Sports Bulletin Oct 26: Virat Kohli Begins NZ Preparations, Mbappe Hits 100 Real Madrid Goals, PV Sindhu Clinches French Open Silver

The sporting world witnessed major moments across cricket, football and badminton, with Virat Kohli stepping up preparations for India's upcoming New Zealand ODI series, while Kylian Mbappé reached a landmark 100 goals for Real Madrid after starring in a thrilling El Clásico victory over Barcelona.

Kohli has returned to intensive net sessions and fitness drills as he focuses on the 50-over format, with New Zealand assistant coach James Pamment praising his professionalism. Meanwhile, Mbappé's decisive double helped Real Madrid secure a crucial 2-1 win, bringing them within three points of Barcelona in the La Liga title race.

In badminton, PV Sindhu fought hard in the French Open 2026 final but settled for silver after losing to World No. 1 An Se Young in three games. Despite winning the opener, Sindhu could not sustain her momentum as the South Korean star rallied to claim the title.

Here are the major developments from the world of sports in the Sports Bulletin for October 26.

Virat Kohli Begins Preparations for New Zealand Assignment

Virat Kohli has started intensive net practice and fitness drills with a white ball ahead of India's upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on November 4. Since he has retired from Tests and T20Is, playing exclusively in the 50-over format, he relies on rigorous preparation to make up for limited match practice. Meanwhile, New Zealand assistant coach James Pamment praised Kohli as the "ultimate professional," backing experienced players to decide their own futures leading up to the World Cup.

Shadab Khan & Haris Rauf Set Record for Highest Successful 10th-Wicket Stand

Pakistan secured a memorable victory against England in Lahore, fueled by a record-breaking 89-run unbeaten tenth-wicket partnership between Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf. This stellar stand stands as the highest tenth-wicket partnership in a successful ODI chase, surpassing the previous record of 64 set by Deryck Murray and Andy Roberts for the West Indies in the 1975 World Cup. Additionally, it ranks as the second-highest in a successful List A chase, trailing only a 102-run stand in South Africa.

Harmanpreet Kaur Slams Eighth Century Against Zimbabwe

During the second women's ODI against Zimbabwe in Vadodara, Harmanpreet Kaur delivered a stellar performance by slamming her eighth ODI century, scoring 126 runs off 121 balls. Recovering from an early collapse alongside Deepti Sharma, India posted a total of 328 for six. Newly appointed captain Smriti Mandhana and the entire Indian dressing room warmly applauded the milestone, with Mandhana giving her a well-deserved standing ovation to celebrate Harmanpreet Kaur's magnificent ton.

Jose Mourinho Celebrates After Real Madrid's El Clásico Win

Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Barcelona in an intense El Clásico clash at Camp Nou, ending Barcelona's perfect start to the La Liga campaign.

Kylian Mbappé starred for Los Blancos, opening the scoring before halftime and netting a decisive, late winner in the 87th minute after Raphinha had temporarily equalized for Barcelona in the second half.

Following the win, manager José Mourinho credited his squad's collective effort and composure, emphasizing that his team's ultimate goal is winning the La Liga title rather than just securing a single victory at Camp Nou. The crucial result cuts Barcelona's lead at the top of the table to just three points.

Kylian Mbappé Reaches 100 Goals for Real Madrid

Kylian Mbappé reached a historic milestone by scoring his 100th goal for Real Madrid in just his 116th appearance, netting a decisive double to secure a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in El Clásico. Despite achieving the century mark, the French forward downplayed the personal record, emphasizing squad unity, team success, and the importance of maintaining collective momentum in the La Liga title race.

PV Sindhu Clinches Maiden French Open Silver Medal

PV Sindhu delivered a spirited performance at the French Open 2026 final, finishing as the runner-up after a hard-fought three-game battle against World No. 1 An Se Young. Sindhu stunned the top seed by winning the opening game 21-16, putting up a strong tactical challenge. However, the South Korean champion rallied back with precision and endurance, taking the next two games 21-11 and 21-12 to claim her third consecutive French Open title and extend her unbeaten record against Sindhu.