DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP):

Afghanistan take another big step toward cricketing respect tomorrow when they play Australia in a one-day international, only the second time the team of mostly war refugees has faced a test-playing nation.

Afghanistan qualified this year for its second consecutive Twenty20 World Cup, but isn't expected to beat Australia. Even so, coach Kabir Khan said playing well will give the team confidence ahead of the T20 tournament in Sri Lanka and show that it has moved beyond simply being a feel-good story for the sport. He also hopes it will inspire a younger generation to take up the sport.

Afghanistan played its first ODI against a test playing nation earlier this year when it faced Pakistan, losing by seven wickets.

"The Australia match is a day where Afghan cricket can go a step higher than where we are,'' Khan told The Associated Press. "Some of the players have seen Australia on TV and they are stars. Now they will get a chance to play against them.''

Made up of players who learned the game in Pakistan refugee camps, Afghanistan has gone from the World Cricket League Division 5 in 2008 to playing its first ODI this year against a test playing team, Pakistan.

The team's success has helped cricket replace football as the national sport, and even the Taliban have approved cricket where frequent breaks mean the sport doesn't interfere with prayer times in the Muslim nation.

Cricket clubs have sprung up across the country and the government is building new grounds in order to keep up with the growing demand from 70,000 club cricketers.

Acting Australia coach Steve Rixon said his team was glad to do its part to bolster the prospects of Afghanistan cricket. But he said Australia was there to win and show why it once was the No. 1-ranked ODI team in the world. It currently sits fourth.

"Afghanistan have come in as a minor contender but they are there and they are competing at the top level,'' Rixon said.

"We have to come in with every ounce of respect for the opposition,'' he said. "I like the idea that little minor nations are getting a chance to come in and play against the bigger boys. I think that is great for cricket.''