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  The 2026 FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup semi-finals produced two gripping, low-scoring contests on Thursday, with defending champions the Netherlands and two-time champions Argentina emerging victorious to set up a repeat of the 2022 World Cup final.  Netherlands 1–0 Belgium In a tense all-European battle at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, the Netherlands edged co-hosts Belgium 1–0 to reach their eighth consecutive World Cup final. The decisive goal came from Frédérique Matla in the 28th minute, giving the Dutch a narrow lead that they defended resolutely for the remainder of the contest.  Belgium pushed hard for an equaliser, particularly late in the match. 18-year-old Famke van Heel appeared to have restored parity with a fierce strike, but the goal was overturned following a review. The Dutch defence survived the late pressure to preserve a precious clean sheet.  The victory underlined the Netherlands' remarkable consistency. The reigning champions are now chas...

  Pakistan produced a vastly improved bowling performance on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s, reducing England to 248/9 in 56 overs on a rain-affected Thursday. After their emphatic innings-and-103-run defeat at Headingley, Pakistan’s disciplined pace attack immediately put the hosts under severe pressure.  The chief architect of Pakistan’s revival was the experienced Mohammad Abbas, who exploited the overcast conditions with superb control and movement. He finished the day with 4/56 from 15 overs, including the prized wicket of England captain Joe Root. Abbas also reached the significant landmark of 900 first-class wickets during his outstanding spell.  England were rocked early, slipping to 80/4 by lunch. Abbas’s incisive opening spell accounted for three wickets, while Mohammad Ali provided excellent support. Ali ended the day with 3/67 from 17 overs, leaving Pakistan just one wicket away from wrapping up England’s innings.  However, England’s middle ...

  Sonal Dinusha produced a magnificent, match-saving unbeaten 133 to thwart India’s bid for a series sweep as the second and final Test between India and Sri Lanka ended in a gripping draw at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Thursday. Sri Lanka finished on 429/9 in 154 overs, securing a hard-earned escape after being forced to follow on. India nevertheless won the two-match series 1-0, having triumphed by 165 runs in the opening Test in Galle.  Resuming the fifth morning at 229/6, Sri Lanka still faced an enormous challenge. But Dinusha, who had already scored 103 in the first innings, remained composed under relentless pressure. He received superb support from Keshara Nuwantha, and the pair added a crucial 112 runs for the seventh wicket, with Nuwantha contributing 46. That stubborn partnership effectively drained India's hopes of forcing a victory.  Dinusha eventually finished unbeaten on 133 from 264 balls, an innings of exceptional patience and temperament. His...

  30 & 31st August Rakshabandhan is celebrated all over India . We look back that the brief history of this popular Indian festival  Rakshabandhan, also known as Rakhi, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. Its history is rooted in Indian mythology and tradition: 1. **Ancient Origins:** The origin of Rakshabandhan dates back to ancient India. One legend suggests that during a war between gods and demons, Lord Indra's wife, Sachi, tied a protective thread (raksha) around his wrist to ensure his safety. This thread protected Lord Indra and helped the gods triumph over the demons. 2. **Krishna and Draupadi:** Another famous tale from the epic Mahabharata involves Lord Krishna and Draupadi. Draupadi tore a strip of her sari and tied it around Lord Krishna's wounded finger when he accidentally hurt it. In return, Krishna promised to protect her. This act is often cited as an example of the sacred bond between siblings. 3. **Historical Accoun...

  India tightened their grip on the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on a dramatic fourth day, enforcing the follow-on and reducing the hosts to 229/6 at stumps. With Sri Lanka holding only a 16-run lead and four wickets remaining, India are now within touching distance of a series-clinching victory. The morning session began with India completing the job of dismissing Sri Lanka for 290 in 89.4 overs, giving the visitors a substantial 213-run first-innings lead after India had declared at 503/9. Sri Lanka's resistance was spearheaded by Sonal Dinusha, who scored a determined 103, his second century of the series. However, India's disciplined attack eventually broke through the lower order. India's bowling effort was led by Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar, who claimed three wickets apiece. Saransh Jain took two, while Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja claimed one each. Sri Lanka's first innings also saw Pasindu Sooriyabandara make 80, but the hosts could not av...

  Sir Donald George Bradman, born on August 27, 1908, in Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia, is universally celebrated as the greatest batsman in the history of cricket. Often referred to as "The Don," Bradman's unparalleled skill, unwavering concentration, and remarkable consistency at the crease made him an icon of the sport and a national hero in Australia.   Style of Play - **Technical Mastery and Unerring Focus:**   - Bradman was renowned for his technical proficiency, with a compact and efficient batting technique that enabled him to score runs prolifically. His unorthodox yet highly effective batting style was characterized by his exceptional hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and ability to judge the length of deliveries with precision.   - He was particularly known for his aggressive play, which was unusual for his time. Bradman’s footwork was impeccable, allowing him to dominate bowlers with a wide array of strokes, from powerful drives to d...

  India strengthened their stranglehold on the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Wednesday, despite a stubborn lower-order resistance that prevented the visitors from wrapping up the hosts’ first innings. At stumps on Day 3, Sri Lanka were 265/8 after 83.4 overs, still 238 runs behind India’s imposing 503/9 declared. India’s mammoth first-innings total had been built around a superb 117 from Devdutt Padikkal and an unbeaten 115 by Dhruv Jurel. Jurel’s century was his second in Test cricket and his first overseas hundred, while Rishabh Pant contributed a brisk 63, giving India the commanding platform from which to dictate the match. Sri Lanka began their reply disastrously, slipping to 8/2 and later 35/3, as India’s seamers struck with precision. Prasidh Krishna was the outstanding performer, claiming three crucial wickets, while Manav Suthar also picked up three wickets to keep the pressure relentlessly on the hosts. The day’s most encouraging passage for Sri Lanka came t...

  Sri Lanka, an island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean, enchants visitors with its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. From the pristine beaches fringed by palm trees to the lush tea plantations carpeting the central highlands, Sri Lanka offers a diverse array of landscapes to explore. Immerse yourself in history as you wander through ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, marvel at the architectural wonders of Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and pay homage at sacred sites such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Indulge your senses with the tantalizing flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine, renowned for its aromatic spices and fresh seafood. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery, Sri Lanka promises an unforgettable journey filled with unforgettable experiences.  Sri Lanka is blessed with a wealth of natural and cultural attractions. Here are some of the best places to visit in detail: 1. **Sigiriya**: Domin...

  Amstelveen/Wavre, August 24, 2026: Day 10 of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 delivered high drama across Belgium and the Netherlands, with Argentina and the Netherlands completing the men’s semifinal line-up while India’s medal hopes ended in disappointment. In the women’s tournament, Germany and Argentina also secured their places in the last four. The biggest talking point was Argentina’s 5-3 victory over India in Pool E. India needed a convincing win to remain alive in the semifinal race, but Argentina struck just 39 seconds into the contest through Joaquin Toscani. Nicolas della Torre doubled the advantage from a penalty corner in the sixth minute before Sukhjeet Singh pulled one back in the 10th. Argentina, however, remained in control. Tomas Domene restored the two-goal cushion early in the third quarter and then converted a penalty stroke to make it 4-1. Lucas Toscani extended the lead to 5-1 in the 53rd minute. India produced a spirited late response, with Sukhjeet scoring ...

  Colombo, August 24, 2026: India produced two commanding days of Test cricket to seize a massive advantage over Sri Lanka in the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club. After winning the opening Test in Galle by 165 runs, India strengthened their grip on the series by piling up 503/9 declared and reducing Sri Lanka to 8/2 by the close of the rain-affected second day. Sri Lanka therefore face a daunting 495-run deficit with only eight wickets remaining in their first innings. Day 1 — Padikkal's Gritty Hundred Anchors India Captain Shubman Gill's decision to bat first initially brought mixed fortunes. Yashasvi Jaiswal made an attractive 45 from 53 balls, striking nine boundaries, before Asitha Fernando produced a fine delivery to breach his defence. KL Rahul contributed 18, but India's early setbacks left them 66/2. The day's outstanding performer was Devdutt Padikkal, who followed his magnificent 167 in Galle with another superb century. The left-hander comp...

  Amstelveen/Wavre, August 23, 2026: Day 9 of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 produced a dramatic mix of decisive victories, tense draws and major qualification twists as the second phase gathered momentum. The Netherlands women continued their dominant campaign, Australia ended India’s semi-final hopes, while Germany and Spain secured crucial progress in the men’s competition. Netherlands women maintain their authority The defending champions Netherlands produced another emphatic performance, defeating China 4-1 in Pool E. All five goals came before half-time. Freeke Moes opened the scoring, with Felice Albers and Joosje Burg extending the Dutch advantage before China’s Ying Zhang pulled one back from a penalty corner. Marijn Veen restored the three-goal cushion before the interval. The victory strengthened the Netherlands’ position at the top of Pool E and confirmed their status as one of the tournament’s strongest title contenders. Australia hold India to end their hopes India’s w...

  Australia produced a magnificent and ruthless response to their defeat in the opening Test, crushing Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs on the second day of the second Test at Mackay to level the two-match series 1-1 . In a match dominated by hostile fast bowling and dramatic collapses, the contest was completed in just two days, with Mitchell Starc delivering a sensational all-round bowling performance to spearhead Australia's commanding victory.  The second day began with Australia resuming their first innings at 165/8 , already holding a lead of 101 runs after Bangladesh had been bowled out for a dismal 64 on the opening day. Cameron Green, unbeaten overnight on 51, continued to provide resistance in a fragile Australian innings. However, Bangladesh's left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam remained a constant threat and completed a memorable spell, helping dismiss Australia for 210 . Green finished as Australia's top scorer with a valuable 67 , while Shoriful returned extr...

  The eighth day of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026, played on August 22, marked the beginning of a crucial phase of the tournament as the second-stage contests gathered momentum across Amstelveen and Wavre. The day produced several significant results, with the Netherlands defeating India 3-1 in the men's competition, while Argentina and Belgium registered important victories in the women's event.  The major talking point of the day came in the men's second-stage match between India and the Netherlands at the Wagener Hockey Stadium. India started brightly and produced a disciplined defensive display in the first half, keeping the powerful Dutch attack scoreless. Both teams had opportunities, with India coming close through Dilpreet Singh, while the Netherlands failed to convert several penalty corners. The match remained 0-0 at half-time , leaving India very much in contention.  The Netherlands finally broke the deadlock in the 41st minute through Duco Telgenkamp . India...

  The second Test between Australia and Bangladesh exploded into life on the opening day at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, with 18 wickets tumbling for just 229 runs in a remarkable exhibition of fast bowling. Australia, desperate to respond after their nine-wicket defeat in Darwin, ended the day in front at 165 for 8, carrying a 101-run lead after Bangladesh were sensationally dismissed for only 64. Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Mitchell Starc produced a devastating opening burst, removing Shadman Islam with the very first delivery of the Test. It was the fourth time Starc had taken a wicket with the opening ball of a Test, underlining his extraordinary record with the new ball. Starc was virtually unplayable in the opening exchanges. He claimed five wickets in only 22 balls, reducing Bangladesh to a catastrophic 12 for 5. Four of Bangladesh's top six — Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain ...

Day 7 of the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, played on 21 August, marked the beginning of the second round and classification phase of the men's tournament. The competition became significantly more intense as the eight teams that had progressed from the opening round entered the battle for the semi-finals, while the other eight teams began competing for final positions from ninth to 16th. The second round features two pools of four teams, with the top two from each pool progressing to the semi-finals.  The opening match of the day in the classification phase saw France and South Africa meet in Pool H at the Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre. France recorded a 3–0 victory, giving them three points and a goal difference of +3. South Africa, meanwhile, remained without a point after the defeat and slipped to a goal difference of -3. The result put France in a strong position in the battle for the classification places.  In the other Pool H match, Ireland defeated Malaysia 3–0. Ireland's ...

  The third day of the first Test between England and Pakistan at Headingley, Leeds, on 21 August 2026, produced a decisive result as England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs. The match ended before tea on the third day, giving England a 1–0 lead in the three-Test series. England's victory was built on outstanding fast bowling, disciplined fielding and a commanding first-innings performance.  England began the day at 366 for 8, having already established a substantial advantage over Pakistan's first-innings total of 171. The hosts added another 43 runs before being bowled out for 409 in 89.5 overs, securing a huge 238-run first-innings lead. Jofra Archer contributed a valuable unbeaten 23, helping England's lower order extend the advantage before Pakistan's bowlers finally completed the innings.  Pakistan's second innings began disastrously. They lost Imam-ul-Haq for a duck at 0, and Azan Awais was dismissed for 9, leaving Pakistan at only 13 for 2. Jofr...

  Report on the First Two Days of the 1st Test: England vs Pakistan, 2026 Venue: Headingley, Leeds Dates: 19–20 August 2026 Series: Pakistan tour of England, 2026 Test: 1st of 3 The opening two days of the first Test between England and Pakistan at Headingley have produced a strongly one-sided contest in favour of the hosts. England, under the returning captaincy of Joe Root, dominated Pakistan with the ball on the opening day and then built a substantial first-innings lead with the bat on a rain-affected second day. Day 1: England's bowlers dominate England won the toss and Joe Root elected to bowl first in conditions that offered considerable assistance to the seamers. The decision proved immediately successful. Ollie Robinson dismissed Azan Awais with the first ball of the Test, the first time an English bowler had taken a wicket with the opening delivery of an England Test series. Pakistan were soon reduced to 6 for 2, but Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique produced a valuable p...

   Day 6 of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026  Venues: Amstelveen, Netherlands, and Wavre, Belgium The sixth day of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 brought another exciting round of matches as the pool stage moved towards its conclusion. Several teams secured their places in the next stage, while others saw their World Cup campaigns come to an end. The day featured seven matches across the men's and women's competitions. Women's Matches China 5–1 South Africa — Pool D China produced an impressive performance against South Africa, winning 5–1. The victory confirmed China's strong position in Pool D and helped the team finish at the top of the group. China had already shown attacking quality earlier in the tournament, and the result demonstrated why they were among the leading teams progressing to the next stage. India 0–0 England — Pool D India and England played out a tense goalless draw at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. The match was particularly important for Ind...