England were dumped out of the Champions Trophy by a nerve-shredding eight-run defeat by Afghanistan in Lahore.

Afghanistan’s cricketers know things are not right at home, their coach said, over calls for opponents to boycott Champions Trophy matches in response to the Taliban government’s crackdown on women’s rights.

Joe Root has thrown his support behind white-ball captain Jos Buttler despite England’s shaky start to the Champions Trophy, describing him as a “brilliant leader” who has the support of the entire dressing room.

New Zealand advanced to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy with a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh this morning, taking India along with them from Group A.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan said Pakistan’s middle order succumbed to the pressure in a Champions Trophy defeat by fierce rivals India that left the tournament hosts’ chances of progressing to the knockout stage hanging by a thread.

Milestone man Virat Kohli anchored a tricky chase with an unbeaten hundred as India put one foot in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy with a six-wicket victory against Pakistan in a high-octane Group A match between the arch-rivals on Sunday.

Australia pulled off a monster chase against England in the Champions Trophy on Saturday after Josh Inglis’s incendiary hundred helped them to prevail in a high-scoring Group B thriller by five wickets.

The lop-sided nature of arguably cricket’s fiercest rivalry in recent years notwithstanding, emotions in both countries will run high when bitter neighbours India and Pakistan clash in a Champions Trophy blockbuster in Dubai on Sunday.

South Africa opener Ryan Rickelton scored a maiden One-Day International century with a fluent 103 as his side eased to a 107-run win over Afghanistan in their opening Champions Trophy Group B fixture at the National Stadium in Karachi.

India kicked off their Champions Trophy campaign with a six-wicket victory against Bangladesh in a Group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium this morning.

Australia have enough experience and versatility in their lineup to get into tournament-mode quickly for the Champions Trophy following a difficult buildup to the one-day international showpiece, according to opener Travis Head.

New Zealand showcased their title ambitions with a commanding 60-run win over defending champions Pakistan in a Group A clash at the National Stadium this morning.