The cricketing rivalry between India and Afghanistan, though relatively nascent, has evolved into a compelling narrative marked by competitive spirit, mutual respect, and memorable encounters. From Afghanistan’s inaugural Test match against India to thrilling T20I clashes, the journey encapsulates the growth of Afghan cricket and India’s continued dominance. This article delves into the timeline of matches between the two nations, highlighting key moments, statistics, and the evolution of their cricketing relationship.
Early Encounters and Afghanistan’s Rise
Afghanistan’s Entry into International Cricket
Afghanistan’s ascent in international cricket has been meteoric. Gaining full membership status from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2017, Afghanistan’s cricketing journey has been characterized by resilience and rapid development. Their matches against established teams like India have been pivotal in showcasing their progress on the global stage.
First ODI Meeting: Asia Cup 2014
The first official One Day International (ODI) encounter between India and Afghanistan occurred during the 2014 Asia Cup. India secured a comfortable victory, but the match marked Afghanistan’s growing presence in international cricket and their ability to compete against top-tier teams.
Test Cricket: A Historic Milestone
Afghanistan’s Inaugural Test Match (June 2018)
In June 2018, Afghanistan played their first-ever Test match against India at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This match was a significant milestone for Afghanistan, symbolizing their entry into the elite format of the game. India dominated the match, winning by an innings and 262 runs within two days. Despite the loss, the experience was invaluable for Afghanistan, providing insights into the rigors of Test cricket.
ODI Clashes: Competitive Spirit
Asia Cup 2018: A Tied Thriller
One of the most memorable ODI encounters between India and Afghanistan took place during the 2018 Asia Cup. The match ended in a thrilling tie, with both teams scoring 252 runs. Afghanistan’s spirited performance, especially with the ball, showcased their growing competitiveness and ability to challenge established teams.
2019 ICC Cricket World Cup
In the 2019 World Cup, India faced Afghanistan in a closely contested match. India posted a modest total of 224/8, and Afghanistan, despite a valiant effort, fell short by 11 runs. Mohammed Shami’s hat-trick in the final over sealed the victory for India. Afghanistan’s performance earned widespread praise for their tenacity and skill.
T20 Internationals: High-Octane Encounters
Early T20I Meetings
India and Afghanistan have faced each other multiple times in T20 Internationals, with India maintaining an unbeaten record. These matches have often been characterized by India’s dominant performances, but Afghanistan has shown flashes of brilliance, indicating their potential in the shortest format.
2024 T20I Series in India
In January 2024, Afghanistan toured India for a three-match T20I series, marking the first multi-match white-ball series between the two nations.
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1st T20I (Mohali): India chased down Afghanistan’s total of 158/5, winning by six wickets. Shivam Dube’s unbeaten 60 was instrumental in the victory.
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2nd T20I (Indore): India secured another six-wicket win, with Axar Patel’s all-round performance earning him the Player of the Match award.
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3rd T20I (Bengaluru): In a dramatic match, both teams scored 212 runs, leading to a Super Over. The first Super Over ended in a tie, leading to a second Super Over, which India won by 10 runs. Rohit Sharma’s century was a highlight of the match.
2024 T20 World Cup Super Eight Clash
During the 2024 T20 World Cup, India and Afghanistan met in the Super Eight stage. India posted a total of 181/8, with Suryakumar Yadav scoring a rapid 53. Afghanistan’s chase faltered, and they were bowled out for 134, handing India a 47-run victory. Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional bowling figures of 3/7 were crucial in India’s win.
Head-to-Head Statistics
As of May 2025, the head-to-head record between India and Afghanistan across formats is as follows:
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Tests: 1 match – India won 1, Afghanistan won 0
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ODIs: 4 matches – India won 3, Afghanistan won 0, Tied 1
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T20Is: 9 matches – India won 8, Afghanistan won 0, No Result 1
These statistics reflect India’s dominance but also highlight Afghanistan’s progress and competitiveness, especially in limited-overs formats.
Key Players and Performances
India
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Rohit Sharma: His leadership and batting prowess have been instrumental in India’s successes against Afghanistan.
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Jasprit Bumrah: Known for his lethal bowling, Bumrah has consistently troubled Afghan batsmen, particularly in T20Is.
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Suryakumar Yadav: His aggressive batting style has added firepower to India’s middle order, evident in his performances during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan
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Rashid Khan: As one of the world’s premier spinners, Rashid has been a constant threat to Indian batsmen.
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Mohammad Nabi: His experience and all-round capabilities have been vital for Afghanistan in both ODIs and T20Is.
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Gulbadin Naib: His contributions with the bat have provided stability to Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
Future Prospects
The cricketing relationship between India and Afghanistan is poised for further growth. With Afghanistan’s continued development and India’s commitment to nurturing cricketing ties, future encounters promise to be even more competitive and entertaining. The potential for bilateral series, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, offers opportunities for both teams to test their mettle and for fans to witness high-quality cricket.
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Conclusion
The timeline of matches between the India national cricket team and the Afghanistan national cricket team reflects a journey of growth, competition, and mutual respect. While India has maintained a dominant record, Afghanistan’s performances have showcased their rapid development and potential to challenge top teams. As both nations continue to evolve, their cricketing encounters are set to become even more enthralling, contributing richly to the global cricketing tapestry.
