Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline
Table of Contents
The rivalry between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team has rapidly grown into one of the most exciting contests in modern cricket. While Pakistan has a long and rich cricketing history, Afghanistan has emerged as a strong and fearless team in a short span of time. Matches between these two sides are often intense, filled with aggressive gameplay, passionate fans, and dramatic finishes.
Over the years, Afghanistan has significantly improved its performance and challenged Pakistan in multiple formats. Their encounters are known for close results and high-pressure moments, making the rivalry highly engaging. This timeline highlights the key matches, milestones, and defining moments in the Pakistan vs Afghanistan cricket rivalry.
Recent Matches: Pakistan vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Pakistan Score | Afghanistan Score | Result | Series |
| United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025 | Sharjah | Sep 7, 2025 | 141/8 (20 overs) | 66 (15.5 overs) | Pakistan won by 75 runs | UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 |
| United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025 (4th Match) | Sharjah | Sep 2, 2025 | 151/9 (20 overs) | 169/5 (20 overs) | Afghanistan won by 18 runs | UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 |
| United Arab Emirates T20I Tri-Series 2025 (1st Match) | Sharjah | Aug 29, 2025 | 182/7 (20 overs) | 143 (19.5 overs) | Pakistan won by 39 runs | UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 |
| ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 | Chennai | Oct 23, 2023 | 282/7 (50 overs) | 286/2 (49.5 overs) | Afghanistan won by 8 wickets | ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 |
| Bilateral ODI (3rd) | Colombo (RPS) | Aug 26, 2023 | 268/8 (50 overs) | 209 (43.3 overs) | Pakistan won by 59 runs | Afghanistan vs Pakistan ODI 2023 |
| Bilateral ODI (2nd) | Hambantota | Aug 24, 2023 | 302/9 (50 overs) | 300/5 (50 overs) | Pakistan won by 1 wicket | Afghanistan vs Pakistan ODI 2023 |
| Bilateral ODI (1st) | Hambantota | Aug 22, 2023 | – | – | Pakistan won by 142 runs | Afghanistan vs Pakistan ODI 2023 |
| Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I Series | Sharjah | Mar 27, 2023 | 182/7 (20 overs) | 116 (18.4 overs) | Pakistan won by 66 runs | Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I 2023 |
| Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I Series | Sharjah | Mar 26, 2023 | 130/6 (20 overs) | 133/3 (19.5 overs) | Afghanistan won by 7 wickets | Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I 2023 |
| Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I Series | Sharjah | Mar 24, 2023 | 92/9 (20 overs) | 98/4 (17.5 overs) | Afghanistan won by 6 wickets | Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I 2023 |
| Asia Cup 2022 | Sharjah | Sep 7, 2022 | 131/9 (19.2 overs) | 129/6 (20 overs) | Pakistan won by 1 wicket | Asia Cup 2022 |
| ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 | Leeds | Jun 29, 2019 | 230/7 (49.4 overs) | 227/9 (50 overs) | Pakistan won by 3 wickets | ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 |
Head to Head Record Table
| Format | Matches Played | Pakistan Wins | Afghanistan Wins | No Result / Tie | Pakistan Win % |
| ODI | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 87.5% |
| T20I | 10 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 60% |
| Overall | 18 | 13 | 5 | 0 | 72.2% |
Top 5 Best Player Performances
| Rank | Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Average | Highest Score | Notable Innings |
| 1 | Imam-ul-Haq | PAK | 5+ | 281+ | 56.20 | 91 | Consistent anchor in ODIs |
| 2 | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | AFG | 6+ | 174+ | 58.00 | 151 | Explosive World Cup century |
| 3 | Babar Azam | PAK | 5+ | 224+ | 44.80 | 66+ | Classy knocks under pressure |
| 4 | Mohammad Nabi | AFG | 8+ | 119+ | Big-hitting middle order | ||
| 5 | Najibullah Zadran | AFG | – | 110+ | – | – | Finisher in T20Is |
Early Encounters and Pakistan’s Dominance (2012–2015)
The initial matches between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team took place in the early 2010s when Afghanistan was still developing as an international side. Pakistan, with its experienced players and strong cricketing structure, dominated these early encounters. Their superior batting and bowling performances ensured comfortable victories.
Afghanistan, however, showed glimpses of potential with energetic fielding and aggressive bowling. These early matches were important for Afghanistan’s growth, as they gained valuable experience against a top international team. Although Pakistan dominated results, Afghanistan’s performances hinted at a competitive future rivalry.
| Year | Format | Venue | Winner |
| 2012 | ODI | UAE | Pakistan |
| 2013 | ODI | Neutral | Pakistan |
| 2014 | Asia Cup | Bangladesh | Pakistan |
| 2015 | ODI | Australia | Pakistan |
Afghanistan’s Rise and Competitive Matches (2016–2018)
Between 2016 and 2018, the Afghanistan National Cricket Team began to improve rapidly and challenge Pakistan more effectively. Afghanistan developed a strong bowling attack and aggressive batting lineup, which helped them compete against stronger teams. Their confidence grew as they delivered impressive performances in ICC tournaments.
Pakistan continued to rely on its experience and consistency, but matches became more competitive during this period. Afghanistan pushed Pakistan into closely contested games, showing their potential to become a major cricketing force. This phase marked the beginning of a more balanced rivalry.
| Year | Tournament | Venue | Result |
| 2016 | Asia Cup | Bangladesh | Pakistan |
| 2017 | ICC Event | England | Pakistan |
| 2018 | Asia Cup | UAE | Pakistan |
| 2018 | T20 | Neutral | Afghanistan |
Asia Cup Battles and High-Pressure Clashes (2018–2022)
From 2018 to 2022, the rivalry between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team intensified, especially during Asia Cup tournaments. These matches were often closely fought, with Afghanistan coming very close to defeating Pakistan on multiple occasions. High-pressure situations and last-over finishes became a common feature.
Pakistan managed to win many of these encounters due to its experience in handling pressure, but Afghanistan’s performance impressed fans and experts alike. The matches during this period significantly increased the popularity of this rivalry and established Afghanistan as a serious competitor.
| Year | Event | Venue | Winner |
| 2018 | Asia Cup | UAE | Pakistan |
| 2019 | World Cup | England | Pakistan |
| 2022 | Asia Cup | UAE | Pakistan |
| 2022 | T20 | Neutral | Pakistan |
Modern Rivalry and Close Contests (2023–2025)
In recent years, the rivalry between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team has become more balanced and exciting. Afghanistan has continued to improve, delivering strong performances in both batting and bowling. Their fearless approach has allowed them to challenge Pakistan consistently.
Matches during this period have been highly competitive, often decided in the final overs. Pakistan remains a strong team with experienced players, but Afghanistan’s growth has made every encounter unpredictable. This phase reflects the maturity and intensity of the rivalry.
| Year | Series | Venue | Winner |
| 2023 | ODI Series | Sri Lanka | Afghanistan |
| 2023 | World Cup | India | Afghanistan |
| 2024 | T20 | Neutral | Pakistan |
| 2025 | Series | UAE | Draw |
Key Moments and Historic Highlights
The rivalry between Pakistan and Afghanistan has produced several memorable moments in recent cricket history. Close finishes, last-over thrillers, and intense on-field battles have defined many matches. Afghanistan’s near victories against Pakistan in major tournaments are among the most talked-about moments.
Pakistan’s ability to handle pressure and secure wins in tight situations has been a key factor in the rivalry. Afghanistan’s rapid rise and fearless gameplay have added excitement and unpredictability. These key moments continue to shape the growing rivalry between the two teams.
| Highlight | Team | Year | Impact |
| First Major Clash | Pakistan | 2014 | Beginning |
| Close Finish | Pakistan | 2018 | Thriller |
| Breakthrough Win | Afghanistan | 2023 | Historic |
| High Pressure Match | Pakistan | 2022 | Dominance |
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team reflects the rise of a modern and competitive rivalry in international cricket. From Pakistan’s early dominance to Afghanistan’s rapid growth, the rivalry has evolved significantly over the years. Both teams have delivered thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.
As Afghanistan continues to improve and Pakistan maintains its strong presence, this rivalry is expected to grow even more intense in the future. Fans can look forward to more exciting contests, making Pakistan vs Afghanistan one of the most engaging rivalries in modern cricket.



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