Cricket is more than just a sport—it’s a story of passion, perseverance, and pride. For the Afghanistan National Cricket Team, their journey from humble beginnings to facing giants like the England Cricket Team is nothing short of inspiring. In this article, we’ll walk through the timeline of matches between Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline, highlighting key moments, standout performances, and the growth of Afghanistan as a cricketing force. Whether you’re a cricket fanatic or just curious, this easy-to-read guide will take you through their epic clashes with a human touch. Plus, we’ve included a detailed table summarizing their encounters for quick reference!
Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline Table
|
Date |
Tournament |
Venue |
Format |
Result |
Key Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sep 19, 2012 |
ICC World Twenty20 |
Colombo, Sri Lanka |
T20I |
England won by 23 runs |
England: 159/5 (L. Wright 50); Afghanistan: 136/10 (M. Nabi 33); S. Broad 2/23 |
|
Mar 13, 2015 |
Cricket World Cup |
Sydney, Australia |
ODI |
England won by 129 runs |
England: 240/8 (I. Bell 52); Afghanistan: 111/10 (S. Shinwari 31); J. Anderson 2/24 |
|
Jun 18, 2019 |
Cricket World Cup |
Manchester, England |
ODI |
England won by 150 runs |
England: 397/6 (E. Morgan 148); Afghanistan: 247/8 (H. Shahidi 76); A. Rashid 3/66 |
|
Oct 15, 2023 |
Cricket World Cup |
Delhi, India |
ODI |
Afghanistan won by 69 runs |
Afghanistan: 284/10 (R. Gurbaz 80); England: 215/10 (H. Brook 66); R. Khan 3/37 |
|
Feb 26, 2025 |
ICC Champions Trophy |
Lahore, Pakistan |
ODI |
Afghanistan won by 8 runs |
Afghanistan: 325/7 (I. Zadran 177); England: 317/10 (J. Root 120); A. Omarzai 5/58 |
The Rise of Afghanistan’s Cricket Team
Before diving into the timeline, let’s set the stage. Afghanistan’s cricket story is one of grit and determination. Born in refugee camps in Pakistan during the 1980s and 1990s, cricket took root among Afghan youth. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) was formed in 1995, and by 2001, they joined the International Cricket Council (ICC) as an affiliate member. Their rapid rise through the ranks—winning multiple World Cricket League divisions—earned them ODI status in 2009 and Test status in 2017. Facing England, one of cricket’s powerhouses, was a dream turned reality for a team that started from scratch.
England, on the other hand, is a cricketing giant with a rich history, known for their strategic gameplay and world-class players like Joe Root, Jos Buttler, and Jofra Archer. When these two teams meet, it’s a classic David vs. Goliath story, but Afghanistan has proven they’re no pushovers. Let’s explore their head-to-head battles.
Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline
2006: Afghanistan’s Tour of England – A Glimpse of Potential
Afghanistan’s cricket journey was still in its infancy when they toured England in 2006. This wasn’t an official international match against England’s national team but a series of games against county second XIs (like Essex, Glamorgan, and Leicestershire). Afghanistan stunned everyone by winning six out of seven matches, showcasing their raw talent. While not a direct clash with England’s senior team, this tour put Afghanistan on the map, proving they could compete on foreign soil. It was a sign of things to come.
2012: First Official Encounter – ICC World Twenty20
The first official meeting between Afghanistan and England came during the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. Afghanistan, still an emerging team, faced a formidable England side in the group stage on September 19, 2012. England posted a solid 159/5 in 20 overs, with contributions from Luke Wright and Eoin Morgan. Afghanistan, batting second, struggled against England’s bowling attack, led by Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann. They managed only 136 in 19.3 overs, losing by 23 runs. Despite the defeat, Afghanistan’s spinners, like Mohammad Nabi, showed flashes of brilliance, hinting at their potential to challenge bigger teams.
2015: World Cup Showdown in Sydney
The 2015 Cricket World Cup in Australia marked the next chapter in this rivalry. On March 13, 2015, Afghanistan faced England in a Pool A match at Sydney. England won the toss and elected to bat, posting 240/8 in 50 overs, thanks to Ian Bell’s 52 and James Taylor’s 44. Afghanistan’s chase was tough against England’s bowlers, with James Anderson and Chris Jordan taking wickets. Afghanistan was bowled out for 111 in 36.2 overs, with Samiullah Shinwari’s 31 being the top score. England won by 129 runs, but Afghanistan’s spirited performance, especially their fielding, earned them respect.
This match was significant for Afghanistan—it was their first 50-over World Cup appearance, and facing England was a milestone. The gap in experience was clear, but Afghanistan’s energy showed they were learning fast.
2019: World Cup Clash in Manchester
Fast forward to June 18, 2019, during the 2019 Cricket World Cup in Manchester. Afghanistan faced a dominant England side, led by Eoin Morgan, who smashed a record-breaking 148 (including 17 sixes!). England piled on 397/6, their highest World Cup total at the time. Afghanistan’s bowlers, including Rashid Khan, struggled to contain England’s aggressive batting. In response, Afghanistan managed 247/8, with Hashmatullah Shahidi (76) and Asghar Afghan (44) showing fight. England won by 150 runs, but Afghanistan’s ability to score nearly 250 against a world-class team was a step forward.
2023: A Historic Upset in Delhi
October 15, 2023, is a date etched in Afghan cricket history. During the 2023 Cricket World Cup in Delhi, Afghanistan pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by defeating England by 69 runs. Afghanistan batted first, posting 284/10 in 49.5 overs, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive 80 and Ikram Alikhil’s steady 58 setting the tone. England, chasing 285, crumbled under Afghanistan’s spin attack, led by Rashid Khan (3/37) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (3/51). England was bowled out for 215 in 40.3 overs, with Harry Brook’s 66 the only resistance.
This victory was monumental—it was Afghanistan’s first-ever win against England and their first against a defending World Cup champion. The streets of Kabul erupted in celebration, and players like Gurbaz became national heroes. Afghanistan proved they could not only compete but beat the best.
2025: Champions Trophy Thriller in Lahore
The most recent chapter in this rivalry unfolded on February 26, 2025, during the ICC Champions Trophy at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Afghanistan, batting first after winning the toss, posted a formidable 325/7, driven by Ibrahim Zadran’s sensational 177—the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history. Despite early wickets from Jofra Archer (3/64), Afghanistan recovered through partnerships with Hashmatullah Shahidi (40), Azmatullah Omarzai (41), and Mohammad Nabi (40). England’s chase was anchored by Joe Root’s valiant 120, but Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Omarzai’s 5/58, held their nerve. England fell short by 8 runs, finishing at 317/10, and were knocked out of the tournament.
This match was a nail-biter, showcasing Afghanistan’s growth into a white-ball powerhouse. Omarzai’s all-round performance and Zadran’s epic knock stole the show, while England’s defeat sparked debates about their ODI form.
Key Themes in the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline
Afghanistan’s Meteoric Rise
Afghanistan’s journey against England reflects their broader cricketing ascent. From losing by large margins in 2012 and 2015 to stunning victories in 2023 and 2025, they’ve shown remarkable progress. Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Ibrahim Zadran have become world-class stars, and their spin-heavy bowling attack thrives in subcontinental conditions.
England’s Challenges
England, despite their pedigree, have struggled against Afghanistan’s unpredictable style in recent years. The 2023 and 2025 losses exposed vulnerabilities in their batting and bowling, especially under pressure. Joe Root’s consistency has been a bright spot, but England’s inability to close out chases has raised questions about team strategy.
Memorable Performances
-
Ibrahim Zadran’s 177 (2025): A record-breaking knock that powered Afghanistan to victory.
-
Azmatullah Omarzai’s 5/58 (2025): A match-winning bowling performance that sealed England’s fate.
-
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 80 (2023): A fiery innings that set up Afghanistan’s historic World Cup win.
-
Joe Root’s 120 (2025): A lone warrior effort in a losing cause.
-
Eoin Morgan’s 148 (2019): A six-hitting spree that overwhelmed Afghanistan.
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
This isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about Afghanistan’s underdog spirit clashing with England’s cricketing royalty. Each match tells a story of Afghanistan defying odds, from refugee camps to ICC tournaments. For fans, it’s a reminder that cricket is a game where heart and skill can topple giants. The 2023 and 2025 victories have made Afghanistan a fan favorite, inspiring young cricketers worldwide.
Looking Ahead
With Afghanistan’s next match against Australia in the 2025 Champions Trophy, they’ll aim to carry the momentum from their England win. England, meanwhile, faces tough questions about their white-ball strategy. The rivalry is young but intense, and future clashes promise more drama.
Conclusion
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline is a testament to the power of dreams and determination. From their first meeting in 2012 to the thrilling 2025 Champions Trophy clash, Afghanistan has transformed from underdogs to giant-killers. Each match has added a new chapter to their inspiring story, with heroes like Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai leading the charge. For England, these games have been a reality check, showing that no team is unbeatable. As Afghanistan continues to rise, cricket fans can’t wait to see what’s next in this captivating rivalry.
