary committee found no evidence of a breach, accepting Evans' explanation of an unintentional, subconscious twitch. Anti-discrimination groups had called for his removal, but FIFA's ruling allows him to continue at the World Cup.

For years, the Fab Four debate searched endlessly for a winner. As Kane Williamson becomes the first member of the quartet to retire, this is not a ranking but a reflection. Amid Kohli's intensity, Smith's absurdity and Root's volume, Williamson quietly went about his business. From match-winning runs and captaincy highs to carrying the heaviest individual load, the New Zealander built a career defined by greatness without the noise.

Iran's Mohammad Mohebi sparked online debate after scoring a crucial equalizer against New Zealand in their World Cup qualifier. His goal celebration, a hand gesture resembling a gun, drew mixed reactions amid pre-match political protests. While some deemed it inappropriate, others defended it as an emotional, sporting reaction.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is heating up with a historic day of four draws, a feat unseen since 1958. Debutants Cape Verde held Spain, while Belgium, Uruguay, and Iran also drew their opening matches. With heavyweights yet to play, the battle for the knockout stage is intensifying, proving no team can be underestimated.

Iran drew their World Cup opener 2-2 with New Zealand but faced immediate travel disruptions. Coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed frustration, stating the team was forced to leave the US for Mexico post-match, hindering recovery. Captain Mehdi Taremi also highlighted visa issues for delegation members, calling for FIFA's assistance amidst ongoing logistical challenges.

India's cricket star Smriti Mandhana has been recognized by TIME magazine on its 100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026 list. The Mumbai-born opener is the sole Indian to feature, celebrated for her record-breaking batting prowess and leadership in team triumphs, including the Women's Premier League and the ICC Women's ODI World Cup.

Iran and New Zealand played out an exciting 2-2 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener. The match in Los Angeles saw contrasting reactions to Iran's national anthem, reflecting diaspora divisions. On the field, Elijah Just scored twice for New Zealand, but Iran fought back twice through Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebbi to secure a point.