Sports

Kylian Mbappé scored twice, including an 87th-minute winner, as Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou. The result dealt a blow to Barcelona’s hopes of making La Liga history and strengthened Madrid’s position in the title race. Barcelona entered Sunday’s clash hoping to become the first team to begin a season in one of Europe’s top five leagues with 10 consecutive victories. They also had a chance to extend their lead over Madrid, but Mbappé’s late strike ensured

Tilak Varma continues to strengthen his reputation as one of India's most promising batting talents, with former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin backing him for a place in the national Test team. The 23-year-old left-handed batter recently played a match-winning innings against New Zealand in the second T20I at Christchurch. His unbeaten 51 off 26 balls helped India secure a four-wicket victory and take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Azharuddin believes Varma has the temperament and batting ability to succeed across all

Shadab Khan produced a remarkable unbeaten century to guide Pakistan to a thrilling one-wicket victory over England in Lahore on Sunday. His outstanding performance helped the hosts secure a place in the final of the tri-series, which also features Sri Lanka. Chasing a target of 242 runs, Pakistan appeared close to defeat after losing nine wickets for 154 runs. However, Shadab's brilliant innings and a crucial last-wicket partnership with Haris Rauf turned the match around. England suffered their third defeat in five days,

Michael Carrick insisted he was “carrying on as normal” after Manchester United suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday. However, the result has intensified pressure on the manager, with frustration growing among supporters at Old Trafford. When asked whether he expected to remain in charge the following week, Carrick offered no guarantees and accepted responsibility for the club’s poor results. “Of course, I take responsibility,” he said, adding that he would continue doing what he believed was best for Manchester United.

Ishan Kishan Ruled Out of Wellington T20I India have suffered another setback ahead of the third T20I against New Zealand, with wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan ruled out of the match scheduled for October 27 in Wellington.The left-handed batter is recovering from a low-grade strain in his right adductor muscle, which he sustained during the opening match of the series.The Board of Control for Cricket in India confirmed that Kishan is making progress but has not yet regained full match fitness.The medical team continues to

India enjoyed a memorable day in para badminton at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya, Japan, as Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar secured gold medals in their respective men’s singles categories. Nitesh triumphed in the SL3 final, while Naveen emerged victorious in the SL4 event. Indian players also added two silver medals through Pramod Bhagat, Thulasimathi Murugesan and Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan. The results highlighted India’s strength in para badminton and added to the country’s medal campaign at the continental competition. Nitesh

More than 85 per cent of men's tennis players who attracted engagement online faced social media abuse over the past year, according to the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). The governing body said its Safe Sport initiative blocked approximately 234,000 abusive comments from reaching players and fans. The findings are based on an analysis of more than 3.7 million comments across ATP and player social media channels. The programme uses artificial intelligence (AI)-powered moderation and specialist threat assessment to identify and address online

South Africa defeated Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Thursday, levelling the three-match series at 1-1. The hosts secured victory in the final session despite the threat of bad weather disrupting play. South Africa’s pace attack, led by Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, took the final four Australian wickets to complete an impressive turnaround after the visitors had dominated the opening Test. Temba Bavuma’s Brilliant Century Turns the Match

South Africa delivered a commanding performance to defeat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha on October 22, 2026. The victory levelled the three-match series at 1-1 after Australia had dominated the opening encounter. Captain Temba Bavuma led the hosts with an outstanding 179, while Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer provided valuable support. Despite rain interruptions during the first two days, South Africa took control and maintained their advantage until the final session.

India could make a change to their playing XI for the second T20 International against New Zealand after wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan suffered a groin injury. The setback has increased the chances of teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi featuring in the upcoming encounter. India won the opening match by four wickets after successfully chasing a target of 226 runs. The second T20I is scheduled to take place in Christchurch on October 24, with the team management assessing its options. Ishan Kishan's Injury Raises Selection Concerns

Bournemouth produced an impressive 3-0 victory over AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League on October 22, 2026, extending their winning start in the competition to three matches. Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier scored from the penalty spot in the first half, giving the English side a commanding advantage. Milan's task became more difficult after goalkeeper Mike Maignan was sent off following an incident involving Tyler Adams. Amine Adli later sealed Bournemouth's memorable win with a superb free-kick. Bournemouth Capitalise on Milan's Red

India secured a thrilling four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first T20 international at Christchurch on October 22, 2026. Chasing a challenging target of 226 runs, India reached 230 for six in 19.4 overs, winning with two deliveries remaining. Sanju Samson provided an explosive start with 67 runs off just 33 balls, while Naman Dhir delivered a remarkable finish. The result gave India a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. The match featured aggressive batting, a tense middle phase and an

England captain Harry Brook delivered a remarkable batting performance against Sri Lanka in the one-day international tri-series in Rawalpindi on October 22, 2026. He scored 202 runs from just 116 deliveries, helping England post an impressive total of 429 for four. His innings included 21 fours and 10 sixes, putting Sri Lanka’s bowlers under tremendous pressure. Brook reached the double-century milestone in only 114 balls, setting a new record in men’s ODI cricket. His powerful display also made him the first English batter

India Begin Their New Zealand T20I Tour India are set to face New Zealand in the opening match of their five-game T20 International series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22, 2026. Captain Shreyas Iyer will lead the Indian side as the visitors look to begin the tour with a strong performance. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, will aim to make the most of playing at home. The match opens a lengthy tour featuring T20 Internationals, One-Day Internationals and Test cricket.

James Anderson’s Cricket Future in Doubt England fast-bowling legend James Anderson could bring his professional cricket career to an end after Lancashire decided not to offer him a contract for the 2027 season. The 44-year-old reportedly received the news following discussions with the county’s new leadership. Anderson continued playing for his boyhood club after retiring from international cricket in 2024. Although an official retirement announcement has not been made, reports suggest he may not pursue another county contract. The decision could mark the

Bhuvneshwar Returns to International T20 Cricket Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to T20 international cricket after nearly four years when India faced New Zealand in Christchurch on October 22, 2026. The experienced pacer last represented India in the format in November 2022. His comeback attracted attention after an impressive Indian Premier League season strengthened his case for selection. However, the opening match of the series proved challenging for the veteran bowler. He finished his four-over spell without a wicket, conceding 49 runs.

Sachin Tendulkar's Technique Influences Bavuma South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has credited Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar for influencing his batting approach after producing a career-best 179 against Australia. The remarkable innings came during the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha, where South Africa had been struggling against Australia's powerful bowling attack. Bavuma explained that he has long admired Tendulkar and tries to incorporate elements of the former Indian star's technique into his own game. He particularly values efficient footwork and

Warriors Rookie Criticises Lakers Superstar Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has sparked debate after openly criticising Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic following his NBA debut. The two players were involved in several heated exchanges during the Lakers' 127-105 victory over the Warriors on Wednesday. Lendeborg said his impression of Doncic changed after witnessing what he described as frequent complaints to referees throughout the contest. The rookie had previously admired the Slovenian guard after watching his performances in highlight videos. However, facing

Manchester United Faces Growing Pressure Manchester United is enduring another difficult period, with disappointing performances and concerns about the club's direction increasing pressure on its leadership. The Glazer family, which has owned the club since 2005, continues to face criticism from supporters over its handling of one of football's biggest institutions. Fans have repeatedly questioned the ownership's priorities, particularly regarding investment, recruitment and the condition of Old Trafford. Despite the club's commercial strength, success on the pitch has become increasingly difficult to sustain.

Arsenal Manager Concerned About Saka's Injury Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concern about Bukayo Saka's fitness after the winger suffered an injury during the team's 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw against Bayern Munich. The England international was forced to leave the field in the opening 10 minutes of the match at the Allianz Arena. Saka appeared to experience sharp pain in his thigh while attempting a pass. He received attention before being replaced by Eberechi Eze. Arteta admitted that the early setback