Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 191-7 from their 50 overs at North West University Oval in Potchefstroom.

Australia's chase did not get off to a good start, with Liam Scott and captain Mackenzie Harvey both falling inside the first two overs.

Sam Fanning and Lachlan Hearne got Australia back on track, before Tanveer Sangha took control of the game with 36 runs from 18 balls required and four wickets in hand.

He hit Abdul Rahman for three consecutive fours as Australia took 17 runs from the 48th over, before a four from the final ball of the penultimate over meant Australia needed 10 runs from the final six deliveries. 

Ten from six soon became three from two, with Sangha hitting the game’s penultimate delivery for a maximum to earn a four-wicket victory.

Australia will now play West Indies in a playoff match for fifth place on Friday (February 7) at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. 

Zimbabwe then defeated Scotland by 172 runs at Diamond Oval in Kimberley to secure 11th place. 

Competition continues tomorrow with the ninth place playoff between Sri Lanka and England.