Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline

Cricket is more than just a sport in many parts of the world—it’s a passion, a way to unite people, and a stage for incredible stories of triumph. The rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline is one such story. Both teams, relatively new to the international cricket scene, have risen from humble beginnings to become competitive forces. Their matches are filled with excitement, surprises, and moments that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

This article takes you through the timeline of their encounters, highlighting key matches, standout performances, and the growth of both teams. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or just curious, this easy-to-read journey will show you why this rivalry is so special.

The Beginnings of a Rivalry

The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team first crossed paths in 2014, marking the start of a rivalry that has grown more intense with each passing year. Both teams were considered underdogs in international cricket at the time, but they’ve since shown the world they can compete with the best. Afghanistan, a team built by players who learned cricket in refugee camps, and Bangladesh, known as the Tigers, have brought energy and flair to the game. Their matches are not just about runs and wickets but about pride, progress, and proving their worth on the global stage.

Let’s dive into the timeline of their encounters, from their first meeting to the thrilling clashes in recent years. Below, you’ll find a detailed table summarizing their matches, followed by a breakdown of the most memorable moments.

Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline

Date	Format	Tournament/Series	Venue	Result	Key Performances
March 1, 2014	ODI	Asia Cup	Fatullah, Bangladesh	Afghanistan won by 32 runs	Afghanistan: Mohammad Nabi (44), Samiullah Shinwari (81); Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (71)
March 16, 2014	T20I	ICC T20 World Cup	Mirpur, Bangladesh	Bangladesh won by 9 wickets	Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (3/8); Afghanistan: Samiullah Shinwari (18)
February 18, 2015	ODI	ICC Cricket World Cup	Canberra, Australia	Bangladesh won by 105 runs	Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (71), Shakib Al Hasan (63); Afghanistan: Nawroz Mangal (27)
September 25-28, 2016	ODI	Bilateral Series (1st ODI)	Dhaka, Bangladesh	Afghanistan won by 7 runs (D/L method)	Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (2/26); Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal (80)
September 28, 2016	ODI	Bilateral Series (2nd ODI)	Dhaka, Bangladesh	Bangladesh won by 66 runs	Bangladesh: Imrul Kayes (75), Shakib Al Hasan (4/16); Afghanistan: Mohammad Nabi (49)
October 1, 2016	ODI	Bilateral Series (3rd ODI)	Dhaka, Bangladesh	Bangladesh won by 141 runs	Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal (118); Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (31)
June 3-5, 2018	T20I	Bilateral Series (3 matches)	Dehradun, India	Afghanistan won series 3-0	Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (9 wickets in series); Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan
September 5-9, 2019	Test	One-off Test	Chattogram, Bangladesh	Afghanistan won by 224 runs	Afghanistan: Rahmat Shah (102), Rashid Khan (11 wickets); Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (44)
June 24, 2019	ODI	ICC Cricket World Cup	Southampton, England	Bangladesh won by 62 runs	Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (51, 5/29); Afghanistan: Samiullah Shinwari (49*)
September 15-21, 2019	T20I	Tri-Series (Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe)	Dhaka, Bangladesh	Afghanistan won by 25 runs	Afghanistan: Mohammad Nabi (84*); Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (70*)
July 14-16, 2023	T20I	Bilateral Series (2 matches)	Sylhet, Bangladesh	Bangladesh won series 2-0	Bangladesh: Towhid Hridoy (47* in 1st T20I); Afghanistan: Rashid Khan
June 14-17, 2023	Test	One-off Test	Dhaka, Bangladesh	Bangladesh won by 546 runs	Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (146), Ebadot Hossain (4 wickets); Afghanistan: Afsar Zazai (36)
October 7, 2023	ODI	ICC Cricket World Cup	Dharamsala, India	Bangladesh won by 6 wickets	Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (57), Najmul Hossain Shanto (59*); Afghanistan: Azmatullah Omarzai (22)
June 24, 2024	T20I	ICC T20 World Cup (Super Eights)	Kingstown, Saint Vincent	Afghanistan won by 8 runs (D/L method)	Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (4/23), Naveen-ul-Haq (2 wickets); Bangladesh: Litton Das (54*)
November 6, 2024	ODI	Bilateral Series (1st ODI)	Sharjah, UAE	Afghanistan won by 92 runs	Afghanistan: AM Ghazanfar (5/25), Rashid Khan (1/24); Bangladesh: Mehidy Hasan (28)
November 9, 2024	ODI	Bilateral Series (2nd ODI)	Sharjah, UAE	Bangladesh won by 68 runs	Bangladesh: Jaker Ali (62); Afghanistan: Rahmat Shah (56)
November 11, 2024	ODI	Bilateral Series (3rd ODI)	Sharjah, UAE	Afghanistan won by 5 wickets	Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (70); Bangladesh: Mushfiqur Rahim (43)

The Journey Through the Years

2014: The First Clash

The rivalry kicked off on March 1, 2014, during the Asia Cup in Fatullah, Bangladesh. Afghanistan, still an emerging team, stunned the cricket world by defeating Bangladesh by 32 runs in their first-ever ODI meeting. Mohammad Nabi and Samiullah Shinwari played crucial roles with the bat, while Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim fought hard but couldn’t chase down the total. This victory was a massive moment for Afghanistan, proving they could compete with established teams on their home soil.

Just two weeks later, on March 16, 2014, the teams met again in the ICC T20 World Cup in Mirpur, Bangladesh. This time, Bangladesh turned the tables, cruising to a nine-wicket victory, thanks to Shakib Al Hasan’s brilliant bowling. It was a sign that this rivalry would be unpredictable and exciting.

2015: World Cup Showdown

The 2015 Cricket World Cup in Canberra, Australia, brought the teams together again for an ODI clash on February 18. Bangladesh, more experienced in World Cup settings, dominated with a 105-run win. Mushfiqur Rahim and Shakib Al Hasan starred with the bat, while Afghanistan struggled to chase 267 runs. This match showed Bangladesh’s growing strength in global tournaments, but Afghanistan’s spirit was evident even in defeat.

2016: A Historic ODI Series

In 2016, Afghanistan toured Bangladesh for their first-ever bilateral ODI series against a Test-playing nation (other than Zimbabwe). The series, played in Dhaka, was a landmark for Afghanistan. They won the first ODI by 7 runs (D/L method), with Rashid Khan’s bowling proving decisive. Bangladesh bounced back to win the next two matches, taking the series 2-1, but Afghanistan’s performance showed they were no longer just underdogs. Tamim Iqbal’s century in the third ODI was a highlight for Bangladesh.

2018: Afghanistan’s T20 Dominance

By 2018, Afghanistan had become a force in T20 cricket. In a three-match T20I series in Dehradun, India, they whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0. Rashid Khan was the star, taking 9 wickets across the series with his unplayable leg-spin. This series marked Afghanistan’s growing dominance in the shortest format and their ability to outshine Bangladesh in T20Is.

2019: A Test Match Triumph and World Cup Drama

In September 2019, Afghanistan achieved a historic milestone by defeating Bangladesh by 224 runs in a one-off Test match in Chattogram. Rahmat Shah’s century and Rashid Khan’s 11 wickets were game-changers, showcasing Afghanistan’s growing prowess in the longest format. This was only their third Test match, making the victory even more remarkable.

Earlier that year, during the 2019 Cricket World Cup in Southampton, Bangladesh got their revenge in an ODI, winning by 62 runs. Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round brilliance (51 runs and 5 wickets) outshone Afghanistan’s efforts, though Samiullah Shinwari’s fighting 49 not out kept the game competitive.

2023: Mixed Fortunes

In June 2023, Bangladesh hosted Afghanistan for a one-off Test in Dhaka. This time, Bangladesh dominated, winning by a massive 546 runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 146 and Ebadot Hossain’s four wickets were standout performances. Afghanistan struggled, but Afsar Zazai’s 36 showed their resilience.

In July 2023, Bangladesh won a two-match T20I series 2-0 in Sylhet, with Towhid Hridoy’s batting shining for the Tigers. Later, in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by 6 wickets in Dharamsala, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto leading the chase.

2024: T20 World Cup Thriller and ODI Battles

One of the most dramatic encounters came on June 24, 2024, during the T20 World Cup Super Eights in Kingstown, Saint Vincent. Afghanistan secured an 8-run victory (D/L method) to reach their first-ever T20 World Cup semifinal, knocking out Australia in the process. Rashid Khan’s 4 wickets and Naveen-ul-Haq’s double strike were crucial, while Litton Das’s unbeaten 54 for Bangladesh wasn’t enough to chase the revised target of 114. This match was a defining moment for Afghanistan, proving they could compete at the highest level.

In November 2024, the teams met for a three-match ODI series in Sharjah, UAE. Afghanistan won the first match by 92 runs, with AM Ghazanfar’s five-wicket haul stealing the show. Bangladesh fought back to win the second ODI by 68 runs, thanks to Jaker Ali’s 62. The series concluded with Afghanistan clinching the third ODI by 5 wickets, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 70. The 2-1 series win was a testament to Afghanistan’s growing consistency in ODIs.

Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline

Afghanistan’s Stars

• Rashid Khan: The leg-spinning sensation has been Afghanistan’s trump card, with match-winning performances in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. His 11 wickets in the 2019 Test and 4/23 in the 2024 T20 World Cup are unforgettable.

• Mohammad Nabi: The all-rounder’s experience and calm head have guided Afghanistan through tough moments, like his 84* in the 2019 T20I.

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz: The young wicketkeeper-batsman has brought firepower to Afghanistan’s batting, with his 70 in the 2024 ODI series being a prime example.

Bangladesh’s Heroes

• Shakib Al Hasan: The world-class all-rounder has been a thorn in Afghanistan’s side, with his 5/29 in the 2019 World Cup and consistent performances across formats.

• Mushfiqur Rahim: The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has delivered crucial runs, like his 71 in the 2014 Asia Cup.

• Najmul Hossain Shanto: The young captain’s 146 in the 2023 Test showed Bangladesh’s batting depth.

Why This Rivalry Matters

The Afghanistan-Bangladesh rivalry is more than just cricket matches—it’s a story of two nations defying the odds. Afghanistan, with players who honed their skills in refugee camps, and Bangladesh, who rose from being cricket’s underdogs, have both shown remarkable growth. Their matches are intense, unpredictable, and full of passion, reflecting the spirit of their fans.

This rivalry has also pushed both teams to improve. Afghanistan’s rise in T20Is and their historic Test win in 2019 have inspired young players in the country. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s consistency in ODIs and home Test victories have made them a formidable force. Each encounter adds a new chapter to their story, making it a must-watch for cricket fans.

The Future of the Rivalry

As both teams continue to develop, their rivalry is set to get even more exciting. Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack, led by Rashid Khan, and Bangladesh’s balanced squad, with stars like Shakib and emerging talents like Towhid Hridoy, promise thrilling battles. Upcoming tournaments like the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy will likely see these teams face off again, adding more memorable moments to this timeline.

Conclusion

The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team timeline is a testament to the power of cricket to unite and inspire. From Afghanistan’s stunning debut win in 2014 to their historic T20 World Cup semifinal qualification in 2024, and Bangladesh’s dominant performances in Tests and ODIs, this rivalry has produced moments that will be remembered for years. Both teams have shown that with hard work and heart, anything is possible in cricket. So, the next time these two teams meet, grab your popcorn—it’s going to be a show!