Image Credit: Zimbabwe Cricket

New Delhi: Zimbabwe produced a brilliant all-round performance to beat Bangladesh by 25 runs in a thrilling low-scoring encounter in the first ODI at the Harare Sports Club on Monday. After being bowled out for just 141, Zimbabwe struggled with the ball to bowl out Bangladesh for 116 in 33.1 overs to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.Newman Nyamuri was named player of the match for his all-round contribution.

Naheed Rana’s six wickets shook Zimbabwe

After bowling first, Bangladesh looked to be in complete control.Fast bowler Nahid Rana destroyed Zimbabwe’s batting by taking 6 wickets for 21 runs in 10 overs. Taskin Ahmed Took two wickets while captaining Mehndi Hasan Mirage claimed one.In front of Nyamahuri and the captain, Zimbabwe’s score was 70 runs for eight wickets in 20 overs. Richard Ngarawa Staged a remarkable recovery.The pair added a crucial 63 runs for the ninth wicket, reducing Zimbabwe’s score to 141 runs. Nyamahuri top scored with 33 runs, while Ngarwa contributed 27 runs.

Zimbabwe’s fast bowlers destroyed Bangladesh

Chasing the modest target of 142 runs, Bangladesh had a very poor start.Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarwa reduced the visitors to 17 for three inside five overs, putting them under immediate pressure.Tauheed Hridayoy (25) and Nurul Hasan (31) tried to rebuild the innings with a 49-run partnership, giving Bangladesh hopes of completing the chase.However, Nyamauri knocks out Hridoy, starting another collapse.

Nyamurhi shines with bat and ball

After Hridoy left, Zimbabwe took control.Nyamurhi took two wickets after his valuable innings with the ball, while Brad Evans and Richard Ngarwa took three wickets each. Muzarabani also struck twice.Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually all out for 116, falling 25 runs short.

Zimbabwe took an early lead

Zimbabwe’s bowlers and fielders produced a disciplined performance to defend the poor score. The ninth wicket partnership between Nyamuri and Ngarwa ultimately proved to be the difference in the match.With this victory, Zimbabwe has got a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

President Donald Trump has defended his involvement in the disciplinary case involving United States striker Folarin Balogun, saying he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card decision because he did not believe it was a flagrant offense. His comments came after FIFA suspended the automatic one-match ban imposed on Balogun, clearing the striker to face Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16.

The episode has sparked widespread debate over football governance, disciplinary consistency and the role of political figures following FIFA’s decision to overturn Balogun’s suspension using a rarely enforced provision in its disciplinary code.

“I saw the play, and I’m a guy who loves sports – it was not a foul. It was not even a violation,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “This referee, who is a bit shady if you check his past, made a call that nobody could believe. (Balogun) is our best player, or one of our best players… I asked FIFA for a review.”

Defending his actions, Trump insisted that he had only sought a re-evaluation of the incident rather than putting pressure on FIFA. He said, “I only asked for a review because I didn’t think it was dishonest.” “I think they made a really great decision. If they didn’t allow a top player to play, I think it would have been a big stain. I echoed that sentiment.” He later celebrated the decision on Truth Social, writing: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and overturning a huge injustice!”

“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and overturning a huge injustice! President Donald J. Trump,” he later wrote on Truth Social, welcoming the decision to sanction Balogun for the knockout stage.

The controversy stemmed from Balogun’s red card during the United States’ 2–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, when he was dismissed for a serious foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic. The challenge, in which the defender was in obvious pain and required treatment, initially triggered an automatic suspension under FIFA rules.

However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee later invoked Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code to suspend the implementation of the ban, and instead of imposing an immediate suspension, placed it under a one-year probationary period. The move effectively allowed Balogun to remain available for selection in the round of 16 tie against Belgium.

FIFA President Infantino responded

Following Trump’s comments, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has now come out and defended the independence of the governing body’s disciplinary process following the controversy over Folarin Balogun’s suspended ban. He stressed that FIFA’s judicial bodies work independently and that their decisions are based solely on the rules and facts of each case.

“FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code and decide cases based on the applicable rules and the specific facts before them,” Infantino said in a statement. He said his independence was “essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and must always be respected.”

Infantino confirmed that he had received a call from US President Donald Trump but denied any political influence on the outcome.

“During our conversation, I explained that a legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies is ongoing and that the case will be decided in due course,” he said, adding that although he may sometimes agree or disagree with disciplinary decisions, he always respects “the autonomy of the bodies that make them” in order to protect the integrity of FIFA’s competitions.

FIFA’s decision sparks debate on governance

The decision has divided opinion in the football world, with Belgium expressing strong opposition to the decision. The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “surprised” by the decision and argued that FIFA’s own competition rules clearly mandate an automatic suspension following a red card, with only additional sanctions to be imposed after that.

Belgian officials pointed to tournament guidelines and pre-competition circulars, claiming that the interpretation applied in Balogun’s case undermines consistency in disciplinary enforcement. The federation has indicated it is reviewing all available options in response to the decision, which has raised concerns over the integrity of the game ahead of the crucial knockout match.

Meanwhile, the United States have welcomed the result, with Balogun now available for selection after scoring three goals so far in the tournament.

The situation has added further scrutiny to FIFA’s disciplinary procedures, particularly the use of rarely invoked provisions that can suspend or alter standard sanctioning procedures in exceptional circumstances.

The debate has also intensified scrutiny of outside influence in football administration, given Trump’s public comments and alleged communications with FIFA leadership. With the World Cup entering its decisive knockout stage, the focus remains on whether the decision sets a precedent for future disciplinary interventions in high-profile matches.

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Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has criticized FIFA after the governing body suspended Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban following reports of interference by US President Donald Trump, clearing the United States striker to face Belgium in Monday’s World Cup round of 16 clash.

This decision announced on Sunday has created a stir One of the biggest controversies of the tournament. Balogun’s availability for the knockout tie has been criticized throughout the football world, with Blatter becoming the highest profile figure to question the circumstances surrounding FIFA’s decision.

Balogun was automatically handed a one-match suspension after being sent off during the United States’ 2–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 25-year-old had opened the scoring before receiving a straight red card following a VAR review for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic.

With three goals to his name, Balogun is the United States’ leading scorer at the tournament and a key figure in United States coach Mauricio Pochettino’s attack heading into the last-16 tie.

Blatter did not hold back from criticizing the governing body. In a post on X, the former FIFA chief questioned whether football’s disciplinary process remains independent.

“Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by the rules, evidence, and independent bodies. If an American president interferes with the FIFA president, and a player is suddenly sanctioned before a World Cup knockout match, the question is inevitable: Quo plaintiff, FIFA?

“Football should never become a playground for political power.”

Blatter’s comments came amid reports that Trump had personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the United States’ victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, asking the governing body to review Balogun’s dismissal.

The Latin phrase quo vadis, meaning “where are you going?”, underpins Blatter’s criticism of FIFA’s direction under Infantino.

While FIFA has not commented publicly on the alleged conversation between Trump and Infantino, the governing body confirmed on Sunday that it had suspended the implementation of Balogun’s automatic one-match ban under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

“By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun has been suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year,” FIFA’s disciplinary committee said in a statement.

“If Folarin Balogun commits another violation of similar nature and severity during the probation period, the suspension will be revoked and the sanction will be imposed without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new violation.”

This decision effectively cleared Balogun to play against Belgium despite the red card remaining on his disciplinary record.

The decision has also been criticized by Belgian officials, who have questioned the timing and circumstances of FIFA’s intervention.

Trump later welcomed the decision on Truth SocialWriting: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and overturning a huge injustice!”

The decision also confirmed the stance taken by Pochettino, who had argued shortly after the Bosnia and Herzegovina match that Balogun’s challenge did not warrant a straight red card.

For Blatter, the episode is the latest point of contention with FIFA’s current leadership. The Swiss administrator served as FIFA president from 1998 to 2015 before resigning amid a corruption investigation.

He has frequently criticized the Infantino administration and earlier this year supported calls for fans to boycott World Cup matches in the United States over concerns about the Trump administration.

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India’s Sanju Samson (PTI photo)

Former India batsman Aakash Chopra believes Rajat PatidarHis return to India’s T20I squad will have to wait for now, arguing that the current batting line-up leaves little room for the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain despite his impressive performances.Patidar was not included in India’s 16-member squad for the ongoing five-match T20 series against England. His absence has sparked debate, especially when India field a predominantly left-handed top order.During a video on his YouTube channel ‘Aakash Chopra’, the former opening batsman was asked whether Patidar deserves a place in India’s T20 team. Chopra replied that the big question is to identify which batsman should make the way.“That’s a very good question, but to find the answer to that question we have to dig a little deeper and see who can move out. You’ve got left-handed batsmen in the top three at the moment. You won’t see Rajat Patidar in any of those positions because you’ve got Vaibhav Suryavanshi.” Abhishek SharmaAnd Ishan Kishan,” Chopra replied.“There is no scope to change any of those three. Ishan Kishan is at No. 3. If you have the power to remove Ishan Kishan, remove him. He has become the No. 1 T20I batsman right now. It looks like we are not doing right with Sanju,” he said.Chopra’s comments come after Sanju Samson, who was part of India’s victorious 2026 T20 World Cup campaign and finished as the player of the tournament, was left out of the playing eleven for the second T20I against England. Samson appeared in the opening match but after consecutive low scores made way for Vaibhav Suryavanshi at the top of the order.After this, the former Indian cricketer assessed the middle order, pointing towards Shreyas Iyer and the vice-captain. Tilak Verma There was no possibility of him losing his place. He suggested that, only Shivam Dubey’s position is left as a possible opening for Patidar.“Shreyas Iyer comes in at No. 4, and your vice-captain, Tilak Verma, comes in at No. 5. Shivam Dubey comes in at No. 6. If you don’t want to change the captain and vice-captain, which you shouldn’t, would you like to play Rajat Patidar in place of Shivam Dubey?” He said in the same video.Although Chopra acknowledged that Patidar deserves another opportunity at the international level, he feels the time is not right as it is difficult to break the current combination.“I believe his time will come. Rajat Patidar will definitely play for India again. He has played Test cricket before. It is only a matter of time, but has that time come? It will come only when you have to sit someone out. Who will you sit out? This question has to be answered first.” I don’t think there is any chance of his name emerging immediately,” Chopra said.Patidar has so far represented India in three Test matches and one ODI. In domestic and franchise T20 cricket, he has amassed an impressive record of 3,389 runs in 106 innings at a strike rate of 160.08, strengthening his case for another opportunity in India’s shortest format setup.

Guillermo Ochoa’s career ended tragically on Sunday as Mexico crashed out of the FIFA World Cup in the round of 16 after losing 3-2 to England. Moments after the final whistle at the Azteca Stadium, the veteran goalkeeper began to cry as teammates and coaches gathered around him, realizing he had witnessed the end of one of the greatest careers in Mexican football.

The 40-year-old had confirmed his retirement from professional football, ending a journey that spanned two decades and six World Cups. Photos of an emotional Ochoa quickly spread across social media, as fans, former players and football organizations paid tribute to the goalkeeper who became the face of Mexico for an entire generation.

Nike was among those honoring Ochoa, calling him a legend of Mexican football. The company praised not only his record-equalling sixth World Cup performance, but also his leadership, professionalism and resilience, which have defined his career. Supporters echoed those sentiments, thanking Ochoa for the unforgettable saves, the iconic performances and the commitment he showed every time he wore the Mexico shirt.

Ochoa first traveled to the World Cup in 2006 in Germany as part of Mexico’s squad. Although he did not play during that tournament, he established himself as the country’s first-choice goalkeeper in the years that followed and appeared at the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026 editions. His performances on the biggest stage, particularly against Brazil in 2014, garnered worldwide recognition and cemented his place among the finest goalkeepers of his generation.

His final appearance was absolutely dramatic. After the match was delayed an hour due to a storm, Mexico made an impressive debut in front of a packed Azteca crowd. However, England took control of the contest by scoring twice in succession through Jude Bellingham.

Julian Quinones gave the home fans hope by pulling a ball back before half-time and Mexico had a chance after England defender Jerel Quansah was sent off early in the second half. But despite playing with 10 men, England restored their two-goal lead when Harry Kane converted from the penalty spot after Anthony Gordon was brought down inside the box.

Mexico refused to accept defeat. Raúl Jiménez converted a penalty after a VAR review to make the score 3–2, creating a tense situation in front of over 80,000 supporters. The hosts put up the figures and pushed England back for long periods, but Thomas Tuchel’s team defend strongly to book quarter-final placeWhere they will face Norway.

For Mexico, the defeat ended hopes of a dream performance at their home World Cup. It was also their first World Cup defeat at the Azteca Stadium, adding to the disappointment on a night that had promised so much.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 05: Nat Sciver-Brunt of England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt etched her name in the record books during the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final against Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground, becoming the highest scorer of 50-plus in the history of the tournament.Sciver-Brunt played another captain’s knock and remained unbeaten on 58 off 53 balls, registering her ninth 50-plus score in Women’s T20 World Cup history. This milestone saw her surpass Suzie Bates, who previously held the record with eight 50-plus scores.

Highest 50+ score in Women’s T20 World Cup history

The England captain also climbed into another elite list. Her latest half-century was her third 50-plus score in Women’s T20 World Cup knockout matches, leaving her behind many of the greats of the game. Only Beth Mooney has recorded more, with four.

Captain’s innings saved England

England, who came to bat first after Australia won the toss, had a bad start. Amy Jones lost six runs to Lucy Hamilton, while the tournament’s leading run-scorer Dannii Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed by Annabel Sutherland, leaving England struggling at 32/2.Sciver-Brunt then combined with Ellis Capsey to rebuild the innings, although Australia’s disciplined bowling attack kept the scoring rate under control. Capsey hit a six before falling to Sophie Molineux, while Heather Knight was dismissed cheaply by Kim Garth.With England in danger of finishing below par, Freya Kemp changed the momentum with a blistering 44 off 28 balls, allowing Sciver-Brunt to open the innings and take England to a competitive score of 150/4 in 20 overs.

England vs Australia playing XI for the final

England Women (Playing XI): Amy Jones(w), Dannii Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt(c), Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Charlotte Dean, Lynsey Smith, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren BellAustralia Women (Playing XI): Georgia Woll, Beth Mooney(w), Phoebe Lichfield, Ellyse Perry, Ashley Gardner, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux(c), Kim Garth, Lucy Hamilton

Defending champion Jannik Sinner continued his consistent form at Wimbledon 2026, defeating Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki 6-3, 7-6(0), 6-3 in the round of 16 to book his place in the quarter-finals and add another chapter to his growing legacy on grass.

The win marked Sinner’s fifth consecutive Wimbledon quarterfinal appearance, making him the youngest player to reach five or more consecutive men’s singles last eights at the All England Club since Pete Sampras accomplished the feat in 1996 at the age of 24 years and 317 days. At just 24, the Italian reached her 15th Grand Slam quarter-final, underscoring her remarkable consistency at the biggest events.

wimbledon 2026 day 7 updates

The world No. 1 has now won 11 consecutive matches at Wimbledon and improved his 2026 record to 41 wins. What’s even more impressive is that Sinner has won 34 of his last 35 matches, an astonishing win rate of 97.14 percent and moves him one step closer to defending his Wimbledon crown.

After defeating Mochizuki, Sinner said, “It’s very difficult to face her. On this surface, her game fits very well. Taking everything into account, I tried to be a little more aggressive. I had some chances in the second set but I couldn’t convert them. Still, I’m very happy with my performance today. I’m trying to improve a little bit every day, and I’m happy with the way I played today.”

The sinner dominates from beginning to end

Although the scoreline suggested that the second set was tightly contested, Sinner remained firmly in control throughout the two-hour encounter. He delivered the first blow in the opening set by breaking Mochizuki in the eighth game to lead 5–3 and then confidently closed out the set in just 33 minutes.

His precise groundstrokes, deep returns and exceptional movement repeatedly forced the Japanese qualifier to go on the defensive, leaving him little space in which to dictate the game.

Mochizuki responded admirably in the second set, matching Sinner’s hold and pushing the contest into a tie-break. However, the defending champion displayed one of his most clinical passes of tennis, winning all seven points in the breaker.

Two early mini-breaks gave her complete control, before a surprise return winner secured a 7–0 tie-break and a two-set advantage.

All hopes of a comeback in the third set were soon dashed. Sinner broke serve in the second game to take a 2-0 lead and never allowed Mochizuki to get back into the contest.

The Japanese player failed to earn a single break point in the set as Sinner controlled the rallies with relentless baseline accuracy and effortless power. Holding serve with minimal fuss, the Italian won another 6-3 set to seal a stunning straight sets victory.

With steady progress defining his campaign, Sinner once again demonstrated the composure and consistency that has made him the player to beat on the ATP Tour.

The defending champion will next face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in the quarter-finals after world number 74 Hubert Hurkacz retired with the deciding set tied at 4-4.

At the age of 36, Struff became the oldest man to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal in the Open era, setting up an intriguing showdown with world No. 1.

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Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield bats as England’s Amy Jones during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 final between England and Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo/Getty Images)

Australia continued its dominance in women’s T20 cricket and won the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for a record seventh time by defeating England by seven wickets at Lord’s in London on Sunday.Chasing the highest target of 151 so far in a Women’s T20 World Cup final, Australia scored 153/3 in 17.1 overs and achieved the target with 17 balls remaining.The chase revolved around Beth Mooney, who scored 64 runs from 49 balls with 10 fours, and Phoebe Litchfield, who scored 48 runs from 35 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes.Mooney and Litchfield chased the target from the second over to the 13th with a partnership of 100 runs in 67 balls.Litchfield were left 34 runs short of victory and Mooney was out 11 runs from the inevitable end after scoring his third match-winning half-century in Australia’s last three finals.England had a well-set Mooney out LBW to Sophie Ecclestone in the 16th over, but Australia’s batting depth meant there was no change in the result. The winning runs came in unusual fashion when Ecclestone bowled five wides in the 18th over. Another stalwart Ellyse Perry oversaw the winning runs with 17 balls to spare to lift her seventh World T20 trophy.Earlier, England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt scored an unbeaten 58 off 53 balls, while Freya Kemp added an unbeaten 44 off 28 balls to help England post 150/4 when invited to bat first.The pair saved England by putting on an 80-run stand for the fifth wicket after the Australian bowlers controlled the scoring for most of the innings.Sciver-Brunt hit five fours, while Kemp hit four fours and a six.Australia captain Sophie Molineux decided to bowl first and her decision paid off as the bowling attack limited England despite the absence of Perry, who did not bowl due to injury.England managed to hit only two sixes in their 20 overs, with one six each from Ellis Capsey and Kemp.Australia’s spin attack, led by Molineux (1/32) and Georgia Wareham (0/9 in two overs), controlled the middle overs, while Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland also maintained the pressure with disciplined bowling and variations of pace.Brief Score:England Women: 150/4 (20 overs)Australia Women: 153/3 (17.1 overs)

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt created one of the most memorable moments of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 final when she walked onto the Lord’s ground carrying her newborn son Theo ahead of the summit clash against Australia.

As she continued to hold Theo during the national anthem, the packed crowd stood up and applauded as this touching scene instantly became one of the defining images of the tournament. His wife and former England fast bowler Katherine Sciver-Brunt was also present at the iconic venue to witness the special moment.

Women’s T20 World Cup Final, Australia vs England: Update | Achievement:

Theo, born to Nat and Katherine Sciver-Brunt earlier this year, was with his mother during the pre-match celebrations. Not only is this heartwarming moment a personal milestone for the England captain, but it also marks the remarkable strides women’s cricket has made in embracing motherhood alongside elite competition.

Sciver-Brunt’s appearance followed an inspiring comeback during the tournament. After missing three group-stage matches due to a calf injury, the all-rounder Returned in time for the semi-final against South Africa And played a match-winning inning of 75 runs in 47 balls. With Heather Knight, she stitched a record 133-run partnership to take England to their first Women’s T20 World Cup final since 2018.

ICC’s historic policy supports mothers in cricket

Sciver-Brunt’s emotional walk with Theo also reflected the ICC’s efforts to make the game more inclusive for mothers. In June 2026, the International Cricket Council introduced its historic Return to Play Post-Pregnancy Guidelines, a comprehensive framework designed to help women cricketers safely restart their careers after childbirth, while encouraging member boards to adopt motherhood-friendly policies.

Built around the ‘6 Rs’ model – Prepare, Review, Restore, Recondition, Return and Refine, the guidelines recommend medical and mental health support, flexible training programmes, child care assistance, baby-friendly facilities at locations and travel assistance wherever possible. ICC President Jay Shah said the initiative aims to ensure that no player has to choose between representing his country and starting a family.

Chasing their first Women’s T20 World Cup title since 2009, England entered the Lord’s final unbeaten throughout the tournament, while Australia were aiming for a record-extending seventh title.

Regardless of the outcome, Sciver-Brunt’s walk with Theo served as a powerful reminder that motherhood and sporting excellence can coexist. It was a defining image of the changing era in women’s cricket, in which family is no longer considered a barrier to success but an integral part of an athlete’s journey.

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