Mumbai/IBNS: Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss and elected to bat first against Australia in a crucial group league match of Cricket World Cup 2023 here on Tuesday.

Afghanistan have brought a change to their playing squad.

Naveen-ul-Haq is playing in place of Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Australia captain Pat Cummins said at the toss that Steven Smith and Cameron Green were not playing and they were replaced by Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh.

This looms as the biggest match in Afghanistan's cricket history as they take on five-time champions Australia to try and stay in the race for a place in the semi-finals.

If Afghanistan can win their two remaining matches at the World Cup, they will qualify for the semi-finals, but their task will not be easy with a tough encounter first-up against Australia.

Afghanistan will be buoyed entering the clash following three consecutive victories that have breathed life into their campaign that started with what now looms as a costly defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in their tournament opener.

The five-time champions also made a slow start to the tournament with losses in their opening two fixtures, but have since found form to win five matches on the trot and move within striking distance of booking a place in the semi-finals.