India vs England, Cricket World Cup 2023: Fantasy XI Prediction, Top Captaincy And Vice-Captaincy Picks | Cricket News

Table-toppers India will look to add to their winning streak of five matches when they take on a struggling England in Lucknow. Following their impressive victory over New Zealand, India are expected to seal a comfortable win over the English team on Sunday, virtually securing their place in the knockouts. On the other hand, England find themselves in a must-win situation. The Jos Buttler-captained side will be well aware of the fact that it’s not just a win they need, but a convincing one to improve their low net run-rate. The English team currently occupies the ninth position in the 10-team competition, with a total of two points from five matches.

Weather conditions and pitch report

The pitch at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow mostly favours the bowlers. The surface at the venue offers bounce and pace to the bowlers as well and it assists spinners as the game progresses. The average score by the team batting first in the last 10 matches at this stadium is 262. The arena in Lucknow has hosted three ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 matches so far with the highest score at the venue being 311/7. The lowest total here has been 177 runs.

Talking about the weather, the temperature at Lucknow is expected to hover around 29 degrees with 29% humidity.

Predicted playing XI

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Suryakumar Yadav/R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami

England: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, David Willey, Mark Wood

IND vs ENG fantasy XI

Wicket-keepers: KL Rahul

Batters: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Dawid Malan

All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Ben Stokes, Adil Rashid

Bowlers:Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mark Wood

India’s KL Rahul is the best option for the wicketkeeper’s choice in the fantasy XI team. The right-handed batter has established himself as one of the most dependable players for Team India in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. In the last five matches, the wicket-keeper batter has scored 177 runs. His campaign began with an unbeaten 97 against Australia, and he has consistently chipped in with valuable runs throughout India’s five-match winning streak. Behind the stumps, KL Rahul has plucked five catches in as many matches.

Among the batters, Virat Kohli ranks as the second-highest run-scorer in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The right-handed batter has notched a century along with three half-centuries. The former India skipper has amassed 354 runs in five matches at an average of 118 and a strike rate of 90.54.

Rohit Sharma is without a doubt a must-have batsman in the fantasy XI team. The Indian captain has showcased top form in this ICC event, accumulating a total of 311 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 133.47. This right-handed batter has also demonstrated his power-hitting prowess, having smashed 17 sixes and 33 boundaries in the ongoing competition.

Shubman Gill overcame illness to make a comeback into the Indian team. After missing out on two initial games, the right-handed batter has since been consistently among the runs, providing valuable support to Rohit Sharma at the top of the batting order. While Gill may not have produced a standout performance just yet, his ability to score briskly during the powerplay has been instrumental in ensuring a strong start for the team.

Dawid Malan has emerged as England’s leading run-scorer in the ongoing tournament. The left-handed batter has been the sole standout performer for England, particularly in the context of the team’s challenges in adapting to the slow Indian tracks. Malan has accumulated a total of 220 runs in five matches, with a high score of 140.

For the all-rounder spot, Ravindra Jadeja is the preferred choice for the fantasy XI team. The left-arm spinner, with his guile and variations, has proven to be India’s main weapon in the middle overs. Not only has he managed to stem the flow of runs, but he has also broken threatening partnerships for India. Jadeja is India’s third-highest wicket-taker in the competition, having secured 7 scalps in five matches. He has also made significant contributions with the bat, helping India hunt down opposition.

Adil Rashid is one of the England bowlers who has posed a threat to opposition batsmen. Apart from Reece Topley, who has been sidelined due to an injury, Adil Rashid is the sole English bowler to have secured five or more wickets in the tournament. The right-arm leg-spinner has accounted for 6 wickets in 4 matches.

For England to have any chance of advancing to the knockout stage, Ben Stokes must play a pivotal role with both the bat and the ball. Having been sidelined due to injury during the initial matches, Stokes has gradually regained his form in the competition. His highest score of 43 in England’s match against Sri Lanka demonstrated his potential to make a significant impact.

In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah has consistently delivered early breakthroughs for India in the majority of matches. His performances during the powerplay have been economical too. This right-arm pacer has clinched 11 wickets in the tournament.

Following his absence from India’s playing XI in earlier matches, Mohammed Shami made a stunning comeback in India’s victory over New Zealand. The right-arm pacer delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 5/54, which helped India restrict Kiwis to a total of 273.

England pacer Mark Wood has bagged three wickets in five matches so far. The right-arm pacer is expected to play a pivotal role for England in their efforts to prevent India’s power-hitter to run away with the game.

Captain: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has stood out as India’s most reliable run-scorer, consistently accumulating fantasy points in the process. Given his current form, the right-handed batter will be expected to score against a struggling England bowling attack. The veteran batter is a top contender for the captain’s position in the fantasy XI team.

Vice-captain: Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is one of India’s leading run-getters in the tournament. He will look to take advantage of the struggling English bowling attack and further bolster his runs tally. The Indian captain is a good choice for the vice-captaincy role in fantasy teams.

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NFL The Final Word: San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles lose perfect records as CJ Stroud stars once again


Myles Garrett and Breece Hall helped the Browns and Jets end the final unbeaten records of the season

Week Six was a weekend that reminded us how wide open the NFL is. Only six weeks into the season and already we have no undefeated teams left, and only one winless team in the form of the Carolina Panthers… so, we’re starting the column this week with one of those undefeated teams that was knocked off their perch.

1) The spirit of New York

I’m so impressed with the spirit of the New York Jets. They could have folded when Aaron Rodgers went down injured. They’ve lent on their defense, they’ve leant on Breece Hall and the running game. They’re very much alive in the AFC playoff race.

They play so well on defense. They were excellent again against the Eagles, coming up with big interceptions. That was the only way they could beat Philadelphia, taking advantage of some Jalen Hurts mistakes, with their quarterback having made a few too many already this season. He has seven interceptions already, compared to six from all of last season.

The Jets have played Buffalo, Dallas, Kansas City and Philadelphia in four of the first six weeks – they could have been looking at a 3-3 record even with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.

2) Browns stun the Niners

Cleveland knocked off the only other undefeated team in the league, in the 49ers. It was very much a defensive-led effort, which is the way the Browns have to go this season – especially as we wait to see how long Deshaun Watson is sidelined at quarterback.

Highlights of the San Francisco 49ers against the Cleveland Browns in Week Six of the NFL season.

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Highlights of the San Francisco 49ers against the Cleveland Browns in Week Six of the NFL season.

Highlights of the San Francisco 49ers against the Cleveland Browns in Week Six of the NFL season.

This is a team powered by its defense. And they faced the ultimate challenge in the form of the 49ers’ star-studded attack. They were up to the task.

Going into the final drive, San Francisco had gained just 21 total yards of offense in the second half. They still almost pulled off the win, but that would have been harsh on the Browns. I think they deserved this victory. They are one of those teams that might spoil a party or two once it gets to playoff time.

3) Lamar Jackson

I’ve talked about this before in this column: star players matter.

Having a breadth of talent, and depth across your roster, is vital when it comes to lasting through the attritional battle that is an NFL season but you also need difference-makers, who can take a game by the scruff of the neck and inspire those around them.

Highlights of the Baltimore Ravens against the Tennessee Titans in Week Six of the NFL season.

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Highlights of the Baltimore Ravens against the Tennessee Titans in Week Six of the NFL season.

Highlights of the Baltimore Ravens against the Tennessee Titans in Week Six of the NFL season.

Although his numbers weren’t sensational, I thought that was Lamar Jackson in Baltimore’s 24-16 win over Tennessee at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday. He ended the days with 62 rushing yards, added 223 passing yards and one touchdown, but the biggest thing was that he turned a lot of four or five-yard losses into five or six-yard gains.

It was special to see him in the flesh and a special way to finish off these three weeks’ worth of NFL games in London. We continue to be appreciative of the teams coming over this side of the pond.

4) McDaniel’s Miami

Another week and another incredible performance by the Dolphins offense. It feels like you can cut and paste that into this column every week. They are sensational. They beat the Panthers 42-21, and that’s after spotting the visitors a 14-0 lead!

They didn’t blink, they didn’t panic. They backed themselves to get their opportunities, and they knew they were going to score. They’re just too good.

Tyreek Hill celebrated his touchdown by taking a phone and recording a selfie of himself doing a back flip.

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Tyreek Hill celebrated his touchdown by taking a phone and recording a selfie of himself doing a back flip.

Tyreek Hill celebrated his touchdown by taking a phone and recording a selfie of himself doing a back flip.

Tua Tagovailoa threw three touchdown passes, Tyreek Hill had a huge day and anyone worried about the loss off rookie running back De’Von Achane, fear not, as Raheem Mostert had 115 yards on the ground to go with three TDs.

These Dolphins are scarily fast, they’re hugely productive week on week and I just think they’ve got everything you need to make a deep run into the playoffs – including fighting spirit.

5) Stroud turning Texans around

I think we as a league should be paying more attention to the Houston Texans. They have now won three of the last four after beating the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

CJ Stroud continues to impress, even though he threw his first interception of the season he still threw a couple of touchdown passes.

I like the eyeball test, you don’t always have to focus on the numbers. It wasn’t just about him; there were some key defensive stops late in the game that suggest the Texans are building an intriguing team in a winnable division. I don’t think enough credit has been been paid to DeMeco Ryans, who is turning this team around.

Player of the Week – Tyreek Hill, wide receiver, Miami Dolphins

Tyreek Hill put on another display for the Dolphins, with two electric catch and runs.

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Tyreek Hill put on another display for the Dolphins, with two electric catch and runs.

Tyreek Hill put on another display for the Dolphins, with two electric catch and runs.

I just think when Tyreek Hill is on fire, on full form he is almost impossible to cover. I can’t remember seeing a receiver like this, who can blow a top off a defense time and time again. Six catches, 163 yards and a touchdown.

Not only do we see him catch deep passes but we see him catch 15 and 20-yard comebacks where the defensive backs have dropped 25-30 yards into coverage. They are scared stiff of Tyreek Hill and few defenses have an answer.

Play of the Week – Adams’ interception against the Eagles

I’m going with Tony Adams’ interception of Jalen Hurts late in the Jets’ win over the Eagles. It was third-and-long and really the only way I thought the Jets were going to win this game was to turn the ball over there, I didn’t feel Zach Wilson was going to match the length of the field.

Hurts just needs to avoid the interception, he makes an ill-advised throw and then Tony Adams strikes and takes it down inside Philadelphia’s 10-yard line to help the Jets win that game.

It was a vital play in New York’s season and one that epitomised the start of their season with the defense helping out the offense.

Coach of the Week – Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions

Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions are now 5-1, they’ve won 13 of their last 16. I think we can stop talking about the Lions as a cute success story, we can talk about them as one of the best teams in the NFL right now.

They won in Tampa Bay with defense, which is something you could not have said a year ago with that unit being the worst in the NFL. Jared Goff also had some big moments. This is looking like a real team.

The Detroit Lions dial up big-time trick play for a 31-yard touchdown to tight end Sam LaPorta.

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The Detroit Lions dial up big-time trick play for a 31-yard touchdown to tight end Sam LaPorta.

The Detroit Lions dial up big-time trick play for a 31-yard touchdown to tight end Sam LaPorta.

They have got energy, chemistry and belief, and that all comes from their head coach in Dan Campbell. The Lions, because of their head coach, are eating at the top table of NFL teams.

On my radar… Desmond Ridder

How many chances do you want at the end of a game? It felt like every time I watched that game the Atlanta Falcons had the ball back, Washington won 24-16 but couldn’t close out that game.

Desmond Ridder threw a terrible end zone interception, at which Arthur Smith did little to hide his dismay. He turned the ball over on downs on the next drive and then threw an interception to finish the game.

He is not HIM, as they would say in American Football terms. Taylor Heinicke is watching on from the bench, and I’m watching this carefully because I think he would give a decent spark to this team. This is I believe a playoff calibre team, lacking a playoff calibre quarterback.

Week Seven begins on Thursday night (1.15am Friday morning) when the Jacksonville Jaguars face the New Orleans Saints, live on Sky Sports NFL.



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England 30-24 Fiji: Owen Farrell kicks Steve Borthwick’s side into Rugby World Cup semi-finals


Owen Farrell’s magical boot led England into the Rugby World Cup semi-finals at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Sunday

Owen Farrell helped boot England into their sixth Rugby World Cup semi-final after surviving an incredible late fightback from Fiji at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille on Sunday.

England topped Pool D with four victories from four, but they took on a Fiji side in the last eight who inflicted their last defeat in the build-up to this tournament.

Steve Bortwick’s side appeared to be cruising into the semi-finals at 24-10 ahead deep in the second half but the Pacific Islanders mounted a sensational fightback to level matters with 10 minutes to go before Farrell’s boot rescued England and secured a 30-24 victory.

England – Tries: Tuilagi (14) Marchant (23). Cons: Farrell. Pens: Farrell (11,34,38,54,78). Drop goal: Farrell (72).

Fiji – Tries: Mata (28) Ravai (64) Botitu (68). Cons: Lomani, Kuruvoli (2). Pens: Lomani (20).

George Ford, the architect of England’s critical pool-stage victory over Argentina, dropped to the bench with captain Farrell moving from inside centre and Joe Marchant joining Manu Tuilagi in midfield.

Elsewhere, Harlequins playmaker Marcus Smith was preferred to Freddie Steward and made only a second Test start in the full-back position.

Tuilagi celebrates after scoring England's opening try

Tuilagi celebrates after scoring England’s opening try

After a cagey opening 10 minutes, referee Mathieu Raynal handed England the chance to open the scoring in front of the posts after Fiji were penalised for not rolling away and Farrell duly obliged.

Moments later, England went through two phases from the lineout before the dangerous Tuilagi spun away and dived down in the corner for his 20th try for his country and an 8-0 lead after Farrell hit the post with his conversion.

Scrum half Frank Lomani made up for an earlier missed penalty by converting with his second attempt to get Fiji on the board but it was the men in white who continued their bright start when Joe Marchant barrowed over from close range with Farrell putting over the extras for a comfortable 15-3 lead.

The Princess of Wales watches England in action alongside chairman of the RFU, Bill Beaumont

The Princess of Wales watches England in action alongside chairman of the RFU, Bill Beaumont

Marcus Smith is caught full in the face by  Vinaya Habosi

Marcus Smith is caught full in the face by Vinaya Habosi

Things went from bad to worse for the Fijians when wing Vinaya Habosi caught Smith full in the face with his head and was sent to the sin-bin for 10 minutes.

However, despite being down to 14-players, No 8 Viliame Mata produced a moment of magic to outfox the England defence with a neat show and go to cross over the whitewash. Lomani converted to reduce the deficit to 15-10.

Farrell and England’s breakdown success delighted Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, in the stands, by completing a penalty hat-trick as further cracks appeared in Fiji’s discipline, and Borthwick’s side led by 11 points at the break.

Marchant dives in to score England's second try

Marchant dives in to score England’s second try

Both sides hardly charged into the quarter-finals in a blaze of glory, but they were desperate to grasp a glorious opportunity to progress, especially as Fiji upped the tempo at the start of the second half.

Despite looking dangerous, Fiji were continually being beaten to the breakdown and were caught offside. Farrell slotted over his fourth penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

The Pacific Island nation recorded their first-ever win over England when the two teams last met – a 30-22 triumph in a World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham back in August and some wonderful rugby enabled them to close the gap to within punching distance when Peni Ravai burst through to get over the line with Kuruvoli converting.

Botitu (left) celebrates scoring his sides third try in an incredible conclusion to the match

Botitu (left) celebrates scoring his sides third try in an incredible conclusion to the match

Fiji were not going quietly and in an incredible turnaround they sliced England apart to score again through Vilimoni Botitu under the posts with Kuruvoli’s second successful conversion tying things up at 24-24 with 10 to go.

A pulsating finale continued at pace, with Farrell then dropping a goal to put England three points ahead, and after Ben Earl’s stunning break resulted in another Farrell penalty, Fiji were unable to pull off a late miracle.

Ollie Lawrence consoles Waisea Nayacalevu after a titanic batle

Ollie Lawrence consoles Waisea Nayacalevu after a titanic batle

The vagaries of the draw presented a less-than-perilous route to the semi-finals for England and, having now navigated it, they will be out to seize their opportunity at reaching a fourth World Cup final next Saturday.

Farrell: We had to find a way to win I Borthwick: We are determined to be successful

Owen Farrell, speaking to ITV

“It was what we expected. They are a tough, tough team that can turn it on in the blink of an eye. I thought we started the game really well. We really got after it in that first half.

“We always knew Fiji were going to have some good patches and they did. To find a way to win and get through to the semi-finals is a big step forward but we know we have plenty of work to do.”

Farrell

Farrell

England head coach Steve Borthwick, speaking to ITV

“I thought the players were magnificent. The whole squad has worked very, very hard to get that result tonight,” said Borthwick.

“I have to give immense credit to Fiji. They played tremendously well tonight and they have had a fantastic World Cup. I am obviously delighted we found a way to win that game.

“I thought the vast majority of the game we were in control. There was a spell in the second half were they scored two back-to-back tries.

“What I was really pleased with was how the players handled it thereafter.

“A lot has been written about these players and this England team over the last period of time and what I see is a group of players that can handle and rise to these occasions.

“We don’t forget that many people said that we weren’t going to make it out of the group and then there was firmness that we would lose tonight.

“These players will be written off again I am pretty sure but when I see these players, I see a fantastic group of people who are determined to be successful, determined to be the best versions of themselves.”

Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui was nearly in tears in his post-match interview. “This is just the beginning for this Fiji team,” he says. “I couldn’t be prouder.”

What’s next?

Jonny Wilkinson kicked the winning drop goal to give England victory in extra time during the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final against Australia

Jonny Wilkinson kicked the winning drop goal to give England victory in extra time during the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final against Australia

England, who won their only Webb Ellis Cup in 2003, and have been beaten World Cup finalists on three occasions in 1991, 2007 and 2019 will take on hosts France or holders South Africa in the semi-finals the Stade de France in Paris, scheduled for next Saturday October 21 (8pm kick-off BST).

New Zealand, who progressed to the World Cup semi-finals for the ninth time in their history, will face Michael Cheika’s Argentina, who are into their first semi-final since 2015, at the same venue on Friday October 20 (8pm kick-off BST).

The Pumas beat the All Blacks for the first time in Sydney in the 2020 Rugby Championship and repeated the feat last year on New Zealand soil in Christchurch.



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Ireland 24-28 New Zealand: All Blacks break Irish Rugby World Cup hearts at quarter-final stage again


Ireland suffered an eighth Rugby World Cup quarter-final exit in their history, as New Zealand beat them in a Paris epic

A ruthless New Zealand side broke Ireland hearts at the Rugby World Cup quarter-final stage again, as the All Blacks prevailed 28-24 at the Stade de France in Paris.

In a breathless first half, the All Blacks raced out to a 13-0 lead through a Leicester Fainga’anuku try, and the boots of Richie Mo’unga and Jordie Barrett, but Ireland recovered well to narrow the half-time gap to a single point at 18-17.

Ireland’s Bundee Aki and Jamison Gibson-Park scored tries during that opening period – either side of an Ardie Savea try for New Zealand and Aaron Smith’s sin-binning for a deliberate knock-on – as Andy Farrell’s team fought back, but their inability to strike in the 22 enough proved a major factor as Will Jordan put the All Blacks back to two scores ahead with a second-half try.

Ireland – Tries: Aki (27), Gibson-Park (39), Penalty Try (64). Cons: Sexton (29, 40). Pens: Sexton (22).

New Zealand – Tries: Fainga’anuku (19), Savea (33), Jordan (53). Cons: Mo’unga (21), J Barrett (54). Pens: Mo’unga (8), J Barrett (14, 69).

Ireland responded again as their pack forced a penalty try when Codie Taylor collapsed a rampaging rolling maul, with Taylor also sin-binned for the act. But the men in green crucially failed to score against the 14 players, suffering yet another agonising last-eight exit.

Mo’unga kicked New Zealand into an early 3-0 lead, and, despite several key Ireland chances in the 22, the All Blacks then blew out the scoreboard on 19 minutes with a stunning counter-attack try down the left.

Beauden Barrett created it as he chipped and regathered, before Jordie Barrett, Fainga’anuku and Rieko Ioane connected superbly, with the latter offloading inside magnificently for Fainga’anuku to score.

New Zealand's Leceister Fainga'anuku scored the opening try of the contest

New Zealand’s Leceister Fainga’anuku scored the opening try of the contest

Mo’unga converted brilliantly for 13-0, but Johnny Sexton finally put Ireland onto the scoreboard after a cheap penalty for blocking.

On 27 minutes, Ireland – fuelled by the twinkling feet of Mack Hansen – played on penalty advantage before Aki scored a stunning solo try.

Ireland's Bundee Aki replied with a brilliant solo run and score

Ireland’s Bundee Aki replied with a brilliant solo run and score

Ireland’s lineout continued to falter, however, as, after losing another set-piece, New Zealand produced a 50:22 and were in for their second try through Savea, quick ball in the 22 paving the way for a diving finish in the corner.

Mo’unga struck wide with the conversion to leave the All Blacks up by eight, but scrum-half Smith was sin-binned with four minutes of the half to play.

Ardie Savea's try in the corner came at a crucial time for the All Blacks, just after Ireland had hit back

Ardie Savea’s try in the corner came at a crucial time for the All Blacks, just after Ireland had hit back

After one Ireland attack was illegally halted, Ireland showed courage to kick to the corner again, from where Gibson-Park sniped and reached to score superbly.

Ireland continued to waste chances when well-placed, though, their first three attacks in the 22 in the second period each coming to nothing as the All Blacks defended strongly.

Jamison Gibson-Park scored Ireland's second try on the cusp of half-time, but they wasted many other chances

Jamison Gibson-Park scored Ireland’s second try on the cusp of half-time, but they wasted many other chances

The stark difference in ruthlessness was then laid bare when Mo’unga and Jordan cut through the heart of Ireland’s defence to score a try off a lineout within their own half.

Jordie Barrett lashed over the touchline conversion for a two-score lead at 25-17, and Ireland then lost key man Hansen to injury, before Sexton should have narrowed the gap back to five points via a penalty, but struck poorly wide.

Ireland continued to play in the New Zealand half, and in the 64th minute the pack sprinted forward for a penalty try which resulted in Taylor’s yellow card, handing Ireland a golden chance inside the final quarter. New Zealand were next to score, however, as Jordie Barrett struck over for a four-point lead.

Aki forced a breakdown penalty within moments, and though Ireland’s maul got rumbling forward again, Ronan Kelleher was agonisingly held up as he dived for the line.

The All Blacks' defence just held out in the second half to claim victory

The All Blacks’ defence just held out in the second half to claim victory

Caelan Doris then knocked on the goal-line dropout to compound the error, with Taylor’s sin-bin elapsing for no Ireland score.

Farrell’s men summoned up one final effort through 30-plus phases into the New Zealand 22, but they just fell short.

Sexton: I’m very proud of the boys and the nation | ‘We couldn’t have done more’

Ireland captain Sexton told ITV Sport post-match…

“I’m very proud of the boys. Proud of the nation, the country, we couldn’t have done any more really.

“It’s fine margins, they sucker punched us on a couple of tries and we had to work really hard for our tries, that’s what champions do.

“Fair play to them, they’re a cracking team. It’s been amazing, these last six weeks have been a dream. This group, these fans and I’m just gutted we couldn’t do it for them.

“You’ve got to work hard for fairy-tale endings, we didn’t get it and that’s just life.

“We didn’t leave a stone unturned, we ticked every box, trained the house down. I thought after a slow enough start we played alright tonight.

“Fair play to the All Blacks, they’re a very good team and well coached.”

New Zealand head coach Ian Foster said post-match…

“It was a massive game between two teams that were desperate for a result and they’re an incredibly proud team with an amazing record coming into this one.

“But the quarter-finals is about knockout rugby and we’ve been there before and we know we were going to have to dig into ourselves, we did and I couldn’t be more proud.

“Pretty important, wasn’t it? [Barrett holding up Kelleher over the try-line]. He got himself underneath it and that’s the game of small margins. Our defence was particularly strong for most of the game.”

What’s next?

The defeat means Ireland exit at the quarter-final stage of a World Cup for the eighth time in their history, and have still yet to make a World Cup semi-final. They exit having topped Pool B after wins over Romania, Tonga, South Africa and Scotland, before falling to the All Blacks as they did four years ago in Japan.

The victory means New Zealand progress to the World Cup semi-finals for the ninth time in their history, and will face Argentina at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday October 20 (8pm kick-off BST).



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Odell Beckham Jr reflects on his catch in 2014, Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and looks ahead to London game


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Odell Beckham Jr describes his iconic catch as both “a blessing and a curse” and explains his philosophy around not getting caught up in criticism

Odell Beckham Jr describes his iconic catch as both “a blessing and a curse” and explains his philosophy around not getting caught up in criticism

Baltimore Ravens receiver Odell Beckham Jr has described his famous, one-handed touchdown catch that launched him to superstardom in 2014 as both “a blessing and a curse”.

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Beckham said that his scoring grab when playing for the New York Giants – the team who drafted him 12th overall that year – changed his life overnight.

Now 30 years old, and on his fourth NFL team after joining the Ravens in the offseason, Beckham spoke of his new-found maturity when dealing with criticism, as well as his “one of a kind” quarterback in Lamar Jackson and his excitement at playing in London this weekend as Baltimore face the Tennessee Titans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

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“In one instant, it changed my life forever,” Beckham said of his famous catch against the Dallas Cowboys some nine years ago.

A look back to Odell Beckham Jr's iconic one-handed catch for the New York Giants against the Dallas Cowboys in 2014

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A look back to Odell Beckham Jr’s iconic one-handed catch for the New York Giants against the Dallas Cowboys in 2014

A look back to Odell Beckham Jr’s iconic one-handed catch for the New York Giants against the Dallas Cowboys in 2014

“It allowed me to be able to do all the things that I’m capable of doing now and brings in a lot of business deals, money and of those things.

“On the other hand, it took away the bit of privacy that I try to protect so much. You’re already a public figure and then that happens: it was just never the same.

“I wouldn’t trade it, I wouldn’t take it back. It was truly one of the most beautiful things in my life, but I feel like it made my whole career about that one moment. I’m more than just one moment.”

Beckham, a rookie at the time, went on to become the first player to record more than 75 receptions, 1,100 yards, and 10 touchdowns in their debut NFL season. But he admits he struggled to adjust to his sudden celebrity status.

“You can’t prepare somebody for fame,” he added. “No matter how you arrange the principles or morals, you can’t prepare for what a person is going to feel from the fame and all of those things.

“For someone like me, the spotlight is cool, but once it’s off, I’m very chilled and just how I am.”

Phoebe Schecter says Odell Beckham Jr's influence on a new generation of NFL fans cannot be under-estimated

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Phoebe Schecter says Odell Beckham Jr’s influence on a new generation of NFL fans cannot be under-estimated

Phoebe Schecter says Odell Beckham Jr’s influence on a new generation of NFL fans cannot be under-estimated

After a dazzling first three seasons in New York, injury curtailed Beckham’s 2017 season and he was traded to the Cleveland Browns in rather acrimonious fashion after 2018.

He struggled to replicate his success in Cleveland and, though he won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 after forcing his way out of the Browns mid-season, Beckham suffered a torn ACL in the game itself and was sidelined for all of 2022.

Odell Beckham Jr was injured midway through the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl LVI win over the Cincinnati Bengals

Odell Beckham Jr was injured midway through the Los Angeles Rams’ Super Bowl LVI win over the Cincinnati Bengals

A nine-year veteran of the league and now settled in Baltimore, Beckham says he finds it much easier to deal with his critics.

“I feel like us as humans, everybody wants to be liked,” he said. “But I think once you get hung up on trying to be liked or trying to always please everybody, you’re in a game that you will forever lose.

“I always talk about hand sanitizer killing 99.9 per cent of germs… there’s always going to be a little bit [of criticism], no matter how positive your mindset.

“It’s unfortunate but it’s the business that we’re in. For me, personally, I don’t get caught up in it too much anymore. My biggest advice for people receiving criticism is, ‘if you can’t handle it, don’t read it.'”

Speaking on Her Huddle, Gregg Rosenthal and Phoebe Schecter analyse Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and consider how much further he can improve

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Speaking on Her Huddle, Gregg Rosenthal and Phoebe Schecter analyse Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and consider how much further he can improve

Speaking on Her Huddle, Gregg Rosenthal and Phoebe Schecter analyse Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and consider how much further he can improve

OBJ: Jackson ‘worth all the money in the world’

The Ravens are 3-2 going in to Sunday’s clash with the Titans in London – live on Sky Sports NFL from 2.30pm – and with Beckham yet to fully make his mark with the team.

He has just 66 receiving yards from five catches in two starts, with a troublesome ankle sidelining him for the other three games, but he is full of praise for his quarterback Lamar Jackson, who signed a new, five-year, $260m contract with Baltimore in the summer.

Odell Beckham Jr shows his excitement at being able to link up with quarterback Lamar Jackson and says he's

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Odell Beckham Jr shows his excitement at being able to link up with quarterback Lamar Jackson and says he’s “worth all the money in the world.”

Odell Beckham Jr shows his excitement at being able to link up with quarterback Lamar Jackson and says he’s “worth all the money in the world.”

“I remember catching myself one time watching him run and then suddenly thinking, ‘oh, I’ve got to go block for him,'” Beckham said. “He’s truly worth all the money in the world. A one of a kind.

“For me, when I was looking at teams, there was just was something very intriguing about the Ravens.

“It hasn’t been the start that I wanted, but the season is long. Anything can happen and it’s just about keeping your head down, staying focused, and trying to get better each and every day.”

A look at Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s top plays from the 2023 season so far

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A look at Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s top plays from the 2023 season so far

A look at Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson’s top plays from the 2023 season so far

Beckham is set to feature this Sunday against Tennessee and hopes to help get the team back to winning ways, on his second visit to London with the NFL after playing at Twickenham in a 17-10 win over the Rams in 2016.

“When I came out the first time we played, everyone was in their own teams’ jersey that they loved but still went to the game. I thought that was pretty cool,” he said.

“It’s come a long way since then. And I think it’s only going to grow and continue to grow and get better.

“I’ve been to a few football (soccer) games before over here and just seeing the fans, the energy, the atmosphere, I always thought if American Football had this, it’d be pretty crazy. So it’s definitely exciting.”

Watch the Baltimore Ravens take on the Tennessee Titans from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium live on Sky Sports NFL on Sunday, with kickoff at 2.30pm. Stream the 2023 NFL season on Sky Sports with NOW.



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Justin Jefferson: Minnesota Vikings star set to miss time on injured reserve due to hamstring issue

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is being placed on injured reserve as he recovers from a hamstring injury; elsewhere, Miami Dolphins rookie running back De’Von Achane is set to miss multiple weeks due to a knee injury suffered against the New York Giants

Last Updated: 10/10/23 2:36pm


Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson

The Minnesota Vikings are set to place star wide receiver Justin Jefferson on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the team’s next four games. 

Jefferson suffered a hamstring injury during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, with no timeframe placed on his return, as reported by NFL Network.

It means he will now miss games against the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons, with the Vikings sitting 1-4 and third in the NFC North.

The 2022 Offensive Player of the Year had entered Week Five with a league-leading 543 receiving yards from a tied-second 33 catches and three touchdowns.

His absence should pave the way for an increased target share for rookie receiver Jordan Addison, who has 19 catches for 249 yards and three touchdowns through five games. Tight end TJ Hockenson is also among the options for Kirk Cousins having made 30 catches for 254 yards and two scores on the year.

It brings an end to Jefferson’s run of 53 consecutive starts since Week Three of his rookie campaign in 2020, while also marking the first time he has missed a game in the NFL.

The Vikings stare at the prospect of a major transition come the end of the season, with quarterback Cousins playing on the final year of his current deal.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson explains why he loves to put a show on for the fans and how high expectations come as added motivation

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson explains why he loves to put a show on for the fans and how high expectations come as added motivation

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson explains why he loves to put a show on for the fans and how high expectations come as added motivation

Jefferson’s setback meanwhile adds to the long list of marquee injury setbacks so far during the 2023 NFL season, with Indianapolis Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson among the latest players to go down after sustaining a shoulder injury in Week Five.

Dolphins star Achane sidelined

Miami Dolphins rookie running back De’Von Achane is also due to miss time after suffering a knee injury in his side’s victory over the New York Giants at the weekend.

NFL Network reported that Achane is set to be sidelined for ‘multiple weeks’ as a result of the problem.

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane is gone in a flash on a 76-yard TD run as he sprints virtually untouched down the sideline for the long score

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Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane is gone in a flash on a 76-yard TD run as he sprints virtually untouched down the sideline for the long score

Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane is gone in a flash on a 76-yard TD run as he sprints virtually untouched down the sideline for the long score

Achane reeled off a stunning 76-yard touchdown run in the game on his way to 151 rushing yards from 11 carries as he extended his scoring tally to seven through five weeks.

The third-round pick leads Miami with 460 rushing yards and five touchdowns while also making nine catches for 67 yards and two end zone visits, proving a seamless fit to Mike McDaniel’s scheme.

Raheem Mostert leads the Dolphins with 58 carries so far on the year, from which he has amassed 314 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

Notable injuries during the 2023 season

Player Team Injury
David Ojabo (LB) Baltimore Ravens Ankle/knee
JK Dobbins (RB) Baltimore Ravens Achilles
Matt Milano (LB) Buffalo Bills Leg
Tre’Davious White (CB) Buffalo Bills Achilles
Jaycee Horn (CB) Carolina Panthers Hamstring
Nick Chubb (RB) Cleveland Browns Knee
Trevon Diggs (CB) Dallas Cowboys Knee
CJ Gardner-Johnson (S) Detroit Lions Pectoral
Aaron Jones (RB) Green Bay Packers Hamstring
David Bakhtiari (OT) Green Bay Packers Knee
Derek Stingley Jr. (CB) Houston Texans Hamstring
Anthony Richardson (QB) Indianapolis Colts Shoulder
Austin Ekeler (RB) Los Angeles Chargers Ankle
Mike Williams (WR) Los Angeles Chargers Knee
De’Von Achane (RB) Miami Dolphins Knee
Justin Jefferson (WR) Minnesota Vikings Hamstring
Matthew Judon (LB) New England Patriots Bicep
Christian Gonzalez (CB) New England Patriots Shoulder
Saquon Barkley (RB) New York Giants Ankle
Alijah Vera-Tucker (G) New York Jets Calf
Aaron Rodgers (QB) New York Jets Achilles
Cameron Heyward (DT) Pittsburgh Steelers Groin
Diontae Johnson (WR) Pittsburgh Steelers Hamstring

Vera-Tucker out for the year

It was also announced Monday that New York Jets offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker will also miss the rest of the season with a torn Achilles.

Vera-Tucker, 24, was injured during Sunday’s 31-21 win against the Denver Broncos. NFL Network originally reported that the Jets were optimistic their 2021 first-round pick (No. 14 overall) only injured his calf.

But Monday afternoon, coach Robert Saleh told reporters that the MRI showed an Achilles tear.

“We’re all kind of surprised, because he played a play on it, he walked off on his own power, he walked to the locker room on his own power, so we were pretty optimistic that that part of it was going to be OK,” Saleh said. “It’s a blow. Again, I feel bad for him.”

It’s the second straight year that Vera-Tucker’s season has been cut short, having played seven games in 2022 before suffering a torn triceps.

Vera-Tucker has started all 28 of his games with New York, including the first five contests this season. He began the season as the starting right guard before shifting to right tackle in Week 3.

Backup right tackle Max Mitchell could start Sunday when the Jets (2-3) host the Philadelphia Eagles (5-0).

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The Los Angeles Rams and their Puka Nacua-led cast have fresh hope in Hollywood following Super Bowl hangover


Puka Nacua has been one of the surprise stars of the Rams’ season over the first month

The Los Angeles Rams and their phase of reinvention has become one of the fun-filled stories of the young 2023 NFL season.

They find themselves navigating the strip-down-and-reload that always lurked in the distance after hamstringing their immediate future to devote everything to a Championship push. They are youthful, enigmatic, near-blank-canvased and unburdened by investment-fuelled expectation, the holes and hiccups that may befall them softened by the Lombardi Trophy they were left to show for their pocket-emptying approach.

Sean McVay’s side are two years removed from their Super Bowl-winning campaign, capped by a 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in what served as a defining moment for one of Mike Shanahan’s brightest disciples and so too the cash pot of Stan Kroenke.

A pool of superstars and wily veterans has since become a who’s who of ‘who’s that?’, within which has been weaved a rejuvenated McVay, an understaffed yet excelling defensive coordinator in Raheem Morris and a quarterback in Matthew Stafford who still possesses the arm talent to thrill and destroy, while being prone to the odd erratic mistake.

Rookie Puka Nacua of the LA Rams has taken everyone by surprise in his incredible start to the NFL season

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Rookie Puka Nacua of the LA Rams has taken everyone by surprise in his incredible start to the NFL season

Rookie Puka Nacua of the LA Rams has taken everyone by surprise in his incredible start to the NFL season

It wasn’t so long ago Rams General Manager Les Snead was wearing a t-shirt printed with the words ‘F*** them picks’ during the team’s Super Bowl parade, in reference to team construction strategy built heavily on trading draft picks in order to acquire ready-made contributors. It also wasn’t so long ago that he was apologising for said gesture. Spoiler: 2022 was a humbling hangover.

The Rams and their Jared Goff-Todd Gurley axis had fallen at the final hurdle. In relaunching their pursuit of a Super Bowl the Rams would trade two-first-round picks and a fourth-round pick for cornerback Jalen Ramsey to plug one of football’s toughest positons, they would acquire their perceived missing piece in quarterback Stafford for two first-round picks and a third-round pick, they would spruce up their Aaron Donald-encrusted defense by trading for future Hall of Fame ghost-move-guru edge rusher Von Miller and would sign free agent receiver Odell Beckham Jr down the stretch of their eventual Super Bowl-winning 2021 season.

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Granted, Donald and Cooper Kupp formed a defining spine as existing Rams draft selections, while depth was padded out by mid-to-late round picks, but Rams glory had been built on the short-term super-team immediacy that zagged from the block-by-block zig of the Draft. Salary cap gymnastics became the winning formula, with the caveat that kicking finances down the road always threatened a transition.

In the wake of Super Bowl success the Rams saw offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth retire, Miller head to Buffalo on a lucrative contract in view of guiding a third team to a ring, and Beckham Jr departed to begin his lengthy recovery from injury. Kupp, who had led the league with 1,947 yards in 2021, and Stafford were meanwhile limited to just nine games each through injury, and Donald himself was struck down with an ankle issue in November to further hamper a team feeling the full force of a hangover. McVay’s passing attack spluttered, the offensive line was manhandled and the Rams slumped to a 5-12 finish.

Highlights of the Los Angeles Rams against Indianapolis Colts from Week Four of the NFL season

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Highlights of the Los Angeles Rams against Indianapolis Colts from Week Four of the NFL season

Highlights of the Los Angeles Rams against Indianapolis Colts from Week Four of the NFL season

Cue change. The Rams proceeded to trade Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins, released veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner and edge rusher Leonard Floyd, watched nose tackle Greg Gaines sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, parted with guard David Edwards, safeties Nick Scott and Taylor Rapp and traded Allen Robinson II to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

By May they had onboarded 38 rookies before naming 14 to the initial 53-man roster as they entered the 2023 season the second-youngest team in the league. It comes after the Rams’ stretch of not having a first-round pick reached seven years, while free agency bypassed them to the sound of little activity as the team entered the campaign supposedly carrying $75m of dead money against their salary cap for the year. Let the games begin.

It raised the curtain on a new chapter for McVay amid murmurs he had been considering his future in the NFL. A chance to tinker again with the Shanahan-cultivated scheme that had lost some spark and innovation, an opportunity to craft young talent into cornerstones of the re-modeled Rams.

The minefield of Week One overreactions aside, an opening-day 30-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks warranted some attention. One of the NFL’s most intense and intelligent young coaches was still just that, a healthy Stafford could still dunk on teams and Aaron Donald, for all the retirement talk, was still Aaron Donald.

Highlights of the Washington Commanders against the Philadelphia Eagles from Week Four of the NFL season

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Highlights of the Washington Commanders against the Philadelphia Eagles from Week Four of the NFL season

Highlights of the Washington Commanders against the Philadelphia Eagles from Week Four of the NFL season

Enter Puka Nacua, the fifth-round rookie wide receiver who has amassed 501 receiving yards from a league-high 39 catches heading into Week Five, putting him on pace to rival Calvin Johnson’s single-season record of 1,964 yards in 2012. The former BYU man’s receiving yards and receptions through his first four games mark NFL records, within which came a rookie single-game record 15 catches in the Week Two loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

He has become the centre-piece to a Kupp-less offense over the first month with a savviness for getting to his landmark and the subtle feints in cuts and sustenance to his routes that enables McVay to be diverse with his usage, whether it be deploying him in a pre-snap jet motion that extends into a deep over or sandwiching him in a three-level trips concept that relies on perfection to the timing of his break and the release of Stafford.

Alongside him Tutu Atwell is finally offering signs of being the consistent contributor they drafted in the second round in 2021, McVay’s barrage of fast motions offering the former Louisville receiver a runway on which to veil his route. The result has been 22 catches for 270 yards and a touchdown over the first four weeks, leaving him just 29 shy of surpassing the 298 receiving yards he posted in 13 games last season.

Elsewhere, 2022 fifth-round pick Kyren Williams has already run Cam Akers out of town in the backfield with a third-most five rushing touchdowns, a fourth-most 17 red zone carries and a third-most 22 targets among all running backs while playing more snaps than any player in his position through four games. His nose for the end zone is feasting behind an offensive line that has found a potential cornerstone in second-round left guard Steve Avila, a rising fleet-footed climb-and-clear run blocking asset and maul-and-brawl pass protector.

The Raheem Morris defense has its own rookie feature in third-round outside linebacker Byron Young, who has 16 tackles, two sacks and 14 pressures and seven hurries so far on the year, as well as eight quarterback hits that put him level with that of Micah Parsons and two off Nick Bosa. And they still have sixth-round rookie cornerback Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson to come as a twitchy, slightly undersized, front-foot route-jumper and deep-shot blanket who allowed a passer rating of just 34.6 with TCU last year. He is competing for a place within a secondary made up of 2022 fourth-round pick Cobie Durant, 2022 seventh-round pick Russ Yeast and 2022 sixth-round pick Derion Kendrick. Welcome to the 2023 Los Angeles Rams.

McVay’s side currently sit 2-2 with an offense ranked eighth in EPA/play and fourth in total yards on offense as well as ninth in total yards and ninth in success rate on defense. Stafford is delivering a handsome dose of wow throws, Morris is thrusting himself into head coach contention, McVay is reminding the league he is still rather special and Kupp to accompany Nacua.

The Rams are fun. The winning may be sporadic and volatile, but they are a fascinating watch as they begin life on a new arch.

Watch the Los Angeles Rams host the Philadelphia Eagles from 9.05pm on Sunday live on Sky Sports NFL; Stream the 2023 NFL season with NOW for £21 a month for six months



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Cricket World Cup 2023 Captains’ Day: Rohit, Babar Discuss Cricket, Biryani And More | Cricket News

Rohit Sharma at Captain’s Day event




Cricket World Cup 2023 Captains Day Highlights: The likes of Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, Pat Cummins, Jos Buttler, Kane Williamson, etc. were in the spotlight as Ravi Shastri and Eoin Morgan grilled the 10 captains ahead of the start of the Cricket World Cup 2023. From their respective teams’ preparations, learnings from past events, to some candid Biryani questions, a lot was dicussed at the event.

Here are the Highlights from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Captains’ Day







  • 15:13 (IST)

    ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: That’s All Folks!

    Ravi Shastri concludes the event. We onto the Cricket World Cup now!

  • 15:12 (IST)

    World Cup LIVE, Captains’ Day: Kane Williamson On 2019 Heartbreak

    “We are here in another competition. 2019 was amazing but we are looking forward to what this one brings. It will be different from many levels”: Kane Williamson

  • 15:09 (IST)

    Captains’ Day LIVE: Rohit Baffled By Reporter’s Question

    “It’s not my job to decide that”: Rohit Sharma when asked about the 2019 World Cup final where England beat New Zealand on the basis of boundary count after the match was tied in 100 overs and the Super Over.

  • 15:06 (IST)

    Cricket World Cup 2023, LIVE: Babar Azam Really Liked Hyderabadi Biryani

    Babar Azam: Since the time we reached Hyderabad, the hospitality we got, it was amazing. It would’ve been great if fans had come from Pakistan. I hope we get this sort of support in every match. 

    Ravi Shastri: How was the Biryani?

    Babar Azam: It was great. Had always heard Hyderabadi Biryani was good. It was quite good.

  • 15:03 (IST)

    ODI World Cup LIVE: Babar Azam Excited About India Clash

    “We are excited about the India clash. It is always a big match. But, we have two games before that,” said Babar Azam.

  • 15:02 (IST)

    Captains’ Day LIVE: Pat Cummins On Inspiring The Next Generation

    Pat Cummins: “When I was a child growing up, I idolised sports people and cricketers. I wanted to do what they were. It’s important we play the game in the right spirit. It’s important we help children and the less fortunate. “

  • 14:59 (IST)

    World Cup LIVE, Captains’ Day: Rohit Sharma On World Cup In India

    “People are going to love this tournament. The stadiums will be jam-packed. Indians love their cricket. It is going to be a great tournament.” — Rohit Sharma

  • 14:55 (IST)

    Captains’ Day LIVE: Rohit Sharma On Warm-up Games Being Washed Out

    Rohit Sharma when asked about rain washing out the two warm-up games:

    “Not really. We were happy to get those days off. Looking at heat, and stuff like that. We have been playing a lot of cricket of late. We played 4 games in Asia Cup and 3 against Australia. We know where we are at. I would’ve loved to play those two games. But can’t do too much when the weather is like that apart form one part of India to the other part.

    “Overall, happy about how we are coming into the tournament and the guys are looking pretty good,” Rohit said.

  • 14:52 (IST)

    World Cup 2023, Captains’ Day LIVE: Babar Sees Bowling As Pakistan’s Biggest Strength

    Babar Azam on Pakistan’s biggest strength: “Our strength is bowling but as we know, we have been playing well together for the last three years, so bowling is our strength”.

  • 14:50 (IST)

    Captains’ Day LIVE: Rohit Sharma Will Give ‘Everything’

    Rohit Sharma: “Not thinking too much about on that stuff but yeah in last 3 edition hosting teams won the World Cups and we will give our everything in this World Cup and enjoy the tournament”.

  • 14:48 (IST)

    Cricket World Cup, Captains’ Day LIVE: Cummins Confident Of Australia’s Chances

    “Australia have done very well in ODI World Cups over the years. Hoping to do the same this time around”: Pat Cummins, Australia skipper.

  • 14:43 (IST)

    Captains’ Day LIVE: Babar Azam Felt Like Home In Hyderabad

    “We weren’t expecting the sort of reception we got at Hyderabad after we reached India. It didn’t feel like we were in India but back home”: Babar Azam

  • 14:40 (IST)

    Cricket World Cup, Captains’ Day LIVE: Rohit Not Thinking Of Home Factor

    Rohit Sharma not thinking about the ‘home advantage’ and the fact that the last three World Cups were won by the one of the hosts. He is only foucussed on doing his best. 

  • 14:36 (IST)

    Cricket World Cup, Captains’ Day LIVE: Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam Arrive

    The captains of the two arch-rival teams — India and Pakistan — have arrived. Ravi Shastri welcomes Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam before welcome England and New Zealand skippers who led their teams in the 2019 World Cup final.

  • 14:34 (IST)

    Cricket World Cup LIVE, Captains’ Day: We Are Underway!

    Ravi Shastri is on the stage, welcoming all 10 captains. First up are the captains of Netherlands and Afghanistan who are leading their respective teams in an ODI World Cup for the first time ever.

  • 14:26 (IST)

    Cricket World Cup 2023 LIVE, Captains’ Day: Rohit Sharma Sumarising His Personality

    “There is no point in doing showbaazi, it’s not in my nature. People around me, friends around me whom I have grown up with, have kept reminding me where I have come from. We just live normal lives. Why will I change and why should I change? I’m still not socially comfortable actually because I feel awkward. I am very poor at socialising. I get very uncomfortable at these events, struggling with small talk. I have a bunch of friends who are connected to me because I have connected with them, they have connected to me. Quality matters to me. People who are genuine, who are true, I connect somehow and feel quite comfortable in that atmosphere,” Rohit said in a chat with Indian Express.

  • 14:16 (IST)

    Cricket World Cup, Captains’ Day LIVE: How To Watch Live Streaming?

    Star Sports will broadcast the Captains’ Day live on their YouTube channel. The 10 captains will be speaking to former England captain Eoin Morgan and ex-India head coach Ravi Shastri at the event, answering some crucial questions.

  • 14:09 (IST)

    ICC World Cup 2023 LIVE: No Opening Ceremony?

    Reports of certain performances at the ICC Cricket World Cup opening ceremony did surface a few days ago but it doesn’t look like the organisers have any concrete opening ceremony plans at present. We are likely to head straight into the first match between England and New Zealand, the two finalists of the last edition.

  • 14:05 (IST)

    World Cup 2023, Capains’ Day LIVE: Candid Talk And More

    Captains Rohit Sharma, Babar Azam, Pat Cummins, Jos Buttler, etc. will have some candid talks during the chat. Expect everything but strategies to be discussed at the event, as was the case 4 years ago.

  • 13:56 (IST)

    Captains’ Day LIVE: Rohit Sharma Meets Babar Azam

    India captain Rohit Sharma had an opportunity to meet his Pakistani counterpart Babar Azam before the Captains’ Day began. Here’s the video that the PCB shared on the two stalwarts’ meeting:

  • 13:50 (IST)

    ICC World Cup 2023: Captains’ Await A Special Day

    Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Captains’ Day, ahead of the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. England are scheduled to take on New Zealand in the curtain-raiser fixture tomorrow. But, before the on-field contest, the 10 captains will discuss what awaits them over the next month and a half.

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World Grand Prix: Nathan Aspinall, Raymond van Barneveld, James Wade suffer early exits on opening night

Megan Wellens

Digital Sports Journalist @MegWellensX

Nathan Aspinall was knocked out by Stephen Bunting as James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld also failed to progress; watch the double in, double out World Grand Prix Darts from the Morningside Arena in Leicester up until the final on October 8 – live on Sky Sports

Last Updated: 03/10/23 12:04am


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Take a look at what happened on Night One of the World Grand Prix in Leicester

Take a look at what happened on Night One of the World Grand Prix in Leicester

Nathan Aspinall, James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld suffered first-round exits on the opening night of the 2023 World Grand Prix.  

Stephen Bunting overcame some poor finishing to knock out 2022 runner-up and world No 5 Aspinall in a 2-1 victory.

Bunting showed his strength on the doubles to cruise to a 3-1 win in the first set, a ghastly leg for Aspinall saw him take 12 darts to find the double.

Nathan Aspinall had a horror start to the third leg in the first set, needing 12 darts before hitting a double to get off the mark!

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Nathan Aspinall had a horror start to the third leg in the first set, needing 12 darts before hitting a double to get off the mark!

Nathan Aspinall had a horror start to the third leg in the first set, needing 12 darts before hitting a double to get off the mark!

Aspinall then found a clutch 140 to take the match to a deciding set but Bunting held strong under pressure, a huge maximum in the deciding leg helping him to the D16 finish for the victory.

World Grand Prix Results

Dirk van Duijvenbode 1-2 Brendan Dolan
Jose de Sousa 1-2 Gary Anderson
Krzysztof Ratajski 2-1 James Wade
Martin Schindler 2-1 Raymond van Barneveld
Nathan Aspinall 1-2 Stephen Bunting
Gerwyn Price 2-0 Danny Noppert
Michael Smith 2-0 Callan Rydz
Rob Cross 1-2 Andrew Gilding

Van Barneveld was defeated 2-1 by Martin Schindler, a disastrous opening leg foreshadowing his early exit.

‘Barney’ came back to take the second set, but Schindler’s scoring proved too much as he broke the throw on the deciding leg to seal the match and a second-round spot.

Martin Schindler brilliantly took out 160 to keep his hopes alive in the first set of his encounter with Raymond van Barneveld

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Martin Schindler brilliantly took out 160 to keep his hopes alive in the first set of his encounter with Raymond van Barneveld

Martin Schindler brilliantly took out 160 to keep his hopes alive in the first set of his encounter with Raymond van Barneveld

Krzysztof Ratajski pulled off an unlikely comeback to win 2-1 and knock out two-time winner Wade.

Two-time World Grand Prix champion James Wade lost the last three legs as he suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Krzysztof Ratajski in the opening round

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Two-time World Grand Prix champion James Wade lost the last three legs as he suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Krzysztof Ratajski in the opening round

Two-time World Grand Prix champion James Wade lost the last three legs as he suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Krzysztof Ratajski in the opening round

Wade found himself 2-0 up in the final deciding set but Ratajski fought back and was near perfect on the trebles to take three legs in a row and clinch an astonishing victory.

Smith shows skill as Anderson and Price also progress

World champion Michael Smith showed his brilliance and dropped just one leg as he raced to a 2-0 victory over Callan Rydz.

Smith got off to a flying start against Rydz, a 124 checkout helping him to a first-set win that included two breaks of throw.

Michael Smith sent out a statement of intent, taking out 124 in the opening leg of his contest versus Callan Rydz

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Michael Smith sent out a statement of intent, taking out 124 in the opening leg of his contest versus Callan Rydz

Michael Smith sent out a statement of intent, taking out 124 in the opening leg of his contest versus Callan Rydz

Despite Rydz rallying with a brilliant 126 checkout to take a leg, Smith then won three more in a row to wrap up the match and lay down a marker in the competition.

Gerwyn Price demolished Danny Noppert in a 2-0 routing, ‘The Iceman’ showing his class to take the first set, 112 and 101 finishes to break the throw plus a dominant deciding leg giving him the upper hand.

From there, Noppert could not respond, and the Welshman cruised through three back-to-back legs to wrap up the win, his scoring on the doubles too good for the Dutchman.

Gerwyn Price won the first set against Danny Noppert thanks to finishes of 112 and 101

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Gerwyn Price won the first set against Danny Noppert thanks to finishes of 112 and 101

Gerwyn Price won the first set against Danny Noppert thanks to finishes of 112 and 101

Dirk van Duijvenbode was the first to be knocked out as he fell 2-1 to Brendan Dolan.

Van Duijvenbode got going quickly as he raced to take all three legs in the first set against the throw for a 1-0 lead but Dolan fought back to clinch the second set and take the match to a decider.

It was then his turn to take all three sets as he found the doubles much quicker than his opponent, sealing the win and the spot in the second round with a tops finish.

The next clash saw an in-form Gary Anderson take on the ‘Special One’ Jose de Sousa, the Portuguese No 1 averaging 102.5 to clinch the first set on a break of throw in the deciding leg.

Gary Anderson overcame Jose de Sousa in a deciding leg as he progressed to the second round at the World Grand Prix

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Gary Anderson overcame Jose de Sousa in a deciding leg as he progressed to the second round at the World Grand Prix

Gary Anderson overcame Jose de Sousa in a deciding leg as he progressed to the second round at the World Grand Prix

However, the ‘Flying Scotsman’ fought back and showed why he is one to watch in this year’s tournament, taking four legs in a row, with some huge maximums along the way, plus a nervy deciding leg for the 2-1 win.

The final clash of the night saw Rob Cross and Andrew Gilding in a tight, albeit low-quality, affair as Gilding sealed the 2-1 win in a last-leg decider.

Cross missed three match darts for the victory and Gilding held his nerve to hit tops and seal only his second-ever World Grand Prix win.

Rob Cross squandered three match darts in the deciding leg as Andrew Gilding fought back from losing the opening set to reach the second round at the World Grand Prix

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Rob Cross squandered three match darts in the deciding leg as Andrew Gilding fought back from losing the opening set to reach the second round at the World Grand Prix

Rob Cross squandered three match darts in the deciding leg as Andrew Gilding fought back from losing the opening set to reach the second round at the World Grand Prix

Tuesday at the World Grand Prix

Michael van Gerwen will begin his defence of the title against Josh Rock in a mouth-watering first-round tussle.

Van Gerwen, who lifted his sixth World Grand Prix title in 2022, will open his challenge against world youth champion Rock.

Live World Grand Prix Darts

October 3, 2023, 6:00pm

Live on Sky Sports Arena

World Grand Prix: Tuesday, October 3 from 6pm

Joe Cullen vs Mike De Decker
Dave Chisnall vs Luke Woodhouse
Damon Heta vs Ryan Searle
Dimitri Van den Bergh vs Chris Dobey
Peter Wright vs Gabriel Clemens
Michael van Gerwen vs Josh Rock
Jonny Clayton vs Ross Smith
Luke Humphries vs Daryl Gurney

Third seed Peter Wright will play German No 1 Gabriel Clemens in his opener, with Hungarian Darts Trophy winner Dave Chisnall up against Luke Woodhouse.

Watch the double in, double out World Grand Prix Darts at the Morningside Arena in Leicester every night up until the final on October 8 – live on Sky Sports. Stream the World Grand Prix and more with NOW for £21 a month for six months



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NFL 2023 season live on Sky Sports: Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers in action across opening three weeks

Sky Sports NFL announces its live fixtures for Weeks 1-3 of the 2023 season, with Aaron Rodgers’ New York Jets, Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals and Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs in action; watch the Chiefs host the Lions in the season opener in the early hours of Friday September 8

Last Updated: 07/09/23 7:12am


The 2023 NFL season has arrived on Sky Sports!

The 2023 NFL season has arrived, with Sky Sports’ dedicated channel set to showcase some of the biggest names and games as part of a bumper schedule across the first three weeks of the campaign.

Tua Tagovailoa’s Miami Dolphins take on Justin Herbert’s Los Angeles Chargers in Week One and Aaron Rodgers’ New York Jets meet Dak Prescott’s Dallas Cowboys in Week Two, while both Patrick Mahomes and Trevor Lawrence are both in action live on Sky as they begin their pursuit of a spot at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.

Here are the fixtures live on Sky Sports across the opening three weeks of the season…

Highlights of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.

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Highlights of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.

Highlights of the Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.

Week 1:

Thursday Night kickoff:

  • (08/09 @ 1:20am) – Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs – Sky Sports NFL & Showcase

Sky Sports Sunday exclusive:

  • (10/09 @ 6pm) – San Francisco 49ers @ Pittsburgh Steelers – Sky Sports NFL & Part Sky Sports Main Event
  • (10/09 @ 9:25pm) – Miami Dolphins @ Los Angeles Chargers – Sky Sports NFL

Sunday Night Football:

  • (11/09 @ 1:20am) – Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants – Sky Sports NFL & Sky Sports Main Event

Monday Night Football:

  • (12/09 @ 1:15am) – Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets – Sky Sports NFL & Sky Sports Main Event

Week 2:

Thursday Night Football:

  • (15/09 @ 1:20am) – Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles – Sky Sports NFL & Sky Sports Main Event

Sky Sports Sunday exclusive:

  • (17/09 @ 6pm) – Kansas City Chiefs @ Jacksonville Jaguars – Sky Sports NFL & 7pm join Sky Sports Main Event
  • (17/09 @ 9:25pm) – Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets – Sky Sports NFL & Sky Sports Main Event

Sunday Night Football:

  • (18/09 @ 1:20am) – Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots – Sky Sports NFL & Sky Sports Main Event

Monday Night Football:

  • (19/09 @ 12:15am) – New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers – Sky Sports Arena & Sky Sports Mix
  • (19/09 @ 1:15am) – Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers – Sky Sports NFL & Sky Sports Main Event
Aaron Rodgers has a second Super Bowl ring on his mind

Aaron Rodgers has a second Super Bowl ring on his mind

Week 3:

Thursday Night Football:

  • (22/09 @1:20am) – New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers – Sky Sports NFL & Sky Sports Main Event

Sky Sports Sunday Exclusive:

  • (24/09 @ 6pm) – New York Jets @ New England Patriots – Sky Sports NFL & 7pm join Sky Sports Main Event
  • (24/09 @ 9:25pm) Chicago Bears @ Kansas City Chiefs – Sky Sports NFL & Sky Sports Main Event

Sunday Night Football:

  • (25/09 @ 1:20am) – Pittsburgh Steelers @ Las Vegas Raiders – Sky Sports NFL & Sky Sports Main Event

Monday Night Football:

  • (26/09 @ 12:15am) – Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Sky Sports NFL & Sky Sports Main Event
  • (26/09 @ 1:15am) – Los Angeles Rams @ Cincinnati Bengals – Sky Sports Arena & Sky Sports Mix

How to follow the 2023 NFL season

The NFL is back!

The NFL is back!

Live on Sky Sports

The 2023 NFL season kicks off live on Sky Sports in the early hours of Friday September 9 (1.20am) as the defending champion Chiefs take on this year’s potential surprise package in the Detroit Lions at Arrowhead.

Neil Reynolds will then be joined by Phoebe Schecter in Pittsburgh for the opening NFL Sunday of the season as the Steelers take on the San Francisco 49ers in the 6pm kickoff live on Sky, while Hannah Wilkes and Jason Bell guide you through the late slate of games from Sky Studios.

Make sure you tune in to Sky Sports NFL every Sunday at 6pm for the first game of our triple-header of live action. The evening’s entertainment also includes NFL Redzone action as hosted by Scott Hanson, as well as Sunday Night Football to round off the night.

Sky Sports will broadcast two exclusive live games every Sunday throughout the regular season in the 6pm and 9.25pm slots, while also showing every Thursday Night, Sunday Night and Monday Night match-up as well as the Thanksgiving and Christmas Day fixtures.

Fans can also watch every minute of the playoffs across January, followed by Super Bowl LVIII at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on February 11.

NFL Week One fixtures

Date Matchup Kick-Off (UK time)
Thursday, September 7 Detroit Lions @ Kansas City Chiefs 1.20am, Friday morning
Sunday, September 10 Carolina Panthers @ Atlanta Falcons 6pm
Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens 6pm
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns 6pm
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts 6pm
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Minnesota Vikings 6pm
Tennessee Titans @ New Orleans Saints 6pm
San Francisco 49ers @ Pittsburgh Steelers 6pm
Arizona Cardinals @ Washington Commanders 6pm
Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears 9.25pm
Las Vegas Raiders @ Denver Broncos 9.25pm
Miami Dolphins @ Los Angeles Chargers 9.25pm
Philadelphia Eagles @ New England Patriots 9.25pm
Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle Seahawks 9.25pm
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants 1.20am, Monday morning
Monday, September 12 Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets 1.15am, Tuesday morning

On the road again!

The Sky Sports NFL team are leaving the comfort of Sky Studios to take the show on the road again this season.

Neil Reynolds will lead a two-hour build-up show live from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 15 as Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens take on the Tennessee Titans in the third of three London games this year.

It is then off to Germany, where we will broadcast live from Frankfurt as the Dolphins take on the Chiefs and the Indianapolis Colts face the New England Patriots on November 5 and 12, respectively.

2023 NFL International Games schedule

Date Matchup Location
October 1 (Week 4) Atlanta Falcons vs Jacksonville Jaguars Wembley Stadium
October 8 (Week 5) Jacksonville Jaguars vs Buffalo Bills Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
October 15 (Week 6) Baltimore Ravens vs Tennessee Titans Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
November 5 (Week 9) Miami Dolphins vs Kansas City Chiefs Frankfurt Stadium
November 12 (Week 10) Indianapolis Colts vs New England Patriots Frankfurt Stadium

What else?

The dedicated Sky Sports NFL channel will meanwhile continue to show the usual NFL Network favourites, including Good Morning Football, Pro Football Talk, Total Access, NFL Fantasy Live and America’s Game.

Neil Reynolds will be back to present his regular Inside the Huddle podcast, while Hannah Wilkes brings you exclusive interviews with the leading ladies of the NFL through Her Huddle.

Every episode of this year’s Hard Knocks as well as One Jets Drive will also be available to watch as we are taken behind-the-scenes with the Jets as they begin life with Aaron Rodgers.

Digital and Social

Throughout the season at skysports.com/nfl, we will have previews and reports for every live game, a rolling blog to accompany Sunday’s busy 6pm slate, where you can catch the best of the action if you are out and about.

Stick with us for the best feature and preview content as well as the verdict from our host of experts as our line-up of pundits and guests ensure all the talking points are covered.

And follow us on Twitter @SkySportsNFL where we want you to join in the conversation with your thoughts, comments and feedback through the season.

Don’t miss a second of the 2023 NFL season with Sky Sports NFL – watch the Kansas City Chiefs being their Super Bowl title defence against the Detroit Lions in the early hours of Friday September 8 live on Sky. Stream with NOW.



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