Taijul Islam and Mitchell Starc (Image credit: Agencies)
NEW DELHI: Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam achieved a major personal milestone despite his team’s heavy defeat to Zimbabwe in the one-off Test at Harare.The left-arm spinner claimed 7 for 138 from 40.2 overs in Zimbabwe’s first innings to register the 19th five-wicket haul of his Test career. The performance helped him move into the top five among left-arm bowlers with the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
Taijul equals Shakib, moves past Starc
Taijul’s latest five-for saw him draw level with former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, with both bowlers now having 19 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.He also moved ahead of Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who has 18 five-wicket hauls.The Bangladesh spinner reached the milestone in just 107 Test innings, making him quicker than both Shakib and Starc. Shakib took 121 innings to reach 19 five-fors, while Starc needed 202 innings to register his 18.
Only three left-arm bowlers are ahead
Sri Lanka great Rangana Herath remains well clear at the top of the list with 34 five-wicket hauls in 93 Tests, along with 433 wickets.Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram is second with 25 five-fors and 414 wickets, while New Zealand legend Daniel Vettori occupies third place with 20 five-wicket hauls and 362 wickets.Taijul and Shakib now share fourth place with 19 five-fors each. Mitchell Starc has slipped to sixth with 18, followed by England’s Derek Underwood (17) and India’s Ravindra Jadeja (15).Taijul has now taken 270 wickets in 60 Tests, underlining his importance to Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
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Zimbabwe register biggest Test win
While Taijul shone with the ball, Zimbabwe dominated the match to record the biggest Test victory in their history, beating Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs at the Harare Sports Club.After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Zimbabwe’s pacers ripped through the Bangladesh batting line-up, dismissing the visitors for just 140 in the first innings.Mominul Haque was the only batter to offer resistance with 60 runs off 81 balls.Newman Nyamhuri starred with the ball by taking four wickets, while captain Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans picked up two wickets each.
Zimbabwe batters pile on the runs
Zimbabwe then responded with a commanding 410 in their first innings to take a huge 270-run lead.Innocent Kaia led the way with a brilliant 140, while Craig Ervine, Brian Bennett and Wessly Madhevere all scored half-centuries.Despite Taijul’s seven-wicket haul, Bangladesh struggled to stop the hosts from building a match-winning total.
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Bangladesh collapse again
Needing a huge effort to avoid defeat, Bangladesh were bowled out for 185 in their second innings.Zimbabwe’s pace attack once again shared the wickets, with Ngarava, Muzarabani, Evans and Nyamhuri all making important contributions as none of them went wicketless in either innings.
Historic moment for Zimbabwe
The victory was Zimbabwe’s largest-ever win in Test cricket, surpassing all their previous margins of victory.It also marked the first time in more than 25 years that Zimbabwe have won back-to-back Test matches.Their previous Test victory came against Afghanistan in October, when they won by an innings and 73 runs.
Baltimore Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell against the Las Vegas Raiders during “Monday Night Football” at Allegiant Stadium.(Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
The male was then detained by police before officers found the “unresponsive elderly female” inside the home, prompting homicide investigators to report to the scene.
Ciarre Campbell now faces two counts of murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of or attempt to commit a felony, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
Calais Campbell’s family released a statement to the NFL Network.
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Calais Campbell poses for a photo after winning the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award during NFL Honors at the Symphony Hall on Feb. 9, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona.(Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
“We are devastated to share that the Campbell Family has lost its matriarch, Mrs. Nateal Campbell. While the details of her passing are still being investigated, we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with our father, her beloved Chuck, and in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” the statement said. “We ask for privacy at this time so that we may honor her and share in our overwhelming grief privately and as a family.”
Calais Campbell is getting ready to play in his 19th NFL season after signing a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. He has spent 10 seasons with the Arizona Cardinals in two different stints and had stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins and also the Ravens.
Calais Campbell talks to the media after Baltimore Ravens Mandatory Minicamp at Under Armour Performance Center on June 9, 2026, in Owings Mills, Maryland.(G Fiume/Getty Images)
Felix Auger-Aliassime celebrated Canada Day with a victory.
The Montreal native won his second-round Wimbledon match 7-6 (2), 6-3, 7-5 over Croatia’s Dino Prizmic on Wednesday.
Auger-Aliassime, seeded third, has yet to drop a set through two matches at the All England Club.
He will next face U.S. qualifier Michael Zheng, who upset England’s Cam Norrie in Round 1.
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Auger-Aliassime fired 15 aces to beat Prizmic against just three for the Croatian, winning 86 per cent of points on his first serve. He also converted on two of four break-point opportunities without giving up a break himself.
Just one other Canadian remains alive in the singles draws with Gabriel Diallo set to face Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in a second-round match on Thursday.
Ottawa’s Gabriela Dabrowski will open play with Brazilian partner Luisa Stefani as the No. 2 seed in women’s doubles on Thursday.
Stevenson has won all 25 of his fights to date, claiming world honours at featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight, and super lightweight since making his debut back in April 2017.
His last triumph came against Lopez himself, earning a one-sided unanimous decision victory at Madison Square Garden in New York back in January to win the WBO title at 140lbs.
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While Lopez was unable to get the better of Stevenson, he has now named the man who he feels has what it takes to end that unbeaten record.
In a feature with Daily Mail Sport, Lopez was discussing several possible match-ups in the welterweight division, where he was asked to predict who would win in a battle between Stevenson and current WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney.
“I think Devin Haney.”
Haney previously reigned as undisputed lightweight champion before then holding the WBC super-lightweight title, and he became a three-division world champion in November when he earned the WBO welterweight strap with a dominant points win over Brian Norman Jr.
Stevenson and Haney have been linked to a fight with one another for several months, but one sticking point appears to be the 144lb catchweight offer that has been bandied about the two camps.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores surveys the field before kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium, on Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Flores prepared his defense for a pivotal NFC North showdown against the Green Bay Packers, continuing to shape one of the league’s most aggressive and disciplined units. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-Getty Images.
If you believe Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is one of the top defensive coaches in football, you are not alone. NFL writer Daniel Rios ranked all playcallers on defense this week, and unsurprisingly, Flores got his flowers.
Rankings for defensive coaches are rare, but this go-around, Flores checked in at No. 4.
Vikings Defense Keeps Its Loudest Advantage
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores addresses reporters at the TCO Performance Center in Eagan, Minnesota, on Oct. 16, 2024, discussing defensive adjustments, accountability, and the continued growth of Minnesota’s scheme as the Vikings navigated the middle portion of their regular-season schedule under Kevin O’Connell’s staff with postseason goals still clearly in view. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Flores grabbed No. 4 on Rios’s list, and he explained the placement: “Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has completely transformed the team’s defensive identity since arriving. His aggressive approach forces offenses to play on his terms, using pressure packages and constantly changing looks to keep quarterbacks uncomfortable.”
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“Few coordinators disguise pressure as effectively as Flores. His defenses often show six or seven potential rushers before dropping multiple defenders into coverage, creating hesitation and forcing quarterbacks into rushed decisions.”
Flores basically has a 100% approval rating among fans.
“Flores deserves credit for maximizing his personnel. Minnesota doesn’t always feature the league’s most talented defense, but its scheme consistently elevates players by putting them in a position to succeed,” Rios continued.
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“The aggressiveness occasionally leaves his defenders vulnerable to explosive plays, but the overall results speak for themselves. Week after week, Flores creates game plans that completely alter how opposing offenses operate, cementing himself among the league’s elite playcallers.”
Deservedly So
The ranking won’t get any shade from any reasonable people, and if anything, it could be too low.
Since Flores took over the Vikings’ defense, it has fundamentally changed for the better. Here’s the money stat to know:
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Vikings Defense, per EPA/Play, NFL Ranking:
The 3 Years before Brian Flores: 20th The 3 Years with Brian Flores: 2nd
Only the Cleveland Browns have a better defense since 2023, mainly because former Brown Myles Garrett is such a tyrant. Minnesota’s 2022 campaign was undone by a strangely poor defense, marshaled by Ed Donatell, but it put its foot down during the 2023 offseason and onboarded Flores. Since then, defense has become the team’s calling card, a sweet perk for a team with an offense-first head coach in Kevin O’Connell.
He’ll Have an Offense Next to Him in 2026
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Suddenly, the Vikings can be a serious team again. The offense might be back. In 2025, Minnesota finished with a 9-8 record despite showcasing the NFL’s fifth-least-efficient quarterback play, courtesy of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer. Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski signed Kyler Murray in March for $1.3 million, and he has the chance and the physical tools to unlock an offense that floundered last season and prevented a playoff berth. The Vikings were also a win away from taking the NFC North. That’s in play again with Murray in the house.
New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores stands on the sideline against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sep. 11, 2016, as New England’s defense worked through a narrow road matchup that ended with the Patriots defeating Arizona 23-21 under prime-time conditions in the 2016 opener. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Minnesota will also showcase these weapons, an upgrade from last year due to the Jennings free-agent addition:
Justin Jefferson
Jordan Addison
Jauan Jennings
T.J. Hockenson
Aaron Jones
Jordan Mason
Demond Claiborne
That revised group of playmakers could feast in 2026 if Murray lives up to his first overall draft stock in 2019. Flores’s defense won’t be asked to do it all — like last year.
Who’s the Best?
The league’s best defensive mind? Rios capitalized on Seattle Seahawks’ skipper Mike Macdonald’s Super Bowl triumph, naming him the top dog.
He wrote, “It’s hard not to have Mike Macdonald in the top spot after what he did last season with the Seattle Seahawks. He’s quickly become the NFL’s premier defensive playcaller after leading dominant defenses in Baltimore and Seattle.”
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“He’s established himself as the coach every franchise hopes to find when building a championship defense. Macdonald’s greatest strength is unpredictability. His defense rarely shows quarterbacks the same picture before and after the snap, using disguised coverages, simulated pressures and changing personnel groupings to create confusion. Unlike aggressive coordinators, Macdonald generates pressure without relying on a ton of blitzes.”
Former Vikings Sam Darnold received much of the credit for the Seahawks’ unforeseen Super Bowl sprint, but the defense really did most of the heavy lifting.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches from the sideline during NFC wild card action at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 13, 2025, studying coverages, personnel groupings, and situational tendencies while managing defensive calls in a high-pressure postseason road environment against the Los Angeles Rams that night. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Rios added, “He uses creative fronts and pressure packages to create one-on-one opportunities for pass rushers while keeping seven defenders available in coverage. What may be even more impressive is his adaptability.”
“Whether facing a run-heavy offense or an elite passing attack, Macdonald consistently adjusts his scheme to eliminate the opponent’s biggest strength. Combined with elite player development and good in-game adjustments, he enters the 2026 season as the NFL’s best defensive playcaller.”
Vic Fangio of the Philadelphia Eagles and Steve Spagnuolo from the Kansas City Chiefs checked in at No. 2 and 3, respectively.
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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates her victory against McCartney Kessler of the United States in their second round women’s singles match, at Wimbledon Tennis Championships in London, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
LONDON–World number one Aryna Sabalenka battled through a tough second set against American McCartney Kessler to reach the Wimbledon third round on Wednesday.
The four-time Grand Slam champion, who has reached 14 successive major quarter-finals, won 6-1, 7-6 (11/9) on Court One to secure a last-32 meeting with former French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko.
“That was a true battle and I’m super happy that I was able to stay in that second set to get into that tie-break,” said Sabalenka.
“She really tested me and I’m super happy to pass the test.”
Sabalenka has never won Wimbledon, losing in the semi-finals on each of her past three visits.
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Kessler missed two set points when serving for the second set at 5-3 ahead, before Sabalenka fought back and took a tie-break, in which her 57th-ranked opponent saw another two set points come and go.
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With the WBA and WBO super-welterweight titles now in his possession, it appears that ‘Boots’ will either look to go in search of the other belts at 154lbs, or turn his attention to a long-awaited showdown with fellow unbeaten star Vergil Ortiz.
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Ortiz is promoted by De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions, but there have been legal issues in recent months that contributed to the clash between ‘Boots’ and Ortiz never coming to fruition.
It has been reported recently that those issues could be on the brink of getting resolved, with Ortiz said to be nearing a return to the ring.
With that in mind, De La Hoya has posted on social media praising Ennis for the performance against Zayas, before stating his desire to make ‘the biggest fight in boxing’ against Ortiz.
“Boots Ennis, what a great fight, you are a machine. Zayas a little inexperienced, but you will be back, you’re a great fighter. Let’s make the biggest fight in boxing today. Vergil Ortiz, Boots Ennis, let’s go.”
Chelsea ace Cole Palmer has vowed to deliver an improved performance for the club in the 2026-27 season following his FIFA World Cup snub. The England international was overlooked for the Three Lions squad to the Mundial after failing to impress for much of the campaign at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer posted a video of himself in training ahead of the commencement of pre-season, and he got a comment from a fan, hoping to see him back to his best. The midfielder responded with his usual assuredness, promising the fan that he will be back to his best for the new season.
Thanks for the submission!
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“@dutchieroberts we will be there”, he commented.
Cole Palmer failed to make Thomas Tuchel‘s FIFA World Cup squad after an injury-hit below par campaign for Chelsea. The 24-year-old managed ten goals in 26 league appearances, with his tenth and final goal coming on the final day of the season. The Blues finished a disappointing tenth in the league following a collapse in the second half of the campaign.
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Palmer delivered moments of brilliance, such as when he scored a hat-trick against Wolves in February, but he failed to perform consistently. Tuchel’s snub has enabled the talented midfielder to get a rare summer off for the first time in four years.
Cole Palmer promises a fresh start under Xabi Alonso and with his injury problems firmly behind him. The number ten for Chelsea helped the club to win two titles in the 2024-25 season, and will look to reach those levels in the new campaign, once more.
Chelsea set date for pre-season resumption for non-FIFA World Cup players
Chelsea have announced the date for their players to resume pre-season training ahead of the 2026-27 season. The Blues are set to launch a new era under the management of Xabi Alonso, who joined as a replacement for Liam Rosenior, who was sacked after just 104 days in charge.
The Blues will have their players back on Thursday, July 9, for the commencement of pre-season under Alonso. This does not include their players who are at the FIFA World Cup with their various teams, as well as those who have been eliminated from the competition.
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Chelsea have a light FIFA World Cup contingent, with the likes of Jorrel Hato and Moises Caicedo already eliminated and Reece James injured. The likes of Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Trevoh Chalobah, Malo Gusto, Nicolas Jackson are all expected back a bit later following the tournament.
Alonso will enjoy the benefit of working with most of the squad from the start of pre-season, an opportunity that they were not afforded last summer. The players will proceed on a tour of Asia after a period of training in the club’s own training ground.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 30: Amanda Anisimova of United States acknowledges the crowd after victory against Lina Gjorcheska of North Macedonia during their Ladies’ Singles first round match on day two of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 30, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Amanda Anisimova is back at Wimbledon with a win and plenty of good memories.
Last year’s finalist opened her campaign with a comfortable 6-3, 6-2 victory over Tereza Gjorgcheska, marking a positive return after an injury-hit start to the season.
The American admitted it felt special to step onto the Wimbledon grass again after everything she has dealt with over the past few months.
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Asked how it felt to be back, Anisimova smiled before saying:
“Yeah, I’m trying. I’m trying. It feels amazing.”
She explained that returning to the All England Club immediately brought back memories of her run to last year’s final.
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“The second I got here I was flooded with great memories. I’m just trying to carry those vibes I had last year to keep me going here.”
After struggling with injuries and limited playing time this season, the victory was an encouraging way to begin her Wimbledon campaign.
Anisimova said she wants to enjoy every moment at this year’s tournament.
“Looking forward to playing. Gonna try and enjoy each day out here. I’m looking forward to the next one.”
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The win sends the American into the second round, where she will hope last year’s Wimbledon memories can inspire another good run.
Supporters at a fan zone were visibly annoyed as players took a short break during the first half of the match
England fans were heard booing during one of the early hydration breaks in the first half of the World Cup match between DR Congo on Wednesday (July 1).
Fans gathered together at a fan zone at Depot Mayfield to watch the knockout match. The team were 0-1 against Congo at half time, but one thing left fans of the Three Lions annoyed.
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During the first half of the match, players broke for a short water break, as they have been doing throughout the World Cup.
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Fans were said to be ‘booing’ and ‘a bit annoyed’ over the break, which lasted for around three minutes. Time was then added on.
Videos posted on X showed large groups of supporters booing after the break was announced, which have already drawn much criticism during this World Cup season.
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The tournament, jointly hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, has seen the introduction of ‘hydration breaks’ roughly halfway through each half of the game.
These have been introduced due to the anticipated high temperatures at some stadiums, however they are taking place in every match.
Fans also took to X on Wednesday afternoon to share their frustration. “Two most annoying words in this tournament. HYDRATION BREAK,” one fan posted.
“I’m going to need a much longer hydration break to get through this England match!!,” another quipped, as a third posted: “these hydration break s*** is so stupid.”
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