England will reach the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup if they beat Sri Lanka following Australia's nervy win over Sri Lanka.
The hosts had to win in Adelaide to stand any chance of qualifying for the last four and reached 168-8 with Glenn Maxwell in particular impressing, scoring 54 from 32 balls.
Afghanistan had threatened that score but three wickets in four balls swung the match in Australia's favour. There was a nervy finale though before the hosts prevailed, eventually winning by four runs.
They are back up to second and in the running to join New Zealand in the semi-finals after their win over Ireland but England will be hopeful of progressing ahead of their clash on Saturday.
All three teams had been tied going into their final round of matches, with only their net run-rate separating them. Australia were unable to improve there rate enough to surpass England as Afghanistan reached the magic figure of 119.
All eyes will now be on Sydney on Saturday where a postponement would send Australia through, although the initial weather forecast is clear.
Speaking after the match, star man Maxwell said: "We'll certainly be keeping an eye on it and hopefully Sri Lanka can do a favour for us."
Winless Afghanistan had recovered well from a slow start to take three wickets in the final four overs in Adelaide and ensured a nervy encounter as Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan in particular impressed with the bat.
But Australia managed to hold on and will now hope Sri Lanka can beat England, with captain Matthew Wade admitting: "We'll stay the extra night here and watch Sri Lanka.
"We'll have our Sri Lanka caps here for sure but we're not sure how likely it will be but we will cheer them home. Sri Lanka got the Asia Cup, so it's never a guarantee. Their bowling attacks and can do some damage.
"If we don't get through it will be frustrating looking at the game you don't want to be peaking too much right now. It feels like we can get through to the semis somehow."
Ex-England batter and now Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott added: "Obviously we wanted to win and came away with something to show and be proud of. England are in charge of their own destiny and I'm sure that's how they would want it.
