Exclusive: Proteas' Potential England Quarterfinal Gives Chris Morris 'lump In My Belly'

Its always been a bit injudicious that captains are asked for their opinions on abandoned matches, especially when a single ball hasnt been bowled in anger.

But both Steve Smith and Temba Bavuma did well to focus on the playing matters on hand and what their chances are of qualifying for the semi-finals after Tuesdays wash-out between Australia and the Proteas in Rawalpindi.

Thank heavens they did not venture into net run-rate calculations and all of that and at least stuck to the simple line that victory in their respective final Pool B matches against Afghanistan and England will ensure qualification.

But what that all means is that the Proteas now face a virtual quarter-final on Saturday in Karachi, and even more so if England overcome Afghanistan in Lahore on Wednesday.

Such is the nature of the short and sharp Champions Trophy, which has already seen hosts Pakistan exit the tournament after just six days, that each match is a virtual knockout contest.