Sports Digest July 12: Argentina and England book Semifinal Date, India suffer Whitewash, South Africa World Cup Player Dies

In the World of Sports, a few significant and heartbreaking incidents have taken place. Argentina, England have tkaen giant strides in the World Cup, while a player who represented his country in the ongoing FIFA World Cup has lost his life.

Check out all the unmissable stories across the globe for July 12.

Argentina book semifinal spot with win over Switzerland

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal in Kansas City, defending champions Argentina edged Switzerland 2-1 after extra time to advance to the semifinals. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring early from a Lionel Messi corner, but Breel Embolo equalized before halftime. Julian Alvarez secured the winner in extra time with a clinical finish. Argentina overcame a resilient Swiss side, who were reduced to 10 men, to set up a potential clash with England. Messi continued his influence despite advancing age.

Jude Bellingham powers England to semis

Jude Bellingham starred as England overcame Norway 2-1 in extra time in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal in Miami, booking a semifinal berth. Trailing to a first-half goal, Bellingham equalized with a composed strike and added the winner early in extra time. With the goals, Bellingham has become the first midfielder to score 6 goals from open play in World Cups.

South Africa footballer Jayden Adams passes away

South African midfielder Jayden Adams, aged 25, tragically passed away on July 11, 2026, shortly after representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Mamelodi Sundowns player featured in all three group-stage matches. Police opened an inquest following the discovery of his body in Cape Town.

India suffer 4-0 Series Whitewash against England

India endured a humiliating 4-0 T20I series defeat to England in July 2026, their heaviest whitewash in the format and a stark contrast to their recent World Cup successes. England chased targets comfortably in decisive matches, including a nine-wicket win in Bristol, inflicting record margins like a 125-run thrashing. Shreyas Iyer's side struggled with batting collapses and bowling lapses, marking consecutive series losses.

Ravi Bishnoi to replace Varun Chakravarthy in Zimbabwe Tour

Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi has been called up as a replacement for injured mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy in India's T20I squad for the three-match series against Zimbabwe, starting July 23, 2026. Chakravarthy suffered a hamstring issue during the England tour after managing a prior toe injury.

Sourav Ganguly, Anjum Chopra inducted in ICC Hall of Fame

Sourav Ganguly and Anjum Chopra were among the Class of 2026 inductees into the ICC Hall of Fame, alongside Kevin Pietersen, in a ceremony in Edinburgh on July 11. Ganguly, a transformative India captain with over 18,000 international runs, is celebrated for his leadership and flamboyant batting. Chopra, a pioneer in women's cricket, was the first Indian woman to reach 1,000 ODI runs and 100 ODIs, honored for her foundational role.

India Women in command at Lord's Test

In the historic first women's Test at Lord's (July 2026), India took command with a 115-run first-innings lead, posting 285 before bowling England out for 170 on day two. Smriti Mandhana top-scored with 83, supported by half-centuries from Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma. Kranti Gaud claimed a five-wicket haul (5-37), becoming the first woman on the Lord's honours board, putting India firmly in control.

England become no.1 in T20Is after drubbing India

England clinched the No.1 spot in ICC T20I rankings with a commanding 4-0 series whitewash over world champions India in July 2026. Dominant performances, including record chases and bowling India out for 76, showcased their depth. Harry Brook and Phil Salt excelled with the bat, while pacers like Jofra Archer shone. The sweep ended India's strong run and highlighted England's resurgence in the shortest format.