Bernard Tomic saw off Great Britain's Dan Evans 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 to pull 28-time champions Australia level in Glasgow after world number three Andy Murray had cruised past Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-3, 6-0, 6-3.
In Brussels, Argentina's world number 39 Leonardo Mayer beat Steve Darcis 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/1), 4-6, 6-3 after David Goffin, the world number 15, had seen off Federico Delbonis 7-5, 7-6 (7/3) 6-3 to give Belgium the lead.
Britain are playing in their first semi-final in 34 years and have been without a Davis Cup title since 1936.
"It isn't my decision. It's up to the captain to decide that," said Murray.
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Hewitt, bidding to take Australia back to the final for the first time since 2003 before he retires in January, said Saturday will be key.
"The doubles could decide the semi-final," said the former world number one.
Belgium are bidding to reach the final for the first time since 1904 while their last semi-final run before this year was in 1999.
Argentina are also yet to win a Davis Cup, having been runners-up on three occasions.
"My opponent left nothing out there," said Goffin after his win over Delbonis.
"It was a difficult match but I came through in straight sets and I stayed tough mentally.