Sport Updates
Same-day match highlights, records, team news and results from across the sports you follow.
Haaland's 7 World Cup Goals Outscore Messi, Mbappe and Ronaldo's Debut Campaigns Combined
Erling Haaland has scored 7 goals in his debut FIFA World Cup, the best tournament tally by a debutant since Poland's Grzegorz Lato managed the same in 1974. His run has been built on a hat-trick of multi-goal games, including two braces, most recently in Norway's stunning 2-1 win over Brazil that sent them into their first-ever World Cup quarterfinal. What makes the number even more striking is the comparison it invites. In their own debut World Cups, Lionel Messi scored just 1 goal, Kylian Mbappe scored 4, and Cristiano Ronaldo scored 1 — a combined total of 6. Haaland's 7 goals this tournament alone have already outscored all three of their debut campaigns put together. Haaland now sits level at the top of the Golden Boot race alongside Messi and Mbappe heading into the quarterfinals, with Norway dreaming of a first-ever run deep into the tournament, 28 years after their last World Cup appearance.
Historic Women's Test at Lord's Set to Begin With Record Ticket Sales
England and India will play the first-ever women's Test at Lord's, starting Friday, July 10. More than 30,000 tickets have already been sold. That makes it one of the biggest women's Test matches ever staged. The match carries several milestones. It is the first women's Test to be played at Lord's. It also arrives exactly 50 years after the first-ever women's international was held at the venue. An opening ceremony will honour both former and current England women's cricketers before play begins. The Test doubles as an international farewell for Tammy Beaumont . She recently announced her retirement from international cricket, and this will be her final appearance in an England shirt. It's a fitting stage for her to sign off on, given the occasion and the history riding on this match.
Tammy Beaumont to Retire From International Cricket After Lord's Test
England opener Tammy Beaumont is retiring from international cricket. Her final appearance will be the ongoing Test against India at Lord's. It is the first-ever women's Test played at the historic ground. It also marks the 261st international of her career. Beaumont made her England debut in 2009. She went on to play 260 matches across formats before this farewell Test. She leaves as England's leading century-maker in ODIs with 12 hundreds , the most by any England woman. She was Player of the Tournament at the 2017 ICC Women's World Cup on home soil. She finished that tournament as the leading run-scorer with 410 runs, as England lifted the trophy. Her Test record stands out too. In 2023, she became the first Englishwoman to score a Test double-century, with an unbeaten 208 against Australia at Trent Bridge. That knock put her among a small group of players, 2 from England and 5 in the world, to have scored an international century in all 3 formats of the game. Across all formats for England, she has scored 7,325 runs. Beaumont was part of the first group of 18 players to receive an England Women's Central Contract, back in 2015. That was a milestone in the sport's move toward professionalism. She said playing for England for nearly 17 years had been the greatest honour of her career. She is not done with the game entirely, and will continue playing domestic cricket for The Blaze and Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred. England Women's managing director Clare Connor called her contribution remarkable. She pointed out that Beaumont started her England career in the amateur era and went on to become one of the most complete batters the women's game has produced.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Lineup Confirmed
The World Cup 2026 quarterfinal lineup is confirmed, with all 8 teams now known after Switzerland's penalty win over Colombia in the last Round of 16 tie sealed the final spot alongside defending champions Argentina. The last 8 line up as: France vs Morocco, Spain vs Belgium, Norway vs England, and Argentina vs Switzerland. It's a genuine mix of usual heavyweights and first-time deep runners — Morocco and Norway have been two of the standout stories of the tournament, while Switzerland's run already matches their best World Cup showing since the 1950s. Quarterfinal action gets underway on July 10 and runs through July 12, with the 4 winners advancing to the semifinal stage.
AIFF and ISL Clubs Sign Four-Year Deal to Run the League
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Indian Super League clubs have signed a 4-year agreement to jointly run the league, ending months of uncertainty over its future. The deal was formalised on July 8, and sets September 4 as the start date for the 2026-27 season. Under the new structure, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be set up as a private limited company to handle ISL operations. The clubs will run the commercial side of the league, while the AIFF continues to look after regulatory duties like referees, anti-doping and integrity. Clubs get a unilateral option to exit the model after 2 years, though AIFF officials say that is unlikely given how talks have progressed. All 14 clubs, including IFL champions Diamond Harbour FC who earn direct promotion, are expected to take part. Each club will pay an annual fee of Rs 1.1 crore, split into 2 instalments, generating close to Rs 15.4 crore a year for the AIFF. Profits from the league will be split 90-10 in favour of the clubs, overseen by an independent auditor. On player rules, there is no mandatory Indian striker policy, and no change to the existing rule of 6 foreign players per squad. The AIFF has encouraged clubs to sign Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) players if they choose to, but this remains optional rather than mandatory. AIFF general secretary Satyanarayan said strengthening the ISL is central to building a stronger Indian national team over the next 5 to 7 years, though he was clear that World Cup qualification is not an immediate target.
Sourav Ganguly to Be Inducted Into ICC Hall of Fame
Sourav Ganguly is set to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. The formal ceremony takes place on July 11, at the conclusion of the ICC's annual conference in Edinburgh. The announcement came on his 54th birthday. It makes him the 12th Indian overall, and the 10th Indian men's cricketer, to receive the honour. Ganguly joins a list of Indian greats already in the Hall of Fame: Sunil Gavaskar , Kapil Dev , Anil Kumble , Rahul Dravid , Sachin Tendulkar , Vinoo Mankad , Bishan Singh Bedi , Virender Sehwag , Diana Edulji , Neetu David and MS Dhoni . He thanked the ICC and chairman Jay Shah on social media soon after the news broke. He called it a huge honour to be part of such a list. Across a career spanning 3 formats, Ganguly scored 18,575 international runs with 38 centuries . In Tests, he made 7,212 runs from 113 matches at an average of 42.17, with 16 hundreds. In ODIs, he piled up 11,363 runs in 311 games at an average of 41.02, including 22 centuries. His opening partnership with Tendulkar remains the most productive in ODI history. It's his captaincy, though, that changed the course of Indian cricket the most. He took over in 2000, in the aftermath of the match-fixing scandal. Ganguly led India in 196 matches and won 97 of them . Under him, India won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home in 2001. India also reached the final of the 2003 ODI World Cup, and the final of the inaugural ICC KnockOut Trophy in 2000. He backed a generation of young players too, including MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan and Virender Sehwag. Many of them went on to become key figures in India's later ICC title wins. Ganguly retired from international cricket in 2008. He now serves as president of the Cricket Association of Bengal. He is also head coach of the Pretoria Capitals in SA20.
Messi Becomes World Cup's All-Time Leader in Assists as Well as Goals
Lionel Messi added two more milestones to his World Cup legacy in Argentina's round of 16 win over Egypt. His assist for Cristian Romero's equaliser in the 79th minute was his ninth of the tournament, taking him past Diego Maradona's mark of eight and making him the all-time leader in World Cup assists. Messi then scored the equaliser himself four minutes later, his 21st World Cup goal, which keeps him as the outright top scorer in the competition's history. That strike also gave him eight goals for this edition alone, putting him clear at the top of the Golden Boot race ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. He has now scored in nine straight World Cup matches, a run going back to Argentina's title-winning campaign in 2022. Not everything went his way, though. Messi missed a penalty in the first half, his second missed spot kick of this tournament and the fourth of his World Cup career from just eight attempts — a record no other player has matched.
World Cup 2026: All Eight Quarterfinalists Confirmed
The World Cup 2026 quarterfinal lineup is now complete, with all eight teams confirmed after Switzerland's penalty win over Colombia sealed the final spot alongside defending champions Argentina. Here's how the last eight shapes up: France vs Morocco Spain vs Belgium Norway vs England Argentina vs Switzerland Between them, the group blends World Cup heavyweights with sides enjoying rare deep runs — Morocco and Norway in particular have been among the standout stories of the tournament so far, while Switzerland's run has already matched their best showing since the 1950s. The quarterfinals get underway on July 10 and continue through July 12, with all four winners advancing to the semifinal stage.
Switzerland Reach World Cup Quarterfinals for First Time Since 1954
Switzerland are into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954, after knocking out Colombia on penalties in the round of 16. It also marks the first time the Swiss have won multiple knockout matches in a single World Cup edition. Manager Murat Yakin called it a release of an old "curse" — Switzerland had never won a World Cup shootout before, having lost their only previous one against Ukraine back in 2006, and had managed just a single shootout win in their last six across all competitions. The win came at a cost, with breakout star Johan Manzambi already missing through injury before kickoff. He'd been one of the team's standout performers so far, contributing three goals and two assists in Switzerland's first four games. Vargas himself trained only partially the day before the match but was fit enough to come off the bench and net the winning penalty. Switzerland now turn their attention to defending champions Argentina in the last eight.
Switzerland Edge Out Colombia on Penalties After Goalless 120 Minutes
Switzerland edged past Colombia 4-3 on penalties at BC Place in Vancouver after neither side could break the deadlock across 120 goalless minutes. Colombia actually had the better of the extra-time chances, with Jhon Lucumí striking the crossbar and Jáminton Campaz blazing over an open goal after a slip from Granit Xhaka, but they couldn't turn possession and shots into a breakthrough. The shootout came down to missed kicks from Davinson Sánchez and Cucho Hernández, with the latter saved by Swiss keeper Gregor Kobel. Manuel Akanji also missed for the Swiss, but it didn't matter in the end — substitute Rubén Vargas, who had only just come on in stoppage time, stepped up and slotted home the winner to send Switzerland through. It's a cruel repeat for Colombia, who now exit on penalties in back-to-back World Cup appearances, having also lost a shootout to England in the 2018 round of 16.
India Suffer Their Biggest-Ever T20I Defeat by Runs, Crushed by England in Nottingham
India's T20I side hit a new low at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, going down to England by 125 runs — the largest margin by runs the team has ever lost by in the format. Put in to bat, England piled up 201 for 7, then bundled India out for a mere 76 in just 11.4 overs to seal the third T20I of the five-match series and move 2-0 up. This beats the earlier mark of an 80-run loss to New Zealand in Wellington, which had stood as India's heaviest T20I defeat by runs. India's innings fell apart inside the powerplay itself, with five wickets down inside the first six overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was the top scorer with just 13, while four other batters were dismissed without reaching double figures. Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue did the damage for England, taking three wickets apiece. Captain Shreyas Iyer's start to life as India's T20I skipper continues to be a struggle — he is now winless in his first four matches in charge. India will look to respond quickly, with the fourth T20I coming up on July 9 in Bristol, as they try to keep the series alive.
Egypt see four yellow cards in tense finish to World Cup exit against Argentina
Egypt's Round of 16 exit ended on a heated note, with four yellow cards shown to their players in the space of just a few minutes as the final whistle approached against Argentina. Goalkeeper Mostafa Shoubir and midfielder Hamdy Fathy were both booked in the 90+5th minute, followed by Marawan Attia in the 90+8th minute, and finally head coach Hossam Hassan, who picked up a card of his own after the match had already ended. The bookings came right after Argentina completed a dramatic comeback, scoring three goals in the final fifteen minutes to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win. With the result slipping away in the closing stages, frustration clearly boiled over on the Egypt side, leading referee Francois Letexier to reach for his cards repeatedly in quick succession. None of the cards changed the outcome of the match, but the timing made them stand out, coming as the final whistle drew a hard-fought World Cup run to a close. Egypt had already made history earlier in the tournament by beating Australia on penalties for their first-ever World Cup knockout win, and they pushed the defending champions all the way in this one before falling just short. For Egypt, the tournament ends at the Round of 16 stage, but the run itself, capped by a spirited, if bad-tempered, finish against Argentina, will be remembered as one of the country's best World Cup showings.
Messi's late double sinks Egypt as Argentina survive 3-2 scare
Lionel Messi turned this game on its head in the space of fifteen minutes, dragging Argentina back from the brink to beat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. For most of the match it looked like Egypt might pull off the shock of the tournament, but the champions found a way through when it mattered most. Egypt led twice through Youssef Ibrahim and Mahmoud Ziko, and looked composed and organised for long stretches, frustrating an Argentina side that never quite got going in open play. Cristian Romero got Argentina back on level terms in the 79th minute with a header, but it was Messi who produced the moment of the match four minutes later, firing home a deflected effort that cannoned in off the crossbar to make it 2-2. Enzo Fernandez then sealed the win deep into stoppage time, capping a wild finish that saw Argentina score three times in the last quarter of an hour. The goal put Messi back on top of the race for the tournament's Golden Boot, and keeps alive the idea that this could be one of his last World Cup appearances for Argentina, a thought that's been following him through the whole tournament. It also stretches Argentina's unbeaten run to twelve matches, though back-to-back knockout games that needed a late twist, first extra time against Cape Verde and now this comeback, suggest the champions still have work to do if they want to go all the way again. For Egypt, there's no shame in this one. Reaching the Round of 16 was already a big step for a squad that arrived with modest expectations, and pushing the defending champions this close will only add to a tournament that's already been a success back home. The game also ended on a sour note, with four late yellow cards shown to Egypt players in stoppage time and just after the final whistle, as frustration boiled over in the closing moments. Argentina now move on to face the winner of Switzerland vs Colombia in the quarterfinals, while Egypt's World Cup journey comes to an end at the Round of 16 stage.
Spain make World Cup history with sixth straight clean sheet, Simon sets shutout record
Spain have made World Cup history with their defense. The 1-0 win over Portugal in the Round of 16 was their sixth straight clean sheet at the World Cup, the most any team has ever managed in a row. The old record of five was shared by Italy in 1990 and Switzerland across 2006-2010. The streak did not start this tournament. It goes back to a 0-0 draw against Morocco in the 2022 Round of 16, and has continued through this year's group stage draw with Cape Verde, wins over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, a 3-0 win over Austria in the Round of 32, and now the Portugal game. Goalkeeper Unai Simon deserves a lot of credit. He has now gone 609 minutes without conceding a goal at the World Cup, breaking the old record of 517 minutes held by Italy's Walter Zenga since 1990. Against Portugal, Simon had to make two real saves, both off Cristiano Ronaldo, including a strong diving stop in the first half. With this defense behind them, Spain look like one of the strongest teams left as they head into the quarterfinals against Belgium.
Australia dominate ICC's Team of the Tournament after record 7th T20 World Cup title
The ICC has picked its Team of the Tournament for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026, and champions Australia (AUS) lead the way with four players in the XI. Sophie Molineux (AUS) was named captain after leading Australia to their seventh title, going unbeaten through the whole tournament including a comfortable seven-wicket win over England in the final at Lord's. Beth Mooney (AUS) takes the keeper's spot and was also named Player of the Tournament, thanks to match-winning fifties in both the semifinal and the final. England (ENG), who lost the final, still get two players in. Danni Wyatt-Hodge (ENG) was the standout, finishing as the tournament's top scorer with 302 runs, the most ever by anyone at a single Women's T20 World Cup. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG) also made the cut despite missing games with a calf injury. The rest of the team comes from six different countries. Ellyse Perry (AUS) rounds out Australia's strong showing with steady all-round performances through the tournament. India's Shree Charani (IND) was the joint-highest wicket-taker with 14 scalps, the most ever by an Indian bowler at this tournament, despite India going out before the semifinals. Ireland's Orla Prendergast (IRE), Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu (SL), South Africa's Marizanne Kapp (SA) and Pakistan's Fatima Sana (PAK) round out the XI, with Scotland's Darcey Carter (SCO) picked as the 12th player, the first time a Scotland player has ever made this list. Full XI: Danni Wyatt-Hodge (ENG), Sophie Molineux (AUS) (C), Beth Mooney (AUS) (WK), Ellyse Perry (AUS), Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG), Orla Prendergast (IRE), Chamari Athapaththu (SL), Marizanne Kapp (SA), Ashleigh Gardner (AUS), Shree Charani (IND), Fatima Sana (PAK). 12th player: Darcey Carter (SCO).
Belgium thrash co-hosts USA 4-1 to reach World Cup quarterfinals
Belgium ended the USA's home World Cup dream in style, beating the co-hosts 4-1 in a one-sided Round of 16 clash. It is a big result because USA are one of the three countries hosting this World Cup, and going out this early, and by this scoreline, will hurt. Charles De Ketelaere was the star of the night. He scored twice, once inside the first ten minutes and again just before the half-hour mark, giving Belgium a firm grip on the game early on. Malik Tillman pulled one back for USA in the 31st minute to keep hope alive, but Belgium never really looked worried after that. Hans Vanaken added a third in the second half, and Romelu Lukaku wrapped things up with a goal in stoppage time to make the final score 4-1. The numbers back up how comfortable Belgium were. They had 15 shots to USA's 6, more shots on target, and did not concede a single yellow card while USA picked up two, to Weston McKennie in the first half and Tillman later on. USA had more of the ball and passed it well, but could not turn that control into real chances. For USA, this is a tough way to bow out of a tournament played on home soil. For Belgium, it is a strong statement going into the quarterfinals, where they will now face Spain, fresh off their own win over Portugal.
No trophy, no regrets: Ronaldo's sixth World Cup ends in Dallas
There was no trophy at the end of it, just a 41-year-old man clapping alone toward a stand full of people who had crossed an ocean to watch him one last time. That was how Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth and final World Cup finished — beaten, eliminated, and unmistakably at peace with it. He had already said the quiet part out loud before a ball was kicked. Sat in front of the cameras the day before facing Spain, Ronaldo dropped the hedging he'd offered for years whenever the retirement question came up. This one was it. No more World Cups after this, whatever the scoreline said at the final whistle. It's a strange thing to announce your own ending in advance and then have to go play the match anyway, knowing every touch might be your last on this particular stage. He took it in stride, by his own admission enjoying this tournament more freely than the five that came before, unshackled from the weight of chasing the one trophy that was always going to be the hardest to reach. The numbers that walk away with him are staggering on their own: 233 caps, 146 international goals, and a place as the only man to find the net across six separate World Cups. None of it bought him the trophy his rivals and countrymen believed he deserved. Portugal's deepest run stayed frozen at the 2006 semifinal, a teenager's tournament, and everything since has ended earlier than the story demanded. Monday's exit follows the same script — a narrow game decided by fine margins, a Portugal side that competed without quite breaking through, and a captain who gave what he had until the substitute whistle blew for the last time in this competition. What happens next for Ronaldo at international level is genuinely open. He stopped short of confirming a full international retirement, leaving the door ajar for a Nations League evening or a friendly send-off somewhere down the line. But the World Cup chapter, the one that mattered most to the way his career gets remembered, is closed. He leaves it the way he said he would going in — without the medal, but by his own account, without regret either.
Merino's late strike ends Ronaldo's World Cup dream as Spain edge Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo's international story closed the way few expected: not with a trophy, but with a quiet substitute doing the damage in the dying seconds. Mikel Merino, on for barely a few minutes, poked home the only goal in first-half-injury-time-plus-one of stoppage in the second half, sending Spain past Portugal and out of the Iberian derby that had promised fireworks but delivered a tense, cagey affair instead. For long stretches the match refused to open up. Spain controlled territory and the ball, finishing with well over half the possession and more than fifty extra passes, but their final ball lacked sharpness until deep into the night. Portugal, leaning on structure rather than tempo, absorbed patiently and looked content to take their chances late through set pieces and moments of individual quality from their captain. It nearly worked. Ronaldo had two efforts on target, more than anyone else wearing red, but a well-organized Spanish backline and a goalkeeper in inspired form kept the sheet clean until that Merino intervention turned the game on its head. The closing minutes turned feisty, with three bookings shown in a span of barely ten minutes as fatigue and frustration set in — Bernardo Silva first, then Renato Veiga for the hosts, and Ferran Torres for the visitors as Spain tried to see out the win. When the whistle finally blew, it was Ronaldo who drew every camera in the stadium, applauding supporters who had made the trip from across the Atlantic, visibly moved by what he had already confirmed before kickoff would be his farewell appearance on this stage. Twenty-seven caps at World Cups, a joint-record for goals scored in the tournament across six different editions, and still no trophy to show for it — his exit line will be remembered for the emotion of the moment rather than the scoreline. Spain move on to face either the USA or Belgium in the quarterfinals, buoyed by a defense that has now gone well over 600 minutes without conceding at this World Cup. For Portugal, the tournament ends in the last 16 once again, and with it, barring a stunning reversal, the international career of one of the sport's most decorated forwards.
Shivam Dube replaces injured Nitish Kumar Reddy in India's ODI squad
Shivam Dube has been added to India's ODI squad for the England series, replacing the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy. Reddy is out with a quadriceps injury picked up during the third ODI against Afghanistan in Chennai, and there's no fixed timeline yet for his return. Dube, who is already in England with the T20I squad, will now stay back for the 50-over leg. It marks his first ODI recall since August 2024. The three-match series against England starts July 14 at Edgbaston, with games in Cardiff and Lord's to follow.
India name 15-man T20I squad for Zimbabwe tour
India have named a 15-man squad for their three-match T20I series in Zimbabwe, starting July 23 at the Harare Sports Club. Shreyas Iyer leads the side, with Tilak Varma named vice-captain, as India take a fairly young group into a short tour that doubles as an audition for fringe players ahead of the busier white-ball season later in the year. The batting group has a mix of experience and youth, with Iyer joined by Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh and uncapped teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, while Ishan Kishan and Prabhsimran Singh will compete for the wicketkeeping spot. Shivam Dube headlines the all-rounder options alongside Suryansh Shedge and Harsh Dubey, giving the middle order some depth and flexibility. The bowling attack leans on a fresh pace group of Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma and Mayank Yadav, with Varun Chakaravarathy the lone frontline spinner in the squad. All three T20Is will be played at the same venue, on July 23, 25 and 26. Full squad: Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma (VC), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Ishan Kishan, Prabhsimran Singh, Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Harsh Dubey, Varun Chakaravarathy, Prince Yadav, Yash Thakur, Ashok Sharma, Mayank Yadav.
Neymar announces international retirement after Brazil's World Cup exit to Norway
Neymar has announced his retirement from international football, closing out his Brazil career moments after the Seleção's 2-1 Round of 16 exit to Norway at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. "I tried, I tried. Now, it's over," an emotional Neymar told Globo. "I started here; I finished here." The 34-year-old made his senior Brazil debut at the same venue in August 2010, against the United States, and leaves the national team as its all-time leading scorer with 80 goals in 129 appearances, three ahead of Pelé. He played across four World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022, 2026), but a nagging calf/hamstring injury restricted him to just two substitute appearances in this tournament, against Scotland and Norway. His final touch in a Brazil shirt was a stoppage-time penalty against Norway, a consolation goal in a defeat that marked Brazil's earliest World Cup exit since 1990. Neymar collapsed in tears at the final whistle before being consoled by teammates Raphinha and Vinicius Junior. Head coach Carlo Ancelotti said Brazil now enters a transition period built around a new generation of players.
Norway reach first-ever World Cup quarterfinal after stunning Brazil
Norway beat Brazil 2-1 in the Round of 16 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in their history. Erling Haaland scored twice in the final ten minutes to turn the game, after Brazil had held firm for long periods and looked the more likely winners for most of the night. Brazil actually started the stronger side and had a first-half penalty saved by Norway keeper Ørjan Nyland, who was excellent all night. But Norway grew into the game, controlled long spells of possession, and made their pressure count exactly when it mattered, with Haaland finishing clinically both times. Neymar pulled one back from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time, but it was already too late, and he picked up a yellow card for his frustration soon after. For the five-time champions, it's their earliest World Cup exit since 1990 — the first time in 36 years Brazil have missed the quarterfinal stage. For Norway, this is uncharted territory. In four World Cup appearances stretching back to 1938, their best previous finish was the Round of 16, reached in 1998 and matched again this year before Sunday's win against Brazil finally broke new ground. Haaland, playing in his first major tournament, has now been directly involved in the difference in almost every one of Norway's knockout games, and this result puts him firmly in the conversation for the tournament's Golden Boot. Norway's reward is a quarterfinal against the winner of Mexico vs England, a tie still being played out. Whichever side comes through, Norway will go in as the form team of the round, and after a performance like this, few will be writing them off as underdogs anymore.
Australia beat England to win a seventh Women's T20 World Cup title
Australia beat England by 7 wickets at Lord's on Sunday to win the Women's T20 World Cup, chasing down 150 with 17 balls to spare and extending their record as the most successful side in the tournament's history to seven titles. It's the first title as captain for Sophie Molineux, who takes her place alongside Belinda Clark, Alex Blackwell, Meg Lanning and the rest of Australia's list of World Cup-winning captains across formats. History heavily favoured Australia coming into the final, and they didn't let this one slip — a fourth win over England in as many meetings at global tournament finals. England were given a platform by Nat Sciver-Brunt's unbeaten 58 and a late assault of 44 not out from Freya Kemp, dragging England to 150/4 after a slow start from the top order. Sophie Ecclestone then equalled Katherine Sciver-Brunt's all-time record for England women's wickets during the Australian chase, though it wasn't enough to stop the run flow. In reply, Beth Mooney (64 off 49) and Phoebe Litchfield (48 off 35) put on 100 for the second wicket to put the chase firmly in Australia's control, and Ellyse Perry finished the job unbeaten to seal it with more than three overs to spare. For England, it means a 17-year wait for another Women's T20 World Cup title goes on.
England face Australia's history at Lord's in Women's T20 World Cup final
England and Australia meet at Lord's on Sunday for the Women's T20 World Cup final, and both sides arrive unbeaten. England topped their group before beating South Africa by 40 runs in the semi-final, while Australia won their group and then swept aside the West Indies in theirs. It's a repeat of the venue where England won the very first Women's T20 World Cup back in 2009, and England will be hoping the ground brings them luck again. History, though, heavily favours Australia. This will be the fourth time these two have met in a World Cup final, and Australia have won all three previous meetings, in 2012, 2014 and 2018, each time by a comfortable margin. Australia are also chasing a seventh title overall, which would extend their record as by far the most successful side in the competition's history. England's only World Cup win over Australia in this format came in the 2009 semi-final, on the way to that maiden title. Individually, England have been carried by Danni Wyatt-Hodge, the tournament's leading run-scorer with 294 runs, while Sophie Ecclestone has picked up nine wickets with the ball. Australia's threat is more spread out: Ellyse Perry has been their key batter, captain Sophie Molineux has led the bowling attack with ten wickets, and Georgia Wareham has quietly been one of the most effective all-round performers of the tournament. Perry has been managing a minor injury but is expected to play. With a home crowd fully behind them and a chance to end a 17-year wait for another World Cup title, England have plenty of reasons for belief. But Australia's record in these exact finals, against this exact opponent, is hard to ignore. Whichever way it goes, this is cricket's oldest rivalry writing another chapter at the sport's most famous ground.