Cricket is a game that unites people across borders, and the rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Timeline is a fascinating story of grit, talent, and unforgettable moments. While Australia is a cricketing powerhouse with a rich history, Afghanistan’s rise as a competitive team is nothing short of inspiring. This article dives into the timeline of their encounters, highlighting key matches, standout performances, and the growth of their rivalry. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or just curious, this easy-to-read guide will walk you through their journey with a human touch.
Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Timeline
|
Date |
Format |
Venue |
Result |
Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug 25, 2012 |
ODI |
Sharjah, UAE |
Australia won by 66 runs |
Michael Hussey (AUS), Asghar Afghan (AFG) |
|
Mar 4, 2015 |
ODI |
Perth, Australia |
Australia won by 275 runs |
David Warner (AUS), Shapoor Zadran (AFG) |
|
Jun 1, 2019 |
ODI |
Bristol, England |
Australia won by 47 runs |
David Warner (AUS), Rashid Khan (AFG) |
|
Nov 7, 2023 |
ODI |
Mumbai, India |
Australia won by 3 wickets |
Glenn Maxwell (AUS), Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) |
|
Jun 22, 2024 |
T20I |
Kingstown, St. Vincent |
Afghanistan won by 21 runs |
Gulbadin Naib (AFG), Glenn Maxwell (AUS) |
|
Feb 28, 2025 |
ODI |
Lahore, Pakistan |
Match abandoned (rain) |
Sediqullah Atal (AFG), Travis Head (AUS) |
The Beginnings: Afghanistan’s Rise and Australia’s Dominance
To understand this timeline, let’s set the stage. Australia, one of the oldest cricketing nations, has been a dominant force since the first-ever Test match in 1877. With multiple World Cup titles and a legacy of legends like Don Bradman and Shane Warne, they’re a team that sets the bar high. Afghanistan, on the other hand, is a relatively new player in international cricket. Cricket took root in Afghanistan in the 1990s, largely among Afghan expatriates in Pakistan, and the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) was formed in 1995. By 2017, Afghanistan earned full ICC membership, securing Test status and a place among cricket’s elite.
Their paths first crossed in 2012, and since then, every match has been a chance for Afghanistan to prove their mettle against one of the best teams in the world. Let’s dive into the timeline of their encounters, focusing on key matches and moments that have defined this budding rivalry.
Timeline of Afghanistan vs Australia Matches
Below is a detailed look at every competitive match between Afghanistan and Australia across formats, based on available records up to June 2025. Each entry includes the date, format, venue, result, and a brief description of the match. For clarity, we’ve also included a table summarizing these encounters at the end.
1. August 25, 2012 – ODI, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
The first-ever clash between Afghanistan and Australia took place during the 2012 ODI series in the UAE. Afghanistan, still an associate nation, faced a formidable Australian side in a One-Day International (ODI). Australia batted first, posting a daunting 272/8, with Michael Hussey scoring a solid 49. Afghanistan, in their chase, struggled against Australia’s bowling attack, led by Mitchell Starc, and were bowled out for 206. Asghar Afghan’s gritty 66 was a highlight, showing Afghanistan’s potential despite the 66-run loss.
Key Moment: This match marked Afghanistan’s debut against a Test-playing nation in ODIs, a significant milestone in their cricketing journey.
2. March 4, 2015 – ODI, World Cup, Perth, Australia
The 2015 Cricket World Cup saw Afghanistan and Australia face off in Perth. Australia, playing at home, were ruthless, amassing 417/6, the highest World Cup total at the time, powered by David Warner’s 178 and Steve Smith’s 95. Afghanistan’s batting crumbled under pressure from Australia’s pace attack, led by Mitchell Johnson, and they were dismissed for 142, resulting in a 275-run defeat, the largest margin in World Cup history at the time.
Key Moment: Despite the heavy loss, Afghanistan’s bowlers, including Shapoor Zadran, showed fight by taking wickets in the death overs, hinting at their growing prowess.
3. June 1, 2019 – ODI, World Cup, Bristol, England
In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan met Australia in Bristol. Australia, the defending champions, posted 207 in 38.2 overs, with David Warner (89*) and Aaron Finch (66) leading the way. Afghanistan’s chase was derailed early by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who took key wickets. They were bowled out for 160, with Rashid Khan’s 27 being the top score. Australia won by 47 runs, but Afghanistan’s spinners, including Rashid Khan, troubled the Australian middle order, signaling their improvement.
Key Moment: Rashid Khan’s fiery spell, including a wicket, showcased Afghanistan’s spin bowling strength, which would become a hallmark of their game.
4. November 7, 2023 – ODI, World Cup, Mumbai, India
The 2023 Cricket World Cup clash in Mumbai is perhaps the most iconic match between these two teams. Afghanistan batted first, posting 291/5, thanks to Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 129 and Rashid Khan’s quick 35*. Australia, chasing 292, were in deep trouble at 91/7, with Glenn Maxwell at the crease, battling cramps and exhaustion. What followed was one of cricket’s greatest performances: Maxwell’s unbeaten 201 off 128 balls, including 21 fours and 10 sixes, single-handedly steered Australia to a three-wicket win with overs to spare. Afghanistan dropped crucial catches, including one by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, which proved costly.
Key Moment: Maxwell’s double-century, played on one leg due to cramps, is often called one of the greatest ODI innings ever, leaving Afghanistan heartbroken but earning them respect for pushing Australia to the brink.
5. June 22, 2024 – T20I, T20 World Cup, Kingstown, St. Vincent
In a historic moment, Afghanistan achieved their first-ever win over Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 stage. Batting first, Afghanistan scored 148/6, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (60) and Ibrahim Zadran (51) forging a 118-run opening stand. Australia’s chase of 149 faltered despite Glenn Maxwell’s 59. Gulbadin Naib’s career-best 4/20, supported by Naveen-ul-Haq’s 3/20, bowled Australia out for 127, securing a 21-run victory for Afghanistan. Pat Cummins took a hat-trick for Australia, but it wasn’t enough.
Key Moment: This victory marked Afghanistan’s emergence as a serious T20 force, with Gulbadin Naib’s bowling heroics earning him Player of the Match.
6. February 28, 2025 – ODI, Champions Trophy, Lahore, Pakistan
The most recent encounter came in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Afghanistan batted first, posting 273, driven by Sediqullah Atal’s 85 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s 67. Australia’s chase was off to a flying start at 109/1 in 12.5 overs, with Travis Head’s 59* leading the charge. However, rain interrupted play, and the match was abandoned due to a wet outfield. Both teams shared points, but Australia qualified for the semi-finals, while Afghanistan’s hopes hinged on an unlikely South Africa defeat in their next game.
Key Moment: Afghanistan’s competitive total and early dropped catches showed their potential, but the rain washout was a bitter pill, ending their semi-final hopes.
The Bigger Picture: Growth of a Rivalry
The timeline above shows more than just match results—it tells a story of Afghanistan’s remarkable growth. From their early days as underdogs to their historic T20I win in 2024, Afghanistan has shown they can challenge the best. Australia, with their experience and depth, have often had the upper hand, but Afghanistan’s fearless approach has made every match competitive.
Afghanistan’s Strengths
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Spin Bowling: Players like Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Mohammad Nabi have consistently troubled Australia’s batsmen, especially in spin-friendly conditions.
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Resilience: Afghanistan’s ability to bounce back, as seen in their 2024 T20I win, reflects their never-say-die attitude.
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Emerging Stars: Young talents like Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai have stepped up, showing Afghanistan’s growing talent pool.
Australia’s Dominance
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Batting Firepower: Players like David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, and Travis Head have delivered match-winning performances.
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Bowling Depth: Australia’s pace attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, has often overwhelmed Afghanistan’s batting.
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Experience: Australia’s long history and exposure to high-pressure games give them an edge in crunch moments.
Memorable Moments and What They Mean
Each match has added a new chapter to this rivalry. The 2023 World Cup game in Mumbai is a standout, not just for Maxwell’s heroics but for how close Afghanistan came to a historic upset. Their 2024 T20I win was a landmark, proving they could beat a cricketing giant. Even the rain-affected 2025 Champions Trophy match showed Afghanistan’s ability to post competitive totals against top teams.
These moments aren’t just about cricket—they’re about hope and pride for Afghanistan. For a nation that has faced decades of challenges, cricket is a symbol of unity and resilience. Every run scored and wicket taken against a team like Australia is a step toward global recognition.
Looking Ahead
As of June 2025, Afghanistan and Australia have faced off six times, with Australia winning four ODIs, Afghanistan winning one T20I, and one ODI abandoned. Their rivalry is still young, but it’s growing fast. With Afghanistan’s rapid improvement and Australia’s consistent excellence, future matches promise more thrills. Will Afghanistan pull off more upsets? Can Australia maintain their dominance? Only time will tell, but one thing’s certain: this rivalry is one to watch.
Why This Matters
For fans, Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Timeline is a reminder of cricket’s power to inspire. For Afghanistan, every match against Australia is a chance to show the world their talent. For Australia, it’s a test of their ability to adapt to a rising force. Whether you’re cheering from Kabul or Sydney, these games are about more than runs and wickets—they’re about passion, perseverance, and the love of the game.
