india national cricket team vs afghanistan national cricket team timeline

Cricket, often referred to as a religion in India, has a rich history that spans decades. Among the many rivalries and matches that have captured the hearts of fans, the encounters between the India National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team stand out for their unique narrative. As cricket continues to grow in popularity in Afghanistan, the matches between these two teams have become increasingly significant. This article aims to provide a detailed timeline of the encounters between India and Afghanistan, highlighting key moments, statistics, and the evolution of this cricketing rivalry.

Early Encounters and Afghanistan’s Rise

The Afghanistan cricket team, known for its resilience and passion, gained full membership status from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017, allowing them to compete in all formats of the game. Prior to this, Afghanistan had been making waves in the cricketing world, especially in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers and other international tournaments.

2010 – First Encounter in ICC World Cricket League Division 5

Although India and Afghanistan had not played against each other in a full-fledged international match until 2018, their first recorded encounter took place in the ICC World Cricket League Division 5 in 2010. India was represented by a team of young cricketers, while Afghanistan showcased its emerging talent. This match was significant as it marked the beginning of Afghanistan’s journey in international cricket.

2018 – A Historic ODI Debut

The first official One Day International (ODI) match between India and Afghanistan took place on June 14, 2018, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. This match was particularly historic as it was Afghanistan’s first-ever ODI against a full-member nation. India, led by captain Virat Kohli, entered the match as heavy favorites, given their strong cricketing pedigree.

Match Highlights

• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
• Date: June 14, 2018
• Result: India won by 8 wickets
• Key Performers:
• Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (3 wickets)
• India: Dinesh Karthik (94 runs)

The match was a thrilling contest, with Afghanistan putting up a commendable fight, especially with Rashid Khan’s bowling prowess. However, India’s batting depth proved too strong, leading to a comfortable victory.

2019 – The ICC Cricket World Cup Encounter

The next significant encounter between India and Afghanistan took place during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on June 22, 2019, at The Rose Bowl in Southampton, England. This match was crucial for both teams, with India aiming to solidify its position in the tournament and Afghanistan seeking its first win.

Match Highlights

• Venue: The Rose Bowl, Southampton
• Date: June 22, 2019
• Result: India won by 11 runs
• Key Performers:
• Afghanistan: Gulbadin Naib (3 wickets)
• India: Rohit Sharma (140 runs)

This match turned out to be a nail-biter. India batted first and set a target of 228 runs. Afghanistan, led by a spirited performance, came close to chasing down the target, falling short by just 11 runs. The match was a testament to Afghanistan’s growing competitiveness on the world stage and showcased their ability to challenge even the strongest teams.

2020 – T20 Series Amidst a Pandemic

In 2020, the cricketing world faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the postponement of many scheduled matches. However, as restrictions eased, discussions began regarding a T20 series between India and Afghanistan. Although the series did not materialize as planned, it highlighted the increasing interest in cricketing encounters between the two nations.

2021 – T20 World Cup Clash

The next significant clash occurred during the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, held in the United Arab Emirates. On October 3, 2021, India faced Afghanistan in a crucial Super 12 match.

Match Highlights

• Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
• Date: October 3, 2021
• Result: India won by 66 runs
• Key Performers:
• Afghanistan: Mohammad Nabi (3 wickets)
• India: Rohit Sharma (74 runs)

India’s performance in this match was dominant, with a solid batting display followed by an impressive bowling performance. Afghanistan, despite the loss, demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level, particularly with their spin bowling attack.

2023 – The Most Recent Encounter

The most recent match between India and Afghanistan took place on October 11, 2023, during the ICC World Cup 2023 in India. This match was highly anticipated, given the home advantage for India and the growing cricketing prowess of Afghanistan.

Match Highlights

• Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
• Date: October 11, 2023
• Result: India won by 58 runs
• Key Performers:
• Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (2 wickets)
• India: Virat Kohli (105 runs)

This match was significant not only for the result but also for the atmosphere, as it marked a historic moment for Afghanistan cricket, showcasing their journey from underdogs to formidable competitors on the world stage.

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FAQs

1. What is the overall record between India and Afghanistan in international matches?

As of March 2025, India and Afghanistan have faced each other in a total of 6 international matches, with India winning all encounters. However, Afghanistan has shown remarkable improvement and competitiveness in each match.

2. Who are some key players to watch from Afghanistan?

Afghanistan boasts several talented players, including Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Gulbadin Naib. These players have consistently performed well on the international stage and are crucial to Afghanistan’s success.

3. How has Afghanistan’s cricketing journey evolved over the years?

Afghanistan’s cricketing journey has been remarkable, transitioning from a team that participated in lower-tier tournaments to competing in the ICC World Cup and other major international events. Their rise is attributed to grassroots development, increased funding, and a passionate fan base.

4. What is the significance of the matches between India and Afghanistan?

The matches between India and Afghanistan symbolize the growth of cricket in Afghanistan and the spirit of competition. They provide a platform for Afghan cricketers to showcase their talent and for fans to witness thrilling encounters.

Conclusion

The encounters between the India National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team have evolved from early beginnings to competitive clashes in major international tournaments. As Afghanistan continues to develop as a cricketing nation, the rivalry promises to grow, offering fans exciting matches filled with drama and skill. The future looks bright for both teams, and cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate their next encounter. The journey of cricket in Afghanistan is a testament to the power of sport in uniting nations and inspiring future generations.