India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline | Rivalry From 2010 to 2023

The cricketing rivalry between India and Afghanistan has seen its fair share of thrilling encounters across various formats. From their early meetings in T20 internationals to their more recent clashes in ODIs and T20Is, these matches have offered plenty of excitement and memorable moments.

This blog post delves into the timeline of matches between the two teams, highlighting key performances, match results, and the significance of each encounter. Whether it was a dramatic victory by India in a T20 World Cup group stage or a dominating ODI series, these matches have showcased the evolving prowess of both teams.

Join us as we take a detailed look at these encounters and explore how these games have shaped the cricketing narrative between India and Afghanistan.

India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline

1. 2010 ICC World Twenty20 (West Indies)

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T20I Match (Group Stage): India won by 7 wickets

• Date: May 1, 2010
• Venue: Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia
• Result: India won by 7 wickets

Scorecard:

Afghanistan: 115/8 in 20 overs

• Top Scorer: Noor Ali Zadran – 50 (48 balls, 5 fours)
• Best Bowler (India): Ashish Nehra – 3/19 in 4 overs (2 maidens)

India: 116/3 in 14.5 overs

• Top Scorer: Murali Vijay – 48 (46 balls, 6 fours)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Hamid Hassan – 1/22 in 3 overs

Key Performances:

• Murali Vijay: Vijay’s innings of 48 runs from 46 balls provided the stability needed for India to chase down the target. His knock featured 6 boundaries and showcased his ability to anchor the innings.
• Ashish Nehra: Nehra’s disciplined and economical bowling was pivotal in limiting Afghanistan’s score. His figures of 3/19, including 2 maiden overs, played a crucial role in restricting the opposition.

Series Significance: The 2010 ICC World Twenty20 was an important tournament for both teams. For India, it was a group stage match, and winning it helped them advance in the tournament.

For Afghanistan, this was an opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage. The match was a significant moment as it was part of Afghanistan’s early international exposure, highlighting their potential in the T20 format.

2. 2012 ICC World Twenty20 (Sri Lanka)

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T20I Match (Group Stage): India won by 23 runs

• Date: September 19, 2012
• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
• Result: India won by 23 runs

Scorecard:

India: 159/5 in 20 overs

• Top Scorer: Virat Kohli – 50 (39 balls, 4 fours, 1 six)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Mohammad Nabi – 1/25 in 4 overs

Afghanistan: 136/10 in 19.3 overs

• Top Scorer: Mohammad Nabi – 31 (17 balls, 3 fours)
• Best Bowler (India): Lakshmipathy Balaji – 3/19 in 3.3 overs

Key Performances:

• Virat Kohli: Kohli’s crucial knock of 50 off 39 balls anchored India’s innings. His performance included 4 boundaries and a six, providing the necessary impetus in the latter part of the innings.
• Lakshmipathy Balaji: Balaji’s effective bowling spell of 3/19 in 3.3 overs was key in dismantling the Afghan batting lineup. His ability to pick up wickets at crucial moments ensured a comfortable win for India.

Series Significance: The 2012 ICC World Twenty20 was an important event as it was the second T20I encounter between India and Afghanistan.

This match was crucial for both teams’ standings in the tournament. India’s win by 23 runs showcased their strength in the T20 format, while Afghanistan continued to build their reputation as a competitive side.

3. 2014 ICC World Twenty20 (Bangladesh)

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T20I Match (Group Stage): India won by 8 wickets

• Date: March 30, 2014
• Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
• Result: India won by 8 wickets

Scorecard:

Afghanistan: 159/7 in 20 overs

• Top Scorer: Nawroz Mangal – 44 (30 balls, 3 fours, 1 six)
• Best Bowler (India): Mohammad Shami – 2/32 in 4 overs

India: 160/2 in 19.2 overs

• Top Scorer: Virat Kohli – 72* (44 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Mohammad Nabi – 1/33 in 4 overs

Key Performances:

• Virat Kohli: Kohli’s unbeaten 72 off 44 balls was a masterclass in chasing targets. His innings included 6 boundaries and 2 sixes, guiding India to a comfortable victory.
• Mohammad Shami: Shami’s economical spell of 2/32 was crucial in containing the Afghan batsmen and limiting their total to a chaseable target.

Series Significance: The 2014 ICC World Twenty20 match was significant as it demonstrated India’s continued dominance in the T20 format. It also marked a competitive effort from Afghanistan, who showed their ability to set a challenging total. India’s win reinforced their status as a strong contender in the tournament.

4. 2018 Afghanistan Tour of India (First Test Match)

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Test Match: India won by an innings and 262 runs

• Date: June 14-17, 2018
• Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Result: India won by an innings and 262 runs

Scorecard:

Afghanistan: 105 & 103 in 51.4 overs

• Top Scorer: Asghar Afghan – 56 (97 balls, 6 fours)
• Best Bowler (India): Ravichandran Ashwin – 6/41 in 23.4 overs

India: 474/10 in 136.3 overs

• Top Scorer: Ajinkya Rahane – 188 (382 balls, 23 fours)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Rashid Khan – 3/96 in 33.3 overs

Key Performances:

• Ajinkya Rahane: Rahane’s majestic 188 was the cornerstone of India’s massive total. His innings was characterized by its resilience and technique, helping India set a formidable target.
• Ravichandran Ashwin: Ashwin’s match-winning figures of 6/41 in the first innings and 3/42 in the second innings underlined his dominance with the ball, leading India to a comprehensive victory.

Series Significance: This was Afghanistan’s first-ever Test match, making it a historic moment for their cricketing journey. India’s overwhelming victory highlighted their strength in the Test format and underscored the challenges Afghanistan faced in their Test debut.

The match was a landmark event for Afghan cricket and an opportunity for them to learn from a formidable Indian side.

5. 2018 Asia Cup (UAE)

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ODI Match (Super Four Stage): Match tied

• Date: September 25, 2018
• Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
• Result: Match tied (India and Afghanistan both scored 252 runs)

Scorecard:

India: 252/5 in 50 overs

• Top Scorer: Rohit Sharma – 83 (89 balls, 9 fours)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Rashid Khan – 3/46 in 10 overs

Afghanistan: 252/8 in 50 overs

• Top Scorer: Mohammad Shahzad – 124 (116 balls, 7 fours, 3 sixes)
• Best Bowler (India): Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 3/50 in 10 overs

Key Performances:

• Rohit Sharma: Sharma’s 83 off 89 balls was instrumental in setting a competitive total for India. His innings included 9 boundaries, providing stability to the Indian innings.
• Mohammad Shahzad: Shahzad’s remarkable century (124 off 116 balls) was the highlight of the Afghan innings. His aggressive batting kept the match evenly poised until the very end.

Series Significance: The 2018 Asia Cup match was notable for its dramatic finish. The tie highlighted Afghanistan’s growing competitiveness in the ODI format and their ability to challenge established teams like India. For India, it was a reminder of the competitive nature of the tournament and the resilience of the Afghan side.

6. 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup (England)

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ODI Match (Group Stage): India won by 11 runs

• Date: June 22, 2019
• Venue: The Rose Bowl, Southampton
• Result: India won by 11 runs

Scorecard:

India: 224/8 in 50 overs

• Top Scorer: Virat Kohli – 67 (63 balls, 6 fours)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Rashid Khan – 3/46 in 10 overs

Afghanistan: 213 all out in 50 overs

• Top Scorer: Gulbadin Naib – 81 (60 balls, 9 fours)
• Best Bowler (India): Mohammed Shami – 5/62 in 10 overs

Key Performances:

• Virat Kohli: Kohli’s crucial innings of 67 provided stability to the Indian innings, helping them set a defendable total.
• Mohammed Shami: Shami’s remarkable 5/62 was instrumental in restricting Afghanistan and securing the win for India.

Series Significance: The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match was vital for both teams. For India, the win was crucial for their progression in the tournament, ultimately leading them to the semi-finals. For Afghanistan, despite the loss, their competitive performance was commendable, highlighting their growth in the ODI format.

7. 2021 ICC T20 World Cup (UAE)

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T20I Match (Group Stage): India won by 66 runs

• Date: November 3, 2021
• Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
• Result: India won by 66 runs

Scorecard:

India: 210/2 in 20 overs

• Top Scorer: Rohit Sharma – 74* (47 balls, 6 fours, 3 sixes)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Rashid Khan – 1/29 in 4 overs

Afghanistan: 144/7 in 20 overs

• Top Scorer: Najibullah Zadran – 73 (48 balls, 5 fours, 3 sixes)
• Best Bowler (India): Ravichandran Ashwin – 3/32 in 4 overs

Key Performances:

• Rohit Sharma: Sharma’s explosive innings of 74* not out was pivotal in setting a formidable total of 210. His aggressive batting showcased his ability to dominate the T20 format.
• Ravichandran Ashwin: Ashwin’s 3/32 was instrumental in curbing Afghanistan’s chase. His clever variations and control helped India restrict Afghanistan to 144.

Series Significance: The 2021 ICC T20 World Cup was a crucial tournament for both teams. India’s victory by 66 runs was a significant boost for their campaign, enhancing their chances of progressing to the knockout stages. For Afghanistan, this match was a learning experience against one of the top teams in T20 cricket.

8. 2022 Afghanistan Tour of India (Asia Cup Super Four Stage)

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T20I Match: India won by 101 runs

• Date: September 8, 2022
• Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
• Result: India won by 101 runs

Scorecard:

India: 213/2 in 20 overs

• Top Scorer: Suryakumar Yadav – 68* (40 balls, 7 fours, 2 sixes)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Mohammad Nabi – 1/30 in 4 overs

Afghanistan: 112/10 in 17.1 overs

• Top Scorer: Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 44 (33 balls, 5 fours)
• Best Bowler (India): Yuzvendra Chahal – 3/19 in 4 overs

Key Performances:

• Suryakumar Yadav: Yadav’s blistering 68* from 40 balls powered India to a commanding total. His innings included 7 boundaries and 2 sixes, proving his prowess in the T20 format.
• Yuzvendra Chahal: Chahal’s spell of 3/19 was crucial in dismantling the Afghan batting lineup. His accurate spin bowling was key in India’s dominant win.

Series Significance: The 2022 Asia Cup Super Four Stage match was a crucial fixture for India. The 101-run victory not only showcased India’s depth and strength in T20 cricket but also emphasized their dominance in the Super Four stage of the tournament.

For Afghanistan, it was a tough match that highlighted areas for improvement.

9. 2023 ODI World Cup

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ODI Series: India won 3-0

• Date: January 6-15, 2023
• Venue: Various venues across India
• Result: India won 3-0

Series Summary:

1st ODI: January 6, 2023 – India won by 8 wickets

Afghanistan: 258/6 in 50 overs

• Top Scorer: Hashmatullah Shahidi – 89* (104 balls, 7 fours)
• Best Bowler (India): Mohammed Siraj – 3/45 in 10 overs

India: 259/2 in 48.4 overs

• Top Scorer: Shubman Gill – 115* (101 balls, 11 fours, 1 six)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Rashid Khan – 1/42 in 10 overs

2nd ODI: January 10, 2023 – India won by 7 wickets

Afghanistan: 245/8 in 50 overs

• Top Scorer: Rahmat Shah – 77 (89 balls, 5 fours)
• Best Bowler (India): Kuldeep Yadav – 3/55 in 10 overs

India: 246/3 in 47.3 overs

• Top Scorer: Virat Kohli – 84* (82 balls, 7 fours, 1 six)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Mujeeb Ur Rahman – 2/43 in 10 overs

3rd ODI: January 15, 2023 – India won by 5 wickets

Afghanistan: 233/7 in 50 overs

• Top Scorer: Mohammad Nabi – 60 (50 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes)
• Best Bowler (India): Jasprit Bumrah – 4/39 in 10 overs

India: 234/5 in 48.1 overs

• Top Scorer: Rishabh Pant – 70* (65 balls, 6 fours, 1 six)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Naveen-ul-Haq – 2/50 in 10 overs

Series Significance: The 2023 ODI series saw India demonstrating their strength and dominance across all three matches, winning 3-0. This series victory highlighted India’s consistent performance and depth in their squad.

For Afghanistan, despite the series loss, it provided valuable experience against a top-ranked ODI team and highlighted areas for future improvement.

10. India vs Afghanistan T20I Series

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• Date: January 11-17, 2024
• Venue: Various venues across India
• Result: India won 3-0

Series Summary:

1st T20I: January 11, 2024 – India won by 28 runs

India: 188/6 in 20 overs

• Top Scorer: Suryakumar Yadav – 65 (37 balls, 6 fours, 4 sixes)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Fazalhaq Farooqi – 3/34 in 4 overs

Afghanistan: 160/9 in 20 overs

• Top Scorer: Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 52 (42 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes)
• Best Bowler (India): Jasprit Bumrah – 2/20 in 4 overs

2nd T20I: January 14, 2024 – India won by 15 runs

India: 186/5 in 20 overs

• Top Scorer: Shivam Dube – 47* (31 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Rashid Khan – 2/28 in 4 overs

Afghanistan: 171/8 in 20 overs

• Top Scorer: Najibullah Zadran – 50 (35 balls, 3 fours, 4 sixes)
• Best Bowler (India): Ravi Bishnoi – 3/26 in 4 overs

3rd T20I: January 17, 2024 – India won after second Super Over

India: 212/4 in 20 overs

• Top Scorer: Rohit Sharma – 100 (54 balls, 11 fours, 4 sixes)
• Best Bowler (Afghanistan): Naveen-ul-Haq – 2/45 in 4 overs

Afghanistan: 212/6 in 20 overs

• Top Scorer: Ibrahim Zadran – 78 (49 balls, 7 fours, 5 sixes)
• Best Bowler (India): Shivam Dube – 2/32 in 4 overs

Super Over Results:

• 1st Super Over Tied: Both teams scored 16 runs.
• 2nd Super Over: India won by 10 runs. Ravi Bishnoi (2/2) bowled brilliantly to restrict Afghanistan to 1 run.

Series Significance:

India’s 3-0 clean sweep in the T20I series against Afghanistan highlighted their depth and resilience in the shortest format. Key performances from Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi showcased India’s ability to handle high-pressure situations. Afghanistan, despite the loss, showed commendable fighting spirit and will take valuable lessons from this series, particularly in their close finishes, as they prepare for future international tournaments.

What Are the Key Moments in the India vs Afghanistan Cricket Rivalry?

The cricket rivalry between India and Afghanistan has been marked by several key moments that have captivated fans and shaped the narrative of their encounters. Here are some of the standout instances:

1. 2010 ICC T20 World Cup (West Indies) – India’s First Encounter: The match on May 1, 2010, was a historic one for Afghanistan, marking their debut against a major cricketing nation in a World Cup setting. India’s victory by 7 wickets was a confident start, with Ashish Nehra’s exceptional bowling performance being a highlight. This match showcased Afghanistan’s potential on the international stage.
2. 2012 ICC T20 World Cup (Sri Lanka) – Kohli’s Crucial Knock: On September 19, 2012, Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 50 runs played a pivotal role in India’s 23-run win over Afghanistan. Kohli’s innings ensured that India set a challenging total, while Lakshmipathy Balaji’s three-wicket haul was key to restricting Afghanistan’s chase. This match solidified India’s position in the tournament and highlighted Kohli’s growing influence in T20 cricket.
3. 2014 ICC T20 World Cup (Bangladesh) – India’s Dominance Continues: India’s 8-wicket win in the group stage of the 2014 T20 World Cup further emphasized their dominance in the T20 format. The comfortable chase demonstrated India’s strength and ability to handle pressure situations effectively.
4. 2018 Afghanistan Tour of India – Historic Test Match: The Test match played in June 2018 was Afghanistan’s first-ever Test match. India’s victory by an innings and 262 runs was a significant milestone for Afghanistan’s cricketing journey. The match was notable not just for India’s commanding win but also for the historic nature of Afghanistan’s Test debut.
5. 2021 ICC T20 World Cup (UAE) – Rohit Sharma’s Stellar Performance: In November 2021, Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 74 led India to a commanding 66-run victory over Afghanistan. Sharma’s explosive innings and Ravichandran Ashwin’s crucial wickets highlighted India’s dominance in the group stage and their preparedness for the knockout rounds.
6. 2022 Asia Cup – India’s Comprehensive Win: On September 8, 2022, India’s 101-run victory in the Asia Cup Super Four stage was a clear demonstration of their superiority. The match was marked by a dominating performance with both bat and ball, showcasing India’s depth and skill in the T20 format.

What Is the Impact and Significance of Each Encounter Between India and Afghanistan?

Each encounter between India and Afghanistan has had a unique impact and significance, reflecting the evolving dynamics of both teams:

1. Early Exposure for Afghanistan: The 2010 ICC T20 World Cup marked Afghanistan’s entry into high-stakes international cricket. Although they lost, the exposure to top teams like India was crucial for their development and helped in building their reputation as a competitive side.
2. Establishing India’s Strength: India’s victories in the 2012 and 2014 T20 World Cups reinforced their status as a powerhouse in the T20 format. These wins not only advanced India in the tournaments but also demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure.
3. Afghanistan’s Historic Test Debut: The 2018 Test match was a landmark event for Afghanistan. Despite the heavy defeat, it symbolized their arrival in Test cricket and was a significant step in their journey towards becoming a full-fledged Test nation.
4. Building Competitive Rivalries: The matches in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup and the 2022 Asia Cup highlighted the growing competitiveness between the two teams. India’s victories showcased their tactical and strategic strengths, while Afghanistan’s performances demonstrated their ability to challenge top teams.
5. Strategic Insights: The encounters have provided valuable insights into both teams’ strategies and capabilities. India’s ability to adapt and perform across formats, coupled with Afghanistan’s resilience and potential, has made their matches exciting and significant in the cricketing calendar.

Overall, these encounters have contributed to a rich and dynamic rivalry, reflecting both the challenges and progress experienced by both teams.

Conclusion

The cricketing matches between India and Afghanistan over the years have provided fans with a wealth of memorable moments and compelling narratives. From India’s dominant performances in T20 World Cup clashes to their comprehensive victories in ODIs, each match has contributed to the rich tapestry of this budding rivalry.

These encounters not only highlight the progress and competitiveness of the Afghan team but also reflect India’s continued dominance and adaptability in international cricket.

As both teams continue to develop and grow, fans can look forward to more exciting and high-stakes encounters in the future. The history of their matches thus far underscores the dynamic nature of cricket and the ever-evolving storylines that make the sport so captivating.

FAQ Section

What was the outcome of the first-ever T20I match between India and Afghanistan?

The first T20I match between India and Afghanistan took place during the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup in West Indies. India won by 7 wickets, with Ashish Nehra’s impressive bowling performance being a highlight.

How did Virat Kohli contribute to India’s victory in the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan?

In the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup match held on September 19, Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 50 runs off 39 balls. His innings was crucial in setting a total of 159 runs, which India defended successfully, winning by 23 runs.

What was significant about Afghanistan’s Test debut against India in 2018?

The Test match between India and Afghanistan in June 2018 was Afghanistan’s first-ever Test match. India won by an innings and 262 runs, marking a historic moment for Afghan cricket and demonstrating their entry into the Test arena.

How did India fare in the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan?

In the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup, India defeated Afghanistan by 8 wickets in the group stage. This victory was part of India’s successful campaign in the tournament.

What was the result of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup match between India and Afghanistan?

India won the group stage match of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup against Afghanistan by 66 runs. Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 74 and Ravichandran Ashwin’s three-wicket haul were key to India’s victory.

How did India perform in the 2022 Asia Cup Super Four Stage against Afghanistan?

During the 2022 Asia Cup Super Four Stage, India defeated Afghanistan by 101 runs. India set a total of 213 runs and successfully defended it, showcasing their dominance in the T20I format.

What was the result of the 2023 ODI series between India and Afghanistan?

In the 2023 ODI series, India won all three matches against Afghanistan, securing a 3-0 series victory. The series highlighted India’s strong performance in the ODI format.

How have the matches between India and Afghanistan impacted their cricketing histories?

The matches between India and Afghanistan have been significant in showcasing the evolving competitiveness of Afghan cricket and India’s consistent dominance. These encounters have provided valuable international experience for Afghanistan and underscored India’s strength across formats.

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