Afghanistan kept their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup semi-finals alive after beating the Netherlands by seven wickets in a low-scoring group game.

Joe Root has attempted to rally England with fighting words ahead of their World Cup clash against Australia, calling his team a better outfit “man for man” despite being last in the standings.

Some fiery fast bowling from India’s Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj lit up their World Cup encounter with Sri Lanka and helped the unbeaten hosts secure a thumping 302-run victory, making them the first side to book a semi-final spot.

Quinton de Kock smashed his fourth century of the World Cup and Rassie van der Dussen also hit a ton as semi-finals-bound South Africa sealed a comprehensive 190-run victory over New Zealand for their sixth win in seven matches.

India will still be without injured vice-captain Hardik Pandya for their World Cup match against Sri Lanka, captain Rohit Sharma said, adding that the all-rounder’s recovery from an ankle injury was going well.

Former champions Pakistan kept alive their slender chances of making the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory against Bangladesh, who were eliminated from the tournament.

Former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has stepped down as Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chief selector on Sunday after allegations of a conflict of interest.

A spirited Afghanistan upset another former champion when Hashmatullah Shahidi’s men defeated 1996 winners Sri Lanka by seven wickets to continue their memorable campaign at the 50-overs World Cup.

India maintained their unbeaten streak at the 2023 World Cup with a 100-run victory in a low-scoring contest against holders England, who are facing a premature exit following their fifth defeat in six group matches.

India vice-captain Hardik Pandya will miss their World Cup match with England as he continues to recover from a left ankle injury so the hosts may stick with his replacement Suryakumar Yadav, batsman KL Rahul said.

Travis Head’s return to action proved worth the wait for Australia as the opener smashed a blazing hundred in his World Cup debut to set up a five-run victory in a high-scoring thriller against New Zealand.

The Netherlands climbed off the bottom of the World Cup table with an 87-run victory over Bangladesh after Scott Edwards hit a feisty half-century and Dutch bowler Paul van Meekeren ripped through the Asian side in a fiery spell.