The Times of India

Erling Haaland scored a late winner as Norway edged Cte d'Ivoire 2-1 to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Antonio Nusa's first-half strike was cancelled out by Amad Diallo before Haaland settled the contest in the 85th minute. Norway's clinical finishing and disciplined defending proved decisive, setting up a blockbuster last-16 clash against Brazil.

The Netherlands' World Cup campaign ended in penalty shootout heartbreak after Morocco fought back from 1-0 down to draw 1-1 and advance. Ronald Koeman faced strong criticism from Zlatan Ibrahimovi and Thierry Henry for abandoning the Dutch attacking identity with defensive tactics. Koeman defended his approach, insisting it reduced risks and that he would make the same decisions again.

Australia stormed into the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final, defeating West Indies by eight wickets in a dominant semi-final performance. After restricting the opposition to 125/7, Beth Mooney's unbeaten 61 and Ashleigh Gardner's quickfire 35 guided Australia to victory with ease. This marks their eighth appearance in the final as they chase a seventh title.

A scare rippled through the West Indies camp as star all-rounder Deandra Dottin was carried off before their T20 World Cup semi-final. Despite a medical issue, she bravely returned to score a crucial 26 not out, guiding her team to 125. Australia, however, comfortably chased the target, securing an eight-wicket win and a spot in the final.

England has unveiled their formidable playing XI for the opening T20I against India, captained by Harry Brook. Boasting over 650 T20 international caps, the seasoned squad features a strong batting lineup including Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Brook himself. With a balanced attack led by Saqib Mahmood and Adil Rashid, England aims to leverage their home advantage in the highly anticipated five-match series opener.

Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam achieved a significant personal milestone, securing his 19th Test five-wicket haul against Zimbabwe. This feat places him among the top left-arm bowlers globally, drawing level with Shakib Al Hasan and surpassing Mitchell Starc. Despite Taijul's individual success, Zimbabwe secured their largest-ever Test victory by an innings and 85 runs.

Shreyas Iyer opens up on Ireland loss, captaincy pressure & series vs England

Zimbabwe achieved their largest Test victory ever, crushing Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs. A dominant bowling performance, spearheaded by Newman Nyamhuri and Richard Ngarava, restricted Bangladesh to low scores. Innocent Kaia's century then powered Zimbabwe to a commanding lead, securing a memorable win and their first back-to-back Test triumphs in over 25 years.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has made a significant career shift, establishing his permanent training base at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. This move, driven by convenience and access to world-class facilities, marks him as the first high-profile active cricketer to do so. Pandya aims to continue playing international white-ball cricket for several more years, with his rehabilitation from injury ongoing.

Former England captain Andrew Strauss has voiced concerns over Ben Stokes' retirement announcement during the crucial Test against New Zealand, deeming it a significant distraction. Strauss believes such news should be shared either before or after a match to maintain team focus. Stokes, an exceptional all-rounder, retires with numerous records, including the most Test sixes and a rare double of over 7,000 runs and 250 wickets.

Former India captain Ajay Jadeja lauded Ben Stokes' retirement, calling it the ight call and a testament to his refusal to be dictated by external forces. Jadeja admired Stokes' principled stand, suggesting the all-rounder wouldn't tolerate administrators controlling his personal life. Meanwhile, Sanjay Manjrekar expressed sadness, calling Stokes' departure an end of an era and highlighting his match-winning prowess on the big stage.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut remains elusive despite strong IPL form, as the team suffered a shock T20I series loss to Ireland. With top-order struggles persisting, the upcoming England series presents a potential opportunity for the young batting star. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed Sooryavanshi's readiness but emphasised the need for patience and backing established players.

England cricketers Kate Cross and Alex Hartley have faced severe backlash, including death threats, after their criticism of the ICC's Women's T20 World Cup semi-final scheduling was misinterpreted. They clarified their comments targeted the tournament's policy, not the Indian team, which was automatically placed in an earlier slot if they qualified. The controversy became moot when India was eliminated, reverting the schedule to the standard format.

Cricket world bids farewell to England's Ben Stokes after his shock international retirement. Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan joined the chorus of tributes, hailing Stokes as a match-winner and one of the finest all-rounders. Despite a series loss to New Zealand, Stokes' illustrious career, marked by unforgettable performances, was celebrated by peers and fans globally.

While the 2026 FIFA World Cup sees minnows like Cape Verde surprising established nations, India remains absent. Captain Sandesh Jhingan and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu highlight the critical need for a stable, structured domestic league and consistent participation in the Asian Cup as crucial steps towards World Cup qualification.

A historic World Cup saw two top-10 nations, Germany and the Netherlands, crash out in the opening knockout round. Germany's campaign ended on penalties against Paraguay after a controversial disallowed goal. The Netherlands also fell to Morocco in a dramatic shootout, with Morocco's goalkeeper proving decisive. This marks a significant upset in the tournament's history.

Madan Lal warns team India ahead of England series : 'It Won't Be Easy'

Cricketer Shashank Singh has responded to an FIR alleging assault and illegal confinement by a domestic cook. Singh claims the cook was hired under false pretenses, was taking private photos, and his mother deleted them due to privacy concerns. He denies any physical altercation or holding the cook hostage, stating they considered calling the police themselves after discovering the alleged unauthorized photography.

Morocco's stunning 3-2 penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has ignited wild celebrations in Casablanca, with fans pouring into the streets. However, the joy was marred by clashes between police and fans in The Hague, where fireworks and stones were thrown. Captain Achraf Hakimi emphasised the win proves Morocco's Qatar success was no fluke, highlighting the team's dedication and hard work.

Mexican football fans attempted to disrupt Ecuador's World Cup preparations by creating a noisy disturbance outside their team hotel in Mexico City. Chanting and using horns throughout the night, supporters aimed to unsettle the visiting squad before their crucial Round of 32 match. This incident precedes a high-stakes game where the winner advances to the Round of 16.

Former India captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth has slammed Tilak Varma and other Indian batters following a shocking one-run defeat to Ireland. Srikkanth criticized their slow scoring and lack of attacking intent in the middle overs, stating that such an approach is unacceptable in T20 cricket. He highlighted a period of 45 balls without a boundary as particularly concerning, leading to India's first-ever series loss against Ireland in the format.

Germany's World Cup exit has ignited fierce debate, with Jurgen Klopp leading criticism of a disallowed extra-time winner. Klopp questioned VAR's interpretation of fouls, even referencing Arsenal's set-piece success. Legends Miroslav Klose and Bastian Schweinsteiger echoed these sentiments, lamenting VAR's perceived overreach and its impact on player psychology, particularly after Jonathan Tah missed a crucial penalty.

All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy faces a race against time for the upcoming ODI series against England, with a minor left quadricep pull sidelining him. While the management is optimistic about his return next month, his participation in England appears unlikely. The Zimbabwe T20Is are being considered as a potential comeback opportunity.

Brazil narrowly avoided an upset, securing a 2-1 victory against Japan to advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Substitute Gabriel Martinelli's dramatic 95th-minute goal sealed the win. Coach Carlo Ancelotti explained Neymar remained on the bench, preserved for potential extra time which ultimately wasn't needed. Brazil now prepares for their next challenge.

Cricketer Shashank Singh and his father, retired police official Shailesh Singh, face charges in Bhopal after a domestic cook accused them of assault, abuse, and confiscating his mobile phone. The cook alleges he was forced out of the bungalow and had money deducted from his phone for food and accommodation. An investigation is underway following the FIR.

Paraguay's stunning World Cup upset over four-time champions Germany, securing a 4-3 penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw, has prompted President Santiago Pea to declare a national holiday. The dramatic Round of 32 match saw a controversial VAR decision overturn a late German goal, paving the way for Paraguay's historic win.

Ben Stokes has unequivocally backed Harry Brook as his successor to captain England's Test side. Despite a recent decision to appoint Joe Root in Stokes' absence, the retiring all-rounder emphasized Brook's vice-captaincy as a clear indicator of his readiness. Stokes believes Brook's leadership skills and growing influence make him the natural choice to guide the team's future, offering his full support for the Yorkshire batter.

Germany's World Cup dreams were shattered by a controversial VAR decision that disallowed Jonathan Tah's extra-time goal against Paraguay. Thomas Muller vehemently criticised the technology, expressing deep frustration over the heartbreaking erasure of a moment that Germany believed secured their victory. The match ultimately went to penalties, where Germany suffered a shock exit.

Morocco stunned the Netherlands in a dramatic penalty shootout, securing a 3-2 victory after a 1-1 draw to advance to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou's crucial save paved the way for Ismael Saibari's winning penalty. The Atlas Lions fought back from Cody Gakpo's late goal, forcing extra time with a stoppage-time header, ending the Dutch's World Cup campaign.

India's Women's Selection Committee has unveiled the squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where they aim to defend their gold medal title. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the team features a blend of seasoned stars and emerging talent, including Smriti Mandhana as vice-captain. The squad announcement sets the stage for another strong showing by the Indian women's cricket team on the international stage.

England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes has bid farewell to Test cricket, announcing his retirement after a memorable career. Despite a loss in his final match against New Zealand, Stokes received glowing tributes from opponents and teammates. New Zealand captain Tom Latham lauded him as a once-in-a-generation player, while Joe Root reflected on their long-standing friendship and the void Stokes' absence will leave in the dressing room.

Sachin Tendulkar led heartfelt tributes to Ben Stokes following his retirement from international cricket. Tendulkar lauded Stokes' fearless approach, match-winning ability, and inspirational leadership, calling him one of England's finest all-rounders and captains. Stokes, who bowed out after a Test series loss, expressed contentment with his decision, citing years of physical and mental demands as the primary reason for stepping away.

Wimbledon witnessed a heartwarming moment as Novak Djokovic invited himself to a fan's wedding after a proposal on Centre Court. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka turned heads with a striking Kill Bill-inspired kimono, a creative nod to her Japanese heritage amidst the strict dress code. Both athletes delivered memorable off-court performances alongside their on-court victories.

Germanys long-standing reputation as World Cup penalty shootout specialists came to an end as Paraguay defeated them 43 on penalties after a 11 draw in Boston. It was Germanys first-ever shootout loss, ending a 44-year perfect record dating back to 1982. Despite dominance in possession, missed penalties proved decisive, while Paraguay maintained their flawless shootout record.

Defending champion Jannik Sinner battled through a tough three-hour match, overcoming a two-set deficit to secure his 94th Grand Slam win, equalling an Italian record. Despite a shaky start and 52 unforced errors, Sinner found his rhythm. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka made a strong return from injury with a swift victory, while French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska narrowly missed a win after a late slip.

Paraguay produced a stunning World Cup shock in Boston, beating Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw that they largely survived under relentless pressure. Germany dominated possession, chances and territory for 120 minutes but lacked cutting edge, while Orlando Gills heroics and Paraguays deep defensive resilience kept them alive. It ends Germanys first-ever World Cup shootout defeat.

Lionel Messi may be leading the Golden Boot race, but Germany's Deniz Undav has emerged as FIFA's highest-rated attacking player after the 2026 World Cup group stage. The substitute striker edged Messi in FIFA's official performance rankings through extraordinary efficiency off the bench, while stars including Kylian Mbapp, Vincius Jnior and Erling Haaland also featured among the tournament's top-rated performers.

The federation cited her suspension period and an unsatisfactory reply to its show-cause notice as reasons for the rejection.

Sunil Gavaskar has backed 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to make his India debut in the first T20I against England, believing the youngster can help India bounce back from their 0-2 series defeat to Ireland. Gavaskar also urged patience with new captain Shreyas Iyer, backed Rohit Sharma's ODI future, and warned that an in-form Jofra Archer could trouble India.

Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin emerged as one of the biggest attractions in the Global Chess League Season 4 player draft, joining American Gambits after a bidding battle. The Bengaluru-based tournament, scheduled from September 3-13, will feature top stars including Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand, who switched teams to join PBG Alaskan Knights, as all six franchises finalised their squads.

Stokes was never a man of averages. He belonged to moments, and moments have an inconvenient habit of resisting arithmetic. The 258 at Cape Town, the fastest Test 250 ever scored, tells you more about him than any spreadsheet could. The mean is for actuaries. Stokes dealt in extremes, in tamasha, in the improbable stories grandparents tell children who politely pretend they have never heard them before.

Chasing 373, England resumed the final day on 103 for 4 but never managed to build the partnerships needed to threaten the target. They were bowled out for 212 shortly after lunch, handing New Zealand their first comeback series win in a three-Test series after losing the opening match.

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has questioned who will take responsibility for India's 2-0 T20I series defeat to Ireland, arguing that captain Shreyas Iyer should not be made the sole scapegoat. Tiwary urged critics to address the elephant in the room, indirectly pointing towards the team management and coaching staff led by Gautam Gambhir for the disappointing result.

I think there is a little bit of disbelief, we have just won a World Cup. We have been outdone, outsmarted by a team which did their basics very well. Firstly credit to Ireland and secondly the learning for us (is) in terms of being able to adapt to different conditions and against different teams and that is the biggest takeaway from this series, Ten Doeschate said at the post-match press conference.

Kidambi Srikanth finished runner-up at the US Open Super 300 after losing 15-21, 21-16, 9-21 to Chinese Taipei's Su Li-yang in the men's singles final. Srikanth fought back brilliantly to force a decider, but Su's aggressive play proved decisive. The victory marked Su's first-ever BWF World Tour title, while Srikanth settled for second place.

Ireland completed a 2-0 sweep after beating India by one run in the second T20I on Sunday. It was Ireland's first-ever series win over India in any format. They had won the opening match by 34 runs a few days earlier against the reigning T20 world champions.