Afghanistan's innings came to an early end after 36.2 overs due to rain, meaning that England will need to score 101 in 25 overs to win their final World Cup Pool A match in Sydney.
Both sides headed into the encounter with nothing to play for after failing to put themselves into contention for the quarter-finals in previous results.
However, England looked to be going out on a high when James Anderson dismissed Nawroz Mangal, who hit just four off 28 balls, in the sixth over.
Stuart Broad and Chris Jordan also managed to get wickets on the board by sending Javed Ahmadi (7) and Afsar Zazai (6) back to the pavilion respectively with Afghanistan on just 25 runs.
Shafiqullah top-scored with 30 off 64 deliveries, but it was the England bowlers who impressed with Jordan and Ravi Bopara taking two wickets apiece, while James Tredwell also struck during the innings, which ended 111-7.
Should the rain clear up, England will return to the field to try to gain only their second win of the tournament.
