The Times of India

PV Sindhu reached her first Japan Open semi-final after an opponent's withdrawal. This marks her third semi-final appearance of the current season. She previously defeated Han Yue in the round of sixteen. Sindhu now faces Chen Yufei in a challenging upcoming match. The Indian star is the sole remaining contender for India.

The squad, currently training at the national camp in Bengaluru, combines experienced players with youngsters who have impressed in recent international competitions.

Defending 238, Freedom looked under pressure when San Francisco captain Matthew Short produced an unbeaten 121 off 56 balls, but Saurabh Netravalkar and Mitchell Owen closed out the game with disciplined final overs to deny the Unicorns a place in the title clash.

The FIFA World Cup champions will receive exclusive championship rings for the first time. These rings will debut after the 2026 final between Spain and Argentina. One side features the trophy, and the other reflects the winning nation's identity. A limited collection of 2,026 rings will be available, with 30 for winners. The final match features Lionel Messi facing Lamine Yamal in a captivating generational clash.

Ahead of the first ODI at Edgbaston, Kohli was seen batting in the nets while Gambhir watched from close range without speaking to him. Kotak, meanwhile, was spotted having a conversation with the former India captain.

Jude Bellingham addressed England's World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina. He thanked supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the tournament. Bellingham encouraged fans to maintain national unity shown during the competition. He stated that collective strength allows for significant achievements together. The midfielder expressed his love for the supporters and the nation.

Rohit's struggles were visible in the second ODI in Cardiff on Thursday, where England won by four wickets to level the three-match series 1-1. The opener never looked settled, scoring just 10 runs off 18 balls by the end of the Powerplay even as India raced to 61/1. He eventually made 26 off 47 balls before being dismissed while attempting a sweep against Will Jacks.

Argentina came from 1-0 down after the 85th minute to beat England 2-1 in Wednesday's semifinal and book a place in the final, where they will face Spain on Sunday.

IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma misfires again; India lose in Cardiff

Joe Root's unbeaten 99 guided England to a four-wicket victory over India. This win leveled the three-match series at one game apiece. Root absorbed early pressure and anchored the innings with a composed knock. He overtook Virat Kohli in successful ODI run chase averages. England's bowlers restricted India after a threatening partnership.

Rohit Sharma's struggles with timing, tempo and confidence have continued in the first two ODIs against England. With just 37 runs, prolonged dot-ball phases and visible discomfort against pace, the veteran opener's place in India's long-term ODI plans is beginning to invite serious scrutiny ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

India suffered a four-wicket defeat against England in the second ODI. The team squandered a strong position after reaching 180 for three wickets. Joe Root's unbeaten 99 guided England to a comfortable chase and series level. Captain Shubman Gill expressed disappointment over the middle-order batting collapse. Washington Sundar's injury also disrupted India's bowling plans during the match.

The Indian team management and selectors had initially considered giving Yashasvi Jaiswal a full series in England but opted to persist with Rohit Sharma, hoping he would rediscover his form. Sources indicate that both the selection committee and team management have conveyed their views on Rohit's future to the BCCI. It remains to be seen whether the board's leadership or the selectors will now initiate discussions with him.

Ben Duckett became the first England batter dismissed on the opening ball against India. Jasprit Bumrah provided India with an ideal start in the chase of 234. India posted a below-par 233 after a middle-order collapse in their innings. Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer scored 65 and 66 respectively. England's pace attack triggered India's collapse, losing four wickets quickly.

Sitanshu Kotak backs Rohit Sharma, explains India's batting collapse

Joe Root's huge praise for Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma

In a thrilling second ODI, England clinched a four-wicket win over India, bringing the series to a tie at 1-1. Joe Root's stellar innings of 99 not out was pivotal as India's batters faltered, crumbling to just 233 runs. England's bowling duo, Archer and Atkinson, each claimed three wickets, showcasing their prowess. Despite half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer, India's collapse set the stage for a nail-biting final match.

Virat Kohli achieved a significant career milestone during the second ODI against England. He surpassed Ricky Ponting to become the fifth-most capped player in international cricket. Kohli scored 65 runs, contributing to India's strong position in the match. This half-century also drew him level with Viv Richards for fifty-plus scores against England. His remarkable longevity continues to be a defining aspect of his career.

Virat Kohli scored another ODI fifty against England in the second ODI at Cardiff, equalling Viv Richards with his 14th 50-plus score against the opposition. Only Kumar Sangakkara (15) has more. Kohli anchored India's innings as they reached 168/3 after 30 overs. India, leading the series 1-0, replaced the ill KL Rahul with Ishan Kishan.

England captain Harry Kane deferred decisions about his future World Cup participation. Argentina secured a dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory over England on Wednesday. The Three Lions will now face France in the third-place playoff match. Argentina advanced to the final against Spain after their comeback win. Kane stated he will evaluate his international future season by season.

Argentina's World Cup semi-final win over England was overshadowed by controversial celebrations, with some fans burning England flags, displaying St George's Cross coffins and chanting Falklands War songs. Players also posed with a Las Malvinas son Argentinas banner after the match. President Javier Milei reiterated Argentina's claim, saying, Sovereignty is not negotiable.

KL Rahul missed India's second ODI against England in Cardiff due to illness, with Ishan Kishan replacing him in the playing XI. Confirming the change at the toss, captain Shubman Gill said, KL is sick and Ishan comes in for him. England won the toss and chose to bowl, while India lead the three-match series 1-0.

Sanju Samson discussed his difficult departure from Rajasthan Royals after many years. He felt both he and the franchise were ready for a change. The opportunity to join Chennai Super Kings and reunite with friends influenced his decision. He admired MS Dhoni since childhood and dreamed of playing alongside him. Samson's IPL career began with Rajasthan Royals in 2013.

India fast bowler Gurnoor Brar was warned by the ICC and given one demerit point for breaching the Code of Conduct during the first ODI against England after throwing the ball towards Ben Duckett in a manner deemed inappropriate and dangerous. Despite the incident, Brar took two wickets as India won by six wickets to lead the three-match series 1-0.

Ravichandran Ashwin discussed Chennai Super Kings' new chapter after Stephen Fleming's departure. He believes MS Dhoni would be the ideal choice to lead the team. Ashwin noted the exceptional Fleming-Dhoni partnership that brought significant success. He also highlighted the challenges for any new coach due to Dhoni's influence. The franchise faces a crucial decision shaping its future direction.

Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the FIFA World Cup semifinal on Wednesday in Atlanta. During the post-match celebrations, Argentine players posed with a banner handed to them by supporters in the stands that read, Las Malvinas son Argentinas (The Malvinas are Argentine). Argentina refers to the Falkland Islands as Islas Malvinas.

Nicholas Pooran, Andries Gous and Steven Smith all reached three figures in a game that rewrote multiple T20 records. While Pooran smashed a 31-ball hundred the fastest century in Major League Cricket history Gous and Smith responded with 40-ball hundreds each.

The chase surpassed Punjab Kings' successful pursuit of 265 against Delhi Capitals in the IPL earlier this year, making it the biggest chase ever completed in T20 cricket.

Argentina secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after defeating England. Lionel Messi provided two assists, enabling Argentina to overcome a deficit. He dedicated the significant victory to the legendary Diego Maradona. This win mirrors Maradona's iconic performance against England forty years prior. Argentina will now face Spain in the championship match.

India returns to Sophia Gardens after a long eleven-year absence for their second ODI. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are back on the field where they last played together. Suresh Raina's century powered India's dominant 2014 victory at this venue. Kohli also scored a century here in 2011, though in a losing effort. Both players have strong records against England in ODI matches.

An uncharacteristically banal France met their match in an uncannily beautiful Spain. A France entered the examination hall with a class-toppers swagger and suddenly looked in an incremental confusion. A Spain, perhaps a little detached from all this pre-match chaos, turned ecstatic with the joy of passing the test with seamless proficiency.

While his T20 form has fluctuated, Indias ODI plans remain firmly tied to him. TOI understands that the selectors are reluctant to revisit Jadeja as a first-choice option in the format.

Messi produced two assists in the last minutes as Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday (local time) and book a place in Sunday's World Cup final against Spain. Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed home Messi's cross in the second minute of stoppage time to complete another Argentina comeback.

Los Angeles Knight Riders secured their first Major League Cricket final berth. They defeated San Francisco Unicorns by seven runs in Qualifier 1. Colin Munro and Andre Russell built a strong foundation for the team's score. Rovman Powell then provided a rapid late surge with his powerful hitting. Matthew Short's valiant 94 was not enough for the Unicorns to chase the target.

Argentina's World Cup semifinal victory over England has ignited a fresh controversy. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso displayed a banner claiming the Falkland Islands are Argentine. FIFA rules prohibit political messages during football matches, potentially leading to disciplinary action. The Falkland Islands have been a subject of dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom for decades. Argentina's Foreign Ministry recently reaffirmed its claim over the islands in an official communiqu.

Jude Bellingham has explained his heated exchange with Lionel Messi during England's dramatic World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, insisting it was nothing personal. The confrontation came during a record-breaking physical first half that saw 19 fouls. Bellingham said the pair were simply debating a challenge, while praising Messi as a privilege to face despite England's heartbreaking 2-1 loss.

Shubman Gill's unbeaten 80 against England in the first ODI at Edgbaston was a lesson in calculated ODI batting rather than outright aggression. On a seamer-friendly surface, he absorbed pressure, rebuilt after India's early setbacks and accelerated at the right moments to steer the chase. Even cramps couldn't derail his composure, reinforcing why Gill, who is still uncertain for the second ODI in Cardiff, is rapidly becoming India's premier chase specialist, much like Virat Kohli.

Argentina's foreign ministry has restated its claim over the Falkland Islands. This follows players displaying a Las Malvinas son Argentinas banner after a football match. The nation also lodged a protest against the United Kingdom's naval movements. FIFA rules prohibit political banners and could lead to sanctions for the team. The long-standing sovereignty dispute continues to create regional tensions.

Lionel Messi and Argentina teammates sparked a viral moment after their World Cup semi-final victory over England, as they inspected Jordan Pickford's penalty notes taped to his water bottle. The England goalkeeper's preparations for a shootout went unused after Lautaro Martnez's stoppage-time winner sealed a 2-1 comeback. Messi's amused reaction quickly became one of the tournament's most talked-about moments.

England's Jude Bellingham clashed with Argentina players after their World Cup semifinal defeat. A video showed Bellingham tapping defender Valentin Barco on the head. The match saw England lose 2-1, ending their World Cup final hopes. Argentina will now face Spain in the final for a second title. England plays France in the third-place playoff match.

Argentina secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against England in the World Cup semi-final. Coach Lionel Scaloni praised his players for their incredible achievement and determination. The team will now face Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. England will compete against France in the third-place playoff match. Argentina aims to give everything to win the title and retain the trophy.

Harry Kane has refused to rule out playing at the 2030 FIFA World Cup after England's heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina. The captain admitted the loss felt like another familiar tournament setback, with England unable to protect their lead. However, Kane insisted he will take his international future year by year, inspired by Lionel Messi's continued excellence at 39.

Lionel Messi is on the brink of history as he prepares for his third World Cup final, an exclusive feat he shares with Brazil's Cafu. After participating in the finals of 2014 and 2022 with Argentina, Messi, now 39, is aiming to mirror Cafu's success, who won two of his three finals. A victory could earn Messi another World Cup winner's medal.

Argentina may face FIFA disciplinary action after displaying a Falklands sovereignty banner. The team celebrated a World Cup semi-final victory over England with the controversial message. This political display follows a similar incident for which Argentina was previously fined. Argentina's vice-president supported the players' actions on social media platforms. The team now prepares for the World Cup final against Spain.

Harry Kane has revealed Thomas Tuchel's final touchline instruction before England's World Cup semi-final collapse against Argentina. Despite taking the lead, Tuchel urged his players to keep attacking rather than defend. England instead conceded twice late on, with Kane admitting the team ultimately tried to hold on as another major tournament ended in heartbreaking fashion.

Lionel Messi moved to the top of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race after two assists inspired Argentina's dramatic comeback win over England in the semi-final. The 39-year-old now leads Kylian Mbapp on the tournament tiebreakers with eight goals and four assists. While rivals still have the third-place playoff, Messi enters the final in pole position.