India and Afghanistan first crossed paths on the global cricket stage during the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup. Over the years, their encounters have become increasingly significant. While India has long been a formidable cricketing force, Afghanistan has risen rapidly, securing ODI status in 2009 and Test status in 2017. This timeline details all their notable matches, including T20Is, ODIs, and the historic Test debut, shedding light on how this rivalry has evolved and where it stands today.
1. Quick Overview
A chronological review of the India vs Afghanistan contests highlights not only how these teams have competed but also underlines the growth of Afghan cricket. Their early matchups largely saw India dominate, but as Afghanistan gained experience, they produced some thrilling contests—most notably the tied ODI in the 2018 Asia Cup and a close finish in the 2019 World Cup. These moments underscore Afghanistan’s potential to challenge top-tier cricket nations and illustrate India’s enduring consistency as a cricket powerhouse.
Why This Timeline Matters
The timeline of matches between India and Afghanistan is significant because it reflects a story of rapid development. Afghanistan’s journey from associate member to a team capable of pushing India to the brink demonstrates how quickly the newer side has matured. India, on the other hand, has maintained its status as a dominant force but has also faced tough moments against a team they once comfortably defeated.
Key Milestones and Significance
Key milestones in this rivalry include the first T20I meeting in 2010, Afghanistan’s first Test match against India in 2018, and the closely contested games at the Asia Cup and in Cricket World Cups. Each of these matches has added a new chapter to a rivalry that, while relatively young, is followed with keen interest by cricket fans worldwide.
2. India vs Afghanistan Early Encounters in T20 World Cups
2010 ICC T20 World Cup – The First-Ever Clash
The earliest recorded confrontation took place on 1 May 2010 during the ICC T20 World Cup held in the West Indies. Afghanistan batted first but could only manage 115 for eight wickets. India then chased down the target with seven wickets in hand, showcasing both their experience and efficiency in the shortest format of the game. For Afghanistan, this first game against India was a baptism of fire on a big stage, yet it provided them invaluable exposure.
2012 ICC T20 World Cup – Building Rivalry
Their second meeting came two years later in the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. India batted first and posted 159, with several contributions from its top-order batters. Although Afghanistan showed fight—displaying more confidence than in 2010—they were bowled out for 136, conceding a 23-run loss. Even in defeat, the team demonstrated improvement, indicating that future encounters would be more competitive.
3. India vs Afghanistan: The ODI Chapter
First ODI Meeting (2014 Asia Cup)
When India and Afghanistan met in their first-ever One Day International match on 5 March 2014 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Bangladesh, Afghanistan could only put up 159 runs. India, boasting a strong batting lineup, chased this target comfortably to win by eight wickets. This match reinforced the gap in ODI experience between the two sides at the time, yet it also highlighted Afghanistan’s hunger to perform on bigger stages.
The Memorable Tie in 2018 Asia Cup
One of the most significant moments in this rivalry came during the 2018 Asia Cup Super Four stage on 25 September in Dubai. Afghanistan batted first and posted a competitive 252 for eight wickets. India, in pursuit of 253, were restricted to 252, resulting in a thrilling tie. It was a landmark result for Afghanistan, demonstrating their ability to go toe-to-toe with a team widely regarded as one of the best in the limited-overs format. This tied match remains a proud achievement for the Afghan side.
World Cup Encounters (2019 and 2023)
The two teams have also faced each other in the ICC Cricket World Cup. In 2019, they played a nail-biting match at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. India scored 224 for eight in their 50 overs, and Afghanistan came remarkably close, reaching 213 before being bowled out in the final over, handing India an 11-run victory. Despite the loss, Afghanistan once again showcased its ability to challenge a heavyweight team.
Four years later, in the 2023 World Cup, the two teams met at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Afghanistan’s batting lineup put up 272 for eight, but India chased down the target with relative ease, winning by eight wickets in just 35 overs. While India’s dominance was evident, the match also underlined Afghanistan’s continued progress on the international scene.
4. Afghanistan’s Debut in Test Cricket (vs India, 2018)
Historical Context of Afghanistan’s Test Status
Afghanistan’s ascent to Test cricket is one of the most remarkable stories in modern cricket. They received Test status in 2017 after consistently impressive performances at the Associate level and in limited-overs internationals. When the time came for their inaugural Test match, they faced the formidable challenge of playing India in India—a cricket-rich nation with strong home-ground advantage.
Highlights from the Bengaluru Test
The historic one-off Test between India and Afghanistan took place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from 14 to 16 June 2018. India amassed a commanding 474 in their first innings, setting the tone for the match. In response, Afghanistan were bowled out for 109 and then 103 in the follow-on, leading to an innings and 262-run victory for the home side. Although the margin of defeat was substantial, Afghanistan’s debut marked a milestone in their cricket journey, reflecting how far they had come in a short span.
5. Other T20I Showdowns
T20 World Cup 2021
After their early T20 World Cup clashes, India and Afghanistan met again on 3 November 2021 in the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. India, batting first, notched up a commanding total of 210 for two, with strong batting performances from the top order. Afghanistan’s reply never gathered enough momentum, ultimately reaching 144 for seven and losing by 66 runs. This match reiterated India’s dominance in the T20 format against Afghanistan.
Asia Cup 2022 (T20 Format)
In the 2022 Asia Cup, held in the UAE, India once again faced Afghanistan in a Super Four match on 8 September in Dubai. India posted a massive 212 for two, featuring a century by Virat Kohli—a significant personal milestone for the Indian star who ended a lengthy century drought. Afghanistan managed 111 for eight in response, and India sealed a comprehensive 101-run victory. Despite the margin, Afghanistan’s competitiveness in the tournament had already drawn praise from cricket experts and fans alike.
6. Afghanistan vs India Head to Head
To offer a clear snapshot of major encounters, here is a comparison table summarizing the most notable India vs Afghanistan clashes:
| Date | Tournament/Format | Venue | Result | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 May 2010 | T20 World Cup (T20I) | St. Lucia (Beausejour) | India won by 7 wickets | Restrictive Indian bowling, Afghan debut in WT20 |
| 19 Sep 2012 | T20 World Cup (T20I) | Colombo (R. Premadasa) | India won by 23 runs | Kohli & Raina’s contributions |
| 05 Mar 2014 | Asia Cup (ODI) | Mirpur (Sher-e-Bangla) | India won by 8 wickets | Shikhar Dhawan’s solid knock |
| 14-16 Jun 2018 | Only Test | Bengaluru (Chinnaswamy) | India won by an innings & 262 runs | India’s 474, Afghanistan’s Test debut |
| 25 Sep 2018 | Asia Cup (ODI) | Dubai International Stadium | Tied | Mohammad Shahzad’s century, KL Rahul’s cameo |
| 22 Jun 2019 | Cricket World Cup (ODI) | Southampton (The Rose Bowl) | India won by 11 runs | Bumrah’s death bowling, tense finish |
| 03 Nov 2021 | T20 World Cup (T20I) | Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Zayed) | India won by 66 runs | Rohit Sharma’s blistering start |
| 08 Sep 2022 | Asia Cup (T20I) | Dubai International Stadium | India won by 101 runs | Kohli’s first T20I century |
| 11 Oct 2023 | Cricket World Cup (ODI) | Delhi (Arun Jaitley Stadium) | India won by 8 wickets | Rohit Sharma’s rapid century |
7. Players and Records
Top Run-Scorers in India vs Afghanistan Fixtures
Several batters have enjoyed success in these contests, with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma among the most prolific for India. On the Afghan side, Mohammad Shahzad has often stood out in ODIs, famously scoring a century in the 2018 Asia Cup tie. While India boasts greater depth in batting, Afghanistan has managed to produce match-winning performances from stroke makers who have proven their mettle against quality bowling attacks.
Leading Wicket-Takers
On the bowling front, India’s Jasprit Bumrah has repeatedly made the difference in tight finishes, most notably during the 2019 World Cup. Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan remains a formidable opponent who has troubled many top batters worldwide, and his encounters with India have featured moments where he tested the likes of Kohli and Rohit Sharma with his deceptive leg-spin.
Record-Breaking Moments
One notable highlight is Virat Kohli’s first-ever T20I century, scored against Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup. This helped India post a formidable total of 212 and marked a personal milestone for Kohli after a lean phase. While India has largely held the upper hand in this rivalry, the 2018 Asia Cup tie and the narrow 2019 World Cup loss illustrate that Afghanistan is more than capable of pushing India to the limit.
8. Recent Developments and Future Outlook
Latest Updates (Post-2023 World Cup)
Afghanistan has continued to refine its limited-overs game, earning respect from cricketing pundits for its fighting spirit and improved skill levels. The 2023 World Cup match against India, though resulting in a loss, showcased Afghanistan’s progress. India, for its part, remains one of the most consistent cricket teams across formats, buoyed by a deep batting lineup and a versatile bowling attack.
Prospects of Bilateral Series and Upcoming ICC Events
Looking ahead, there is ongoing hope among fans for more frequent India-Afghanistan bilateral series. Such engagements would offer Afghanistan invaluable experience and further enthrall supporters of both nations. Both teams are also gearing up for future ICC tournaments, including T20 World Cups and the next ODI World Cup cycle, where each new matchup promises to add another layer to this growing rivalry.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Has Afghanistan ever defeated India in cricket?
Afghanistan has not yet recorded an official victory over India. Their best result so far was a tie in the 2018 Asia Cup.
When did India and Afghanistan first play each other?
They met for the first time in the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup, a match held on 1 May 2010 at Beausejour Stadium in St. Lucia.
What is Afghanistan’s biggest achievement against India?
The 2018 Asia Cup tie stands out as their most notable achievement, proving they can match India’s level in ODIs on their day.
Who scored the most runs in India vs Afghanistan matches?
Virat Kohli has consistently scored heavily for India, while Mohammad Shahzad has excelled for Afghanistan, especially in ODIs.
Which India vs Afghanistan match was the closest?
The 2019 World Cup contest was particularly tense, with India edging out Afghanistan by just 11 runs.
What was the result of Afghanistan’s first Test against India?
In their inaugural Test (June 2018, Bengaluru), Afghanistan lost by an innings and 262 runs, but it was a landmark occasion for Afghan cricket.
How many matches in total have India and Afghanistan played across formats?
Up to the end of the 2023 World Cup, the two teams have competed in multiple T20Is, ODIs, and one Test. India leads overall with no losses in official matches, aside from the single ODI tie.
Conclusion
The India vs Afghanistan cricket timeline is an evolving narrative of a newer team challenging one of cricket’s established powerhouses. Although India has held a clear advantage historically, Afghanistan’s meteoric rise has produced close encounters, highlighted by the 2018 Asia Cup tie and the nail-biting 2019 World Cup clash. These matches underscore Afghanistan’s growth and India’s unwavering consistency in high-pressure situations. Looking forward, more frequent meetings—whether in ICC events or potential bilateral series—are likely to make this rivalry even more compelling, with the cricket world eagerly awaiting Afghanistan’s first victory over India.
