Sports News Today: Canada Make World Cup Histor, India Lose To Ireland, Ben Stokes Retires

The World Cup knockout stage delivered another dramatic day as Canada claimed their first-ever knockout win, while India’s shock T20I series defeat to Ireland continued to dominate cricket headlines. Australia knocked India out of the Women’s T20 World Cup to complete the semi-final line-up, Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket, and George Russell kept the Formula One title race alive with victory in Austria.

1. Canada reach first-ever World Cup quarter-finals with dramatic stoppage-time winner

Canada scripted history by winning their first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout match after Stephen Eustáquio’s stunning stoppage-time strike secured a 1-0 victory over South Africa in the Round of 32.

The Los Angeles FC midfielder volleyed home in the 92nd minute to spark wild celebrations as co-hosts Canada progressed to the last 16, where they will face either the Netherlands or Morocco. Alphonso Davies also returned from injury to make his first appearance of the tournament.

2. India left stunned after historic T20I series defeat to Ireland

India’s coaching staff admitted there was “disbelief” after the world champions suffered a shock 2-0 T20I series defeat to Ireland.

Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate credited Ireland for outplaying India in unfamiliar conditions, saying the visitors failed to adapt their aggressive batting approach. India were comprehensively outsmarted in both matches, ending their 16-series unbeaten streak in T20 internationals.

3. Australia eliminate India to complete Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final line-up

Australia knocked India out of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a six-wicket victory at Lord’s to book a semi-final against West Indies.

Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner shared a century partnership after India posted their highest-ever Women’s T20 World Cup total against Australia. The defeat meant Harmanpreet Kaur’s side missed out on the semi-finals for the second consecutive edition.

4. Ben Stokes announces retirement from international cricket

England all-round great Ben Stokes has announced he will retire from international cricket after the ongoing third Test against New Zealand.

The 35-year-old ends a remarkable 15-year career that included the unforgettable 2019 World Cup final heroics, the Headingley Ashes miracle and the revolutionary ‘Bazball’ era as England’s Test captain alongside Brendon McCullum.

5. Iran left heartbroken after dramatic World Cup exit

Iran’s World Cup campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion after a series of dramatic results denied Team Melli a place in the knockout stage.

A late winner against Egypt was ruled out by VAR before Croatia, DR Congo and Austria all produced results that eliminated Iran by the narrowest of margins. The exit sparked emotional reactions across the country amid the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions and difficult tournament conditions.

6. West Indies crush Sri Lanka to win opening Test

West Indies began their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in dominant fashion with an innings and 217-run victory in Antigua.

The hosts completed the comprehensive win on the fourth day to take a 1-0 lead into the second and final Test, which begins on July 3 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

7. George Russell wins Austrian Grand Prix to keep title race alive

George Russell converted his dramatic pole position into victory at the Austrian Grand Prix after fending off a relentless challenge from Max Verstappen.

The Mercedes driver delivered a composed drive under immense pressure to reduce the championship gap to teammate Kimi Antonelli, while Verstappen’s upgraded Red Bull showed encouraging pace with a second-place finish.

8. Iceland Cricket trolls Gautam Gambhir after India’s shock Ireland defeat

Iceland Cricket joined social media’s reaction to India’s surprise T20I series loss by taking a playful swipe at head coach Gautam Gambhir.

The account joked that it had “no plans” to appoint Gambhir as coach despite praising his “remarkable gifts” for leading such a star-studded Indian side to defeat against Ireland. The post quickly went viral following India’s 2-0 loss.

9. South Africa stay alive with nervy win over Bangladesh

South Africa kept their Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive after edging Bangladesh by four wickets at Lord’s.

Annerie Dercksen’s composed 45 anchored a tense chase after Nonkululeko Mlaba’s two-wicket spell helped restrict Bangladesh to 117. The Proteas’ qualification ultimately depended on Australia defeating India later in the day, which secured South Africa’s place in the last four.