All posts tagged: new zealand

Cape Verde captain accused of rape ahead of historic Argentina World Cup clash

Cape Verde captain accused of rape ahead of historic Argentina World Cup clash

2 min readUpdated: Jun 29, 2026 11:13 AM IST World Cup debutants Cape Verde’s historic qualification for the knockout stage on Saturday has been marred by an investigation into rape charges levelled by a Brazilian woman against their captain on Sunday. According to Brazil news outlet Globo, forward Ryan Mendes is accused of sexually assaulting a woman who worked as a translator with the team in New Zealand during the FIFA series tournament played between March 27-30 this year. Globo reported that the woman alleged that Mendes entered her hotel room in Auckland and physically and sexually assaulted her. The alleged incident was reported to authorities, and she underwent a sexual assault examination. The woman is said to have reported the incident to three Cape Verde officials, who did not respond to the allegations. ALSO READ | How a coach who watched Maradona on a village TV put Cape Verde into the knockouts Football’s global body, FIFA, said in a statement to USA Today that “any allegations of misconduct” will be taken seriously and that …

Ben Stokes explains retirement call

Ben Stokes explains retirement call

4 min readJun 29, 2026 08:38 AM IST Ben Stokes stunned the cricket world on Sunday as he announced his immediate retirement from international cricket at the end of the ongoing Test match between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The England Test captain has been in the eye of a storm for the past few weeks after being involved in an altercation with a Saracens rugby player in a nightclub alongside teammate Gus Atkinson after the first Test at Lord’s. Returning to lead the side this week after a one-match suspension, Stokes broke the news of his retirement to his teammates in the dressing room mid-way through Day 4 of the Test match, where the hosts were eventually set a target of 353. The 35-year-old later explained the reason behind his decision to call it quits. ALSO READ | Ben Stokes retires: the bottle, the kit bag, and a career like no other “Since the Ashes, it’s been really tough,” said Stokes, who was appointed England’s longest-format captain in 2022. “It’s the best …

With a goal and assist, Salah answers doubters as Egypt make World Cup history

With a goal and assist, Salah answers doubters as Egypt make World Cup history

5 min readJun 22, 2026 01:44 PM IST A phone in one hand, a bottle in the other, and showing off his six-pack, Mohamed Salah danced in the dressing room as his teammates clapped and sang around him. Those celebrations lasted deep into the night in Vancouver as Salah led Egypt to a first-ever win at the World Cup, humbling New Zealand 3-1 in a Group G match. The historic moment, which propelled the seven-time African champions to the top of the table, triggered wild scenes thousands of miles away in Cairo, where fan zones erupted in a sea of red and white. For a nation that had waited 92 years for this feeling, the jubilation was as much a release of pent-up tension as it was a party. Egypt’s President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, also joined the celebrations. He wrote on X: “I congratulate the Egyptian national team and the fans of our great people on achieving the first victory in the history of Egypt’s participation in the World Cup, with an honorable performance that …

Indian women crowned champions; earn promotion to Pro League

Indian women crowned champions; earn promotion to Pro League

The Indian women’s hockey team was crowned champion of the 2025-26 FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday, earning promotion to the top-tier FIH Pro League for the next season. Navneet Kaur (4’) gave India the early lead before Sunelita Toppo (15’) doubled India’s advantage in the final against hosts New Zealand. The team then produced a stellar defensive display to protect their lead and win the title. In the final, New Zealand enjoyed the majority of possession in the early exchanges as they looked to make early inroads. However, the visitors manufactured the first meaningful opportunity of the game when Navneet won a penalty corner. She converted from the set-piece with a thunderous hit in the 4th minute, putting India in front. India were exceptional in transition, causing all sorts of problems for New Zealand’s defence with their intensity. They doubled their advantage through their fifth penalty corner of the opening quarter, with Sunelita Toppo deflecting a sharp attempt from Deepika, handing India a 2-0 lead in the 15th minute. India …

Virat Kohli reacts to Kane Williamson’s retirement: ‘Life’s only just begun’

Virat Kohli reacts to Kane Williamson’s retirement: ‘Life’s only just begun’

3 min readJun 12, 2026 06:44 PM IST Former India captain Virat Kohli paid a heartfelt tribute to Kane Williamson after the New Zealand batting great announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday, describing him as much more than just a rival and said that he cherished and valued the 35-year-old’s friendship. Taking to X, the 37-year-old reflected on a relationship that began as fierce competition on the field before growing into a close friendship built on mutual respect. “From an opponent to a friend over the years. It’s been a pleasure watching you bat and compete against you over so many years but more than that I value our friendship and shared perspectives on the game and beyond. I continue to cherish every time we speak or meet,” Kohli wrote. The former India captain concluded his message by wishing Williamson well for the next phase of his life. “Wishing you nothing but the best always brother. You’ve done your bit, you deserve to enjoy all of it now and put your feet up. Well done …

India-NZ free trade pact offers duty-free access, phased tariff cuts and USD 20 billion investment commitment

India-NZ free trade pact offers duty-free access, phased tariff cuts and USD 20 billion investment commitment

India and New Zealand on Monday inked a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aimed at boosting two-way commerce and investments. The pact was signed by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and visiting New Zealand’s Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay. The FTA provides duty-free access for 100 per cent of India’s exports to New Zealand, covering all tariff lines or produce categories. India has offered tariff liberalisation on 70.03 per cent of tariff lines covering 95 per cent of bilateral trade value, while keeping 29.97 per cent of tariff lines excluded to protect sensitive sectors. Disclaimer: We do not own any of the content, ideas, images, or text presented here. All rights belong to their respective owners. For more information and to view the original source, please visit the following link: Source link

CSK appoint former England wicketkeeper James Foster as their fielding coach | Cricket News

CSK appoint former England wicketkeeper James Foster as their fielding coach | Cricket News

2 min readUpdated: Mar 17, 2026 10:08 AM IST The Chennai Super Kings have announced the appointment of James Foster as their new fielding coach for IPL 2026. Foster, a former wicketkeeper for England and one of the sport’s most respected coaches, is part of a substantial reconstruction of CSK coaching staff following a disappointing IPL campaign last year. As part of the structure established by CSK’s head coach Stephen Fleming, Foster will provide a wide experience and knowledge to one of the most successful franchises. He is also an established and respected coach, having worked with England from 2001-2009 and New Zealand since then. Most recently, the 45-year-old was the coach of the Desert Vipers, leading them to victory in the ILT20 tournament held in Dubai and recently also named as assistant coach for Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred. He has also had a varied coaching career, both as head coach and assistant coach for multiple franchises. Foster was previously part of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ coaching staff between 2020 and 2023. He was …

Ricky Ponting hails India’s call to back Sanju Samson in T20 World Cup return

Ricky Ponting hails India’s call to back Sanju Samson in T20 World Cup return

3 min readMar 16, 2026 08:00 PM IST Legendary Australia captain Ricky Ponting hailed India’s decision to reinstate Sanju Samson mid-way through the T20 World Cup as a pivotal decision which eventually proved to be a game-changer for the hosts. After struggling to gain quick starts with a left-hand heavy top-order and the indifferent form of Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma early in the World Cup, India brought back a woefully out-of-form Samson back for the near knockout games in the Super 8 stage. In a virtual quarterfinal clash against West Indies in Kolkata, Samson crunched an unbeaten 97 to power India’s 196-run chase. He then backed it up with identical knocks of 89 in the semi-final and final against England and New Zealand, respectively. ‘A major call’ “It was actually a big call to make – moving Ishan Kishan down the order to bring Sanju Samson back to the top. That’s a major decision, but one that worked out really well in the end,” Ponting told the ICC. “As a player – and I’m …

Why South Africa won Rs 9.28 crore while England pocketed 8.99 cr after T20 WC semis; and how much did victorious Team India win?

Why South Africa won Rs 9.28 crore while England pocketed 8.99 cr after T20 WC semis; and how much did victorious Team India win?

South Africa’s all-win record till the semifinals saw them finish with $1,005,577 in prize money (₹ 9,28,12,796 or 9.28 cr) while fellow losing semifinalists England, who faced early defeat against West Indies ended with $974,423 (₹, 8,99,37,342 or ₹ 8.99 cr). An ICC breakup of the prize kitty of US $ 11.25 million revealed that India were richer by $2,639,423 (₹ 24,36,13,596 or 24.36 cr). New Zealand by virtue of making finals made $1,422,692 (₹ 13,13,11,697 or 13.13 cr). ‘The totals reflect the base participation payment that each team receives ($225,000) (2 cr 7 lakh), final team placements, win bonuses and progression through each stage of the tournament,’ the ICC release said. Interestingly, Afghanistan, USA and Australia which wrapped up their campaign without stepping into India going out before Super 8s, all took home $309,808 ( ₹2,85,94,674 or 2.85 cricket). Most top Australians will make over an IPL summer individually than this team sum. West Indies finished with $538,269 (₹4,96,81,179 or 4.96 crore), while Pakistan which trudged from one poor show to next before winning …

‘They found a way to win…’

‘They found a way to win…’

2 min readUpdated: Mar 10, 2026 02:39 PM IST Former England pacer Steve Harmison downplayed India’s T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, insisting that Suryakumar Yadav’s team were far from being the best outfit in the tournament that they clinched beating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final. Harmison instead picked South Africa as the more consistent side in the 20-team tournament that culminated last Sunday in Ahmedabad. The Proteas had held a dream run, beating all four of their group-stage and Super 8 rivals, including India at the Narendra Modi Stadium last month. However, Aiden Markram’s men suffered a crushing defeat to New Zealand in the semi-finals held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, bowing out of the tournament with the solitary defeat. Harmsion said that India succeeded better in clinching key moments in their matches and their win largely depended on the frenetic start provided by openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson in the final after the Kiwis opted to field first. “The Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson partnership largely won the final …