Afghanistan is set to face England in Lahore on Wednesday in their second group-stage match of the Champions Trophy, marking their debut in the tournament.

South Africa top the pool on net run-rate from Australia with both teams on three points after winning their opening fixtures against Afghanistan and England respectively.

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar slammed Babar Azam for his showings in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, calling him ‘a fraud’, and also put the Pakistan team on blast for their lacklustre performance.

The weather in Islamabad and its twin city of Rawalpindi has suddenly changed over the last 12 hours as it is currently witnessing drizzle with shivering cold around the capital of Pakistan.

Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer criticised Bangladesh’s poor performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, saying that the Tiger’s ‘don’t turn up’ in ICC events.

Rachin Ravindra marked his ICC Champions Trophy debut with a century in New Zealand's win over Bangladesh on Monday but it was the 25-year-old's ability to soak up the pressure while batting in an unfamiliar position that impressed teammate Tom Latham.

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

Speaking on The ICC Review, Australia legend Ricky Ponting lauded Kohli’s ability to step up in crucial moments, and for breaking a plethora of records on his way.

"In 2025 Pakistan was playing the cricket style of the 1980s and 1990s while other teams had progressed well to adopt an aggressive and modern style," Shahid Afridi told AFP.

Eight months ago, curator Tony Hemming parted ways with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) while still having a year left on his two-year contract, expressing dissatisfaction at some of the incidents during his short tenure.  

The two former Trophy champions meet for the first time in the event's history in Rawalpindi today (3pm, Bangladesh Time), having each won their first games in Group B.

Another meek batting display saw Bangladesh eliminated from the race for the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy following a five-wicket defeat against New Zealand in their second Group A fixture at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Ravindra hit 112 as New Zealand marched into the semis, taking India along with them, after his team's win over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.

These two sides have rich history, having played in some ripping ODI contests over the years.

Ramiz’s remarks may spark debate over whether fixture sequencing had a genuine impact on their campaign, or if their performances were simply not up to the mark. Regardless, their premature exit from the Champions Trophy will be a tough pill to swallow for the hosts and their fans.

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain was disappointed by the top-order batters’ performances in the first game against India and after today’s five-wicket loss against New Zealand saw them crash out of the Champions Trophy, the Bangladesh skipper rued the collapse during the middle overs.

It was not only about the number of wickets Bracewell picked up. The poor shot selection of Bangladesh batters, coupled with great fielding display by New Zealand, cost the Tigers dearly in this crucial match.

Kohli hit an unbeaten 100 on Sunday, his 51st ODI century, as India swept aside Pakistan by six wickets in Dubai to stand on the cusp of the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals.

On Monday morning, right in front of the main entrance of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, a few local hawkers were selling flags of Bangladesh and New Zealand – the two participating teams in today’s crucial Group A match – and of course of hosts Pakistan.

Kohli's diving catch to dismiss Naseem Shah during India's Champions Trophy win over Pakistan was his 157th in ODIs, moving him ahead of Mohammad Azharuddin for the most outfield catches in the format by an Indian player.