India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline

Cricket is more than just a sport in India—it’s a way of life, uniting millions with every boundary and wicket. Across the border, in Afghanistan, cricket has emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience, capturing hearts in a nation rebuilding itself. When the India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline, it’s not just a game; it’s a clash of stories, talent, and passion. This article dives into the timeline of their encounters, from Afghanistan’s debut on the international stage to thrilling modern-day battles. I’ve also included a detailed table summarizing their head-to-head clashes for easy reference. Whether you’re a lifelong cricket fan or just curious, let’s walk through this exciting journey together.

The Rise of Two Cricketing Nations India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline

India’s cricket history stretches back to 1932, when they played their first Test match against England. Governed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the team has grown into a global powerhouse, winning World Cups, Champions Trophies, and the hearts of billions. With legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, and modern stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, India’s dominance is unquestionable.

Afghanistan’s cricket story, though, is nothing short of a fairytale. Cricket took root in the 1980s and 1990s among Afghan expatriates in Pakistan, who brought the game back home. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), established in 1995, earned affiliate membership with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2001 and associate status in 2013. By 2017, Afghanistan joined India as a Test-playing nation, a remarkable achievement for a country facing ongoing challenges. Their rapid rise, fueled by players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, has made them a team to watch.

When these two teams meet, it’s a fascinating contrast: India’s established might versus Afghanistan’s fearless underdog spirit. Let’s explore their head-to-head timeline, match by match, to see how this rivalry has unfolded.

Early Encounters: Afghanistan’s Global Stage Debut (2010)

The first time India and Afghanistan locked horns was in 2010 at the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean. Afghanistan had just qualified for the global stage by winning the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, defeating Ireland in the final. This was a massive moment for Afghan cricket, showcasing their potential to the world.

In their Group C match on May 1, 2010, at Gros Islet, St. Lucia, Afghanistan faced a formidable Indian side. Batting first, Afghanistan posted 115/8 in 20 overs, with opener Noor Ali Zadran scoring a gritty 50. India, led by Gautam Gambhir and Yuvraj Singh, chased it down comfortably in 14.5 overs, winning by 7 wickets. Though Afghanistan lost, their spirited performance earned praise, signaling their arrival on the international scene.

Asia Cup 2018: A Thrilling Tie

Fast forward to September 25, 2018, during the Asia Cup in Dubai. This ODI match was a turning point in the India-Afghanistan rivalry. Afghanistan batted first, posting 252/8 in 50 overs, with Mohammad Shahzad’s aggressive 124 setting the tone. India, chasing 253, were in trouble at 166/6, but Ravindra Jadeja and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s late fight brought them close. The match ended in a dramatic tie—India finished at 252 all out in 49.5 overs. This was the first time Afghanistan held their own against India, proving they could compete with the best. No Super Over was played, as it was a Super 4 match, but Afghanistan’s confidence soared.

2018 Test Match: Afghanistan’s Baptism by Fire

Afghanistan’s Test debut came against India on June 14-15, 2018, at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. It was a historic moment for Afghanistan, marking their entry into the longest format of the game. India, batting first, declared at 474/10, with Shikhar Dhawan (107) and Murali Vijay (105) leading the charge. Afghanistan struggled, scoring 109 in their first innings and 103 in the second, losing by an innings and 262 runs in just two days. Despite the heavy defeat, Afghanistan’s spinners, including Rashid Khan, showed glimpses of brilliance, hinting at their potential.

2019 World Cup: A Near Upset

On June 22, 2019, during the ICC Cricket World Cup in Southampton, Afghanistan came agonizingly close to stunning India. Batting first, they scored 213 all out in 49.5 overs, with Hazratullah Zazai’s 34 and Hashmatullah Shahidi’s 52 keeping them in the game. India’s chase was far from easy—Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Nabi, had them at 135/5. But Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami’s late heroics, including Shami’s last-over hat-trick, secured a narrow 11-run victory for India (224/8 in 50 overs). This match showcased Afghanistan’s growing prowess and their ability to challenge top teams.

2023 World Cup: India’s Dominance

The 2023 Cricket World Cup saw India and Afghanistan face off on October 11, 2023, in Delhi. Afghanistan batted first, posting 272/8, thanks to Hashmatullah Shahidi’s 80 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s 62. India’s chase was a masterclass—Rohit Sharma smashed 131 off 84 balls, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most World Cup centuries. India chased down 273 in just 35 overs, winning by 8 wickets, with Virat Kohli (55*) and Shreyas Iyer (25*) sealing the deal. Afghanistan fought hard, but India’s batting depth was too much.

2024 T20I Series: A Super Over Thriller

In January 2024, Afghanistan toured India for a three-match T20I series, their first multi-match white-ball series against each other. Here’s how it unfolded:

• 1st T20I (January 11, 2024, Mohali): India won by 6 wickets. Afghanistan scored 158/5, with Mohammad Nabi’s 42 leading the way. India chased 159 in 17.3 overs, with Shivam Dube’s unbeaten 60 stealing the show.
  
• 2nd T20I (January 14, 2024, Indore): India won by 6 wickets again. Afghanistan posted 172, driven by Gulbadin Naib’s 57. India chased it in 15.4 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (68) and Shivam Dube (63*) starring.
  
• 3rd T20I (January 17, 2024, Bengaluru): This match was a classic. India scored 212/4, powered by Rohit Sharma’s 121* (his fifth T20I century) and Rinku Singh’s 69*. Afghanistan matched it with 212/6, thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz (50) and Ibrahim Zadran (50). The game went to a Super Over, which also tied (16-16). A second Super Over saw India triumph, with Ravi Bishnoi defending 11 runs. India won the series 3-0, but Afghanistan’s fight was unforgettable.
  
  
  

2024 T20 World Cup: India’s Commanding Win

On June 20, 2024, during the T20 World Cup Super 8 stage in Barbados, India faced Afghanistan again. India batted first, posting 181/8, with Suryakumar Yadav’s 53 and Hardik Pandya’s 32 setting a competitive total. Afghanistan managed 134 in 20 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah (3/7) and Arshdeep Singh (3/36) dismantling their batting. India won by 47 runs, reinforcing their dominance in T20Is.

The Bigger Picture: A Growing India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry

India holds an unbeaten record against Afghanistan across formats—8 wins in 9 T20Is (1 no-result), 3 wins in 4 ODIs (1 tie), and 1 win in 1 Test. Yet, Afghanistan’s progress is undeniable. From their early days as underdogs to pushing India to two Super Overs in 2024, they’ve shown they’re no pushovers. Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have become household names, while India’s stars—Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah—continue to set benchmarks.

This rivalry is also special off the field. India has supported Afghanistan’s cricket journey, offering them home grounds in Greater Noida, Dehradun, and Lucknow due to security concerns in Afghanistan. The BCCI’s backing has helped Afghanistan grow, making their encounters a blend of competition and camaraderie.

Head-to-Head Table: India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline

Below is a comprehensive table summarizing every India vs. Afghanistan match across formats, designed to be clear for readers of all ages.

What Makes This India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry Special?

For India, facing Afghanistan is a chance to test their depth against a team that’s unpredictable and fearless. For Afghanistan, every match against India is a milestone—a chance to prove they belong among the elite. The 2018 tie, the 2019 near-upset, and the 2024 Super Over thriller show how competitive this rivalry has become.

Afghanistan’s spinners, like Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad, challenge India’s batting might, while India’s pace attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, tests Afghanistan’s resilience. Off the field, the bond is strong—India’s support for Afghanistan’s cricket infrastructure reflects a shared love for the game.

Looking Ahead

As Afghanistan continues to rise, their matches against India will only get more exciting. The 2024 T20I series showed they can push India to the brink, and with young talents emerging, they’re poised for more upsets. India, meanwhile, remains a juggernaut, with a blend of experience and youth ready to dominate.