Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline

Cricket, a sport that unites nations and ignites passions, has seen some remarkable stories of growth and competition. One such story is the evolving rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline. While South Africa, known as the Proteas, has a long-standing history in international cricket, Afghanistan’s rise as a cricketing nation is nothing short of inspiring. This article takes you through the timeline of their encounters, highlighting key matches, performances, and milestones in a way that’s easy for readers of all ages to enjoy. Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast or just curious, let’s dive into this exciting journey!

The Rise of Afghanistan’s Cricket Team

Before we explore their matches against South Africa, let’s understand Afghanistan’s incredible cricketing journey. Cricket in Afghanistan took root in the 1980s and 1990s, when Afghan refugees in Pakistan learned the game. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) was formed in 1995, and by 2001, they became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Despite challenges like war and political instability, Afghanistan’s passion for cricket grew. They earned Test status in 2017, becoming one of only twelve nations to play the longest format of the game. Their rapid rise, fueled by players like Rashid Khan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, has made them a formidable force.

South Africa, on the other hand, has been a cricketing powerhouse since the late 19th century. Known for their strong batting and fearsome pace bowlers like Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas have consistently been a top team in all formats—Test, One-Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I). Their encounters with Afghanistan showcase a clash between a cricketing giant and an emerging underdog.

Matches: Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline

The two teams have faced off in international cricket across different formats, primarily in ODIs and T20Is, as they have not yet played a Test match against each other. Below is a detailed timeline of their encounters, followed by a table summarizing all their matches up to June 2025. Each match tells a story of competition, growth, and unforgettable moments.

2010: First Encounter in the T20 World Cup Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline

The first time Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline met was during the 2010 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Barbados. Afghanistan, making their debut in the tournament, faced a seasoned South African side. Batting first, Afghanistan managed 115 runs in their 20 overs, thanks to a fighting 50 from opener Noor Ali Zadran. However, South Africa chased the target comfortably, winning by 8 wickets. In their second match of the tournament, Afghanistan struggled, collapsing to 14/6 before posting 88 all out. South Africa won by 59 runs. These matches highlighted Afghanistan’s inexperience but also their potential to compete on the global stage.

2019: ODI World Cup Clash Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline

Fast forward to the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Cardiff, where the teams met in an ODI for the first time. Afghanistan batted first and scored 125, with Hazratullah Zazai making 22. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Imran Tahir and Chris Morris, were relentless. The Proteas chased the modest total in just 28.4 overs, winning by 9 wickets. This match showed Afghanistan’s growing presence in ODIs but also the gap between them and top teams like South Africa.

2023: Another World Cup Showdown Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline

In the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad, Afghanistan put up a stronger fight. Batting first, they scored 244, with Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 97 being the highlight. South Africa’s bowlers, including Keshav Maharaj and Gerald Coetzee, kept things tight. The Proteas chased the target in 47.3 overs, winning by 5 wickets, thanks to contributions from Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen. This match was a testament to Afghanistan’s improvement, as they pushed South Africa harder than before.

2024: T20 World Cup Semi-Final Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline

The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final in Tarouba was a landmark encounter. South Africa, unbeaten in the tournament, dominated Afghanistan, bowling them out for just 56 runs—the lowest total in a T20 World Cup semi-final. Afghanistan’s batting collapsed against South Africa’s pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. The Proteas chased the target in 8.5 overs, winning by 9 wickets to reach the final. Despite the heavy defeat, Afghanistan’s journey to the semi-final was a historic achievement, showcasing their growing stature.

2024: Historic ODI Series in the UAE

In September 2024, Afghanistan hosted South Africa for their first-ever bilateral ODI series in Sharjah, UAE. This series marked a turning point for Afghanistan. In the first ODI, Afghanistan won by 6 wickets, chasing 107 after bowling out South Africa for 106. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s 4 wickets were crucial. The second ODI saw Afghanistan post 311/4, powered by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 105 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 86. Rashid Khan’s 5/19 dismantled South Africa, who were bowled out for 134, giving Afghanistan a 177-run victory and their first series win against a top-five ICC-ranked team. South Africa bounced back in the third ODI, winning by 7 wickets, with Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 69. This series, ending 2-1 in Afghanistan’s favor, was a historic milestone.

2025: ICC Champions Trophy Clash

The most recent encounter came in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Karachi. South Africa batted first, posting 315/6, driven by Ryan Rickelton’s 103, Temba Bavuma’s 58, Rassie van der Dussen’s 52, and Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 52. Afghanistan struggled in the chase, losing early wickets to reach 50/4. Rahmat Shah’s valiant 90 kept hopes alive, but South Africa’s bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada (3/36), bowled them out for 208, securing a 107-run victory. This match highlighted South Africa’s strength but also Afghanistan’s resilience through Shah’s fighting knock.

Key Players and Moments Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline

• Afghanistan’s Stars: Players like Rashid Khan, with his lethal leg-spin, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, with his explosive batting, have been game-changers. Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round performances and Rahmat Shah’s consistency in ODIs have added depth. Their 2024 series win showcased their ability to compete with the best.
• South Africa’s Dominance: The Proteas’ pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, has consistently troubled Afghanistan. Batsmen like Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram have delivered under pressure, while spinners like Keshav Maharaj have added variety.
• Memorable Moments: Afghanistan’s 177-run win in 2024 remains their largest ODI victory margin. Rahmat Shah’s 90 in the 2025 Champions Trophy and Azmatullah Omarzai’s 97 in 2023 are standout individual efforts. South Africa’s 9-wicket demolition in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final was a low point for Afghanistan but a high for the Proteas.

The Bigger Picture Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline

The rivalry betweenAfghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline is more than just cricket. For Afghanistan, each match is a chance to prove their mettle and inspire a nation facing challenges. For South Africa, it’s about maintaining their status as a cricketing powerhouse while respecting an opponent that’s rapidly improving. Afghanistan’s 2-1 series win in 2024 showed they’re no longer just underdogs—they can beat the best.

Table: Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline Head-to-Head Matches

Below is a comprehensive table summarizing all international matches between Afghanistan and South Africa up to June 2025, based on available data.

Analysis and Future Outlook

Afghanistan’s record against South Africa stands at 2 wins and 7 losses across 9 matches (6 ODIs, 3 T20Is). While South Africa holds the upper hand, Afghanistan’s victories in 2024 show they’re closing the gap. Their bowling, led by Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi, has been a strength, while their batting needs consistency. South Africa’s experience and depth make them favorites, but Afghanistan’s unpredictability makes them dangerous.

Looking ahead, both teams are likely to meet in future ICC events. Afghanistan’s young squad will continue to grow, and players like Noor Ahmad and Nangeyalia Kharote could become key figures. South Africa, with their mix of veterans like Rabada and emerging stars like Ryan Rickelton, will aim to maintain their dominance while chasing an elusive ICC trophy.

Why This Rivalry Matters Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline

This rivalry is special because it represents cricket’s global growth. Afghanistan’s journey from refugee camps to beating top teams like South Africa inspires millions. For South Africa, these matches are a reminder to never underestimate an opponent. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters as Afghanistan continues to rise and South Africa strives for greatness.

In conclusion, the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline is a story of resilience, talent, and competition. From Afghanistan’s early struggles in 2010 to their historic series win in 2024, each match has added a chapter to this exciting rivalry. Whether you’re cheering for the underdog or the favorite, this cricketing clash is one to watch!