Egypt created history on Friday by reaching the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup for the first time by defeating Australia 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in extra time.

Hossam Abdelmaguid calmly converted the winning penalty after Australia missed two spot-kicks, sealing a historic victory for the Pharaohs.

australia vs egypt, FIFA World Cup 2026: highlight

Imam Ashour gave Egypt the lead after 13 minutes with a header from Karim Hafez’s cross and scored his 250th goal of the tournament. Australia responded 10 minutes into the second half when Mohammed Hani inadvertently headed Aiden O’Neill’s dangerous free-kick into his own net, his second own goal of the tournament.

Egypt held their nerve in the shoot-out to seal their first World Cup knockout win and will now face the winner of Friday’s round of 32 clash between defending champions Argentina and World Cup debutants Cabo Verde in Atlanta on Tuesday.

(more to follow)

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England all-rounder Sam Curran Vaibhav has described Suryavanshi’s emergence in the Indian team as an “incredible story”, adding that the 15-year-old has attracted attention for himself, while hoping England can keep him quiet if he makes his international debut in the ongoing T20I series.The cricket world has been waiting for Suryavanshi to make his India debut after he was selected for the UK tour following his performances for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.Speaking to the media before the second T20 match, Curran said that he has watched Suryavanshi closely during the IPL.“I think it’s an incredible story. I watched a lot of IPL for a month, and I was just watching this guy, he looks so effortless. It’s really incredible and it’s right too, he’s getting the attention he deserves.“He’s very raw and he’s just enjoying his life, isn’t he? Playing for India at the age of 15 is a really cool story and I think even as the opposition, you have to admire the skills and things like that,” Curran said.Curran believes that the conditions in England could present a different challenge for the young player.“I think England will probably be a different challenge, the pitches are very different, much slower than India. People may have their own plans and all that kind of thing.“So I think, definitely we’ll have our plans, but I’m not saying they’re perfect plans, you never know because he’s playing really well.He added, “But at the end of the day, I will try and showcase my skills, but there is no doubt that he is very special at what he is doing.”Suryavanshi finished IPL 2026 as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 776 runs at a strike rate of over 230.Curran also said that handling the attention that comes with playing for India could be Suryavanshi’s biggest challenge.“I think being an Indian cricketer in India is probably a lot bigger than us. So I think that will probably be his biggest challenge, how he handles it. He has played one or two IPL seasons and is now straight into the Indian team. I am sure there are people around him who are trying to help him. But I think you won’t know until he makes his debut and see how he performs.“I’m sure he’ll have his ups and downs like anyone else, but as a cricketer, you’ve got to enjoy what he’s doing because it’s so good. At the age of 15, I think I was knocking around at Surrey Indoor School.”

India bowling coach Morne Morkel has defended the team management’s decision to delay Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s international debut and asserted that it would be unfair to overlook established performers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson despite the growing enthusiasm for the teenage batting sensation.

Speaking ahead of the second T20I against England, Morkel stressed that the Indian team believes in rewarding players who have consistently performed well at the highest level rather than making changes driven by publicity or public demand.

Morkel clarified that India’s current opening pair has earned the confidence of the management through consistent performances over time.

“I think we just need to respect the fact that we have the number one batsman, or we have the number one batsman in T20 cricket, Abhishek Sharma. You know, Sanju was a World Cup player,” Morkel told reporters ahead of the second T20 match.

Vaibhav, who became one of the biggest talking points after his breakout IPL campaign with Rajasthan Royals where he finished as the leading run-getter, has been included in India’s T20I squad but is yet to earn his first cap.

‘It is right to support your players’

Abhishek has established himself as one of India’s most destructive T20 batsmen over the last two years. The left-handed batsman played many explosive innings, Which also includes a quick century against Zimbabwe in 2024 And played a match-winning inning of 135 runs in 54 balls against England in 2025, and recently became the fastest batsman to hit 100 T20I sixes.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson’s recent performances have been mixed, but his reputation as a player who performs well in big matches remains intact. Strong role in India’s T20 World Cup victory Earlier this year, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

Morkel also highlighted Samson’s overall contribution, including his strong IPL season, as the key reason behind India’s decision to stick with the experienced opener.

Morkel said, “He (Samson) had a great IPL. So, I think as a coaching staff, it is appropriate to show confidence and support your players. Yes, a young guy is knocking on the door and it is exciting.”

The former South African fast bowler further said that supporting established players also strengthens the confidence of the dressing room and sends a clear message of confidence to the entire team.

“But I think it’s a good sign, not only for those two players at the top, but also for the rest of the group, that we show that we support you guys,” he said.

With India prioritizing continuity at the top of the order, Suryavanshi’s long-awaited international debut looks to be further delayed, even as one of the country’s most promising young talents continues to wait for her opportunity on the big stage.

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Hardik Pandya, right, celebrates the wicket of Pakistan’s Sahibzada Farhan with teammate Ishan Kishan during the T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Sunday, February 15, 2026. (AP photo)

Pakistan men’s team head coach Mike Hesson has questioned the way his team is judged based on their results against India and said no team in world cricket has found a consistent answer to the current Indian team.Speaking to Cricinfo, Hesson said that Pakistan’s progress should not be measured only by matches against India. The former New Zealand coach, who takes charge of Pakistan’s white-ball teams in 2025, acknowledged India’s current position at the top in world cricket and said Pakistan is not the only team to struggle against them.The two teams have not played a bilateral series for over a decade due to political reasons. They now meet only in multi-nation tournaments, where India have dominated the rivalry since 2022, including three wins over Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup and a 61-run win in the 2026 T20 World Cup.“For example, last year in the Asia Cup we won all the matches except India,” Hesson told Cricinfo. “The reality is that every single team in the world is struggling to beat India at the moment. Every team, not just Pakistan.”Hesson said that due to the focus on India, Pakistan’s performance against other teams is often ignored.He said, “Rightly or wrongly, Pakistan are judged by how they perform against India. And at the moment, India are not only the best team; they are the best team by a mile.” “In the T20 World Cup, we lost to England in the Super 8 because of Harry Brook’s century and a very tough game outside of that. We won every match [other] The game except India,” he said.The Pakistan coach pointed to the team’s improvement over the past year and said the results show they are moving in the right direction.“Till 2023-2025, we won’t be able to get out of the pool in ICC events. So unless you start winning more regular games of cricket, you can’t suddenly go from eighth in the world to being competitive. And it’s important for us to win about 20 per cent to three-quarters of our games in a year.”

For almost an hour, Cristiano Ronaldo looked as frustrated in Toronto as he has looked at any time during this World Cup.

Croatia eliminated them from the competition; His movement rarely got the passes he wanted, and the chances that came his way either went inches wide or ended with the offside flag raised. The Portugal captain managed only 17 touches in the first half and failed to register a shot from open play or a single touch inside Croatia’s penalty area, despite his team dominating possession and territory.

And yet, by going full-time, he finally achieved what he had spent two decades pursuing.

Ronaldo’s calmly taken penalty helped Portugal recovered from defeat and defeated Croatia 2-1. And, more importantly for them, they erased the only gap left in their extraordinary World Cup performance.

But when the 41-year-old finally passed the last statistical milestone that had eluded him, the Portuguese left Toronto with another conversation altogether.

Goncalo Ramos’s match-winning header and Roberto Martínez’s willingness to replace his captain have suddenly made the build-up to the round of 16 with Spain far more interesting than just a few hours ago.

This isn’t necessarily a debate about whether Ronaldo should start or not. This is a debate over what gives Portugal its best chance against one of the strongest opponents left in the tournament.

the game never got ronaldo

Portugal probably played some of its best football of the World Cup in the first half without Ronaldo involved.

Rafael Leao was tireless down the left, Pedro Neto constantly stretched Croatia’s defense and Bruno Fernandes repeatedly found space between the lines. Portugal created chances, but they rarely reached the areas where Ronaldo wanted them.

A Neto cross went inches wide of his diving header. Another teasing delivery flashed untouched into the six-yard box. A trademark free-kick hit the wall, before an offside flag denied his chance of success.

Croatia deserves huge credit for this.

Marin Pongracic and Josip Sutalo squeezed every yard around Ronaldo, while Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic continued to build for Portugal through wide areas rather than feeding their captain through the middle.

The game was revolving around Ronaldo rather than him, a sign of age and the passing of time for a player who has spent two decades being the center of almost every Portugal attack.

The numbers reflected this. Ronaldo completed 19 of his 20 passes but created no chances, attempted no dribbles and finished with only one shot in 81 minutes, a penalty.

Ronaldo’s first World Cup knockout goal

Portugal’s equalizer came when Renato Veiga was pulled down inside the box during a corner. VAR is finally giving a penalty After a long review. And from the moment of the decision to the time the cameras reached the 12-yard spot, there was no doubt in the entire world as to who would take it.

Ronaldo fired the penalty straight into the center to score his 11th World Cup goal and, ultimately, his first goal in the knockout stage. A moment that had somehow eluded him in six tournaments despite everything he had achieved in international football.

The goal changed the atmosphere in the stadium, but it did not immediately change the pattern of the game.

Martínez’s quadruple attacking substitution left Portugal dangerously open through midfield after Ivan Perisic had put Croatia ahead. Kovacic repeatedly drove into wide spaces, hitting the post and forcing Diogo Costa into another superb save as Croatia looked the more dangerous side.

With nine minutes remaining, Ronaldo’s turn came.

The Portugal coach added Ruben Neves, sacrificing his captaincy for more control in the midfield. Ronaldo did not hide his disappointment, but the substitution was probably the manager’s first correct decision at this World Cup.

More than just another forward, Portugal needed another midfielder.

Martínez made a big call.

Luckily for him, it worked.

Enter: Super Sab Ramos

Neves helped restore the balance, Portugal regained control and then came the decisive moment.

Leão, Portugal’s most talented attacker all evening, sent a cross towards the far post, where Goncalo Ramos rose above two Croatian defenders to almost score the winner with his first meaningful involvement.

Ronaldo was the first player off the bench to celebrate with him.

It was an appropriate image. A striker has finally completed his World Cup story. The other just made sure it would continue.

Ramos’ contribution shouldn’t automatically turn this into a baseless Ronaldo-versus-Ramos debate. Both offer completely different properties.

Ronaldo has the biggest presence in this Portuguese team. His movement inside the box, composure in decisive moments and clear aura make him a player that opponents must reckon with.

Ramos, meanwhile, brings something different.

He applies constant pressure, stretches defensive lines with his running and gives Portugal more mobility without the ball. Against Croatia, he needed only one real chance to show why Martínez continues to trust him.

With Spain waiting this difference suddenly matters a lot more.

Spain offers a different exam

Croatia exposed a weakness that Portugal cannot overcome in the Round of 16.

Once Martínez chased the game by flooding the pitch with attackers, Portugal lost complete control of the midfield. Kovacic repeatedly burst into the center, Perisic found space to create from wide areas and Croatia thought they had taken extra time on three separate occasions, before VAR ruled them out each time.

Spain is unlikely to be so forgiving.

Luis de la Fuente’s side certainly look to be the most balanced team after France at this World Cup.

A tiki-taka show of controlling the match through midfield before pressing the opponents without the ball. If Croatia could create those positions, Spain would be confident that they could exploit them even more ruthlessly.

That’s why the biggest question before the Round of 16 is not just whether Ronaldo will start or not.

The point is whether Martinez prioritizes experience or balance.

He has already shown against Croatia that emotions will not dictate his decisions. With the game hanging in the balance, replacing Ronaldo required conviction, although we have seen little of that from the boss or the team.

Whether he goes a step further against Spain is a different question, but Ramos’s winner at least showed him the inevitable existence of an option.

Ramos hasn’t displaced Ronaldo with a header, nor should a performance erase everything the captain still has to offer.

But against a Spain team that on paper appears to be one of the favorites for the tournament, Martínez now has a tactical decision that did not seem as complex as it faced Croatia.

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Cristiano Ronaldo embraces Luka Modric in tears after Portugal ended Croatia’s FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-1 win in the round of 32 on Thursday. Moments after a lengthy VAR review denied Croatia a stoppage-time equaliser, Ronaldo stepped forward to console his former Real Madrid teammate, as Modric acknowledged the traveling fans in what could prove to be his final World Cup appearance.

After the match, Ronaldo said, “I played with Modric for many years. It’s great to see him still playing at the top level.” “I told him: Congratulations, Luca. Good luck with the future of your career.”

Emotional scenes followed a dramatic finish in Toronto, where substitute Goncalo Ramos headed home Rafael Leao’s cross to score in the fourth minute of extra time. Portugal in the round of 16.

Croatia believed they had forced extra time when Josko Guardiol fired deep into the net in stoppage time, but VAR ruled out the goal after Mario Pasalic was ruled offside when Igor Matanovic flicked the ball.

Portugal will now face Spain in the round of 16 after the European champions defeated Austria 3-0 on Thursday.

Croatia took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perisic, who finished after Josip Stanisic’s cross took a deflection off Ruben Dias. The goal moved Perisic past Davor Sukar as Croatia’s top scorer in World Cup history.

Portugal controlled the ball for long periods but struggled to make any breakthroughs until VAR awarded a penalty for a foul on Nikola Vlasic on Renato Veiga. Ronaldo stepped up in the 68th minute and easily converted the goal, making him the oldest player to score in a men’s World Cup knockout match at the age of 41. It was also the first knockout-stage goal of his World Cup career.

Roberto Martínez introduced Ramos midway through the second half and the striker made a decisive impact. Rising above the Croatian defence, he powered Leão’s cross past Dominik Livakovic to put Portugal ahead in stoppage time.

Croatia desperately tried for one last chance and when Guardiol headed the ball into the net in the 103rd minute they thought they had got it. The celebrations were cut short after a lengthy VAR review revealed an offside violation in the build-up, confirming Portugal’s place in the last 16.

The result ended Croatia’s campaign on a sad note. As the players collapsed onto the field at the final whistle, Modric stood before the Croatian supporters and tearfully applauded them, before Ronaldo crossed the pitch to embrace his long-time friend and say a few quiet words, bringing an emotional end to one of the defining careers in World Cup history.

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Rahul Dravid and Samit Dravid (Agency Image)

It was a familiar sight at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground on Wednesday. As soon as Samit Dravid stepped out to the crease for Kalyani Bengaluru Blasters in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 2026, it only took a few balls to draw comparisons with one of them on social media. indian cricketThe greatest batsman of.The trigger movement, upright stance, high left elbow and compact backlift immediately evoked memories of his father, Rahul Dravid. For many fans watching, it appeared as if “The Wall” had returned to the crease.Samit arrived in a difficult situation after Blasters lost two wickets inside the first eight balls. Instead of panicking, the young batsman played with composure and kept the innings steady before being dismissed after scoring 32 runs in 23 balls.Their contributions proved vital as Rohan Patil scored 64 and Praveen Dubey added 51 to take Bengaluru Blasters to 203/7. Hubli Tigers chased enthusiastically, led by Manwanth Kumar’s explosive 60, but ultimately missed out by just two runs.Although Samit’s innings included six fours, it was his technique that became the biggest talking point. His crisp square cuts, fluent cover drives, controlled pull shots and balanced footwork bore an uncanny resemblance to Rahul Dravid’s trademark style, leading online fans to describe him as a “photocopy” of the former Indian captain.Given his upbringing, these comparisons are not unexpected. Having grown up in Karnataka’s cricket system under the guidance of one of the game’s finest technicians, Samit naturally developed many of the fundamentals of batting that made his father a legend.However, despite the similarities, young people are pursuing their careers with a different skill set.While Rahul carved his legacy as one of the greatest specialist batsmen in cricket history, Samit has emerged as a genuine fast bowling all-rounder. Along with his middle-order batting, he offers medium pace and has already made a strong mark in age-group cricket.He played a key role in Karnataka’s victorious 2023–24 Cooch Behar Trophy campaign, scoring 362 runs and also taking 16 wickets. A standout performance of that tournament came in the form of a crucial 98 against Jammu and Kashmir.Those performances led to him being selected in the India Under-19 squad for the home series against Australia in 2024. However, that opportunity was cut short due to a knee injury. Since his recovery, Samit has resumed his progress and continues to cement his credentials through consistent domestic performances with both bat and ball.The next generation of the Dravid family does not end here.Rahul Dravid’s younger son Anvay Dravid is also making his mark on the national stage. Unlike Samit, Anvay is a wicketkeeper-batsman, similar to the role played by his father during his international career.The 17-year-old was recently named in India’s Under-19 squad for the Sri Lanka tour starting on July 14.Anvay captained Karnataka Under-19 in the quarter-finals of the Vinoo Mankad Trophy and scored 220 runs including 82 not out in six matches. He also represented India Under-19 B in a triangular series involving India A and Afghanistan Under-19, before being selected for Team C in the Under-19 One-Day Challenger Trophy after another impressive performance in domestic cricket.

England Women finally exorcised the evils of their recent past with a thumping 40-run win over South Africa in the second semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup at Kennington Oval on Thursday, booking a thrilling title clash against Australia at Lord’s on July 5.

Having suffered heartbreaking defeats to the Proteas in the semi-finals of the 2023 T20 World Cup and 2025 ODI World Cup, England enter the competition carrying the burden of those painful memories. However, led by captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, the hosts produced a brilliant all-round performance to end South Africa’s campaign and keep alive their dream of lifting the trophy on home soil.

England vs South Africa, Women’s T20 World Cup Semifinal: Update | Achievement:

The win also sets up an ideal finale between the two unbeaten teams of the tournament. Australia captured the title by defeating West Indies in the first semi-final, while England responded with an equally dominant performance and ensured that cricket fans were treated to one of the biggest rivalries in women’s cricket on the grand stage of Lord’s.

South Africa made a great start

The evening got off to a bad start for England as South Africa chose to bowl first due to overcast conditions. Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail made full use of the movement on offer, dismantling the top order and reducing the hosts to 22/3 inside the powerplay.

Ismail created history when she dismissed Amy Jones to become the first bowler to take 50 wickets in Women’s T20 World Cup history. Capp then bowled out the tournament’s top scorer Danny Wyatt-Hodge for 12, after which Ismail had Ellis Capsey out LBW, reducing England’s score to 35/3 after six overs.

With South Africa in strong control, England were in desperate need of someone to steady the innings, and their experienced campaigners answered the call in spectacular fashion.

Strong comeback of Sciver-Brunt

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, returning from injury, played an innings befitting the occasion. Along with former captain Heather Knight, they withstood the early pressure before launching a remarkable counterattack that completely changed the momentum.

The pair made a record-breaking 133-run partnership for the fourth wicket, the highest partnership for any wicket in a Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final. Sciver-Brunt performed brilliantly, scoring 75 runs in 47 balls with the help of 11 fours and a six and registered her eighth Women’s T20 World Cup half-century to equal the tournament record.

Knight played an excellent supporting role and scored 58 runs in 47 balls with the help of six fours and a six. The duo cleverly rotated the strike, punished loose balls and did not allow South Africa to make any breakthroughs in the middle overs.

England made a great recovery

Although Nonkululeko Mlaba struck twice in the final over to dismiss both well-set batsmen and finish with figures of 2/25, the damage had already been done.

Danny Gibson added valuable runs with four byes on the last ball to take England to a strong score of 169/7. Given the position they were in after the powerplay, the hosts had staged one of the finest recoveries in Women’s T20 World Cup knockout history.

For South Africa, Kapp was exceptional with the new ball, returning figures of 1/16 from four economical overs, while Ismail finished with 2/31 after a brilliant opening spell.

England’s bowlers tightened their grip

Chasing 170, South Africa made a confident start through openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brittas, who added 43 runs for the opening wicket and kept the required pace under control for some time. However, the England bowlers never allowed the innings to gain sustained momentum.

Lynsey Smith made the breakthrough by dismissing Wolvaardt for 17, with Sophie Ecclestone taking a brilliant overhead catch. From here the England attack strengthened its grip on the match.

Charlie Dean removed both Marijne Kapp and the dangerous Brits, whose fighting 51 proved to be South Africa’s only significant contribution with the bat. Freya Kemp cleverly mixed her pace to dismiss Anne Dirksen, Lauren Bell removed Sune Luus before producing a superb slow yorker to clean bowl Ayabonga Khaka, while Ecclestone completed another economical spell with the wicket of Chloe Tryon.

England were equally quick in the field, with Danny Wyatt-Hodge producing a direct-hit run-out to dismiss Sinalo Jafta as South Africa slipped further behind the asking rate.

Only the Britons crossed the 50-run mark, while the Proteas were restricted to 130, giving England a comprehensive win. Sciver-Brunt’s side now head to Lord’s full of confidence for a blockbuster final against defending champions Australia, where the title will be decided between the two unbeaten teams of the tournament.

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