Australia batsman Steve Smith has suggested that his side are fully focused on their upcoming game against Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy and locking in a semi-final place after suffering a washout against South Africa in game two.

The match, which was scheduled for Tuesday, was abandoned without a ball being bowled after persistent rain in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. 

But, after their five-wicket victory over England in their first match, they are top of Group B and a win against Afghanistan in their final group game will secure a semi-final spot.

Despite beating England, Smith suggested that the team had not prepared to approach the South Africa match in the same way.

"It was probably going to be a little bit different. And then, when we were watching the rainfall, we were probably looking at another team for a rain-reduced game. So, you've got to think on your feet with these kind of things," he said.

"We've got a good squad of 15 players and you've got to utilise them as well as you can. So yeah, our equation is pretty simple now. On to the next one against Afghanistan and if we win I think we’re locked in the top four."

Despite being the lowest-ranked team in Group B, Smith knows that Australia will have to be wary of the challenge they pose. Australia were beaten in a T20I against them as recently as June 2024, losing by 21 runs.

"They're a dangerous side on their day like every team in this tournament," said Smith. "I think that's the beauty of this tournament with the eight best teams coming up against it. Anyone can have a good day. So, we're going to have to be on next game."

Further intrigue in the #ChampionsTrophy Group B permutations after the Australia-South Africa washout

Here's where each side stands pic.twitter.com/2AGTfSHVRn

— ICC (@ICC) February 25, 2025

Smith and Australia will be hoping for a similarly-disciplined performance like the one they put in against England. England had clocked in 200 runs in just over 30 overs and, at one stage, were 316-5, though were hampered by impressive Australian bowling and finished on 351-8.

Australia completed the chase inside 48 overs for the loss of just five wickets, and Smith was pleased with the resilience of his team after a situation that looked like it could have got out of control.

"It was good I thought, we kept a cool out on the field. It looked like at one stage they could have got over 400 and we were able to pull it back to 350 which we thought was going to be manageable, particularly with the dew that we expected to come in," he said.

"The partnerships we were able to put together were crucial. All the guys batted beautifully and it was a good team performance."