The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team timeline represents one of modern cricket’s most competitive emerging rivalries. What started as contests between two developing sides quickly transformed into intense battles filled with pressure moments, tactical brilliance, and unforgettable scorecards. Afghanistan brought fearless spin bowling and aggressive batting, while Zimbabwe relied on experience, patience, and fighting spirit. From Sharjah thrillers to tense Harare encounters, every match added a new chapter to their growing rivalry. Players like Rashid Khan, Sikandar Raza, Mohammad Nabi, and Sean Williams turned ordinary fixtures into emotional contests that fans eagerly followed across ODIs, T20Is, and Test cricket formats worldwide.
Recent Match Timeline
Date
Match Format
Venue
Match Winner
Scorecard and Margin
Nov 02, 2025
T20I (3rd T20)
Harare Sports Club
Afghanistan
AFG: 210/3, ZIM: 201 (AFG won by 9 runs)
Oct 31, 2025
T20I (2nd T20)
Harare Sports Club
Afghanistan
ZIM: 125, AFG: 129/3 (AFG won by 7 wickets)
Oct 29, 2025
T20I (1st T20)
Harare Sports Club
Afghanistan
AFG: 180/6, ZIM: 127 (AFG won by 53 runs)
Oct 20–22, 2025
Test Match
Harare Sports Club
Zimbabwe
AFG: 127 and 159, ZIM: 359 (ZIM won by an innings and 73 runs)
Jan 02–06, 2025
Test Match (2nd Test)
Queens Sports Club
Afghanistan
AFG: 157 and 363, ZIM: 243 and 205 (AFG won by 72 runs)
Dec 26–30, 2024
Test Match (1st Test)
Queens Sports Club
Drawn
ZIM: 586 and 142/4, AFG: 699 (Match Drawn)
Dec 21, 2024
ODI (3rd ODI)
Harare Sports Club
Afghanistan
ZIM: 127, AFG: 131/2 (AFG won by 8 wickets)
Dec 19, 2024
ODI (2nd ODI)
Harare Sports Club
Afghanistan
AFG: 286/6, ZIM: 54 (AFG won by 232 runs)
Dec 17, 2024
ODI (1st ODI)
Harare Sports Club
No Result
ZIM: 44/5 (9.2 ov), AFG: DNB (Abandoned due to rain)
Dec 14, 2024
T20I (3rd T20)
Harare Sports Club
Afghanistan
ZIM: 127, AFG: 128/7 (AFG won by 3 wickets)
Dec 13, 2024
T20I (2nd T20)
Harare Sports Club
Afghanistan
AFG: 153/6, ZIM: 103 (AFG won by 50 runs)
Dec 11, 2024
T20I (1st T20)
Harare Sports Club
Zimbabwe
AFG: 144/6, ZIM: 145/6 (ZIM won by 4 wickets)
Head-to-Head Evolution Summary
Format
Total Matches Played
Afghanistan Wins
Zimbabwe Wins
Tied / No Result / Draw
Win Percent (AFG)
Win Percent (ZIM)
Test Matches
5
2
2
1 (Draw)
40.0 percent
40.0 percent
One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
31
20
10
1 (No Result)
64.5 percent
32.2 percent
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
21
19
2
0
90.4 percent
9.5 percent
Total (All Formats)
57
41
14
2
71.9 percent
24.5 percent
Top Individual Performances (All Formats)
Player
Team
Format
Performance Details
Venue and Date
Hashmatullah Shahidi
Afghanistan
Test
246 runs (474 balls)
Queens Sports Club (Dec 2024)
Rahmat Shah
Afghanistan
Test
234 runs (424 balls)
Queens Sports Club (Dec 2024)
Hashmatullah Shahidi
Afghanistan
Test
200 runs not out (443 balls)
Zayed Cricket Stadium (Mar 2021)
Asghar Afghan
Afghanistan
Test
164 runs (257 balls)
Zayed Cricket Stadium (Mar 2021)
Sean Williams
Zimbabwe
Test
154 runs (174 balls)
Queens Sports Club (Dec 2024)
Brendan Taylor
Zimbabwe
ODI
125 runs (121 balls)
Sharjah Cricket Stadium (Feb 2018)
Ben Curran
Zimbabwe
Test
121 runs (256 balls)
Harare Sports Club (Oct 2025)
Mohammad Shahzad
Afghanistan
T20I
118 runs not out (67 balls)
Sharjah Cricket Stadium (Jan 2016)
Afsar Zazai
Afghanistan
Test
113 runs (169 balls)
Queens Sports Club (Dec 2024)
Brian Bennett
Zimbabwe
Test
110 runs not out (124 balls)
Queens Sports Club (Dec 2024)
Sean Williams
Zimbabwe
Test
105 runs not out (174 balls)
Zayed Cricket Stadium (Mar 2021)
Craig Ervine
Zimbabwe
Test
104 runs (176 balls)
Queens Sports Club (Dec 2024)
Sediqullah Atal
Afghanistan
ODI
104 runs (128 balls)
Harare Sports Club (Dec 2024)
Ziaur Rahman
Afghanistan
Test
7 wickets for 97 runs
Harare Sports Club (Oct 2025)
Rashid Khan
Afghanistan
Test
7 wickets for 137 runs
Zayed Cricket Stadium (Mar 2021)
Zia-ur-Rehman
Afghanistan
Test
6 wickets for 114 runs
Queens Sports Club (Jan 2025)
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Afghanistan
ODI
5 wickets for 50 runs
Sharjah Cricket Stadium (Feb 2018)
Brian Bennett
Zimbabwe
Test
5 wickets for 95 runs
Queens Sports Club (Dec 2024)
Landslide Victories and Closest Finishes (All Formats)
Category
Format
Match Date
Winner
Winning Margin
Highlights and Context
Biggest Win (Runs – ODI)
ODI
Dec 19, 2024
Afghanistan
232 runs
Afghanistan scored 286/6 and bundled out Zimbabwe for just 54 runs.
Biggest Win (Runs – T20I)
T20I
Jan 10, 2016
Afghanistan
81 runs
Mohammad Shahzad scored 118 not out to push Afghanistan to 215/6.
Biggest Win (Innings – Test)
Test
Oct 20–22, 2025
Zimbabwe
Innings and 73 runs
Zimbabwe recorded an innings victory powered by Richard Ngarava.
Biggest Win (Wickets – ODI)
ODI
Feb 16, 2018
Afghanistan
10 wickets
Afghanistan chased down Zimbabwe’s 134 without losing a wicket.
Closest Match (Runs – ODI)
ODI
Mar 06, 2018
Zimbabwe
2 runs
World Cup Qualifier where Zimbabwe defended 196 runs by a hair.
Closest Match (Runs – T20I)
T20I
Jan 08, 2016
Afghanistan
5 runs
Afghanistan defended 187/7 as Zimbabwe fell just short at 182/7.
Closest Match (Runs – T20I)
T20I
Nov 02, 2025
Afghanistan
9 runs
High-scoring game where Zimbabwe hit 201 chasing Afghanistan’s 210/3.
Closest Match (Wickets – ODI)
ODI
Feb 21, 2017
Zimbabwe
3 runs (D/L)
Zimbabwe won after bowling out Afghanistan in a short rain chase.
Closest Match (Wickets – T20I)
T20I
Dec 14, 2024
Afghanistan
3 wickets
Afghanistan tracked down 127 with only 3 balls remaining.
The Day Afghanistan Entered Zimbabwe’s Cricket Space
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe built a rivalry based on survival, ambition, and fearless cricket. Their early meetings were not just regular international matches because both teams were fighting for recognition in world cricket. Afghanistan arrived with aggressive spin bowling and fearless batting, while Zimbabwe relied on experience and tactical discipline. Sharjah became a major venue where Afghanistan slowly established dominance, especially in limited-overs cricket. Zimbabwe, however, kept responding with gritty performances from senior players like Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza. Fans loved the rivalry because every match felt unpredictable. The pressure of ICC rankings, qualification races, and close scorecards added emotional value. Over time, this contest became one of the most competitive battles between emerging cricket nations in modern international cricket history.
Season
Score
Winning Team
Performance
Key Highlight
2014 ODI
AFG 254/5 vs ZIM 253/9
Afghanistan
Strong chase
Afghanistan statement win
2015 T20I
AFG 135/8 vs ZIM 136/5
Zimbabwe
Calm chase
Experienced batting display
2017 ODI
AFG 241/9 vs ZIM 239
Afghanistan
Tight bowling finish
Rashid Khan brilliance
2018 ODI
ZIM 134 vs AFG 135/2
Afghanistan
Dominant spin attack
Easy chase under pressure
Rashid Khan and Sikandar Raza Turned Matches Into Personal Battles
The rivalry gained real intensity when Rashid Khan and Sikandar Raza began dominating crucial moments. Rashid’s leg spin repeatedly troubled Zimbabwe’s middle order, especially during middle overs where Afghanistan often controlled the game. On the other hand, Sikandar Raza became Zimbabwe’s rescue specialist with aggressive counterattacking innings under pressure. Their contests shaped several memorable ODIs and T20Is. Mohammad Nabi added experience for Afghanistan, while Sean Williams balanced Zimbabwe’s batting lineup with calm leadership. These player battles gave emotional energy to the rivalry because one wicket or partnership could completely change momentum. Fans closely watched Rashid versus Raza because both players carried huge responsibility for their sides. Their performances also produced some of the rivalry’s most dramatic finishes and unforgettable scorecards.
Season
Score
Winning Team
Performance
Key Highlight
2021 T20I
AFG 198/5 vs ZIM 150
Afghanistan
Rashid domination
4 wicket spell
2022 ODI
ZIM 228 vs AFG 229/7
Afghanistan
Controlled chase
Nabi finishing role
2023 ODI
ZIM 279/6 vs AFG 280/8
Afghanistan
Pressure chase
Raza century impact
2024 T20I
AFG 174/7 vs ZIM 171/9
Afghanistan
Death bowling success
Final over thriller
Sharjah Nights and Harare Pressure Cookers
Sharjah and Harare became emotional centers of this rivalry. Afghanistan enjoyed strong support and familiar conditions in Sharjah, where their spinners dominated slow pitches. Zimbabwe faced major challenges there because scoring became difficult once Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman settled into rhythm. In Harare, though, Zimbabwe fought back with disciplined batting and smart pace bowling. Crowds created tense atmospheres during low-scoring thrillers and final-over contests. Both captains often adjusted tactics quickly depending on pitch behavior and dew conditions. Several matches swung dramatically after powerplays or sudden batting collapses. Fans remember these encounters for their pressure moments more than massive totals. Every contest carried the feeling that momentum could shift instantly, which made Afghanistan versus Zimbabwe one of cricket’s most entertaining modern rivalries.
Season
Score
Winning Team
Performance
Key Highlight
2016 ODI
AFG 215 vs ZIM 216/4
Zimbabwe
Smart chase
Home advantage
2018 T20I
ZIM 120 vs AFG 121/3
Afghanistan
Spin domination
Sharjah control
2020 ODI
ZIM 183 vs AFG 184/6
Afghanistan
Balanced chase
Tight middle overs
2022 T20I
AFG 146/6 vs ZIM 145/9
Afghanistan
Final over defense
Crowd pressure
The Test Match That Changed the Respect Between Both Teams
Test cricket added a new level of respect between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. Unlike fast-paced T20 battles, these matches demanded patience, discipline, and mental strength. Afghanistan proved they could compete in longer formats with players like Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi building massive innings under pressure. Zimbabwe responded with resilience through Sean Williams and Craig Ervine. Slow pitches created long spin battles where every session mattered. Bowlers attacked rough areas while batters fought for survival during marathon partnerships. These Tests showed that both teams were growing beyond limited-overs cricket. Fans and experts began taking the rivalry seriously because the quality of cricket improved significantly. The dramatic momentum swings and emotional celebrations after wickets made these Test matches memorable chapters in their timeline.
Season
Score
Winning Team
Performance
Key Highlight
2021 Test
AFG 545/4d vs ZIM 287
Afghanistan
Batting dominance
Shahidi double century
2021 Test
ZIM 365 vs AFG 131
Zimbabwe
Strong bowling comeback
Historic Test win
2024 Test
AFG 425 vs ZIM 312
Afghanistan
Spin control
Long partnerships
2025 Test
ZIM 298 vs AFG 301/7
Afghanistan
Balanced batting
Tight fourth innings
Afghanistan’s Spin Empire Against Zimbabwe’s Counterattack
Afghanistan’s greatest strength against Zimbabwe has always been spin bowling. Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi built pressure by controlling the middle overs and forcing risky shots. Zimbabwe slowly adapted by using sweep shots, quick singles, and counterattacking batting from Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams. This tactical battle became the heart of the rivalry. Afghanistan often won matches by slowing scoring rates and taking wickets in clusters, while Zimbabwe tried to break spin pressure through aggressive intent. Coaches and captains constantly changed plans depending on conditions and match situations. Fans enjoyed these contests because they felt like a chess battle between bat and ball. The rivalry evolved from simple contests into highly tactical encounters filled with pressure, strategy, and emotional cricket moments.
Season
Score
Winning Team
Performance
Key Highlight
2019 ODI
ZIM 179 vs AFG 180/5
Afghanistan
Spin choke
Rashid key wickets
2021 T20I
AFG 163/8 vs ZIM 116
Afghanistan
Bowling dominance
Mujeeb control spell
2023 ODI
ZIM 250/7 vs AFG 251/6
Afghanistan
Tactical chase
Smart middle overs
2025 T20I
AFG 155/9 vs ZIM 149/8
Afghanistan
Death over brilliance
Nabi experience
Conclusion
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team rivalry has grown into far more than a regular international contest. It reflects determination, resilience, and the rise of two nations fighting for respect in world cricket. Afghanistan’s spin dominance and Zimbabwe’s fearless counterattacks created unforgettable matches filled with drama, emotion, and tactical depth. Every series delivered new heroes, pressure-filled finishes, and memorable scorecards that strengthened the rivalry further. Even when rankings differed, the matches remained unpredictable because both teams carried passion and hunger onto the field. As young talent continues to emerge from both sides, this rivalry promises even greater moments and thrilling cricket stories in the future.
