Iran’s Mohammad Mohebbi (8) celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal. (AP Photo) Iran showed resilience on and off the pitch as Team Melli twice fought back from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a politically charged FIFA World Cup opener on Monday night.Mohammad Mohebbi’s 64th-minute equaliser capped a spirited comeback…

Egypt’s Mostafa Zico (11) celebrates after scoring second goal (AP Photo) Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 was hailed as another tournament classic, but the result was overshadowed by major refereeing controversies that left the Egyptian camp fuming after the final whistle. The defending champions trailed…

Mumbai Indians’ Jasprit Bumrah (PTI Photo/Salman Ali) There was a time when Jasprit Bumrah’s slower ball wasn’t just a variation, it was sorcery. A carefully disguised trick, delivered with identical arm speed, that forced even the best batters into indecision. He didn’t just use it. He used it like the latest smartphone and toyed with…

NEW DELHI: A little over a year ago, Shreyas Iyer was radiating confidence when he settled into the chair to address the media ahead of the IPL 2024 final in Chennai. His slow walk, cap dropping below his eyeline, and his favourite Guns N’ Roses track playing on his phone. The yellow sneakers shone as…