The full implications of the India’s refusal to play Champions Trophy matches in Pakistan were laid bare on Sunday as Australia and South Africa waited to find out whether they will play their semi-finals in Lahore or Dubai this week.

New Zealand batter Glenn Phillips said on Saturday that he was confident the Black Caps can adapt to the surface in their Champions Trophy group match against India in Dubai where their opponents will be more familiar with the pitch and conditions.

Heinrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen scored half-centuries as South Africa eased to a comfortable seven-wicket win over ailing England in Karachi to book a semi-final place at the Champions Trophy.

Stalwart top-order batsman Daryl Mitchell has declared himself fit to face India in New Zealand’s final Champions Trophy group match after missing the win over Bangladesh on Monday because of illness.

Matt Short looks set to miss Australia’s Champions Trophy semi-final against either India or New Zealand after his injury proved the only downside to their rain-helped rush into the last-four in Pakistan.

Australia sailed into the Champions Trophy semi-finals after their final Group B match against Afghanistan was abandoned at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Michael Vaughan has questioned England’s over-reliance on selecting out-and-out fast bowlers following their group-stage exit from the Champions Trophy.

Jos Buttler said he would consider his future as England’s limited-overs captain but will not make any emotional decisions amid calls for him to step down following their Champions Trophy exit.

Pakistan ended their campaign in the home Champions Trophy without a win after rain washed out their dead rubber against Bangladesh at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

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.