Table of Contents
The Afghanistan national cricket team vs Australian men’s cricket team rivalry is a captivating underdog epic. From the lopsided Sharjah debut in 2012 to the historic Kingstown upset in 2024 and Lahore’s rain-drenched tease in 2025, it showcases grit against greatness. Aggression, fan passion, tactical growth, and record feats weave a tale of defiance and respect.
Afghanistan vs Australia: A Rising Power vs Cricket Giants Showdown
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 7 Matches (5 ODIs + 2 T20Is; no Tests) |
| Australia Wins | 6 – Overwhelming edge, especially in ODIs |
| Afghanistan Wins | 1 – Historic breakthrough in 2024 T20 World Cup (first-ever win vs AUS!) |
| Highest Team Total | Australia 417/6 (2015 World Cup) – Record-smashing against Afghanistan |
| Lowest Team Total | Australia 127 (2024 T20 WC) – Collapsed chasing Afghanistan’s 148 |
| Biggest Victory (Runs) | Australia by 275 runs (2015 World Cup) – One of the largest margins ever |
| Biggest Victory (Wickets) | Australia by 9 wickets (2025 Champions Trophy, DLS) |
| Most Thrilling Match | 2024 T20 World Cup: Afghanistan 148/6 beat Australia 127 by 21 runs – Gulbadin Naib’s 4/20 sealed Australia’s exit! |
| Super Over / Close Finishes | Nail-biter in 2022 T20 WC (Australia won by 4 runs) – Heart-stopping! |
| First Match | 2012 ODI in Sharjah – Australia won by 66 runs |
| Best Afghanistan Performance | 2024 T20 WC upset + Naib’s match-winning spell – Proved they can beat the best |
| Australia Standout Moments | Glenn Maxwell’s 201* (not vs AFG but iconic in era); David Warner’s 178 in 2015 massacre |
| Overall Head-to-Head Edge | Australia dominates, but Afghanistan’s one win changed everything – momentum shifting? |
The Dawn of Defiance: Sharjah 2012 – First Blood in the Desert, Where Hope Met Harsh Reality
The rivalry between the Afghanistan national cricket team and the Australian men’s cricket team kicked off in the most unlikely setting: the sun-baked Sharjah Cricket Stadium on August 25, 2012. This was no World Cup blockbuster—just a one-off ODI during Australia’s tour of the UAE—but it marked the first time these sides locked horns. Afghanistan, still finding their feet on the global stage after gaining ODI status in 2010, faced a star-studded Australian outfit led by Michael Clarke. The Aussies, coming off a tough Test series against Pakistan, were expected to roll over the newcomers. And they did, but not without Afghanistan showing flashes of the fight that would define their future clashes.
Australia chose to bat first and posted a competitive 272/8 in 50 overs. George Bailey top-scored with a composed 89, while Clarke contributed 55. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by young pace spearhead Shapoor Zadran and all-rounder Samiullah Shenwari, kept things tighter than expected in patches, picking up wickets at regular intervals. In reply, Afghanistan started brightly with Mohammad Shahzad’s aggressive 48, but Mitchell Johnson’s fiery pace and Xavier Doherty’s economical spin triggered a collapse. They were bowled out for 206 in 43.5 overs, losing by 66 runs. It was a harsh introduction, yet Mohammad Nabi’s gritty 46 and the team’s refusal to fold quietly planted seeds of hope. On-field aggression simmered—Johnson’s bouncers tested Afghan resolve, drawing fierce stares back—while Afghan fans in the stands and back home waved flags with pride, turning defeat into a moment of national unity. This match ignited the underdog narrative: Australia dominant, but Afghanistan defiant.
| Category | Australia Details | Afghanistan Details | Key Stats & Records | Rivalry & Aggression Highlights | Fan Emotion & Memorable Moments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toss & Decision | Australia won toss, elected to bat | – | – | Clarke’s calm authority set aggressive tone | Afghan supporters packed Sharjah stands with flags, chanting “Afghanistan Zindabad” from ball one |
| Total Score | 272/8 (50 overs) | 206 all out (43.5 overs) | Margin: Australia won by 66 runs | First-ever clash; set lopsided head-to-head tone | Viral clips of expat fans dancing in defeat—pride over score |
| Top Scorer | George Bailey 89 (101 balls, 7×4) | Mohammad Shahzad 48 (62 balls, aggressive start) | Highest individual: Bailey’s anchoring knock | Shahzad’s fearless square cuts vs Johnson bouncers | Shahzad’s wicket sparked emotional roars from Afghan section |
| Key Partnerships | 2nd wicket: 131 (Warner-Wade) | 1st wicket: 37 (quick start); 6th: 52 (Nabi-Shenwari fightback) | Partnership record at time vs Afg | Nabi-Shenwari stand frustrated Aussie bowlers | Fans erupted for every boundary in resistance phase |
| Best Bowling | Mitchell Johnson 3/34 (8 overs, fiery) | Samiullah Shenwari 2/45 (10 overs, crafty) | Johnson: pace barrage; Doherty 1/29 econ | Johnson’s stare-downs after bouncers; heated appeals | Post-match: Afghan players’ interviews vowed “we’ll come back stronger” |
| Turning Points | Doherty’s middle-over stranglehold | Collapse from 168/2 to 206 all out | Lost 6 wickets for 38 runs | Tactical spin trap exposed Afghan inexperience | Crowd’s mix of cheers and tears—symbol of emerging hope |
| Extras & Fielding | Extras 22 (wides 12); catches sharp | Extras 15; couple of run-out misses | Fielding edge to Aussies | Tense moments: missed chances added fire | Social media buzz: “Afghan lions roar even in loss” memes |
| Player Spotlight | Bailey’s calm under pressure | Nabi’s all-round spark (46 & 1/39) | Debut intensity for many Afghans | Nabi vs Clarke mini-battle—respect earned | Fans hailed Nabi as “future captain” in forums |
Baptism by Fire: Perth World Cup 2015 – The Ruthless Onslaught at WACA, Warner’s Fury and Afghan Resilience
The second chapter in this budding rivalry exploded on March 4, 2015, at the bouncy WACA Ground in Perth during the ICC Cricket World Cup Pool A clash. Afghanistan, still raw on the big stage, won the toss and boldly elected to field against the co-hosts. What followed was a masterclass in Australian aggression: David Warner unleashed fury with a blistering 178 off 133 balls (19 fours, 5 sixes), forging a 260-run stand with Steve Smith (95). Glenn Maxwell’s late 88 off 39 balls propelled Australia to a World Cup-record 417/6—the second-highest total in tournament history at the time.
Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Shapoor Zadran and Hamid Hassan, fought valiantly early but wilted under the onslaught. In reply, they crumbled to 142 all out in 37.3 overs, losing by a staggering 275 runs—the widest margin in World Cup history. Nawroz Mangal’s gritty 33 offered brief resistance, but Mitchell Johnson’s 4/22 and James Faulkner’s swing sealed the rout. On-field tension flared with Warner’s aggressive celebrations and bouncer barrages drawing fierce stares from Afghan pacers. Fans felt the contrast: Aussie crowds roared for every boundary, while Afghan supporters in the stands and diaspora back home clung to every wicket, their chants of defiance turning heartbreak into pride. This demolition exposed the gulf, yet Afghanistan’s refusal to surrender quietly fueled the underdog fire for future battles.
| Category | Australia Details | Afghanistan Details | Key Stats & Records | Rivalry & Aggression Highlights | Fan Emotion & Memorable Moments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toss & Decision | Afghanistan won toss, elected to field | – | – | Afghan boldness set aggressive tone | Packed WACA with Aussie dominance chants; Afghan flags waving proudly |
| Total Score | 417/6 (50 overs) | 142 all out (37.3 overs) | Margin: Australia won by 275 runs (widest WC margin ever) | Record: 2nd highest WC total; Partnerships: 260 for 2nd wicket | Viral post-match: Afghan fans’ emotional interviews vowing revenge |
| Top Scorer | David Warner 178 (133 balls, 19×4, 5×6) | Nawroz Mangal 33 (51 balls) | Warner: fastest WC ton in 115 balls at time | Warner’s switch-hits & celebrations vs Afghan bowlers | Fans erupted for Warner’s sixes; Afghan section’s defiant songs |
| Key Partnerships | 2nd: 260 (Warner-Smith); 4th: 65 (Maxwell-Faulkner) | 3rd: 45 (Mangal-Shinwari) | Highest stand vs Afg at time | Maxwell’s late assault frustrated Afghan hopes | Crowd frenzy during Warner-Smith stand—pure Aussie party |
| Best Bowling | Mitchell Johnson 4/22 (7.3 overs, fiery) | Shapoor Zadran 2/89; Hamid Hassan 2/70 | Johnson: pace barrage demolished chase | Bouncer wars: Johnson’s stare-downs after wickets | Best fan moment: Afghan diaspora trending #AfgPride despite defeat |
| Turning Points | Powerplay explosion; middle-overs acceleration | Early promise to 88/2, then collapse (lost 8 for 54) | Tactical: Aus exploited bounce & pace | Pressure peak: Afghan bowlers tired, aggression boiled over | Memes of “Warner vs Afghanistan” flooding social media |
| Extras & Fielding | Extras 15; sharp catching (Warner 2) | Wides 15; missed chances added to woes | Fielding edge to Aussies | Tense sledging after Maxwell’s big hits | Crowd’s mix of roars & quiet respect for Afghan fight |
| Player Spotlight | Warner’s explosive fury; Maxwell’s fireworks | Mangal’s defiance; Hassan’s spirited spells | Player of Match: Warner | Mini-rivalry: Warner vs Zadran—pace vs aggression | Fans hailed Mangal as symbol of Afghan resilience |
Bristol Brilliance and Heartbreak: World Cup 2019 – A Fighting Total, But Clinical Chase Seals Another Rout
The third encounter unfolded on June 1, 2019, at the County Ground in Bristol during the ICC Cricket World Cup opener for both sides. Afghanistan, under Gulbadin Naib, won the toss and chose to bat on a helpful pitch. Early disasters struck as Mitchell Starc dismissed openers Mohammad Shahzad and Hazratullah Zazai for ducks in the first over. Yet Afghanistan rallied fiercely: Hashmatullah Shahidi (18), Rahmat Shah, and Najibullah Zadran’s gritty half-century steadied the ship, while Rashid Khan’s explosive 29 off 16 balls pushed them to a respectable 207 all out in 38.2 overs. Pat Cummins (3/40) and Adam Zampa (3/60) dismantled the middle order with disciplined seam and spin.
Australia’s chase was ruthless. Aaron Finch counter-attacked with a brisk 66 off 49, setting the platform, while David Warner anchored with an unbeaten 89 (114 balls) on his ODI return post-ban. They reached 209/3 in 34.5 overs, winning by 7 wickets with 91 balls to spare. Tactics shone: Australia’s pacers exploited early movement, spinners choked the middle. Aggression simmered in Cummins’ fiery spells and Afghan appeals, with Warner’s calm celebrations contrasting Finch’s intensity. Fans felt the heartbreak—Afghan supporters in the stands danced defiantly for every boundary, their hope soaring briefly before crashing, while Aussie crowds celebrated a clinical start. This match showed progress: Afghanistan fought harder, posting a competitive total, but the gulf remained, building anticipation for future upsets.
| Category | Australia Details | Afghanistan Details | Key Stats & Records | Rivalry & Aggression Highlights | Fan Emotion & Memorable Moments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toss & Decision | Afghanistan won toss, elected to bat | – | – | Naib’s bold choice sparked early fire | Bristol crowd buzzing; Afghan flags prominent in stands |
| Total Score | 209/3 (34.5/50 ov, target 208) | 207 all out (38.2/50 ov) | Margin: Australia won by 7 wickets (91 balls remaining) | Clinical chase; no collapse despite early pressure | Viral clips of Afghan fans’ hopeful dances turning somber |
| Top Scorer | David Warner 89* (114 balls, composed) | Najibullah Zadran 51 (58 balls, gritty) | Warner: unbeaten anchor on return | Finch’s aggressive 66 vs Afghan spinners | Fans roared for Finch’s boundaries; Afghan pride in Zadran’s fifty |
| Key Partnerships | 1st: 122 (Finch-Warner); 2nd: steady build | 4th wicket rally; Rashid’s late cameo | Highest stand: Finch-Warner platform | Cummins-Zampa combo frustrated Afghan fightback | Crowd frenzy during Finch’s counter-attack |
| Best Bowling | Pat Cummins 3/40 (8.2 ov); Adam Zampa 3/60 | Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/37; others economical early | Cummins: pace mastery; Zampa leg-spin grip | Aggressive spells: Cummins bouncers drew stares | Best fan moment: Afghan section chanting during Rashid’s blitz |
| Turning Points | Finch’s early assault post-powerplay | Collapse after 100/3; lost 7 for 107 | Tactical: Aus exploited conditions | Pressure peak: Afghan fielding lapses added heat | Social media: #AfgFight memes amid defeat |
| Extras & Fielding | Extras low; sharp catching | Wides & no-balls; poor fielding (drops) | Fielding cost Afghanistan dearly | Tense moments: missed chances fueled aggression | Mixed emotions: Cheers for wickets, tears in Afghan camp |
| Player Spotlight | Warner’s calm return; Finch’s aggression | Najibullah’s resistance; Rashid’s spark | Player of Match: Warner | Mini-battle: Finch vs Mujeeb—power vs mystery | Fans praised Rashid as “Afghan magician” in forums |
Mumbai Miracle Narrowly Averted: World Cup 2023 – Maxwell’s Once-in-a-Lifetime 201 Saves Australia from Collapse*
The fourth showdown erupted on November 7, 2023, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, in the ICC Cricket World Cup. Afghanistan, captained by Hashmatullah Shahidi, won the toss and batted first on a flat track. Ibrahim Zadran’s majestic 129* anchored a solid 291/5 in 50 overs, with contributions from Rahmat Shah (35) and Rashid Khan’s late cameo. Josh Hazlewood (2/39) and Adam Zampa kept Australia in check early, but the total looked chaseable—until it wasn’t.
Australia imploded to 91/7, with Naveen-ul-Haq (4/47) and Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/38) dismantling the top order in a sensational spell. Enter Glenn Maxwell: his unbeaten 201* off 128 balls (21 fours, 10 sixes) ranks among ODI’s greatest rescues. Partnering Pat Cummins (12*), the duo added 202* for the 8th wicket, Maxwell accelerating wildly despite cramps. Australia limped to 293/7 in 46.5 overs, winning by 3 wickets. Aggression peaked in heated celebrations—Naveen’s fiery appeals, Maxwell’s defiant fist-pumps—and fan delirium swept social media: Afghan hopes soared with the collapse, only for Maxwell’s heroics to spark Aussie euphoria and worldwide awe. This near-miracle showcased Afghanistan’s rapid rise, pushing champions to the brink, while Maxwell’s knock etched eternal rivalry drama.
| Category | Australia Details | Afghanistan Details | Key Stats & Records | Rivalry & Aggression Highlights | Fan Emotion & Memorable Moments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toss & Decision | Afghanistan won toss, elected to bat | – | – | Shahidi’s choice set defensive tone | Wankhede roared; Afghan fans chanting in packed stands |
| Total Score | 293/7 (46.5/50 ov, target 292) | 291/5 (50 ov) | Margin: Australia won by 3 wickets (19 balls rem) | 8th-wicket record stand vs Afg: 202* | Viral frenzy: #MaxwellMiracle trending globally |
| Top Scorer | Glenn Maxwell 201* (128 balls, 21×4, 10×6) | Ibrahim Zadran 129* (143 balls, composed) | Maxwell: highest ODI rescue; fastest WC double ton | Maxwell’s cramps-defying assault vs Naveen/Farooqi | Fans in tears during collapse, then ecstasy for Maxwell |
| Key Partnerships | 8th: 202* (Maxwell-Cummins) | 1st: solid base; middle-order stability | Highest 8th-wicket in WC history at time | Naveen-Farooqi rampage frustrated Aussies | Crowd went wild for every Maxwell six amid tension |
| Best Bowling | Josh Hazlewood 2/39; Adam Zampa economical | Naveen-ul-Haq 4/47; Fazalhaq Farooqi 2/38 | Naveen: career-best vs Aus | Aggressive celebrations after wickets; sledging | Best fan moment: Afghan supporters’ stunned silence turning to pride |
| Turning Points | Collapse to 91/7; Maxwell’s counter | Solid 291 but failed to finish stronger | Tactical: Maxwell’s switch-hitting mastery | Pressure cooker: Afghan bowlers’ fire met Maxwell’s will | Social media exploded with “Afghanistan nearly did it” memes |
| Extras & Fielding | Extras 20; couple of drops under pressure | Low extras; sharp catching | Fielding lapses cost Afghanistan | Tense appeals: heated exchanges throughout | Mixed emotions: Afghan hope dashed, Aussie relief |
| Player Spotlight | Maxwell’s legendary rescue | Ibrahim’s anchor; Naveen’s destruction | Player of Match: Maxwell | Mini-rivalry: Maxwell vs Naveen—fire vs fire | Fans called Maxwell’s knock “greatest ever” online |
Kingstown Shockwave: T20 World Cup 2024 – Afghanistan’s Historic Triumph, Naib’s Masterclass Topples the Champions
The rivalry reached its seismic peak on June 22, 2024, at Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, in the T20 World Cup Super Eights. Afghanistan, desperate to stay alive in the tournament, won the toss and batted on a tricky, slow pitch. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (60 off 49) and Ibrahim Zadran (51) forged a record 118-run opening stand—the highest for Afghanistan in T20 World Cups—lifting them to 148/6. Pat Cummins (3/28) and Adam Zampa (2/28) restricted the total, but it proved defendable.
Australia’s chase unraveled spectacularly. Gulbadin Naib, the eighth bowler used, delivered a career-defining 4/20 spell, dismantling the middle order with clever variations. Naveen-ul-Haq added 3/20 as Australia collapsed to 127 all out in 19.2 overs, losing by 21 runs—their first defeat to Afghanistan across formats. Glenn Maxwell’s fighting 59 offered brief hope, but Rashid Khan’s leadership and fielding intensity sealed it. Aggression exploded: Naib’s fiery celebrations, Afghan bowlers’ stare-downs after wickets, and joyous on-field hugs. Fans erupted worldwide—streets in Kabul filled with spontaneous dances, social media flooded with #AfghanistanBeatsAustralia trends, while Aussie supporters sat stunned. This historic upset, Afghanistan’s first over Australia, marked their arrival as genuine contenders, shifting the rivalry from lopsided to mutual respect and fear.
| Category | Australia Details | Afghanistan Details | Key Stats & Records | Rivalry & Aggression Highlights | Fan Emotion & Memorable Moments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toss & Decision | Afghanistan won toss, elected to bat | – | – | Bold batting choice on slow pitch | Kingstown crowd electric; Afghan flags everywhere |
| Total Score | 127 all out (19.2/20 ov, target 149) | 148/6 (20 ov) | Margin: Afghanistan won by 21 runs | First-ever win vs Australia; historic upset | Viral celebrations: Kabul streets partying all night |
| Top Scorer | Glenn Maxwell 59 (41 balls, defiant) | Rahmanullah Gurbaz 60 (49 balls, 4×4, 4×6) | Gurbaz-Zadran: 118 opening stand record | Maxwell’s resistance vs Naib’s mastery | Fans chanted “Afghanistan Zindabad” in ecstasy |
| Key Partnerships | Limited; middle-order collapses | 1st: 118 (Gurbaz-Zadran); late cameos | Highest opening stand in WC for Afg | Naib’s spell broke Aussie backbone | Crowd roared for every Afghan wicket |
| Best Bowling | Pat Cummins 3/28; Adam Zampa 2/28 | Gulbadin Naib 4/20; Naveen-ul-Haq 3/20 | Naib: career-best; best vs Aus | Naib’s variations & celebrations; heated appeals | Best fan moment: Global #AfghUpset trending wildly |
| Turning Points | Early wickets; Naib’s middle-over magic | Solid start but restricted late | Australia lost 7 for 56 runs | Pressure peak: Afghan fielding intensity | Social media: Memes of “David slays Goliath” |
| Extras & Fielding | Extras 12; dropped catches costly | Low extras; sharp catching & run-outs | Fielding won the game for Afg | Tense moments: aggressive appeals throughout | Mixed: Aussie shock, Afghan pure joy |
| Player Spotlight | Maxwell’s lone fight | Naib’s golden spell; Gurbaz-Zadran openers | Player of Match: Gulbadin Naib | Mini-rivalry: Naib vs Maxwell—craft vs power | Fans hailed Naib as “new Afghan hero” online |
Beyond the Scorecards: The Bigger Picture – Aggression, Fan Legacy, Tactical Evolution, and What Lies Ahead
From Sharjah’s tentative first ball in 2012 to Lahore’s rain-soaked stalemate in 2025, Afghanistan versus Australia has transformed from a predictable mismatch into one of cricket’s most compelling modern rivalries. What began with Mitchell Johnson’s intimidating bouncers and Afghan bowlers’ wide-eyed resilience has evolved into mutual respect laced with fire. On-field aggression—stare-downs after bouncers, heated appeals, Naib’s triumphant roars in Kingstown, Maxwell’s defiant fist-pumps in Mumbai—has always simmered, yet rarely crossed into ugliness. Instead, it fuels intensity: Afghan players celebrate like underdogs tasting blood, Aussies respond with steely focus.
Fan legacy stands tallest. Afghan supporters, from Kabul streets erupting in 2024 to diaspora chants in Perth and Bristol, turned every defeat into pride and every win into national euphoria. Viral moments—dancing in defeat, #AfgPride trending, spontaneous celebrations after the upset—created a global underdog story that transcends cricket. Tactically, Afghanistan shifted from raw pace to spin mastery (Rashid, Mujeeb, Naib) and deeper batting, forcing Australia to adapt beyond power-hitting.
The future beckons brightly. With Afghanistan’s Test status maturing and white-ball form surging, more clashes loom—perhaps in bilateral series or major tournaments. Could we see a Test debut? The rivalry now carries weight: no longer Goliath versus David, but two proud sides trading blows. Afghanistan has earned its place at the table; the next chapter promises even fiercer battles and louder fan anthems.
| Aspect | Key Highlights & Evolution | Standout Aggression Moments | Fan Legacy & Emotional Peaks | Tactical Shifts & Lessons Learned | Future Outlook & Potential Milestones |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Journey | 2012 mismatch → 2024 historic upset → 2025 fightback | Johnson’s bouncer barrages; Naib’s victory roar | Kabul street parties 2024; diaspora flag-waving | From raw pace to spin mastery & batting depth | Bilateral series, possible first Test, WC rematches |
| Iconic Player Battles | Warner vs Zadran; Maxwell vs Naib; Rashid vs Cummins | Stare-downs after bouncers; heated appeals | Viral clips of kids copying Rashid’s googly | Afghan spin trap vs Aus power-hitting adaptation | Rashid-Maxwell duels could define next decade |
| Aggression Style | Simmering intensity, never toxic | Naib’s celebrations; Maxwell’s defiant fist-pumps | Fans chanting through rain delays & defeats | Discipline under pressure became mutual respect | Expect fiercer but cleaner battles ahead |
| Fan Impact Moments | Every wicket cheered like a win | Post-Kingstown global #AfghUpset explosion | Spontaneous dances, car horns, pride memes | Turned lopsided losses into national motivation | Stadiums will roar louder for every clash |
| Tactical Growth | Afghanistan: deeper batting + mystery spin | Cummins’ seam vs Afghan resilience | #AfgPride trending worldwide after every game | Aussies now prepare seriously—no more complacency | Afghanistan pushing for top-tier status |
| Emotional Core | Underdog spirit vs champion pedigree | Respect earned through fire | Heartbreak to euphoria cycle | Lessons in humility & hunger | Rivalry now carries real weight & anticipation |
| Lasting Symbolism | David not just surviving—striking back | Fire met with fire, yet sportsmanship prevails | A nation’s hope embodied in cricket | Growth through challenge | Next chapter: from contender to consistent threat |
Afghanistan vs Australia: A Thrilling Cricket Rivalry
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | Afghan Score | Aus Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICC Champions Trophy | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (Pakistan) | Feb 28, 2025 | Afghanistan (bat) | 273 (50 overs) | 109/1 (12.5 overs) | Australia won by 9 wickets (DLS method, rain-affected) | ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Group B) | Travis Head (AUS) – Explosive 59 off 40 balls in a shortened chase |
| ICC T20 World Cup | Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown (St Vincent) | Jun 22, 2024 | Afghanistan (bat) | 148/6 (20 overs) | 127 (19.2 overs) | Afghanistan won by 21 runs | ICC T20 World Cup 2024 (Super 8) | Gulbadin Naib (AFG) – Game-changing 4/20 that derailed Australia’s chase in a massive upset |
| ICC Cricket World Cup | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (India) | Nov 7, 2023 | Afghanistan (bat) | 291/5 (50 overs) | 293/7 (46.5 overs) | Australia won by 3 wickets | ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 | Glenn Maxwell (AUS) – Legendary 201* off 128 balls from 91/7, one of cricket’s greatest comebacks |
| ICC T20 World Cup | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (Australia) | Nov 4, 2022 | Afghanistan (field) | 164/7 (20 overs) | 168/8 (20 overs) | Australia won by 4 runs | ICC T20 World Cup 2022 (Super 12) | Kane Richardson (AUS) – Tight 2/48 in a nail-biter where Afghanistan nearly pulled off a chase |
| ICC Cricket World Cup | County Ground, Bristol (England) | Jun 1, 2019 | Australia (field) | 207 (38.2 overs) | 209/3 (34.5 overs) | Australia won by 7 wickets | ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 | David Warner (AUS) – Solid 89* in a comfortable chase after Afghanistan’s batting collapse |
| ICC Cricket World Cup | WACA Ground, Perth (Australia) | Mar 4, 2015 | Australia (bat) | 142 (37.3 overs) | 417/6 (50 overs) | Australia won by 275 runs | ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 | David Warner (AUS) – Blistering 178 off 133 balls in Australia’s record-breaking total |
| Afghanistan v Australia ODI | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah (UAE) | Aug 25, 2012 | Australia (bat) | 206 (43.5 overs) | 272/8 (50 overs) | Australia won by 66 runs | Afghanistan v Australia ODI 2012 | Mitchell Starc (AUS) – Devastating 4/47 that sealed an early dominance over the debutants |
Conclusion
In the end, this rivalry proves cricket’s magic: a war-torn nation’s team rising to challenge the sport’s giants. Afghanistan has shifted from underdogs to contenders, earning admiration worldwide. The fire endures—future clashes promise more drama, upsets, and unforgettable moments.
FAQs: Afghanistan vs Australia Cricket Rivalry
How many times have Afghanistan and Australia played international cricket?
They have met in about 7 senior men’s internationals (mostly ODIs and one T20I), with Australia leading overall but Afghanistan claiming the landmark 2024 T20 World Cup win.
What was Afghanistan’s first win against Australia?
Their historic breakthrough came in the 2024 T20 World Cup Super Eights in Kingstown, where Gulbadin Naib’s 4/20 helped bowl out Australia for 127, winning by 21 runs.
Why is the rivalry so special despite Australia’s dominance?
Afghanistan’s rapid rise—from heavy defeats to near-miracles like Mumbai 2023 and the 2024 upset—creates inspiring underdog drama, fan emotion, and tactical intrigue.
What was the biggest margin of victory in this rivalry?
Australia’s 275-run win in the 2015 World Cup at Perth remains the widest margin, with David Warner’s 178 powering them to 417/6.
Could we see a Test match between them soon?
Possible in the future as Afghanistan strengthens their Test side. No Tests yet, but growing white-ball success could lead to bilateral series or ICC fixtures.
