That's a much better over from Spencer Johnson.

He's less wild in pursuit of swing and concedes just three singles. Crucially, there are no extras.

Spencer Johnson made an early breakthrough for Australia, yorking Rahmanullah Gurbaz with the fifth delivery of the match.

Michael Carberry
Former England batter on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

I think Steve Smith's playing record commands respect, as it should.

That's the ability he has as a captain. There will be some young players there that will be looking up to Smith while he's still around.

It's a great opportunity to learn from one of the modern greats.

Ibrahim Zadran, who scored a century when these two sides met at the 2023 World Cup and against England on Wednesday, hasn't had much to do so far. He's only faced three balls.

His partner, Sediqullah Atal, dashes two to keep Afghanistan's total ticking over, but Ben Dwarshuis has beaten his bat on a number of occasions.

Extras aplenty for Afghanistan in the third over, with four byes and six wides keeping the scoreboard operator busy.

The byes are harsh on Josh Inglis, who looks set for a busy day behind the stumps. More control required from Spencer Johnson.

The ball really is swinging around in Lahore.

Spencer Johnson gets one to swing in right over the top of the stumps and wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is powerless to stop the ball racing away to the boundary for four byes.

The next delivery, Inglis is once again sprawled on his belly, this time chasing a wild delivery from Johnson that also goes to the rope.

Runs flowing for Afghanistan.

Michael Carberry
Former England batter on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

It was a stunning performance and stunning knock from Ibrahim Zadran against England. The maturity, he soaked up pressure and he just batted.

He built the innings and then you could see the power at the back end when Jofra Archer and Mark Wood missed their slot.

Ibrahim put them away.

Australia captain Steve Smith lost the toss but said he would've bowled first, and he'll be happy with the start his team have made in Lahore.

Just the two runs off Ben Dwarshuis' opening over, courtesy of a misfield from Marnus Labuschagne that allowed Afghanistan's batters to sneak through.

Michael Carberry
Former England batter on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Steven Smith already on the attack. Three slips.

Phew. Well, let's hope the rest of the match is as exciting as that opening over.

Spencer Johnson with an early wicket for Australia and he'll be pleased with the swing he's getting in Lahore.

Ben Dwarshuis will bowl from the opposite end.

Michael Carberry
Former England batter on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

I'm not sure why Rahmanullah Gurbaz stood at the crease that long. Brilliant piece of bowling from Spencer Johnson. Gurbaz was late on the delivery.

In those situations you've just got to hand it to the bowler.

Early intent from Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who take on Ben Dwarshuis' arm and sneak an early two runs.

Afghanistan are off the mark.

The last time these two sides met in an ODI was at the 2023 World Cup when Glenn Maxwell blasted 201 not out from 128 balls to rescue Australia from 91-7 to win by three wickets.

Will we see another blockbuster encounter today?

Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have made their way out to the middle. Spencer Johnson has the ball in hand for Australia.

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Ryan Campbell
Former Australia wicketkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

Afghanistan showed where they are in world cricket - they're on the up.

We have got to remember Australia are missing key figures in their one day line-up. But an Aussie way is winning a big contest and showing up on the day.

Afghanistan want to be proactive and do what they did against England.

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi: "We want to bat because the wicket looks good and it's a used pitch.

"I think it will be slow in the second innings and hopefully we get some runs on the board and put them under pressure.

"We were happy with the performance in the last game [against England]. We also discussed about how to plan against an Australian team. All the things we did wrong we discussed."

Image source, Getty Images

Australian captain Steven Smith: "There's unpredictable weather.

"All the guys are good. We are looking forward to coming up against a good Afghanistan side.

"It should be a good contest. A must win for us, we're coming out here with good intent and taking the game on."

Australia sit second in Group B, level on points with South Africa but trailing on net run-rate. Victory over Afghanistan will see them join India and New Zealand in the last four. If they lose, they'll need their old rivals England to absolutely demolish South Africa on Saturday and deliver a massive swing in net run-rate.

For Afghanistan, who sit third with two points, it's a much simpler equation. If they win, they're in the semi-finals; if they lose, they're going home.

Image source, Getty Images