Both teams are unchanged from their wins over England.

Afghanistan Ibrahim, Gurbaz (wk), Sediq, Rahmat, Hashmat (c), Azmat, Nabi, Gulbadin, Rashid, Noor, Farooqi.

Australia Head, Short, Smith (c), Labuschagne, Inglis (wk), Carey, Maxwell, Dwarshuis, Ellis, Zampa, Johnson.

That’s no surprise given their ability to squeeze the game in the second innings. It’s a used pitch which should bring their spinners into the game even more.

Steve Smith says Australia would have bowled so he’s happy enough. There’s a chance of a DLS chase, given the weather forecast, so there’s plenty of merit in batting second as well.

On 10 October 2000, South Africa thrashed England by eight wickets in Nairobi, Kenya. Shaun Pollock took 3 for 27, Jacques Kallis stroked an effortless 78. That match was the last quarter-final to be played in the Champions Trophy, but only if you take these things literally.

The group format that has been used in the Champions League since 2000 has produced a number of de facto quarter-finals, including a memorable match between India and Australia in 2006. The latest takes place in Lahore today, where Afghanistan and Australia meet for the right to face either India or New Zealand in the semi-finals.

Afghanistan dumped England out of the tournament on Wednesday in a thrilling match that confirmed their status as one of the world’s best white-ball sides. It’s not that long ago that Afghanistan were dangerous opponents who on their day could trouble the best team; now they’re just really, really good.

They would have beaten Australia at the 50-over World Cup but for Glenn Maxwell’s mind-blowing 201 not out. They did beat Australia, decisively so, in last year’s T20 World Cup.

There’s a bit of rain forecast in Lahore, though nothing to suggest we won’t get a positive result. Australia can theoretically lose today and still go through, but it would need England to marmalise South Africa tomorrow. In reality, it all comes down to this.

Weather permitting, play will start in Lahore at 2pm local/8pm AEDT/9am GMT.