From record-breaking chases to rising stars and emotional farewells, this week in sports delivered a full spectrum of drama and triumph. Here is your Weekly Sports Recap:
Cricket: England’s Chase Makes History, County Debuts Impress
England defeated India in the 1st Test at Headingley, chasing 371 to win by five wickets—their second-highest successful chase in Test history.
Ben Duckett starred with 149, while Zak Crawley added 65.
Rishabh Pant scored twin centuries (134 & 118), becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to do so in a Test.
KL Rahul added 137; Jasprit Bumrah took 5/83 in the first innings.
Tilak Varma scored a century on his County debut for Hampshire, showing maturity beyond his years.
South Africa lifted the World Test Championship title, defeating Australia by 5 wickets.
RCB edged Punjab Kings by 6 runs in the IPL 2025 Final, finally ending their title drought.
NBA: Thunder’s Triumph & Draft Day Shakeups
The Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the NBA Championship, beating the Indiana Pacers 103–91 in Game 7.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Finals MVP dropping 29 points and 12 assists.
Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles, a heartbreaking blow for Indiana.
In the 2025 NBA Draft:
No. 1 Pick: Cooper Flagg (Duke) to the Dallas Mavericks.
Dylan Harper (Spurs), VJ Edgecombe (76ers), Kon Knueppel (Hornets), and Ace Bailey (Jazz) rounded out the top 5.
Tyrese Proctor and Johni Broome were notable second-round picks.
Football: Messi’s Magic & Club World Cup Surprises
FIFA Club World Cup:
PSG advanced past Seattle Sounders to face Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi scored a trademark free-kick in a 2–2 draw with Palmeiras.
Atletico Madrid won but were eliminated; Porto and Al Ahly also exited after a 4–4 draw.
Off the pitch:
Messi turned 38 on June 24.
Jarell Quansah is reportedly moving to Bayer Leverkusen for £34m.
Gareth Bale confirmed his involvement in a bid to buy Cardiff City.
Tennis: Grass Court Kings & Queens Emerge
Carlos Alcaraz won the Queen’s Club title, defeating Jiri Lehecka in three sets.
Alexander Bublik claimed the Halle Open, beating Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner en route.
Marketa Vondrousova triumphed at the Berlin Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka and Wang Xinyu.
Formula 1: Russell’s Redemption in Canada
George Russell won the Canadian Grand Prix, holding off Max Verstappen by 0.2 seconds.
Kimi Antonelli, just 18, secured his first F1 podium.
F1 confirmed the Canadian GP will remain on the calendar through 2035.
Other Highlights
Hockey: India’s men’s team beat Belgium 4–3, ending a losing streak. Lalit Upadhyay announced his retirement.
Golf: Keegan Bradley won the Travelers Championship.
Wrestling: India celebrated a historic U23 Asian Championship finish; mourned the passing of coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili.
