England will enjoy the benefit of certainty after holding their nerve in a must-win T20 World Cup clash against New Zealand that also crippled Australia's hopes.
Jos Buttler starred with 73 off 47 balls in Tuesday's 20-run victory at the Gabba that gave England a foot into the semi-final door and kicked the host's out in the process.
Now equal on points but well ahead of Australia on net run-rate (0.547 to -0.304), victory for England against Sri Lanka on Saturday should be enough to see them progress to the final four.
Australia are still a chance though, needing to beat Afghanistan by enough to make up the net run rate difference or hope the Asian champions upset Buttler's men in Sydney.
The exact equation is hard to determine given different totals impact the net run rate differently, however Australia would need to beat Afghanistan by roughly 60 runs or six overs faster than England beat Sri Lanka.
"We've just got to wait and see exactly what happens, but there is a benefit having the last game, knowing what's required of us," Buttler said of their predicament.
"It's a big relief heading to that last game knowing we have a chance of progressing.
"It would have been a tough flight if we'd lost today, especially.
"But we showed great character in a must win match and will arrive with confidence."
New Zealand's loss means they too are yet to secure safe passage, but also equal on points and boasting a 2.233 net run rate they're far more secure ahead of a clash with Ireland.
Buttler said his side had been itching to play after a wash-out against Australia and loss to Ireland had hampered their campaign.
"That felt like such a long break (between games), we were desperate to get out there and show how good we are as a team," he said.
Buttler benefited from two dropped chances during his knock then took a great catch and made constant bowling changes to stifle New Zealand's chase.
He opened with Moeen Ali, who only went for four runs, then backed Mark Wood and Sam Curran to see them home in the latter overs.
"I've just got to trust my instinct," he said.
"You can look at numbers 'til the cows come home, but the feel on the day is an important part of it.
"As it evolves over time I'll get even more of a feel for what I like."
