Afghanistan are still searching for their first win of the World Cup, but they face an England side that looks nothing like the team that has occasionally stumbled against smaller nations in past tournaments.
England have a history of being the big side that so-called minnows have beaten in the competition.
Bangladesh did it in 2011 and again in 2015.
Ireland chased down a record target against them in 2011. This time around, though, the hosts appear to be in a different mood entirely — unwilling to give an inch.
That mood will be tested when the two sides meet at Old Trafford in Manchester on Tuesday.
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On paper, it looks like an uneven contest.
Afghanistan sit at the bottom of the points table.
They are the only squad in the tournament without a win.
England are the only side that has scored at more than six runs per over in every innings since the 2015 World Cup. Their bowling attack, led by the raw pace of Jofra Archer, has been able to defend totals. Some observers argue England already had their tournament blip when they lost to Pakistan — a side that arrived on an eleven-match losing streak in ODIs.
They, meanwhile, have not shown the free-spirited style that neutrals have come to enjoy. Former captain Asghar Afghan was sacked just before the tournament. Opener Mohammad Shahzad was sent home with an injury he claims does not exist. Najibullah Zadran, one of their in-form batsmen, was recently dropped.
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The team has been unsettled.
It is difficult to see how the Afghans can compete against an English side with talent and depth in all three departments, especially on home soil. They will want two more points to strengthen their hold on a top-four spot. But if the Afghans find their rhythm, and if rain shortens the game, the tournament could see its biggest upset. Najibullah seems likely to return to the middle order after his unexpected absence against South Africa. Asghar Afghan did not justify his recall, scoring a five-ball duck in that game, and may make way again. The prospect of spin could bring Mujeeb Ur Rahman back into the lineup.
Afghanistan’s probable lineup: Hazratullah Zazai, Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Gulbadin Naib (capt), Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Hamid Hassan.
Jason Roy’s absence has been confirmed.
He tore his hamstring against West Indies.
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He will also miss the Sri Lanka fixture.
James Vince is set to slot in at the top of the order. Captain Eoin Morgan was under a cloud after suffering a back spasm, but he was moving freely in nets on the eve of the game and may feature. Liam Plunkett missed training with a stomach complaint but it is not thought to be serious.
The home team’s probable lineup: Jonny Bairstow, James Vince, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (capt), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood.
The eve of the game featured steady rain.
The weather forecast promises an overcast start and the potential for showers in the afternoon. Captains who win the toss will likely bowl first. The pitch is expected to be good for batting but should offer spin and carry for pacers, as was the case in the last game at this ground between India and Pakistan.