The Times of India
Elections 2026Sports / The Times of India
Egypt achieved a historic first World Cup victory, defeating New Zealand 3-1. Star forward Mohamed Salah scored the crucial go-ahead goal, his 68th international strike, after Mostafa Zico equalized. Trezeguet sealed the win, sending Egypt to the top of Group G. They now face Iran needing a draw to advance, while New Zealand remains winless.
Young Indian spinner Shree Charani has etched her name in history, equalling Poonam Yadav's record of 10 wickets in a single Women's T20 World Cup. Charani achieved this remarkable feat in just her third match of the 2026 tournament, showcasing exceptional bowling prowess. With more matches to come, she is poised to become the sole record holder, a bright spot for India despite their recent loss to South Africa.
The 18-year-old forward scored in the 11th minute, sliding in at the far post to convert a low cross.
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi received an official reprimand and a demerit point from the ICC for damaging the pitch during the third ODI against India. Despite this, Shahidi scored a maiden century, but India secured a dominant nine-wicket victory, completing a 3-0 series sweep. Shahidi acknowledged his team's shortcomings against a strong Indian side.
Batting first, Knight Riders posted 196 runs in their 20 overs, with contributions coming from several batters. The Orcas were bowled out for 115 in 15.3 overs.
Alireza Beiranvand delivered a Player of the Match performance to help Iran earn a crucial 0-0 draw against Belgium, but his journey to the World Cup is as remarkable as his display. From poverty and homelessness in Tehran to setting Guinness World Records and starring on footballs biggest stage, Beiranvands story is one of resilience, sacrifice and determination against the odds.
Marizanne Kapp's sensational 81 powered South Africa to a record-breaking six-wicket victory over India in the Women's T20 World Cup. Chasing 159, Kapp's explosive innings, supported by Tazmin Brits' 40, secured the Proteas' highest T20 World Cup chase and kept their semifinal hopes alive. Kapp also impressed with the ball, taking two crucial wickets.
Marizanne Kapp's unbeaten 81 off 45 balls guided South Africa to a six-wicket win and kept their semifinal hopes alive.
Cape Verde continued their remarkable World Cup debut by earning a dramatic 2-2 draw against Uruguay, scoring the first two World Cup goals in the nation's history. Kevin Pinas stunning free-kick and Hlio Varelas second-half equaliser secured another famous result after their draw with Spain, leaving Group H wide open and keeping alive their hopes of a historic place in the knockout stages.
The penalty leaves England on 38 points in the WTC table. They remain seventh in the standings, but their points percentage has dropped from 34.72 to 26.38.
Virat Kohli has firmly ruled out a return to Test cricket, even for commercial reasons, stating he is done with it. Reflecting on his career, the batting maestro emphasized his unwavering belief in fighting until the very end, citing the 2022 T20 World Cup win against Pakistan as a prime example.
Belgium were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite dominating possession and creating more chances. Mehdi Taremi had a goal ruled out for offside, while Alireza Beiranvand produced a standout goalkeeping display. Nathan Ngoys red card further complicated Belgiums night, as Iran earned a valuable point in a tightly contested Group G.
Lamine Yamal marked another standout World Cup 2026 performance for Spain, scoring in a dominant 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia after a slow start to their campaign. Beyond his on-field impact, attention also turned to his boots, which feature flags of Morocco and Equatorial Guinea, reflecting his parents heritage. Despite interest from both nations, Yamal chose to represent Spain internationally.
Marizanne Kapp's stellar all-round display secured a six-wicket victory for South Africa against India in the Women's T20 World Cup. After taking two crucial wickets, Kapp smashed an unbeaten 81 off 45 balls, including seven fours and four sixes. Despite India posting 158/7, dropped catches proved costly as Kapp guided South Africa to a thrilling chase with five balls to spare.
England captain Ben Stokes will return for the third Test against New Zealand despite an ongoing disciplinary investigation over a curfew breach. Coach Brendon McCullum confirmed Stokes will lead the side after impressing with Durham. Gus Atkinson is also in line for a comeback. McCullum dismissed talk of tensions, insisting there remains mutual respect between him and Stokes.
Matt Henry delivered a career-defining performance at The Oval, claiming 11 wickets to help New Zealand level the Test series against England. His exceptional spell, including a devastating 6-29 in the second innings, etched his name in the venue's history, mirroring legendary feats. Recovered from an injury-plagued first Test, Henry's resurgence showcased his prowess as New Zealand's leading pace bowler.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu blamed her team's batting collapse for the five-wicket defeat to West Indies in the Women's T20 World Cup. Bowled out for 98 after slipping to 9/3, Sri Lanka left themselves with too little to defend. Athapaththu praised the bowlers' effort but stressed that better batting is essential as must-win games against Ireland and Scotland loom.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's blistering 94 off 29 balls powered India A to a 66-run victory over Sri Lanka A in the tri-series final. The teenage sensation's record-breaking half-century set the stage for a massive total of 377. Despite a spirited chase from Sri Lanka A, strong bowling from Yash Thakur and Vipraj Nigam secured the championship for India A.
Joe Root's batting prowess shone at The Oval, but England's heavy defeat to New Zealand saw him equal Stephen Fleming's record for most Test captaincy losses with 27. Despite a strong performance from Root, England's depleted side, featuring three debutants, struggled against a dominant New Zealand, who secured a commanding 253-run victory. Matt Henry's exceptional bowling proved decisive in the series-levelling win.
Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson were withdrawn from their county matches at the ECB's request, fuelling speculation over a return for the third Test against New Zealand. The pair, sidelined from the second Test after breaking curfew, impressed for Durham and Surrey respectively. Their cases remain under investigation as England seek to recover from a 253-run defeat at The Oval.
A TV presenter has resigned after mistakenly announcing Lionel Messi's father's death on live television. Florencia Pena shared the false news, claiming it was verified by her show's production team. Luzu TV has terminated staff involved, emphasizing their commitment to responsible journalism. Messi's family confirmed his father is recovering from an undisclosed medical condition, following a triumphant World Cup opener for the star player.
New Zealand thrashed England by 253 runs in the second Test at The Oval to level the series 1-1 and force a decider in Nottingham. Matt Henry starred with match figures of 11-109, including 6-29 in the second innings, securing his maiden 10-wicket haul in Tests. England were bowled out for 209 within 48 minutes on the final day.
Cricket Ireland has confirmed the upcoming T20I series against India will proceed as planned in Belfast on June 26 and 28. Following a security review with local authorities, officials are confident in the safety measures for players and spectators. This marks India's return to Stormont after nearly two decades, with anticipation building around potential senior debut for young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Australia clinched a dominant 3-0 T20I series victory over Bangladesh with a seven-wicket win in the final match. After Bangladesh posted a modest 109/8, Australia's Mitchell Marsh smashed a blistering 60 off 28 balls, leading the chase. The visitors comfortably reached 112/3, sealing the series sweep with 54 balls remaining, a strong comeback after their ODI defeat.
Jasprit Bumrah has returned to India's ODI squad for the England series after being rested for the Afghanistan ODIs. Since the 2023 World Cup, the pace spearhead has missed eight ODI assignments as part of workload management. With India beginning a new World Cup cycle, Bumrah's return provides a major boost to the team's pace attack in English conditions.
India defeated hosts New Zealand 2-0 in the final to win their second FIH Women's Nations Cup title and secure promotion to the FIH Women's Pro League. Goals from Navneet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo sealed the victory as India completed an unbeaten campaign. Lalremsiami was named Player of the Match, while Deepika finished as the tournament's joint-highest scorer with six goals.
Former India bowler Dodda Ganesh has slammed the team management for resting KL Rahul in the final ODI against Afghanistan, questioning the decision as Rahul had faced minimal deliveries. Despite this, India secured a dominant 3-0 series victory, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring an unbeaten century and Prasidh Krishna taking a five-wicket haul. The win marks India's first ODI series triumph under captain Shubman Gill.
Sportspersons are often advised to play according to occasion, to minimise risk when the pressure rises. Sooryavanshi appears to have chosen a different route. Whether it was the World Cup final, the IPL knockout or Sunday's tri-series final, he has trusted the same game that brought him here in the first place. He has trusted the attack and his wrists.
Japan striker Ayase Ueda scored his first FIFA World Cup goals with a brace in a historic 4-0 victory over Tunisia, helping the Samurai Blue strengthen their grip on Group F. While the Eredivisie's leading scorer continues to shine on the pitch, Ueda remains grounded off it, dedicating his goals to family, supporters and those who helped shape his career.
Young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just 15, delivered a sensational 94 off 29 balls in the Tri-Nation Series final against Sri Lanka A. This explosive innings, featuring a world-record 11-ball fifty, highlights his immense talent. However, it's not his fastest knock, with a 144 off 42 balls against UAE in 2025 holding that record, showcasing his consistent brilliance.
Glenn Maxwell's extraordinary fielding prowess stole the show in MLC 2026, leading to Quinton de Kock's dismissal. On the final ball of the first over, Maxwell, with lightning reflexes, executed a sensational underarm flick between his legs to run out De Kock for a single. This stunning moment provided Washington Freedom with a dream start in their defense.
Indian prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved a historic feat in the Tri-Nation Series final, smashing the fastest fifty in List A cricket history. The 15-year-old opener blazed to his half-century in a mere 11 deliveries against Sri Lanka A. This electrifying performance, marked by powerful hitting, shattered the previous world record and showcased the young talent's remarkable prowess on the international stage.
Cricket legend Kieron Pollard has shattered T20 history, becoming the all-time leading run-scorer with his second career century. Despite this monumental achievement for MI New York, the team fell short in a high-scoring clash against Washington Freedom. Pollard's remarkable 100 runs were not enough to chase down a massive target set by an explosive innings from Mitchell Owen.
India's search for consistent middle-over wickets has prompted a shift in strategy, with Shubman Gill backing tall fast bowlers like Gurnoor Brar, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana to shoulder the responsibility. The captain explained why India is prioritising pace, bounce and flexibility over fixed bowling roles ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
The result also confirmed Germany's place in the knockout stage after their 2-1 win over Ivory Coast earlier in the day.
Rohit Sharma or Yashasvi Jaiswal? India's biggest selection headache before England ODIs
The 37-year-old will lead India in a key Group A clash against South Africa at Old Trafford.
Japan and Tunisia will make FIFA World Cup history when they contest the tournaments 1,000th match at Monterrey Stadium. The landmark Group F encounter marks a milestone nearly a century in the making, prompting special FIFA tributes and global attention. Beyond its historical significance, the match carries crucial implications for both nations hopes of reaching the Round of 32.
The Netherlands secured a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden at FIFA World Cup 2026, bouncing back from their opening draw with Japan to book a place in the Round of 32. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo scored twice each, while Crysencio Summerville added a fifth. Despite Swedens dominance in shots, Dutch clinical finishing proved decisive in Group F.
India all-rounder Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the remainder of the Womens T20 World Cup after suffering a right ankle injury against the Netherlands. Calling it her toughest setback, Shreyanka thanked fans for their support and vowed to return stronger. India have named leg-spin all-rounder Prema Rawat as her replacement ahead of the South Africa clash.
Englands Joe Root became only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to surpass 14,000 Test runs, reaching the milestone during the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval. The 36-year-old achieved the feat in his 302nd innings and now ranks second on the all-time run-scoring list, further cementing his status among Test crickets greatest batters.
Shubman Gill press conference: On Rohit Sharma future, squad for England ODI, Playing XI and more

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