Brief Scores, IND vs AFG: India (402-all-out in 49.5 overs). Shubman (154), Ishan (125) defeated Afghanistan (232-all out in 44.3 overs). Arshdeep Singh (3/45) lost by 170 runs in Lucknow.

In a stadium where even sitting in the sun was not possible, Shubman Gill’s India played a one-sided game of cricket for 95 overs and took an unassailable 2-0 lead against Hashmatullah Shahidi’s Afghanistan, giving the young captain his first ODI series win.

At Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, a select few fans who had bought expensive tickets for lower seats, quickly left their places and climbed the stairs to sit on the upper floors, given the shadow of the stadium’s roof.

One of the camera crew members of the broadcast unit collapsed, unable to bear the scorching heat of Lucknow in the afternoon. That summer, Shubman Gill’s India, sent in to bat first, batted 49.5 overs and scored a mammoth total of 402 runs.

The heat was the theme of the day, as the Indian Cricket Board allowed an extra drinks break for both teams, three instead of two, and teams arrived with ice towels to cool their players.

India vs AFG, 2nd ODI Highlights | Achievement:

Sent in to bat first, captain Shubman Gill battled through cramps to hit a brilliant 154 while Ishan Kishan ended a three-year wait for an ODI century as India posted a strong total of 402 against Afghanistan in the second match here on Wednesday.

Gill and Kishan (125) made a stormy partnership of 224 runs in 141 balls for the third wicket and stunned the visiting bowlers and laid the foundation of India’s huge score after being invited to bat.

Continuing their experimentation ahead of next year’s World Cup, India brought in Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) to open with Rohit Sharma (48), with Gill slipping to No. 3.

However, the young left-hander failed to take advantage of the opportunity and was out in the very second over.

Meanwhile, Rohit looked in good form and showed glimpses of his past best performances. The former captain was timing the ball well and looked set for a big score, but Rashid Khan’s googly failed him, taking an inside edge and hitting his stumps.

After this, Gill took charge of the innings and rarely took a wrong step. The brilliant right-handed batsman blends accuracy with precision of strokeplay, making batting look effortless despite challenging conditions.

He batted smartly and was critical when the Afghan bowlers tried something new. He completed his ninth ODI century while driving fluently. This milestone was especially sweet as it was also his first ODI century as captain.

Kishan, meanwhile, provided perfect support work before changing gears dramatically after reaching his fifty. The wicketkeeper-batsman, whose confidence has grown steadily in recent months, registered his second ODI century and his first since a memorable double century against Bangladesh in December 2022.

The left-handed batsman’s innings was full of power and innovation. His pulls regularly sent the ball crashing into advertising boards, while two daring one-handed sixes highlighted his growing confidence.

Kishan completed his second half-century in just 19 balls and was eventually dismissed after a brilliant innings of 79 balls.

However, as Gill approached his century, the scorching heat began to take its toll on him. The Indian captain required treatment on his back after the 34th over and looked tired.

Even after reaching his century, Gill struggled with cramps and fatigue but carried on with the innings with remarkable determination. After taking India deep in the final overs, his excellent innings ended in the 43rd over when an uncharacteristic attempt at a reverse sweep found deep cover.

With Gill’s dismissal, the batting collapsed and India failed to bat the full 50 overs and were all out for 402 runs.

Left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote (4/76) was the key destroyer, cleaning out India’s middle order, while Rashid Khan took three wickets.

The exhausted Afghans barely put up a fight.

Hashmatullah Shahidi’s decision to field in the scorching heat of Lucknow proved costly for the team. After fielding for 50 overs, a tired Afghanistan had very little energy left when they came out to bat.

Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 41 (33 balls) and then the ball went into the hands of wicketkeeper KL Rahul.

No. 3 Sediqullah Atal looked the strongest of the batsmen today, but Washington Sundar’s slider ended his stay. Seddik may feel that the umpire has punished him harshly, as the ball would have hit the leg stump on the umpire’s call.

The Afghans did not show the necessary intent to chase the target of 403 and were eventually bowled out for 232 in 44.3 overs.

The heat also affected middle-order batsman Darwish Rasooli, who suffered muscle spasms, injured his hamstring and was forced to retire hurt due to the injury.

The series now moves to Chennai where weather conditions are expected to deteriorate. However, there is a possibility of rain at the venue, potentially leading to the final game being cancelled.

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Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya (BCCI photo)

New Delhi: After half-centuries from Priyansh Arya, Tilak Verma and Kumar Kushagra, Nishant Sindhu took four wickets as India A sealed their place in the final of the triangular A series with a resounding 101-run win over Afghanistan A in Dambulla on Wednesday.After posting a strong score of 319/9 in 50 overs, India A bowled out Afghanistan A for 218 runs in 36.5 overs with a superior net run rate of +0.797 to enter the final. India A will now face either Sri Lanka A or Afghanistan A in the final on June 21 in Dambulla. Coming to bat first, India A was given a great start by openers Priyansh Arya and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who added 75 runs in just 48 balls for the first wicket.Suryavanshi survived an early scare when a brilliant catch at point was declared not out by the third umpire and the youngster took full advantage of it by scoring 38 off 28 balls with four fours and two sixes, before Faridoon Dawoodzai finally ended his tenure.Arya continued the attack and scored a fluent half-century. The left-handed batsman hit nine fours and a six in his innings of 58 runs in 42 balls, which laid a strong platform for the middle order.Ruturaj Gaikwad scored 30 before India A captain Tilak Verma and wicketkeeper-batsman Kumar Kushagra took over the innings.Both made an important partnership of 104 runs for the fourth wicket. Verma opened the innings with 59 off 75 balls, while Kushagra impressed with 58 off 67 balls in his first appearance of the series.After both the set batsmen were out, Vipraj Nigam played a quickfire 30 off just 20 balls, while Nishant Sindhu remained unbeaten on 21, helping India A cross the 300-run mark.For Afghanistan A, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Abdullah Ahmadzai and Farmanullah Safi took two wickets each.Chasing 320, Afghanistan A never recovered after losing wickets at regular intervals.Yash Thakur Hasan shocked Isaakhil by dismissing him early, while Anshul Kamboj got the breakthrough when Vaibhav Suryavanshi completed a brilliant catch to dismiss Khalid Taniwal in the second attempt.Captain Imran Mir made a comeback after scoring 32 runs, but Nishant Sindhu trapped him with the help of a well-considered catch by Suryansh Shedge.Afghanistan A’s only meaningful resistance came through Faisal Shinozada and Bahir Shah. The pair added 87 runs for the fourth wicket and continued the chase for a short while.Bahir led the counter-attack and scored a brilliant inning of 57 runs in 52 balls with the help of four fours and a six, while Faisal missed the half-century after scoring 46 runs.The turning point came when Anukul Roy dismissed Faisal and soon after Vipraj Nigam dismissed Bahir. Once the partnership broke, Afghanistan A’s lower order offered little resistance.After this, Sindhu dismissed Shams ur Rehman, Abdullah Ahmedzai and Zaheer Khan and took 4 wickets for 31 runs in 6.5 overs.Yash Thakur took two wickets, while Kamboj, Roy, Nigam and Shedge got one wicket each.Afghanistan A were eventually bowled out for 218, giving India A a comprehensive 101-run win.

It was one of those rare World Cup nights when all of football’s biggest stars seemed to be reading from the same script.

Across the United States, records have fallen, milestones have been reached, and some of the greatest names of this generation reminded the world why they defined an era. FIFA World Cup There’s always been a stage for the Giants, but something felt different Wednesday.

First came Kylian Mbappe. Still only 27 years old, yet already carrying the weight of French football history on his shoulders, his two goals against Senegal not only gave France the victory but also the victory. He became Les Bleus’ all-time leading goalscorer.Surpassing a record that many thought would stand for years.

Then it was Erling Haaland’s turn. The Norwegian goal machine had waited patiently for his World Cup debut, and when the moment finally arrived, he wasted little time in making his mark. Two goals against Iraq announced his arrival on football’s grandest stageThe latest chapter in a career that is destined to break every scoring record within reach.

And then came Lionel Messi.

At the age of 38, just seven days away from turning 39, and in his 200th appearance for Argentina, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner put in a performance worthy of the occasion. A brilliant hat-trick against Algeria not only gave victory to the defending champions But he also equaled Miroslav Klose as the leading scorer in World Cup history. Almost two decades after he first graced the tournament, Messi is still rewriting its record books.

Three superstars. Three wins. Seven goals. Countless records. Yet as remarkable as the night was, one final task remains.

cristiano ronaldo dos santos aveiro

For nearly 20 years, the Portuguese icon and Messi have shared football’s biggest stage, pushing each other to heights few athletes have been able to reach. Now as Ronaldo prepares to appear in his sixth World Cup, another piece of history is just around the corner.

When Portugal faces DR CongoRonaldo will have a chance to become the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cups. The Portuguese international has a total of eight goals to his name in the last five editions of the tournament.

The previous World Cup did not go as planned, with Ronaldo scoring just once, being substituted against South Korea, and later being placed on the bench for Portugal’s first knockout stage match against Switzerland. He also failed to score at the 2024 European Championships – the first time this has happened at a major international tournament.

Whereas Messi may have made the record of being the oldest player to score a hat-trick. As for Ronaldo himself, the 41-year-old Portuguese forward will look to get it straight back against 45th-ranked DR Congo. They are playing in only their second World Cup, their first in 52 years, when the country was still called Zaire.

“I wish them all the best,” Congo coach Sébastien Desbrey said with a cheeky smile at his pre-match press conference. I hope he scores, but not against us.

On a night when Mbappe, Haaland and Messi all produced moments of history, the focus now turns to the man most capable of ensuring this becomes a truly unforgettable day for football. The pressure will be immense, but the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will not have faced anything like it before.

He has repeatedly performed well for both club and country. The stage is once again set, the record books await—so which Ronaldo will arrive today?

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Vaibhav Suryavanshi will be back in action at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Wednesday as India A take on Afghanistan A in a must-win tri-series. India A are heading into the competition under pressure after their Super Over defeat to Sri Lanka A on Monday and cannot afford another defeat which would end their hopes of reaching the final.

Hosts Sri Lanka A, having won two of their three matches, top the table with four points and a net run rate of 0.494. This has made it a straight fight between India A and Afghanistan A for a place in the final, making Wednesday’s match even more important.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: Before the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow, India’s spin bowling coach… Sairaj Bahutule lined Rohit Sharma Amid renewed discussion over the future of the experienced opener. The 39-year-old has suffered a recent dip in form and concerns have resurfaced due to his age, a recent hamstring injury and a minor injury. IPL Return. Rohit could score only 16 runs after being run out in the first ODI against Afghanistan.Despite the scrutiny, Bahutule insisted that Rohit’s experience and leadership remain valuable to the team, especially Shubman Gill Now leading the ODI team.“I think Rohit is definitely an experienced player. He is a champion cricketer. I think he is someone who adds value to this team with his experience, not only batting-wise, but his leadership qualities also rub off on all the boys, including Shubman. So I think it is definitely very, very important to have him in the team, and he is someone who understands each game, who understands what is expected of him and the team, ” Sairaj told reporters. “I think he looks forward to every game and all the work he’s doing it’s like he’s just started playing.”

praise for KL Rahul

Bahutule also praised KL Rahul, who has been in great form across all formats. After scoring a century in the only Test against Afghanistan, Rahul scored an unbeaten 39 off 19 balls in the rain-interrupted first ODI.“I think he is a fantastic player. I think he is a player who adapts very quickly to situations and formats, as he has proved in these two matches,” he said.“I just think whatever number you send him at, he is someone who will perform for you, understand the situation, understand what is required of him at that particular moment, adapt to the conditions and perform. So I think wherever he decides to bat or wherever he is given the opportunity, he will be an important member of the team.”

Portugal have dismissed speculation over Roberto Martínez’s future and insisted the national team coach is focused on the FIFA World Cup. Reports in recent days have revealed that the Spaniard is set to leave the role once Portugal’s campaign ends.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has clarified its position amid continued questions before Portugal’s opening match. In an official statement, the federation stressed that both Martínez and the governing body are fully focused on the World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2026: full coverage

An FPF spokesperson said, “The FPF and Roberto Martínez are focused exclusively on the World Cup. The federation and the coaches are unanimous on this matter, as they have said publicly.”

The response comes after multiple reports claiming that Martínez has decided not to renew his contract, which expires at the end of July. While speculation has run high over his future, the Portuguese federation has refrained from commenting on what might happen after the tournament.

Martínez’s future in doubt

Martínez was appointed head coach of Portugal in January 2023, following the departure of Fernando Santos following the team’s unexpected quarter-final exit by Morocco at the 2022 World Cup. The former Everton and Wigan manager arrives after finishing a six-year stint with Belgium, whose campaign in Qatar ended with a disappointing group-stage exit.

The 52-year-old has overseen one major tournament with Portugal so far, with his team losing to France in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Despite maintaining an impressive record in charge, questions remain over his long-term future.

Reports coming in from across Europe have revealed that Martínez has made up his mind to step down after the World Cup ends. However, it is understood that both the coaches and the federation have agreed to postpone discussions regarding a new contract until after the tournament.

Martínez is expected to face questions on the matter when he addresses the media ahead of Portugal’s opening match. Speculation has also linked former Portugal international Jose Mourinho to the role, with reports claiming a verbal agreement was reached with the recently appointed Real Madrid manager. Before emerging as a candidate for Los Blancos.

Portugal’s World Cup focus

Despite uncertainty over their coach, Portugal remain firmly focused on their World Cup ambitions. Led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo and supported by one of the most talented teams in the competition, Portugal will open their campaign against DR Congo.

This tournament could represent another important chapter in Ronaldo’s storied international career as he continues his pursuit of the major trophy that has eluded him. Portugal will also be hoping to finally convert their reservoir of talent into a maiden World Cup victory.

For now, both Martínez and the federation are keen to ensure the spotlight remains on what happens on the pitch. Any decision regarding the coach’s future is expected to be made only after Portugal’s World Cup tour concludes.

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Nilakshika Silva (ex-Cricbuzz)

Nilakshika Silva smashed a brilliant unbeaten half-century as Sri Lanka recorded a memorable five-wicket win over defending champions New Zealand in Group 2 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at The Rose Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday.The win marked Sri Lanka’s first success of the tournament and provided a major boost to their campaign, while New Zealand’s title defense suffered another blow after suffering a second consecutive defeat.Sri Lanka completed the target of 151 runs with one ball remaining. Silva led the innings brilliantly with an unbeaten 54 and found an ideal partner in Kaushani Nuthyangana, whose 24-run knock helped the pair stitch an unbroken 48-run partnership for the sixth wicket to seal victory for their team.Thanks to captain Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka made a confident start. After escaping early chances when she was on seven, the left-hander bounced back and scored 27 runs in just 19 balls. However, his dismissal at the end of the powerplay led to a dramatic change in momentum.New Zealand immediately took advantage and Sri Lanka slipped from 45/1 to 55/4. Vishami Gunaratne scored 17 runs, Harshitha Samarawickrama scored five runs, while Hassani Perera was out after scoring two runs as the chase was in danger of being abandoned.With the innings at a crossroads, Kavisha Dilhari and Silva made significant improvements. The pair added 50 valuable runs to chase down the target and revive Sri Lanka’s hopes. Dilhari scored 17 runs before being run out in the 15th over, leaving the responsibility of taking the team to victory on Silva.The left handed batsman gave a brilliant reply. With Nutyangana, she efficiently chased during the closing stages. Sri Lanka needed 16 runs from the last two overs, but both scored 11 runs in the 19th over and reduced the equation to just five runs in the last over. After this he remained calm under the pressure of winning with one ball remaining.Earlier, New Zealand, batting first, scored 150/6. Their innings got off to a bad start when Isabella Gaze was out after scoring four runs in the opening over.Georgia Plimmer scored 18 runs and made a partnership of 49 runs with the captain. amelia kerrWho once again led from the front. Kerr made 45 and looked to be on his way to a big score before being caught in the deep during the 13th over.After this, Sophie Devine tried to increase the scoring rate and made a good contribution of 45 runs, while Maddy Green remained unbeaten on 18 runs. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers continued to apply pressure and prevented New Zealand from taking full advantage during the latter half of the innings.The Sri Lankan attack produced a disciplined collective performance, consisting of five bowlers. Kavisha Dilhari performed brilliantly and took 2 wickets for 35 runs in her four overs as she played a vital role with both bat and ball.After restricting New Zealand to 150/6 and then successfully chasing the target through Silva’s match-winning innings, Sri Lanka celebrated a historic win that could prove crucial in their quest to make the knockout stage.Brief Score:New Zealand, 150/6 in 20 overs (Amelia Kerr 45, Sophie Devine 45; Kavisha Dilhari 2/35) lost to Sri Lanka 153/5 in 19.4 overs (Neelaksika Silva 54*, Chamari Athapaththu 27; Nancy Patel 2/23) by five wickets.

When the lights go down and the floodlights go off at the Kansas City Stadium on Wednesday, June 17, Lionel Messi will walk out for his 200th match in an Argentina shirt. One of the most iconic footballers to grace the game, Messi will become only the second player to reach the feat after his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Two hundred matches is not just a number. It is a reflection of two decades spent meeting the expectations of a football-mad nation, surviving generations of tactical changes, heartbreaks and triumphs, and through it all remaining central to Argentina’s identity. From teenager making his debut in 2005 to captain who won the World Cup in Qatar, Messi’s international journey has mirrored Argentina’s own transformation.

Rivalry between Messi and Ronaldowhich shaped world football in the 2010s, still exists in large numbers. When Argentina’s legendary players walked off the field for Argentina’s opening match FIFA World Cup Against Algeria in 2026, he will do so as a world champion, while Ronaldo will continue to chase that elusive prize at the age of 41.

And perhaps this is what makes this World Cup different for Messi.

Argentina vs Algeria: When to watch?

Argentina vs Algeria will be played on Wednesday at 6:30 AM IST. The match will be telecast in India on United Sports and livestreaming will be available on the ZEE5 website and app.

For the first time in his international career, he is entering the tournament not with questions looming over his legacy, but with a sense of completeness. Every major debate that followed – comparisons with Diego Maradona, discussions about criticism and pressure over international success – has subsided since that night in Lusail. Now all that is left is the possibility of adding to something that already feels historical.

Messi will undoubtedly be in the center of attention in Argentina’s World Cup opener, not only because he is captain and the defending world champions, but also because of his increased familiarity with American conditions after spending the last few seasons with Inter Miami in MLS. The Argentine arrived in North America with his captain with a hamstring problem, but the latest update from the camp suggests he has recovered well and is expected to start.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was bullish on Messi’s availability, highlighting that despite leaving Europe’s top football more than two seasons ago, his influence is unmatched.

Scaloni explained, “Not only the Argentine population but everyone – the whole planet – wants to see him play.” “Everyone wants to see him on the field, because he has such an impact not only on Argentina fans but on supporters around the world.”

Scaloni’s words underscore something bigger than Argentina’s ambitions at this tournament. Even now, deep into his career, Messi remains football’s biggest attraction – the only player capable of turning a group-stage match into a global event.

The legendary forward gave supporters a glimpse of his condition by entering as a second-half substitute in Argentina’s warm-up match against Iceland last week. It took him no time at all to make his mark. With his first meaningful involvement, Messi delivered a pass for Lautaro Martínez; When the striker failed to finish and was awarded a penalty instead, Messi stepped up and converted the penalty without any trouble.

There were no celebrations that had any additional meaning and no dramatic statements. Another contribution from a player who has made extraordinary moments routine in 200 international matches.

Argentina vs Algeria: Predicted line-up

Argentina’s probable XI:E Martínez (goalkeeper); Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Medina; De Paul, Fernandez, Mc Allister, Almada; messi, lautaro martinez

Algeria’s probable XI: Zidane (goalkeeper); Belghali, Mandi, Chergui, Ait-Nuri; Bentaleb, Boudaoui; Mahrez, Maza, Amoura; Gauri

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