Table of Contents
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team timeline tells the story of a competitive cricket rivalry that has grown significantly over the past decade. Pakistan entered international cricket decades before Afghanistan, building a strong reputation through major tournament victories, world-class fast bowlers, and technically gifted batters. Afghanistan, meanwhile, emerged as an exciting international side known for its spin bowling, aggressive batting, and remarkable rise from Associate cricket to the highest level.
Their encounters across One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) have produced dramatic finishes, unexpected victories, and memorable performances. Pakistan dominated the early meetings, but Afghanistan gradually became a more competitive opponent. Their historic ODI victory at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup marked a major turning point, demonstrating that Afghanistan could defeat established international teams on the biggest stage.
The rivalry continued through the 2025 T20I tri-series in the United Arab Emirates, where Afghanistan and Pakistan exchanged victories before Pakistan won the final. These matches have helped establish the fixture as one of the most closely followed contests involving two Asian cricket teams.
Contents Overview
- Early history of Afghanistan vs Pakistan cricket
- Timeline of major matches
- First ODI meeting in 2012
- The 2019 Cricket World Cup encounter
- The 2021 T20 World Cup match
- The 2022 Asia Cup thriller
- Afghanistan’s historic T20I series win in 2023
- The landmark 2023 ODI World Cup victory
- The 2025 T20I tri-series
- Head-to-head records by format
- Key players and match-winning factors
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
Early History of Afghanistan vs Pakistan Cricket
Pakistan have a long history in international cricket, having played Test cricket since 1952 and established themselves as a major force in ODIs and T20Is. Their achievements include winning the 1992 Men’s Cricket World Cup and the 2009 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan’s international rise came much later. The team developed through regional competitions and ICC qualifying tournaments before establishing itself as a regular participant in major international events. Afghanistan gained Test status in 2017, reflecting its progress in the international game.
The geographical and cricketing connections between the two countries have added interest to their encounters. Many Afghanistan players have developed their skills through competitive domestic and international cricket in the wider region, while Pakistan’s experienced players have often faced Afghanistan’s talented spin bowlers and aggressive top order.
Their first official men’s ODI meeting took place in 2012. Since then, the teams have faced each other in World Cups, Asia Cup competitions, bilateral-style series at neutral venues, and T20I tri-series.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan Cricket Timeline
The following table highlights key moments in the rivalry, from the first ODI meeting to the most recent major T20I encounters.
| Date or year | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| February 2012 | First ODI meeting | Pakistan won |
| June 2019 | ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup | Pakistan won by 3 wickets |
| October 2021 | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup | Pakistan won by 5 wickets |
| September 2022 | Asia Cup T20 | Pakistan won by 1 wicket |
| March 2023 | Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I series | Afghanistan won the series 2–1 |
| August 2023 | Afghanistan vs Pakistan ODI series | Pakistan won 3–0 |
| October 2023 | ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup | Afghanistan won by 8 wickets |
| October 2023 | Asian Games men’s T20 cricket | Afghanistan won by 4 wickets |
| August 2025 | UAE T20I tri-series | Pakistan won the opening meeting by 39 runs |
| September 2025 | UAE T20I tri-series | Afghanistan won by 18 runs |
| September 2025 | UAE T20I tri-series final | Pakistan won by 75 runs |
These matches show how the rivalry evolved from Pakistan’s early dominance to a more competitive contest, particularly in T20I cricket.
2012: The First ODI Meeting
Afghanistan and Pakistan first met in men’s ODI cricket in February 2012 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The fixture was an important milestone for Afghanistan, which was still building its experience against established international teams.
Pakistan won the match, demonstrating the advantage that came with their greater international experience and depth. For Afghanistan, however, playing a high-profile opponent offered valuable preparation for future ICC competitions.
At that stage, Pakistan had an established international structure, with experienced fast bowlers and batters who had played against leading cricket nations for years. Afghanistan were still developing their approach to international cricket, particularly when facing high-quality pace attacks.
The early meetings helped set the stage for a rivalry that would become more competitive as Afghanistan gained experience and developed a stronger core of international players.
2019: Pakistan Survive a World Cup Thriller
Afghanistan and Pakistan met during the group stage of the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Leeds, England.
Afghanistan batted first and scored 227/9 in 50 overs. Their bowlers then put Pakistan under considerable pressure during the chase, taking wickets and making the target difficult to reach.
Pakistan eventually scored 230/7 in 49.4 overs, winning by three wickets with two balls remaining. The narrow margin reflected Afghanistan’s growing ability to challenge established teams in major tournaments.
The match demonstrated the importance of composure in the closing overs. Pakistan had to manage a tense chase, while Afghanistan came close to securing one of the tournament’s notable upsets.
Although Pakistan won, the encounter reinforced the idea that Afghanistan were no longer simply gaining experience at international level. They were increasingly capable of competing against top-ranked opponents and pushing matches to the final overs.
2021: Pakistan Win the T20 World Cup Encounter
The teams met again at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates in October 2021.
Afghanistan posted a competitive total of 147/6 in 20 overs. Their batting effort gave the bowlers a chance to challenge Pakistan, especially because Afghanistan possessed quality spin options suited to the conditions.
Pakistan completed the chase at 148/5 in 19 overs, winning by five wickets. Asif Ali played a decisive role late in the innings, striking a series of sixes to help Pakistan finish the chase.
The match demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to handle pressure in a major tournament. Afghanistan showed that they could create difficult situations for powerful batting lineups, but Pakistan’s finishing ability ultimately proved decisive.
The encounter remains an important moment in the timeline because it highlighted the contrasting strengths of the two teams: Afghanistan’s spin-led bowling and Pakistan’s ability to produce match-winning performances under pressure.
2022: Pakistan Win a Dramatic Asia Cup Match
One of the most dramatic T20I meetings occurred during the Asia Cup in Sharjah on 7 September 2022.
Afghanistan scored 129/6 in their 20 overs, setting Pakistan a target of 130. Afghanistan’s bowlers then applied pressure throughout the chase, taking wickets and leaving Pakistan in a difficult position.
Pakistan eventually reached 131/9 in 19.2 overs, winning by one wicket with four balls remaining. Naseem Shah became the unlikely hero, hitting consecutive sixes in the final over to seal the victory.
The result was heartbreaking for Afghanistan, who had come close to defeating a major cricketing rival. Pakistan’s victory demonstrated how a match can change in just a few deliveries, particularly in T20 cricket.
The game remains one of the best-known encounters between the teams because of its tense finish, dramatic last over, and the remarkable contribution of Pakistan’s lower order.
March 2023: Afghanistan Win Their First T20I Series Against Pakistan
Afghanistan achieved a significant milestone in March 2023 when they won a three-match T20I series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
The series was especially notable because Afghanistan secured a 2–1 victory, demonstrating that they could defeat Pakistan consistently across multiple matches rather than in a single isolated encounter.
Afghanistan won the first T20I by six wickets after restricting Pakistan to 92/9 and reaching 98/4. They then won the second match by seven wickets, chasing Pakistan’s 130/6 with a score of 133/3.
Pakistan avoided a series whitewash in the third match. They scored 182/7 and dismissed Afghanistan for 116, winning by 66 runs.
The series was a landmark achievement for Afghanistan. Their bowlers controlled the first two matches, while their batters handled the chases with composure. The result strengthened Afghanistan’s reputation as a dangerous T20I opponent, particularly on slower pitches where their spin attack could influence the game.
August 2023: Pakistan Sweep the ODI Series
Before the Cricket World Cup later that year, Afghanistan and Pakistan played a three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka in August 2023.
Pakistan won all three matches, but the second ODI was an exceptionally close contest. Afghanistan scored 300/5, producing a strong batting performance and putting Pakistan under considerable pressure.
Pakistan reached 302/9 in 49.5 overs and won by one wicket. The match showed Pakistan’s ability to complete a difficult chase even after losing wickets regularly.
The first ODI was more one-sided. Pakistan scored 201, while Afghanistan were dismissed for 59, resulting in a 142-run defeat.
Pakistan also won the third ODI by 59 runs, completing a 3–0 series victory. Their success demonstrated their strength in the 50-over format and gave them momentum heading into the World Cup.
However, Afghanistan would soon produce a result that changed the narrative of the rivalry.
October 2023: Afghanistan’s Historic World Cup Victory
On 23 October 2023, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Chennai, India. It was Afghanistan’s first ODI victory over Pakistan and one of the most memorable results in their cricketing history.
Pakistan batted first and scored 282/7 in 50 overs. Their total looked competitive, but Afghanistan approached the chase with confidence and patience.
Afghanistan reached 286/2 in 49 overs, winning with eight wickets remaining and six balls to spare. Ibrahim Zadran scored 87, while Rahmat Shah remained unbeaten on 77. Rahmanullah Gurbaz also contributed an aggressive 65 at the top of the order.
The batting performance was particularly impressive because Afghanistan avoided the collapse that had affected them in earlier meetings. Their top order built partnerships, rotated the strike effectively, and punished loose deliveries without taking unnecessary risks.
The victory was significant for several reasons. It ended Pakistan’s unbeaten ODI record against Afghanistan, delivered a major World Cup upset, and demonstrated Afghanistan’s growing maturity in 50-over cricket.
It also became a defining moment for Afghanistan supporters, who saw their team defeat a regional rival on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
October 2023: Afghanistan Win at the Asian Games
Afghanistan also defeated Pakistan in men’s T20 cricket at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in October 2023.
Pakistan scored 115 all out, while Afghanistan reached 116/6 in 17.5 overs to win by four wickets. The result gave Afghanistan another important victory in a high-profile competition.
Although the Asian Games fixture was separate from the ICC World Cup, it added to the sense that Afghanistan had become increasingly competitive against Pakistan across formats.
Their bowling restricted Pakistan to a modest total, and the batters completed the chase despite losing wickets. The result highlighted Afghanistan’s ability to apply pressure in T20 cricket and maintain composure during a run chase.
2025: Afghanistan and Pakistan Renew Their T20I Rivalry
Afghanistan and Pakistan met again during the Pakistan, Afghanistan and United Arab Emirates T20I tri-series in Sharjah in August and September 2025.
Pakistan won their opening meeting on 29 August. They scored 182/7 and dismissed Afghanistan for 143, securing a 39-run victory.
Afghanistan responded on 2 September. They posted 169/5, and Pakistan managed 151/9. Afghanistan won by 18 runs, showing their ability to defend a competitive total against Pakistan.
The teams met again in the final on 7 September. Pakistan scored 141/8, then bowled Afghanistan out for 66 in 15.5 overs to win by 75 runs and claim the tri-series title.
The final was a clear response from Pakistan after their defeat earlier in the competition. Their bowlers restricted Afghanistan’s batting and prevented the chase from developing into a contest.
The tri-series illustrated the unpredictable nature of the rivalry. Afghanistan have demonstrated they can beat Pakistan, but Pakistan’s experience and ability to respond strongly have kept the contest competitive.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record
The men’s international rivalry has primarily taken place in ODIs and T20Is. Afghanistan and Pakistan have not played an official men’s Test match against each other.
The following snapshot covers the 18 ODIs and T20Is recorded through September 2025.
| Format | Matches | Pakistan wins | Afghanistan wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 8 | 7 | 1 |
| T20I | 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Total | 18 | 13 | 5 |
| Test | 0 | 0 | 0 |
These figures show Pakistan’s overall advantage, particularly in ODIs. Afghanistan’s four T20I victories, however, demonstrate that the shorter format has been more competitive.
The figures are a dated snapshot through September 2025 and should not be presented as an up-to-the-minute record if additional matches have been played.
Key Players and Match-Winning Factors
Several players have contributed memorable performances to this rivalry.
Rashid Khan: One of Afghanistan’s best-known cricketers, Rashid has become a major figure in T20 cricket. His leg-spin, variations, and ability to take wickets in the middle overs make him an important part of Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
Ibrahim Zadran: Ibrahim played a key role in Afghanistan’s historic 2023 ODI World Cup victory over Pakistan, scoring 87 runs and anchoring the chase.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Known for his aggressive approach, Gurbaz can give Afghanistan quick starts and put opposition bowlers under pressure during the powerplay.
Babar Azam: Pakistan’s former captain has been an important figure in the team’s batting lineup. His ability to build an innings and control the pace of a chase has made him central to Pakistan’s limited-overs plans.
Naseem Shah: His consecutive sixes in the final over of the 2022 Asia Cup match became one of the most memorable moments in the rivalry.
The outcomes also depend on team tactics. Afghanistan’s spin bowling can be particularly effective on slower surfaces, while Pakistan have often relied on pace, batting depth, and experience. Fielding, partnerships, and handling pressure in the final overs remain crucial in both ODIs and T20Is.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Afghanistan and Pakistan first play an official ODI?
Afghanistan and Pakistan first met in men’s ODI cricket in February 2012 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Pakistan won the match.
2. When did Afghanistan first defeat Pakistan in ODI cricket?
Afghanistan recorded their first ODI victory over Pakistan on 23 October 2023 during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Chennai. Afghanistan won by eight wickets after chasing 283.
3. Who won the Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I series in March 2023?
Afghanistan won the three-match series 2–1. They won the first two matches before Pakistan secured a victory in the third T20I.
4. What happened in the 2022 Asia Cup match between Afghanistan and Pakistan?
Pakistan won by one wicket after a dramatic finish. Naseem Shah hit two consecutive sixes in the final over to complete the chase.
5. Who won the Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I tri-series final in September 2025?
Pakistan won the final by 75 runs on 7 September 2025. Pakistan scored 141/8 and dismissed Afghanistan for 66.
Conclusion
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team timeline reflects the rapid development of Afghanistan cricket and the continued strength of Pakistan’s international teams. Pakistan dominated the early encounters and retained a clear advantage in the overall head-to-head record, but Afghanistan have produced landmark victories that changed the rivalry.
Their first ODI win over Pakistan at the 2023 Cricket World Cup was a defining achievement, while the March 2023 T20I series victory demonstrated Afghanistan’s ability to compete consistently. Pakistan’s dramatic Asia Cup win in 2022 and their triumph in the 2025 tri-series final also remain important moments in the contest.
With Afghanistan continuing to develop talented batters and world-class spin bowlers, future matches should remain competitive. Pakistan’s experience and pace-bowling resources ensure that the rivalry will continue to attract interest from cricket fans across Asia and around the world.
