Broken blueprints: How Italy and Nigeria failed to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup As you read this, teams are taking shape, players are pushing to make it to their national sides, and coaches are scratching their heads to get strategies in place before the greatest show on earth rolls into town.Amid the noise, there is silence in two prominent parts of the world — countries that, not so long ago, were part of this carnival: Italy and Nigeria.Italy, the more decorated of the two, missed out on its third consecutive World Cup appearance — a phenomenon termed an ‘apocalypse’ by local media — as the four-time World Cup winner lost 1-4 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in its final qualifier.The Germans offer a relevant precedent here. When Germany — then a three-time World Cup winner — was knocked out of the 2004 European Championships, it decided to tear its existing blueprint apart and build another from scratch.Its youth programme, called the Nachwuchsleistungszentrum, churned out stars like Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer and Mario Götze. A decade later, Götze — a product of Borussia Dortmund’s youth academy — volleyed his name into immortality as Germany became world champion yet again.Fantastic finish: Mario Göetze scored the winner in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, putting up a fine example of a finished product of Germany’s youth development programs. | Photo Credit: AFP Fantastic finish: Mario Göetze scored the winner in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, putting up a fine example of a finished product of Germany’s youth development programs. | Photo Credit: AFP A similar plan was conceptualised by Italy legend Roberto Baggio in his project ‘Renewing the Future’ after the Azzurri, then defending champions, crashed out of the 2010 World Cup in the group stage.But within 17 months, he chose to walk away.“A 900-page program was presented in December 2011, but it remained a dead letter for a year. So I drew my conclusions: I don’t like sitting in positions, but rather getting things done,” Baggio, resigning from the post of president of the technical sector of the Italian Football Federation, said.The years that followed still yielded some fruits of Baggio’s vision.Italy won Euro 2020, produced prominent European stars in Gianluigi Donnarumma — a treble winner with Paris Saint-Germain — Nicolò Barella, a two-time Champions League runner-up, and even Sandro Tonali, who helped Newcastle United win its first trophy in nearly half a century. Yet, with all of them in the squad, the ship could not be steadied against Bosnia and Herzegovina.A night to forget: Italy fell to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties to fall short in the race to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: REUTERS A night to forget: Italy fell to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties to fall short in the race to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: REUTERS Marcello Lippi, the last World Cup-winning coach of Italy, had once said, “A group of the best players does not necessarily make for the best team.”Italy had developed a DNA influenced by Giovanni Trapattoni’s zona mista (an Italian style of football prevalent in the 1960-70s) and Arrigo Sacchi’s 4-4-2 — both that were built on a simple creed: defence wins titles.That cathedral now looks to be crumbling — neglected and abandoned.Other major teams that missed the cutNo encore for SánchezChile, which reached the round of 16 in each of its last three World Cup appearances, missed out on the 2026 edition — the third consecutive time it has fallen short — potentially ending Alexis Sánchez’s chances of playing in the tournament again.Curtain call cut shortPoland legend Robert Lewandowski broke down after a 2-3 loss to Sweden in the playoffs saw his team miss out on a World Cup spot for the first time since 2014, denying the star striker a final dance on the biggest stage.Mbeumo misses the partyBryan Mbeumo will miss his first chance to play in a World Cup as his team, Cameroon — the 1990 quarterfinalist — failed to qualify for the expanded 48-team 2026 edition, set to be played in the USA, Mexico and Canada.Italian players are moving to foreign leagues, and the last time an Italian club won the Champions League was 16 years ago — the same year Italy last won the World Cup.In the current national team, four of the 11 regular starters — Donnarumma, Riccardo Calafiori, Tonali and Mateo Retegui — play outside Italy, with its main striker (Retegui) playing in Asia. In contrast, in the 2010 World Cup-winning squad, all players featured in Serie A.Off the field, the rot runs deeper. Gabriele Gravina clung to the Italian FA presidency despite Italy failing to qualify for Qatar 2022, until he was forced to walk the plank after the 2026 qualifying debacle.Who did Italy turn to as coach? Gennaro Gattuso — a fine player who, as a manager, had fallen short of expectations at nine clubs.For a country trying to return to the World Cup after 12 years, was that really the best step forward? Questions will arise and Italy will need answers, or risk going around in circles.For Nigeria, chaos has been the only constant. Too many cooks spoiled the broth for the African giant, as the Super Eagles were grounded before takeoff for the second World Cup cycle in succession.In the 2022 qualifying campaign, Nigeria replaced Gernot Rohr, who coached in the initial qualifiers, with Augustine Eguavoen before the penultimate round. The team fell to Ghana on the away goals rule.Not an American dream anymore: Nigeria had made a prominent mark when the USA hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time, in 1994. When the tournament returns to the same country this year, the Golden Eagles will only be able to watch in silence. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library Not an American dream anymore: Nigeria had made a prominent mark when the USA hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time, in 1994. When the tournament returns to the same country this year, the Golden Eagles will only be able to watch in silence. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library In the next World Cup cycle, the inconsistency gave way to further drama. Several players from the team that finished runner-up in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) were promised real estate rewards, which reportedly never arrived.The team even boycotted the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya after being stranded at the airport for 12 hours.The following month, just two days before the World Cup African playoff semifinal against Gabon, the entire squad downed tools due to unresolved wage issues. Though the matter was eventually resolved — and Nigeria dragged itself past the finish line with a 4-1 extra-time win — the cracks were clear.Then came the revolving door of head coaches: José Peseiro, Finidi George, Augustine Eguavoen and Eric Chelle — four men in two years. Chelle remained in charge for the final stages of qualification, where Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the coach blaming voodoo for the exit. Talk about analysis.Beyond the quagmire of administration, the harshest blow came from the treatment table — Victor Osimhen’s injury ruled him out of several matches. The former Napoli forward even fell out of favour with George, who claimed Osimhen was faking his injury, before missing clashes against South Africa and Benin.The result: three matches, no wins. Nigeria drew twice with South Africa and lost to Benin. Without Osimhen, it earned only four points from a possible 15.Lost roar: Nigeria looked a different side with an without Osimhen, who missed several matches with injury in the qualification campaign. | Photo Credit: AFP Lost roar: Nigeria looked a different side with an without Osimhen, who missed several matches with injury in the qualification campaign. | Photo Credit: AFP His injury in the playoff final against DR Congo forced an early substitution, and Ademola Lookman followed 10 minutes later — leaving Nigeria to play most of the match without two of its most important strikers.DR Congo, on the other hand, was a study in stability.After failing to qualify for Qatar 2022, it offered a second roll of the dice to Sébastien Desabre as coach — and he repaid that faith by guiding the team to the World Cup after 52 years, beating Cameroon and Nigeria.When the FIFA World Cup was first conducted in the United States in 1994, Nigeria and Italy had some of the loudest fans, with the former reaching the round of 16, and the latter making the final.This time around, it will be their silence that rings loudest — a reminder that in football, failure is rarely accidental.Published on Apr 23, 2026 #Broken #blueprints #Italy #Nigeria #failed #qualify #FIFA #World #Cup

Broken blueprints: How Italy and Nigeria failed to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup
As you read this, teams are taking shape, players are pushing to make it to their national sides, and coaches are scratching their heads to get strategies in place before the greatest show on earth rolls into town.
Amid the noise, there is silence in two prominent parts of the world — countries that, not so long ago, were part of this carnival: Italy and Nigeria.
Italy, the more decorated of the two, missed out on its third consecutive World Cup appearance — a phenomenon termed an ‘apocalypse’ by local media — as the four-time World Cup winner lost 1-4 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in its final qualifier.
The Germans offer a relevant precedent here. When Germany — then a three-time World Cup winner — was knocked out of the 2004 European Championships, it decided to tear its existing blueprint apart and build another from scratch.
Its youth programme, called the Nachwuchsleistungszentrum, churned out stars like Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer and Mario Götze. A decade later, Götze — a product of Borussia Dortmund’s youth academy — volleyed his name into immortality as Germany became world champion yet again.
Fantastic finish: Mario Göetze scored the winner in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, putting up a fine example of a finished product of Germany’s youth development programs. | Photo Credit: AFP
Fantastic finish: Mario Göetze scored the winner in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, putting up a fine example of a finished product of Germany’s youth development programs. | Photo Credit: AFP
A similar plan was conceptualised by Italy legend Roberto Baggio in his project ‘Renewing the Future’ after the Azzurri, then defending champions, crashed out of the 2010 World Cup in the group stage.
But within 17 months, he chose to walk away.
“A 900-page program was presented in December 2011, but it remained a dead letter for a year. So I drew my conclusions: I don’t like sitting in positions, but rather getting things done,” Baggio, resigning from the post of president of the technical sector of the Italian Football Federation, said.
The years that followed still yielded some fruits of Baggio’s vision.
Italy won Euro 2020, produced prominent European stars in Gianluigi Donnarumma — a treble winner with Paris Saint-Germain — Nicolò Barella, a two-time Champions League runner-up, and even Sandro Tonali, who helped Newcastle United win its first trophy in nearly half a century. Yet, with all of them in the squad, the ship could not be steadied against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A night to forget: Italy fell to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties to fall short in the race to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
A night to forget: Italy fell to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties to fall short in the race to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
Marcello Lippi, the last World Cup-winning coach of Italy, had once said, “A group of the best players does not necessarily make for the best team.”
Italy had developed a DNA influenced by Giovanni Trapattoni’s zona mista (an Italian style of football prevalent in the 1960-70s) and Arrigo Sacchi’s 4-4-2 — both that were built on a simple creed: defence wins titles.
That cathedral now looks to be crumbling — neglected and abandoned.
Other major teams that missed the cut
No encore for Sánchez
Chile, which reached the round of 16 in each of its last three World Cup appearances, missed out on the 2026 edition — the third consecutive time it has fallen short — potentially ending Alexis Sánchez’s chances of playing in the tournament again.
Curtain call cut short
Poland legend Robert Lewandowski broke down after a 2-3 loss to Sweden in the playoffs saw his team miss out on a World Cup spot for the first time since 2014, denying the star striker a final dance on the biggest stage.
Mbeumo misses the party
Bryan Mbeumo will miss his first chance to play in a World Cup as his team, Cameroon — the 1990 quarterfinalist — failed to qualify for the expanded 48-team 2026 edition, set to be played in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Italian players are moving to foreign leagues, and the last time an Italian club won the Champions League was 16 years ago — the same year Italy last won the World Cup.
In the current national team, four of the 11 regular starters — Donnarumma, Riccardo Calafiori, Tonali and Mateo Retegui — play outside Italy, with its main striker (Retegui) playing in Asia. In contrast, in the 2010 World Cup-winning squad, all players featured in Serie A.
Off the field, the rot runs deeper. Gabriele Gravina clung to the Italian FA presidency despite Italy failing to qualify for Qatar 2022, until he was forced to walk the plank after the 2026 qualifying debacle.
Who did Italy turn to as coach? Gennaro Gattuso — a fine player who, as a manager, had fallen short of expectations at nine clubs.
For a country trying to return to the World Cup after 12 years, was that really the best step forward? Questions will arise and Italy will need answers, or risk going around in circles.
For Nigeria, chaos has been the only constant. Too many cooks spoiled the broth for the African giant, as the Super Eagles were grounded before takeoff for the second World Cup cycle in succession.
In the 2022 qualifying campaign, Nigeria replaced Gernot Rohr, who coached in the initial qualifiers, with Augustine Eguavoen before the penultimate round. The team fell to Ghana on the away goals rule.
Not an American dream anymore: Nigeria had made a prominent mark when the USA hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time, in 1994. When the tournament returns to the same country this year, the Golden Eagles will only be able to watch in silence. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library
Not an American dream anymore: Nigeria had made a prominent mark when the USA hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time, in 1994. When the tournament returns to the same country this year, the Golden Eagles will only be able to watch in silence. | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library
In the next World Cup cycle, the inconsistency gave way to further drama. Several players from the team that finished runner-up in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) were promised real estate rewards, which reportedly never arrived.
The team even boycotted the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya after being stranded at the airport for 12 hours.
The following month, just two days before the World Cup African playoff semifinal against Gabon, the entire squad downed tools due to unresolved wage issues. Though the matter was eventually resolved — and Nigeria dragged itself past the finish line with a 4-1 extra-time win — the cracks were clear.
Then came the revolving door of head coaches: José Peseiro, Finidi George, Augustine Eguavoen and Eric Chelle — four men in two years. Chelle remained in charge for the final stages of qualification, where Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the coach blaming voodoo for the exit. Talk about analysis.
Beyond the quagmire of administration, the harshest blow came from the treatment table — Victor Osimhen’s injury ruled him out of several matches. The former Napoli forward even fell out of favour with George, who claimed Osimhen was faking his injury, before missing clashes against South Africa and Benin.
The result: three matches, no wins. Nigeria drew twice with South Africa and lost to Benin. Without Osimhen, it earned only four points from a possible 15.
Lost roar: Nigeria looked a different side with an without Osimhen, who missed several matches with injury in the qualification campaign. | Photo Credit: AFP
Lost roar: Nigeria looked a different side with an without Osimhen, who missed several matches with injury in the qualification campaign. | Photo Credit: AFP
His injury in the playoff final against DR Congo forced an early substitution, and Ademola Lookman followed 10 minutes later — leaving Nigeria to play most of the match without two of its most important strikers.
DR Congo, on the other hand, was a study in stability.
After failing to qualify for Qatar 2022, it offered a second roll of the dice to Sébastien Desabre as coach — and he repaid that faith by guiding the team to the World Cup after 52 years, beating Cameroon and Nigeria.
When the FIFA World Cup was first conducted in the United States in 1994, Nigeria and Italy had some of the loudest fans, with the former reaching the round of 16, and the latter making the final.
This time around, it will be their silence that rings loudest — a reminder that in football, failure is rarely accidental.
Published on Apr 23, 2026
#Broken #blueprints #Italy #Nigeria #failed #qualify #FIFA #World #Cup

As you read this, teams are taking shape, players are pushing to make it to their national sides, and coaches are scratching their heads to get strategies in place before the greatest show on earth rolls into town.

Amid the noise, there is silence in two prominent parts of the world — countries that, not so long ago, were part of this carnival: Italy and Nigeria.

Italy, the more decorated of the two, missed out on its third consecutive World Cup appearance — a phenomenon termed an ‘apocalypse’ by local media — as the four-time World Cup winner lost 1-4 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in its final qualifier.

The Germans offer a relevant precedent here. When Germany — then a three-time World Cup winner — was knocked out of the 2004 European Championships, it decided to tear its existing blueprint apart and build another from scratch.

Its youth programme, called the Nachwuchsleistungszentrum, churned out stars like Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer and Mario Götze. A decade later, Götze — a product of Borussia Dortmund’s youth academy — volleyed his name into immortality as Germany became world champion yet again.

Fantastic finish: Mario Göetze scored the winner in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, putting up a fine example of a finished product of Germany’s youth development programs.
| Photo Credit:
AFP

lightbox-info

Fantastic finish: Mario Göetze scored the winner in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, putting up a fine example of a finished product of Germany’s youth development programs.
| Photo Credit:
AFP

A similar plan was conceptualised by Italy legend Roberto Baggio in his project ‘Renewing the Future’ after the Azzurri, then defending champions, crashed out of the 2010 World Cup in the group stage.

But within 17 months, he chose to walk away.

“A 900-page program was presented in December 2011, but it remained a dead letter for a year. So I drew my conclusions: I don’t like sitting in positions, but rather getting things done,” Baggio, resigning from the post of president of the technical sector of the Italian Football Federation, said.

The years that followed still yielded some fruits of Baggio’s vision.

Italy won Euro 2020, produced prominent European stars in Gianluigi Donnarumma — a treble winner with Paris Saint-Germain — Nicolò Barella, a two-time Champions League runner-up, and even Sandro Tonali, who helped Newcastle United win its first trophy in nearly half a century. Yet, with all of them in the squad, the ship could not be steadied against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A night to forget: Italy fell to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties to fall short in the race to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS

lightbox-info

A night to forget: Italy fell to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties to fall short in the race to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS

Marcello Lippi, the last World Cup-winning coach of Italy, had once said, “A group of the best players does not necessarily make for the best team.”

Italy had developed a DNA influenced by Giovanni Trapattoni’s zona mista (an Italian style of football prevalent in the 1960-70s) and Arrigo Sacchi’s 4-4-2 — both that were built on a simple creed: defence wins titles.

That cathedral now looks to be crumbling — neglected and abandoned.

Other major teams that missed the cut

No encore for Sánchez

Chile, which reached the round of 16 in each of its last three World Cup appearances, missed out on the 2026 edition — the third consecutive time it has fallen short — potentially ending Alexis Sánchez’s chances of playing in the tournament again.

Curtain call cut short

Poland legend Robert Lewandowski broke down after a 2-3 loss to Sweden in the playoffs saw his team miss out on a World Cup spot for the first time since 2014, denying the star striker a final dance on the biggest stage.

Mbeumo misses the party

Bryan Mbeumo will miss his first chance to play in a World Cup as his team, Cameroon — the 1990 quarterfinalist — failed to qualify for the expanded 48-team 2026 edition, set to be played in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Italian players are moving to foreign leagues, and the last time an Italian club won the Champions League was 16 years ago — the same year Italy last won the World Cup.

In the current national team, four of the 11 regular starters — Donnarumma, Riccardo Calafiori, Tonali and Mateo Retegui — play outside Italy, with its main striker (Retegui) playing in Asia. In contrast, in the 2010 World Cup-winning squad, all players featured in Serie A.

Off the field, the rot runs deeper. Gabriele Gravina clung to the Italian FA presidency despite Italy failing to qualify for Qatar 2022, until he was forced to walk the plank after the 2026 qualifying debacle.

Who did Italy turn to as coach? Gennaro Gattuso — a fine player who, as a manager, had fallen short of expectations at nine clubs.

For a country trying to return to the World Cup after 12 years, was that really the best step forward? Questions will arise and Italy will need answers, or risk going around in circles.

For Nigeria, chaos has been the only constant. Too many cooks spoiled the broth for the African giant, as the Super Eagles were grounded before takeoff for the second World Cup cycle in succession.

In the 2022 qualifying campaign, Nigeria replaced Gernot Rohr, who coached in the initial qualifiers, with Augustine Eguavoen before the penultimate round. The team fell to Ghana on the away goals rule.

Not an American dream anymore: Nigeria had made a prominent mark when the USA hosted the FIFA World Cup for the first time, in 1994. When the tournament returns to the same country this year, the Golden Eagles will only be able to watch in silence.
| Photo Credit:
The Hindu Photo Library

lightbox-info

In the next World Cup cycle, the inconsistency gave way to further drama. Several players from the team that finished runner-up in the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) were promised real estate rewards, which reportedly never arrived.

The team even boycotted the AFCON 2025 qualifier against Libya after being stranded at the airport for 12 hours.

The following month, just two days before the World Cup African playoff semifinal against Gabon, the entire squad downed tools due to unresolved wage issues. Though the matter was eventually resolved — and Nigeria dragged itself past the finish line with a 4-1 extra-time win — the cracks were clear.

Then came the revolving door of head coaches: José Peseiro, Finidi George, Augustine Eguavoen and Eric Chelle — four men in two years. Chelle remained in charge for the final stages of qualification, where Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo, with the coach blaming voodoo for the exit. Talk about analysis.

Beyond the quagmire of administration, the harshest blow came from the treatment table — Victor Osimhen’s injury ruled him out of several matches. The former Napoli forward even fell out of favour with George, who claimed Osimhen was faking his injury, before missing clashes against South Africa and Benin.

The result: three matches, no wins. Nigeria drew twice with South Africa and lost to Benin. Without Osimhen, it earned only four points from a possible 15.

Lost roar: Nigeria looked a different side with an without Osimhen, who missed several matches with injury in the qualification campaign.
| Photo Credit:
AFP

lightbox-info

Lost roar: Nigeria looked a different side with an without Osimhen, who missed several matches with injury in the qualification campaign.
| Photo Credit:
AFP

His injury in the playoff final against DR Congo forced an early substitution, and Ademola Lookman followed 10 minutes later — leaving Nigeria to play most of the match without two of its most important strikers.

DR Congo, on the other hand, was a study in stability.

After failing to qualify for Qatar 2022, it offered a second roll of the dice to Sébastien Desabre as coach — and he repaid that faith by guiding the team to the World Cup after 52 years, beating Cameroon and Nigeria.

When the FIFA World Cup was first conducted in the United States in 1994, Nigeria and Italy had some of the loudest fans, with the former reaching the round of 16, and the latter making the final.

This time around, it will be their silence that rings loudest — a reminder that in football, failure is rarely accidental.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

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#Broken #blueprints #Italy #Nigeria #failed #qualify #FIFA #World #Cup

Tag FIFA FIFA World Cup 2026 how italy failed to qualify for fifa world cup 2026 italy football italy football crisis lewandowski nigeria football nigeria out of fifa world cup nigerian football crisis no nigeria in fifa world cup sanchez why is nigeria not playing in fifa world cup 2026 why italy is not playing in fifa world cup 2026 why italy not playing in fifa world cup 2026 why nigeria not playing in fifa world cup

Deadspin | Desperate Senators hope to capitalize on chances in Game 3 <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28775170.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28775170.jpg" alt="NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Ottawa Senators at Carolina Hurricanes" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 20, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Seth Jarvis (24) and Ottawa Senators right wing Drake Batherson (19) battle in the first overtime period in game two of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images  </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The math is very simple for the Ottawa Senators as they prepare to host the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series on Thursday night.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Ottawa trails the series 2-0, and only four times in NHL history has a team come back from down 3-0 to win a playoff series. The last occurred in 2014 when the Los Angeles Kings rallied to stun the San Jose Sharks.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Senators fell behind the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-0 in the first round last April before falling in six games.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“We feel a lot better than being down 2-0 last year,” Ottawa forward Drake Batherson said on Wednesday. “We’ve got a lot of confidence. We’re excited to get in front of our fans. We all can’t wait.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The Senators have certainly generated chances on offense, putting 61 shots on Frederik Andersen in the first two games, but only two of those have found the back of the net. Dylan Cozens tied Game 2 late in the second period, and no one scored again until Carolina’s Jordan Martinook ended the 3-2 thriller at 13:53 of the second overtime.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Linus Ullmark was stellar in defeat, making 46 saves after stopping 27 of 29 shots in Game 1.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“We’ve got a couple of days to regroup, not just physically, but mentally, as well,” Senators coach Travis Green said, referring to the aftermath of the Monday marathon. “After losing a game like that, I think that’s going to be important. And I think we played better the second game than the first game, and we’ve got to play better again.”</p> </section><br/><section id="section-8"> <p>Ottawa would benefit from the return of defensemen Tyler Kleven and Artem Zub. Kleven, who took a puck to the face on April 2, practiced in a regular jersey on Wednesday. Zub, who scored a career-high 30 points (five goals, 25 assists) this season, sustained an undisclosed injury in Game 1. He did not play in Game 2 and did not practice on Wednesday.</p> </section> <section id="section-9"> <p>The Hurricanes, meanwhile, are the first team in NHL history to take a 2-0 lead in its first best-of-seven series in six straight postseasons.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“We did our job,” Martinook said. “Every home team you want to hold court in your building. We won our two at home, and now we go up there, and they’re going to try and do the same. So, it’s on us to go in there and put our best game forward and get the next one.”</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Hurricanes forward Logan Stankoven has carried his hot streak into the playoffs. He ended the regular season on a career-best eight-game point streak, then had a goal and an assist in Game 1 and a goal in Game 2.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The line of Taylor Hall, Stankoven and Jackson Blake has nine of Carolina’s 14 points, so Carolina will be looking to spread out the scoring in Game 3.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Another area needing improvement for the Hurricanes is faceoffs. The Hurricanes won just 36.3% (29-for-80) of the faceoffs in Game 2 after taking 43.6% (24-for-55) in Game 1.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>“I can’t tell you, but we have to do better,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said when asked what has gone wrong. “There’s understanding how refs are dropping pucks. There’s a million things that go into it. We have to be better.”</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Desperate #Senators #hope #capitalize #chances #Game

Deadspin | Pirates’ postseason push in need of reset against Mets Jul 26, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski (50) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images It’s make-or-break time for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they return home on Friday to open a three-game series against the New York Mets. The Pirates bolstered their bullpen at the trade deadline in the hopes of making a playoff push, but they lost their third consecutive game on Thursday and dropped to three games under .500 for the first time this season. The Mets, mired in last place in the National League East and already looking toward the future, will turn to rookie left-hander Zac Thornton (2-2, 2.88 ERA) for his seventh career start, his first against the Pirates. New York’s fifth-round pick in 2023, Thornton will oppose right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski (6-3, 3.15 ERA), who returns to Pittsburgh’s rotation for the first time since May 25. Mlodzinski will fill in for veteran Mitch Keller, who was placed on the 60-day injured list this week due to a season-ending shoulder injury. The Pirates have lost eight of their past 10 games and are behind five teams in the chase for the National League’s final wild-card spot. Pittsburgh traded for relievers Camilo Doval, Luke Weaver, Kirby Yates and Lake Bachar ahead of the Monday deadline, and a 4-3 win at Milwaukee that night appeared to energize the clubhouse. However, three consecutive losses to the Brewers followed. Pittsburgh likely needs an extended winning streak to reach the postseason, but the Pirates haven’t won more than five in a row this season (March 31-April 5). “There are gonna be weeks where we’re gonna find ourselves in the situation we are now … but next week we could win all six between the next two series and find ourselves in a wild-card spot,” Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe said. “It’s gonna be a grind, and we’re gonna have to play our best baseball up until the final game. Wipe what happened here and get ready for New York.” Mlodzinski made his first start of this season and only career start against the Mets on March 29, and he did not factor in the decision after allowing two runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out eight and did not issue a walk. As a reliever the past two-plus months, Mlodzinski made 14 appearances, going 2-0 with a 2.29 ERA, two saves, 30 strikeouts and 11 walks over 39 1/3 innings. The Mets took two of three against the visiting Pirates to open the season and are coming off their third sweep of 2026, having taken three in a row at Cleveland. With a win on Friday, they would match their longest winning streaks of the year, four-game runs from April 3-7 and May 27-31. The recent surge was a welcome sight for veterans such as Bo Bichette, who believe the club can build off such success in the second half as it evaluates new players. “The way I look at it is, I think there’s no doubt this team is going to be better next year,” Bichette said. “I really believe that. There’s still a lot of talent in this room, a lot of young talent that’s really hungry, combined with guys that have been around who have done a lot of great things in this game. And then on top of that, typically when you have a season like this, people show up a little bit more motivated. So I think that this group is going to be well-prepared to be better next year.” Thornton will try to regroup after lasting 4 2/3 innings in a 6-2 home loss to the Miami Marlins on Saturday. He allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits, including a home run, and three walks while striking out two. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Pirates #postseason #push #reset #Mets

#Deadspin #Pirates #postseason #push #reset #Mets">

mwasimuddin125 0

Jul 26, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski (50) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

It’s make-or-break time for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they return home on Friday to open a three-game series against the New York Mets.

The Pirates bolstered their bullpen at the trade deadline in the hopes of making a playoff push, but they lost their third consecutive game on Thursday and dropped to three games under .500 for the first time this season.

The Mets, mired in last place in the National League East and already looking toward the future, will turn to rookie left-hander Zac Thornton (2-2, 2.88 ERA) for his seventh career start, his first against the Pirates.

New York’s fifth-round pick in 2023, Thornton will oppose right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski (6-3, 3.15 ERA), who returns to Pittsburgh’s rotation for the first time since May 25. Mlodzinski will fill in for veteran Mitch Keller, who was placed on the 60-day injured list this week due to a season-ending shoulder injury.

The Pirates have lost eight of their past 10 games and are behind five teams in the chase for the National League’s final wild-card spot.

Pittsburgh traded for relievers Camilo Doval, Luke Weaver, Kirby Yates and Lake Bachar ahead of the Monday deadline, and a 4-3 win at Milwaukee that night appeared to energize the clubhouse.

However, three consecutive losses to the Brewers followed. Pittsburgh likely needs an extended winning streak to reach the postseason, but the Pirates haven’t won more than five in a row this season (March 31-April 5).

“There are gonna be weeks where we’re gonna find ourselves in the situation we are now … but next week we could win all six between the next two series and find ourselves in a wild-card spot,” Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe said. “It’s gonna be a grind, and we’re gonna have to play our best baseball up until the final game. Wipe what happened here and get ready for New York.”

Mlodzinski made his first start of this season and only career start against the Mets on March 29, and he did not factor in the decision after allowing two runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out eight and did not issue a walk.

As a reliever the past two-plus months, Mlodzinski made 14 appearances, going 2-0 with a 2.29 ERA, two saves, 30 strikeouts and 11 walks over 39 1/3 innings.

The Mets took two of three against the visiting Pirates to open the season and are coming off their third sweep of 2026, having taken three in a row at Cleveland. With a win on Friday, they would match their longest winning streaks of the year, four-game runs from April 3-7 and May 27-31.

The recent surge was a welcome sight for veterans such as Bo Bichette, who believe the club can build off such success in the second half as it evaluates new players.

“The way I look at it is, I think there’s no doubt this team is going to be better next year,” Bichette said. “I really believe that. There’s still a lot of talent in this room, a lot of young talent that’s really hungry, combined with guys that have been around who have done a lot of great things in this game. And then on top of that, typically when you have a season like this, people show up a little bit more motivated. So I think that this group is going to be well-prepared to be better next year.”

Thornton will try to regroup after lasting 4 2/3 innings in a 6-2 home loss to the Miami Marlins on Saturday. He allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits, including a home run, and three walks while striking out two.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pirates #postseason #push #reset #Mets">Deadspin | Pirates’ postseason push in need of reset against Mets

Jul 26, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski (50) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

It’s make-or-break time for the Pittsburgh Pirates as they return home on Friday to open a three-game series against the New York Mets.

The Pirates bolstered their bullpen at the trade deadline in the hopes of making a playoff push, but they lost their third consecutive game on Thursday and dropped to three games under .500 for the first time this season.

The Mets, mired in last place in the National League East and already looking toward the future, will turn to rookie left-hander Zac Thornton (2-2, 2.88 ERA) for his seventh career start, his first against the Pirates.

New York’s fifth-round pick in 2023, Thornton will oppose right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski (6-3, 3.15 ERA), who returns to Pittsburgh’s rotation for the first time since May 25. Mlodzinski will fill in for veteran Mitch Keller, who was placed on the 60-day injured list this week due to a season-ending shoulder injury.

The Pirates have lost eight of their past 10 games and are behind five teams in the chase for the National League’s final wild-card spot.

Pittsburgh traded for relievers Camilo Doval, Luke Weaver, Kirby Yates and Lake Bachar ahead of the Monday deadline, and a 4-3 win at Milwaukee that night appeared to energize the clubhouse.

However, three consecutive losses to the Brewers followed. Pittsburgh likely needs an extended winning streak to reach the postseason, but the Pirates haven’t won more than five in a row this season (March 31-April 5).

“There are gonna be weeks where we’re gonna find ourselves in the situation we are now … but next week we could win all six between the next two series and find ourselves in a wild-card spot,” Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe said. “It’s gonna be a grind, and we’re gonna have to play our best baseball up until the final game. Wipe what happened here and get ready for New York.”

Mlodzinski made his first start of this season and only career start against the Mets on March 29, and he did not factor in the decision after allowing two runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out eight and did not issue a walk.

As a reliever the past two-plus months, Mlodzinski made 14 appearances, going 2-0 with a 2.29 ERA, two saves, 30 strikeouts and 11 walks over 39 1/3 innings.

The Mets took two of three against the visiting Pirates to open the season and are coming off their third sweep of 2026, having taken three in a row at Cleveland. With a win on Friday, they would match their longest winning streaks of the year, four-game runs from April 3-7 and May 27-31.

The recent surge was a welcome sight for veterans such as Bo Bichette, who believe the club can build off such success in the second half as it evaluates new players.

“The way I look at it is, I think there’s no doubt this team is going to be better next year,” Bichette said. “I really believe that. There’s still a lot of talent in this room, a lot of young talent that’s really hungry, combined with guys that have been around who have done a lot of great things in this game. And then on top of that, typically when you have a season like this, people show up a little bit more motivated. So I think that this group is going to be well-prepared to be better next year.”

Thornton will try to regroup after lasting 4 2/3 innings in a 6-2 home loss to the Miami Marlins on Saturday. He allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits, including a home run, and three walks while striking out two.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Pirates #postseason #push #reset #Mets

INDIANAPOLIS — It’ll be hard to find any contest this WNBA season that compares to Thursday’s Fever-Aces showdown.

Both teams had enormous scoring runs across the first three quarters, then played down to the final buzzer in overtime and regulation. A pair of costly miscues from Caitlin Clark at the end of each segment set up Chelsea Gray for two buzzer beaters, the first to send the game to the extra session and the second to give the Aces an improbable win.

“We still battled,” Clark said postgame. “We still fought and we put ourselves in position to win the game and then, honestly, it was me that made costly errors for us. So that’s on me to help us win. That’s my job. That’s what I get paid to do.”

No game is decided by the play or mistakes of one player, but Clark’s late faux pas will certainly draw attention, as is the case with everything she does.

At the end of regulation, both Clark and Mitchell had chances to ice the game away at the line in the final seconds. The latter split her pair, missing the second before A’ja Wilson stepped out of bounds to turn the ball over while trying to save it.

Clark would eventually get to the line with seven seconds left and the chance to make it a two-possession game with Indiana up 75-72. She would miss both looks, keeping the door open for Las Vegas. Gray took full advantage, coming up with a loose ball on a broken play before calmly burying a long-range look to tie the game.

“This can’t happen,” Clark said. “Those are free throws I usually make. Certainly frustrating. Obviously, one of them gives us a two-possession lead and I kind of cost my team there for sure. So that’s on me.”

The two teams traded baskets throughout the extra session with Wilson and Mitchell doing the lion’s share of the scoring for their respective teams. Eventually, the Fever found themselves in a familiar spot, leading by one with just under 30 seconds remaining.

A bit of confusion and miscommunication left Clark standing near mid-court with Wilson, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, in front of her, 30 feet from the basket. Despite the situation, Clark could not create a shot and turned the ball over after Wilson tipped a pass in the air and corralled it. The Aces did not call a timeout and raced down the court before Gray capped off her heroics with the game-winner.

All that came after some huge momentum swings in the first three frames. The Fever were flying up and down the court in the second period, blowing the game open with a 24-4 run to take a 42-22 lead with four minutes left in the first half.

In direct response, the Aces scored the final 15 points of the second period and the first seven points of the third quarter to take the lead. In the end, the Aces went on a 40-11 run that spanned their largest deficit and largest lead of the game, the latter coming at 62-53 early in the fourth.

Clark certainly had a role in pulling Indiana back into the game, including a pair of big threes that gave Indiana the lead, the latter coming with 1:48 left. An Aliyah Boston puback off her own miss put the hosts ahead 74-72 with 30 seconds left before the Fever forced a miss from Wilson to set up the frantic finish.

Postgame, Clark willingly shouldered the blame for the loss. However, on a night when the Fever turned the ball over 21 times, gave up 12 offensive rebounds and shot 35% in the second half, her head coach wouldn’t let her.

“I think you like that as ownership,” Stephanie White said. “But as an athlete and as a coach and as somebody who’s been around for a long time, it doesn’t come down to one singular thing. Like we know that. She’s disappointed in herself certainly, as I’m sure a lot of our players are. But we got to use it as fuel.

“And she’s going to be better. I know she’s going to be better on Saturday because of it. I mean she’s a competitor. She’s a fighter…But it doesn’t come down to one thing and I know, again, it’s easy to look at it and think that it does, but it was a collection of things. If we cut our turnovers in half, it’s a different ballgame.”

#Caitlin #Clark #takes #blame #wild #Fever #loss #Aces #happen">

Caitlin Clark takes blame in wild Fever loss to Aces: ‘This can’t happen’ INDIANAPOLIS — It’ll be hard to find any contest this WNBA season that compares to Thursday’s Fever-Aces showdown.Both teams had enormous scoring runs across the first three quarters, then played down to the final buzzer in overtime and regulation. A pair of costly miscues from Caitlin Clark at the end of each segment set up Chelsea Gray for two buzzer beaters, the first to send the game to the extra session and the second to give the Aces an improbable win.“We still battled,” Clark said postgame. “We still fought and we put ourselves in position to win the game and then, honestly, it was me that made costly errors for us. So that’s on me to help us win. That’s my job. That’s what I get paid to do.”No game is decided by the play or mistakes of one player, but Clark’s late faux pas will certainly draw attention, as is the case with everything she does.At the end of regulation, both Clark and Mitchell had chances to ice the game away at the line in the final seconds. The latter split her pair, missing the second before A’ja Wilson stepped out of bounds to turn the ball over while trying to save it.Clark would eventually get to the line with seven seconds left and the chance to make it a two-possession game with Indiana up 75-72. She would miss both looks, keeping the door open for Las Vegas. Gray took full advantage, coming up with a loose ball on a broken play before calmly burying a long-range look to tie the game.“This can’t happen,” Clark said. “Those are free throws I usually make. Certainly frustrating. Obviously, one of them gives us a two-possession lead and I kind of cost my team there for sure. So that’s on me.”The two teams traded baskets throughout the extra session with Wilson and Mitchell doing the lion’s share of the scoring for their respective teams. Eventually, the Fever found themselves in a familiar spot, leading by one with just under 30 seconds remaining.A bit of confusion and miscommunication left Clark standing near mid-court with Wilson, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, in front of her, 30 feet from the basket. Despite the situation, Clark could not create a shot and turned the ball over after Wilson tipped a pass in the air and corralled it. The Aces did not call a timeout and raced down the court before Gray capped off her heroics with the game-winner.All that came after some huge momentum swings in the first three frames. The Fever were flying up and down the court in the second period, blowing the game open with a 24-4 run to take a 42-22 lead with four minutes left in the first half.In direct response, the Aces scored the final 15 points of the second period and the first seven points of the third quarter to take the lead. In the end, the Aces went on a 40-11 run that spanned their largest deficit and largest lead of the game, the latter coming at 62-53 early in the fourth.Clark certainly had a role in pulling Indiana back into the game, including a pair of big threes that gave Indiana the lead, the latter coming with 1:48 left. An Aliyah Boston puback off her own miss put the hosts ahead 74-72 with 30 seconds left before the Fever forced a miss from Wilson to set up the frantic finish.Postgame, Clark willingly shouldered the blame for the loss. However, on a night when the Fever turned the ball over 21 times, gave up 12 offensive rebounds and shot 35% in the second half, her head coach wouldn’t let her.“I think you like that as ownership,” Stephanie White said. “But as an athlete and as a coach and as somebody who’s been around for a long time, it doesn’t come down to one singular thing. Like we know that. She’s disappointed in herself certainly, as I’m sure a lot of our players are. But we got to use it as fuel.“And she’s going to be better. I know she’s going to be better on Saturday because of it. I mean she’s a competitor. She’s a fighter…But it doesn’t come down to one thing and I know, again, it’s easy to look at it and think that it does, but it was a collection of things. If we cut our turnovers in half, it’s a different ballgame.” #Caitlin #Clark #takes #blame #wild #Fever #loss #Aces #happen

mwasimuddin125 0

INDIANAPOLIS — It’ll be hard to find any contest this WNBA season that compares to Thursday’s Fever-Aces showdown.
Both teams had enormous scoring runs across the first three quarters, then played down to the final buzzer in overtime and regulation. A pair of costly miscues from Caitlin Clark at the end of each segment set up Chelsea Gray for two buzzer beaters, the first to send the game to the extra session and the second to give the Aces an improbable win.
“We still battled,” Clark said postgame. “We still fought and we put ourselves in position to win the game and then, honestly, it was me that made costly errors for us. So that’s on me to help us win. That’s my job. That’s what I get paid to do.”
No game is decided by the play or mistakes of one player, but Clark’s late faux pas will certainly draw attention, as is the case with everything she does.
At the end of regulation, both Clark and Mitchell had chances to ice the game away at the line in the final seconds. The latter split her pair, missing the second before A’ja Wilson stepped out of bounds to turn the ball over while trying to save it.
Clark would eventually get to the line with seven seconds left and the chance to make it a two-possession game with Indiana up 75-72. She would miss both looks, keeping the door open for Las Vegas. Gray took full advantage, coming up with a loose ball on a broken play before calmly burying a long-range look to tie the game.
“This can’t happen,” Clark said. “Those are free throws I usually make. Certainly frustrating. Obviously, one of them gives us a two-possession lead and I kind of cost my team there for sure. So that’s on me.”
The two teams traded baskets throughout the extra session with Wilson and Mitchell doing the lion’s share of the scoring for their respective teams. Eventually, the Fever found themselves in a familiar spot, leading by one with just under 30 seconds remaining.
A bit of confusion and miscommunication left Clark standing near mid-court with Wilson, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, in front of her, 30 feet from the basket. Despite the situation, Clark could not create a shot and turned the ball over after Wilson tipped a pass in the air and corralled it. The Aces did not call a timeout and raced down the court before Gray capped off her heroics with the game-winner.
All that came after some huge momentum swings in the first three frames. The Fever were flying up and down the court in the second period, blowing the game open with a 24-4 run to take a 42-22 lead with four minutes left in the first half.
In direct response, the Aces scored the final 15 points of the second period and the first seven points of the third quarter to take the lead. In the end, the Aces went on a 40-11 run that spanned their largest deficit and largest lead of the game, the latter coming at 62-53 early in the fourth.
Clark certainly had a role in pulling Indiana back into the game, including a pair of big threes that gave Indiana the lead, the latter coming with 1:48 left. An Aliyah Boston puback off her own miss put the hosts ahead 74-72 with 30 seconds left before the Fever forced a miss from Wilson to set up the frantic finish.
Postgame, Clark willingly shouldered the blame for the loss. However, on a night when the Fever turned the ball over 21 times, gave up 12 offensive rebounds and shot 35% in the second half, her head coach wouldn’t let her.
“I think you like that as ownership,” Stephanie White said. “But as an athlete and as a coach and as somebody who’s been around for a long time, it doesn’t come down to one singular thing. Like we know that. She’s disappointed in herself certainly, as I’m sure a lot of our players are. But we got to use it as fuel.
“And she’s going to be better. I know she’s going to be better on Saturday because of it. I mean she’s a competitor. She’s a fighter…But it doesn’t come down to one thing and I know, again, it’s easy to look at it and think that it does, but it was a collection of things. If we cut our turnovers in half, it’s a different ballgame.”

#Caitlin #Clark #takes #blame #wild #Fever #loss #Aces #happen">Caitlin Clark takes blame in wild Fever loss to Aces: ‘This can’t happen’

INDIANAPOLIS — It’ll be hard to find any contest this WNBA season that compares to Thursday’s Fever-Aces showdown.

No game is decided by the play or mistakes of one player, but Clark’s late faux pas will certainly draw attention, as is the case with everything she does.

#Caitlin #Clark #takes #blame #wild #Fever #loss #Aces #happen

IND vs SL XI Live Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI starting at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Friday.

Updated : Aug 07, 2026 12:07 IST

India will play a 2-match Test series in Sri Lanka starting August 15. | Photo Credit: RITURAJ KONWAR

elcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of Day 1 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.

The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.

Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game.

Match info:

Date: August 7-9, 2026

Time: 10 am start

Venue: NCC Ground, Colombo

India squad: Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar

Sri Lanka squad: Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha

LUNCH ON DAY 1

That first session belongs to the host. Save the run-out dismissal, Sri Lanka has been pretty impressive. Ravindu Rasantha is batting on 50 and would eye a bigger score when action resumes.

Fifty for Ravindu!

A clip through the legside against Suthar helps Ravindu Rasantha reach the 50-run mark in 82 balls. Five fours and one six in his knock so far.

SLC XI 138/1 in 29 overs

SLC XI 110/1

Manav Suthar into the attack. Breakthrough for India as the two batters end up at the same end trying to steal a run. Nishan Madushka will have to walk back after scoring 66 off 65 balls. Madushka had called for a run after driving towards covers. Ravindu tried sending him back but it was too late.

SLC XI 101/0

Kuldeep Yadav is into the attack. Another vital cog for India. He hasn’t been in best of forms in the white ball formats. Needs to get his rhythm back so crucial three days for him.

SLC XI 72/0

Sri Lankan openers – Nishan Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha – have been really good, not only with their defence but also scoring runs. India yet to get a breakthrough or help from the wicket.

SLC XI 43/0

From the other end, Gurnoor Brar is into the attack. So, five-over spells from Siraj and Prasidh are done. They couldn’t find much help off the wicket. Let’s see how Brar and Jadeja operate here.

SL XI 41/0

India has opted for spin after 10 overs. Ravindra Jadeja is into attack. He will play a crucial part in the two Tests.

SLC XI 23/0

No breakthroughs yet for the two Indian pacers. The pitch has been quite benign so far, with not much movement off the pitch or in the air.

In case you were wondering…
Why is Shubman Gill not playing for India in practice match against Sri Lanka XI?
Shubman Gill misses India’s practice match against Sri Lanka XI due to an impact injury sustained during training.
SLC XI 12/0
Another drive through the offside for Madushka against Siraj. The length has been a touch too full from the Hyderabad pacer. Ball doing nothing in the air for him.
No Auqib Nabi yet
It will be Prasidh Krishna who will share the new ball with Siraj. Ravindu also gets off the mark with a clip through fine leg for a boundary.
Time for red-ball action!
Mohammed Siraj to get us underway with the brand new red cherry in hand. Ravindu Rashantha and Nishan Madushka open the innings for the host.
Madushka begins proceedings with a sumptuous push through the covers for four.
Saransh, Nabi in action
The match against SLC XI will give India a chance to try out both players called up to the national team for the first time — Auqib Nabi and Saransh Jain.
Nabi might be in action at the beginning with the new ball in hand but might not be a direct entry into the playing eleven.
Saransh, the off-spinner, will be vying for a starting spot with Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav.
Sri Lanka squad
Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha
India squad
Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar
Toss update!
SLC XI has won the toss and elected to bat first against India.
Good morning!
Welcome to the live coverage of Day 1 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI taking place in Colombo. Stay tuned for the scores and live updates from the contest.

Published on Aug 07, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #Score #Tour #match #Day #updates #SLC #LUNCH #Ravindu #Rasantha #completes #fifty">

mwasimuddin125 0

IND vs SL XI Live Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI starting at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Friday.

Updated : Aug 07, 2026 12:07 IST

India will play a 2-match Test series in Sri Lanka starting August 15. | Photo Credit: RITURAJ KONWAR

elcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of Day 1 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.

The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.

Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game.

Match info:

Date: August 7-9, 2026

Time: 10 am start

Venue: NCC Ground, Colombo

LUNCH ON DAY 1
That first session belongs to the host. Save the run-out dismissal, Sri Lanka has been pretty impressive. Ravindu Rasantha is batting on 50 and would eye a bigger score when action resumes.
Fifty for Ravindu!
A clip through the legside against Suthar helps Ravindu Rasantha reach the 50-run mark in 82 balls. Five fours and one six in his knock so far.
SLC XI 138/1 in 29 overs
SLC XI 110/1
Manav Suthar into the attack. Breakthrough for India as the two batters end up at the same end trying to steal a run. Nishan Madushka will have to walk back after scoring 66 off 65 balls. Madushka had called for a run after driving towards covers. Ravindu tried sending him back but it was too late.
SLC XI 101/0
Kuldeep Yadav is into the attack. Another vital cog for India. He hasn’t been in best of forms in the white ball formats. Needs to get his rhythm back so crucial three days for him.
SLC XI 72/0
Sri Lankan openers – Nishan Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha – have been really good, not only with their defence but also scoring runs. India yet to get a breakthrough or help from the wicket.
SLC XI 43/0
From the other end, Gurnoor Brar is into the attack. So, five-over spells from Siraj and Prasidh are done. They couldn’t find much help off the wicket. Let’s see how Brar and Jadeja operate here.
SL XI 41/0
India has opted for spin after 10 overs. Ravindra Jadeja is into attack. He will play a crucial part in the two Tests.
SLC XI 23/0
No breakthroughs yet for the two Indian pacers. The pitch has been quite benign so far, with not much movement off the pitch or in the air.
In case you were wondering…
Why is Shubman Gill not playing for India in practice match against Sri Lanka XI?
Shubman Gill misses India’s practice match against Sri Lanka XI due to an impact injury sustained during training.
SLC XI 12/0
Another drive through the offside for Madushka against Siraj. The length has been a touch too full from the Hyderabad pacer. Ball doing nothing in the air for him.
No Auqib Nabi yet
It will be Prasidh Krishna who will share the new ball with Siraj. Ravindu also gets off the mark with a clip through fine leg for a boundary.
Time for red-ball action!
Mohammed Siraj to get us underway with the brand new red cherry in hand. Ravindu Rashantha and Nishan Madushka open the innings for the host.
Madushka begins proceedings with a sumptuous push through the covers for four.
Saransh, Nabi in action
The match against SLC XI will give India a chance to try out both players called up to the national team for the first time — Auqib Nabi and Saransh Jain.
Nabi might be in action at the beginning with the new ball in hand but might not be a direct entry into the playing eleven.
Saransh, the off-spinner, will be vying for a starting spot with Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav.
Sri Lanka squad
Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha
India squad
Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar
Toss update!
SLC XI has won the toss and elected to bat first against India.
Good morning!
Welcome to the live coverage of Day 1 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI taking place in Colombo. Stay tuned for the scores and live updates from the contest.

Published on Aug 07, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #Score #Tour #match #Day #updates #SLC #LUNCH #Ravindu #Rasantha #completes #fifty">India vs Sri Lanka Cricket XI LIVE Score, Tour match Day 1 updates: SLC XI 138/1 at LUNCH; Ravindu Rasantha completes fifty

IND vs SL XI Live Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI starting at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Friday.

Updated : Aug 07, 2026 12:07 IST

India will play a 2-match Test series in Sri Lanka starting August 15. | Photo Credit: RITURAJ KONWAR

India will play a 2-match Test series in Sri Lanka starting August 15. | Photo Credit: RITURAJ KONWAR

elcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of Day 1 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo.

The Shubman Gill-led side will look to get accustomed to the conditions on offer ahead of the two-match Test series starting on August 15.

Stay tuned for live updates from the three-day game.

Match info:

Date: August 7-9, 2026

Time: 10 am start

Venue: NCC Ground, Colombo

LUNCH ON DAY 1
That first session belongs to the host. Save the run-out dismissal, Sri Lanka has been pretty impressive. Ravindu Rasantha is batting on 50 and would eye a bigger score when action resumes.
Fifty for Ravindu!
A clip through the legside against Suthar helps Ravindu Rasantha reach the 50-run mark in 82 balls. Five fours and one six in his knock so far.
SLC XI 138/1 in 29 overs
SLC XI 110/1
Manav Suthar into the attack. Breakthrough for India as the two batters end up at the same end trying to steal a run. Nishan Madushka will have to walk back after scoring 66 off 65 balls. Madushka had called for a run after driving towards covers. Ravindu tried sending him back but it was too late.
SLC XI 101/0
Kuldeep Yadav is into the attack. Another vital cog for India. He hasn’t been in best of forms in the white ball formats. Needs to get his rhythm back so crucial three days for him.
SLC XI 72/0
Sri Lankan openers – Nishan Madushka and Ravindu Rasantha – have been really good, not only with their defence but also scoring runs. India yet to get a breakthrough or help from the wicket.
SLC XI 43/0
From the other end, Gurnoor Brar is into the attack. So, five-over spells from Siraj and Prasidh are done. They couldn’t find much help off the wicket. Let’s see how Brar and Jadeja operate here.
SL XI 41/0
India has opted for spin after 10 overs. Ravindra Jadeja is into attack. He will play a crucial part in the two Tests.
SLC XI 23/0
No breakthroughs yet for the two Indian pacers. The pitch has been quite benign so far, with not much movement off the pitch or in the air.
In case you were wondering…
Why is Shubman Gill not playing for India in practice match against Sri Lanka XI?
Shubman Gill misses India’s practice match against Sri Lanka XI due to an impact injury sustained during training.
SLC XI 12/0
Another drive through the offside for Madushka against Siraj. The length has been a touch too full from the Hyderabad pacer. Ball doing nothing in the air for him.
No Auqib Nabi yet
It will be Prasidh Krishna who will share the new ball with Siraj. Ravindu also gets off the mark with a clip through fine leg for a boundary.
Time for red-ball action!
Mohammed Siraj to get us underway with the brand new red cherry in hand. Ravindu Rashantha and Nishan Madushka open the innings for the host.
Madushka begins proceedings with a sumptuous push through the covers for four.
Saransh, Nabi in action
The match against SLC XI will give India a chance to try out both players called up to the national team for the first time — Auqib Nabi and Saransh Jain.
Nabi might be in action at the beginning with the new ball in hand but might not be a direct entry into the playing eleven.
Saransh, the off-spinner, will be vying for a starting spot with Manav Suthar and Kuldeep Yadav.
Sri Lanka squad
Nishan Madushka(w), Nipun Dhananjaya, Ravindu Rasantha, Pavan Rathnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha(c), Ramesh Mendis, Dilum Sudeera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Isitha Wijesundera, Asanka Manoj, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha
India squad
Shubman Gill(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Saransh Jain, Auqib Nabi, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar
Toss update!
SLC XI has won the toss and elected to bat first against India.
Good morning!
Welcome to the live coverage of Day 1 of the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI taking place in Colombo. Stay tuned for the scores and live updates from the contest.

Published on Aug 07, 2026

#India #Sri #Lanka #Cricket #LIVE #Score #Tour #match #Day #updates #SLC #LUNCH #Ravindu #Rasantha #completes #fifty

Other major teams that missed the cut

No encore for Sánchez

Curtain call cut short

Mbeumo misses the party

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Why is Shubman Gill not playing for India in practice match against Sri Lanka XI?

Why is Shubman Gill not playing for India in practice match against Sri Lanka XI?

IND vs SL XI Live Score: Catch the live scores, updates and highlights from the Tour match between India and Sri Lanka Cricket XI starting at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, on Friday.

Why is Shubman Gill not playing for India in practice match against Sri Lanka XI?

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