Times of India

Abhishek Sharma etched his name in T20I history, smashing a 19-ball fifty against Ireland, his fifth half-century off 20 or fewer deliveries. His explosive 50, featuring seven fours and two sixes, propelled India's chase after pacers restricted Ireland to 182. Though dismissed shortly after his milestone, Sharma's fearless innings cemented his status as a destructive opener.

Prasidh Krishna's return to India's T20I squad was marred by a costly spell against Ireland, where he conceded 27 runs in a single over, the most by an Indian against the hosts. Despite a strong start by India's bowlers, Ireland's middle order, led by Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany, fought back impressively. This resilience propelled Ireland to a competitive 182/9, leaving Prasidh with two unwanted records.

A car-sized aircraft reportedly struck Beijing's tallest skyscraper, the 108-storey CITIC Tower, on Friday evening, causing damage to two glass panels. Bystanders described a loud crash, and authorities quickly cordoned off the area, preventing filming. Social media posts about the incident were reportedly removed. The official cause and details remain unconfirmed by authorities.

Venezuela grapples with a devastating toll of 589 dead and nearly 3,000 injured following twin earthquakes. La Guaira state is severely impacted, with thousands missing and millions potentially affected. International rescue teams and aid, including India's 'Operation Amistad' and US assistance, are now arriving to support desperate search-and-rescue efforts amidst widespread destruction and fear of aftershocks.

Artificial intelligence, player health, fan engagement and startup innovation are quietly becoming part of the NBA's long-term strategy. At the Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore, the league unveiled a dedicated Asia track for NBA Launchpad, signalling a shift from viewing the region as merely a market to seeing it as a source of ideas that could redefine basketball on and off the court.

Brittany Mahomes shared that becoming a mother to Sterling, Bronze, and Golden has completely changed her outlook on life. She said motherhood made her more intentional, purposeful, and motivated to inspire her children to dream big and work hard. Brittany now prioritizes opportunities that align with her family values. Patrick Mahomes has also spoken about balancing his NFL career with being a devoted husband and father, emphasizing that family always comes first.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal has accused the Uttar Pradesh government of shielding powerful individuals in the alleged embezzlement of Ram Mandir donations. He claimed a "maha dacoity" occurred, with influential figures involved and the investigation being controlled by the accused. Meanwhile, UP CM Yogi Adityanath criticized Kejriwal's visit, stating Delhi has received only corruption from him.

The Salem Police Department is searching for a man accused of stealing a purse and using the victim's credit cards after surveillance photos showed a suspect who closely resembles Chiefs star Travis Kelce. In a viral Facebook post, police joked about the resemblance and referenced Taylor Swift, writing, "Na, it can’t be. He’s a Swifty. He wouldn’t do this." Meanwhile, the real Kelce was in Nashville hosting Tight End University alongside a surprise appearance from his fiancée, Taylor Swift.

Young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have to wait for his historic India debut. Captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed the 15-year-old was not in the playing XI for the first T20I against Ireland, citing team balance. Despite the delay, Sooryavanshi, who had a stellar IPL and India A season, remains on the cusp of becoming India's youngest international cricketer.

The widely shared footage has fuelled debate among aviation experts and pilots, many of whom questioned the unusually low altitude at which the widebody aircraft was flown. The Boeing 777 is one of the world's largest twin-engine commercial aircraft and is generally operated with generous safety margins during low-level manoeuvres because of its size, weight and performance characteristics.

The US Air Force is developing a groundbreaking long-range missile, the AFLRW, capable of striking targets over 1,850 km away. This initiative aims to counter China's growing missile capabilities, particularly in the vast Pacific theater. The program prioritizes air-to-air variants, envisioning a future where advanced sensor networks, not just aircraft radar, guide these powerful weapons to their targets, redefining aerial combat.

Tina Ball, the former college basketball player and longtime wife of LaVar Ball, is back in the spotlight after LaVar revealed they have ended their relationship following nearly 30 years together. Tina played basketball at California State University, Los Angeles, later worked in education and with Big Baller Brand, and remained a private figure while raising sons Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball. LaVar shared the news during a June 24 livestream, saying Tina "decided to go her own way" while expressing gratitude for the years they spent together.

A generous donation from Snap CEO Evan Spiegel and Miranda Kerr is bringing immense relief to over 261,000 Californians. Their multimillion-dollar gift, channeled through Undue Medical Debt, has wiped out a staggering $550 million in medical debt. This initiative targets low-income families and those facing severe financial hardship, allowing them to focus on health and well-being rather than crippling bills.

Ben Stokes made a triumphant return to Test cricket, achieving a historic all-round milestone of over 7,000 runs and 250 wickets, a feat matched only by Jacques Kallis. His impactful bowling display against New Zealand, including a crucial breakthrough and four wickets, revitalized England's efforts after a challenging start. This performance followed a brief suspension for a curfew breach, showcasing Stokes' immediate influence on the field.

Eight individuals arrested in connection with the alleged theft of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple donations have been remanded to judicial custody until June 29. Investigators have recovered nearly Rs 80 lakh believed to be linked to the embezzled funds. Preliminary findings suggest six of the accused, employed by a bank's outsourced cash management agency, were directly involved in counting the donations when the alleged misappropriation occurred.

Team India has triumphed at the ISSF Junior World Championship 2026, topping the medal standings with an impressive 24 medals, including seven golds. Young talents shone across rifle and pistol disciplines, securing victories in individual, mixed, and team events. This remarkable achievement underscores India's growing prowess in world shooting, with the NRAI crediting effective grassroots programs for the widespread success.

Shreyas Iyer is set to lead India's T20I side against Ireland, marking a significant return to the national setup with added captaincy responsibility. Head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed confidence in Iyer's leadership, while the new skipper emphasized building a supportive and fun team culture. Iyer urged his teammates to play fearlessly and with belief, aiming to usher in a new era for the team.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that the state cannot claim ownership of private land through adverse possession, deeming it incompatible with a welfare state's role. Justice Ramesh Kumari ordered the Haryana government to compensate landowners for 7 Kanals of land used for an irrigation channel since 1960 without lawful acquisition.