Afghanistan's run-chases in their last two wins have seen them bat with the composure that was a hallmark of Trott's career.

Afghanistan, who registered one win in the 2015 World Cup and none in 2019, now have an outright chance of making the last four in India.

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

Bangladesh and Pakistan are almost in a similar situation in the World Cup as both teams lock horns with each other at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata today in hopes of keeping their slim semifinal hopes alive.

Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets in Pune on Monday to record their third win of the World Cup and maintain their hopes of a semi-final place.

Rahmat Shah struck his second successive fifty of the World Cup as Afghanistan looked to chase down a target of 242 against Sri Lanka on Monday and keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Shakib came under criticism for leaving the side after the defeat to South Africa while team management also came under fire for allowing the skipper to leave on his own in the middle of such a big tournament. Shakib’s tournament with the bat has been well below the high standards he had set for himself.

Pakistan's chief of selectors Inzamam-ul-Haq resigned from his post on Monday over allegations of a conflict of interest linked to the team's poor performance at the World Cup in India.

Pakistan coach Grant Bradburn on Monday shrugged off claims his players haven't been paid for five months, insisting the squad was determined to rescue their faltering World Cup campaign.

The change in Shakib’s mood did not escape the eyes of the reporter of Hindustan times who asked how things changed in two days’ time. Shakib smiled and inquired ‘my voice changed? Different?”

Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi-led Afghanistan bowling unit were in their prime as they bundled out Sri Lanka for 241 runs in Pune on Monday.

With two wins in six matches, Pakistan will be desperate to keep their ICC World Cup semi-final hopes alive when they take on Bangladesh at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday.

No other captain in the 50-overs showpiece tournament has shaped the destiny of his team like Rohit has done to keep India atop the points table.

Just like the huge gulf in the performance of the Bangladesh and the Indian cricket teams, the differences in the communication systems on either side of the border is also a disparaging sight for a Bangladeshi

The winner of today’s match will take the fifth spot in the points-table, two points behind No.4 Australia.

Pakistan bowling great Wasim Akram heaped praises on the lethal Indian pace attack, dubbing them the best in the world right now

Tournament hosts India are joined by South Africa, New Zealand and Australia in the critical top-four spots on the current Cricket World Cup standings.

The 2019 champions stay rooted to the bottom of the 10-team table after succumbing to their fifth defeat in six matches against hosts India on Sunday. 

Mott's claims came after former England captain Eoin Morgan insisted that there were splits in the camp which were causing the champions to under-perform.

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has insisted his side's World Cup wins have been the product of sustained effort, however much they have surprised the rest of the global cricket community.