The Afghanistan national cricket team vs England cricket team timeline represents one of cricket’s most inspiring underdog stories. Afghanistan’s journey from refugee camps to competing against cricket giants like England showcases the power of determination, passion, and resilience. This comprehensive article explores every match between these two teams, highlighting key players, memorable performances, and the evolution of Afghanistan cricket on the international stage.
Cricket in Afghanistan began in refugee camps during the 1980s and 1990s in Pakistan. What started as a recreational activity among displaced youth eventually transformed into a national passion. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) was formed in 1995, and the team gained ICC affiliate membership in 2001. By 2017, Afghanistan achieved full Test status, joining the elite cricket-playing nations.
England, meanwhile, represents cricketing royalty – the birthplace of the sport, World Cup champions, and a team with centuries of cricket heritage. When these two teams face each other, it’s more than just a match; it’s a clash between established tradition and emerging ambition.
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Complete Match Timeline
Match 1: 2012 ICC World Twenty20 – September 21, 2012
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Format: T20 International
Result: England won by 116 runs
Match Summary: Afghanistan’s first-ever encounter with England came during the 2012 World T20 in Sri Lanka. This was a significant milestone for Afghan cricket, marking their debut against one of cricket’s powerhouses.
Scorecard:
- England: 196/5 (20 overs)
- Luke Wright: 99* (55 balls, 11 fours, 6 sixes)
- Alex Hales: 31 (27 balls)
- Izatullah Dawlatzai: 2/56 (3 overs)
- Afghanistan: 80/10 (17.2 overs)
- Gulbadin Naib: 44 (32 balls)
- Shapoor Zadran: 9 (17 balls)
- Samit Patel: 2/6 (3 overs)
- Stuart Broad: 2/10 (3 overs)
Key Highlights:
- Luke Wright’s explosive 99* was one of the best T20 innings of the tournament
- Wright hit 6 sixes, breaking England’s record at the time
- England’s total of 196 proved far too much for the inexperienced Afghan batting lineup
- Despite the heavy defeat, Afghanistan’s participation itself was celebrated as a historic achievement
- Gulbadin Naib’s fighting 44 showed glimpses of Afghanistan’s potential
Player Spotlight:
- Luke Wright (England): The Sussex all-rounder dominated with the bat, hitting 68 runs in boundaries alone, setting multiple records for England in T20 cricket.
- Gulbadin Naib (Afghanistan): Despite the loss, his 44-run partnership for the 9th wicket with Shapoor Zadran was Afghanistan’s highest at the time.
Match 2: 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup – June 18, 2019
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Format: One Day International (50 overs)
Result: England won by 150 runs
Match Summary: By 2019, Afghanistan had established themselves as a competitive side, but England was at their peak as World Cup hosts and eventual champions. This match witnessed one of the greatest ODI innings ever played.
Scorecard:
- England: 397/6 (50 overs)
- Eoin Morgan: 148 (71 balls, 4 fours, 17 sixes) – World Record
- Jonny Bairstow: 90 (99 balls)
- Joe Root: 88 (82 balls)
- Gulbadin Naib: 3/68 (10 overs)
- Rashid Khan: 0/110 (9 overs) – Worst World Cup figures ever
- Afghanistan: 247/8 (50 overs)
- Hashmatullah Shahidi: 76 (100 balls)
- Asghar Afghan: 44 (52 balls)
- Adil Rashid: 3/66 (10 overs)
- Jofra Archer: 3/52 (10 overs)
Key Highlights:
- Eoin Morgan smashed 17 sixes – a world record in ODI cricket
- England’s 25 sixes as a team was also a record
- Morgan reached his century in just 57 balls – the fourth-fastest in World Cup history
- Rashid Khan’s 0/110 became the most expensive bowling figures in World Cup history
- England posted 397/6 – their highest World Cup total at that time
- Afghanistan showed resilience in their chase, with Shahidi’s fighting 76 demonstrating their growth
Player Spotlight:
- Eoin Morgan (England): The Irish-born captain delivered one of cricket’s most destructive innings. He targeted the arc between long-on and long-off, repeatedly depositing balls into the stands. His 148 off 71 balls included 17 sixes and 4 fours, with the majority of his runs coming in boundaries.
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): The young leg-spinner, usually Afghanistan’s trump card, endured a nightmare day. He was targeted relentlessly by Morgan, conceding 110 runs without taking a wicket – 11 sixes were hit off his bowling alone.
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (Afghanistan): In a losing cause, the captain showed tremendous character with a composed 76, keeping Afghanistan’s innings together when others fell around him.
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Match 3: 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup – October 15, 2023
Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, India
Format: One Day International (50 overs)
Result: Afghanistan won by 69 runs – HISTORIC VICTORY
Match Summary: This was the match that changed everything. Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline Afghanistan defeated the defending champions England in one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. It was Afghanistan’s first-ever victory against England and their second World Cup win overall.
Scorecard:
- Afghanistan: 284/10 (49.5 overs)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 80 (57 balls, 8 fours, 4 sixes)
- Ikram Alikhil: 58 (66 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes)
- Ibrahim Zadran: 28 (48 balls)
- Adil Rashid: 3/42 (9.5 overs)
- Mark Wood: 2/50 (9 overs)
- England: 215/10 (40.3 overs)
- Harry Brook: 66 (61 balls)
- Dawid Malan: 32 (39 balls)
- Joe Root: 11 (11 balls)
- Rashid Khan: 3/37 (9 overs)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman: 3/51 (9 overs)
- Mohammad Nabi: 2/16 (4 overs)
Key Highlights:
- Afghanistan’s opening partnership of 114 runs between Gurbaz and Zadran set the foundation
- Gurbaz raced to 50 off just 33 balls, dominating England’s bowling
- Ikram Alikhil’s crucial 58 in the lower-middle order pushed Afghanistan to a competitive total
- England lost Jonny Bairstow for just 2 runs in the second over, setting the tone for their collapse
- Afghanistan’s spin trio (Rashid Khan, Mujeeb, and Nabi) took 8 wickets combined
- England were bowled out for 215, falling 69 runs short
- This victory kept Afghanistan’s semi-final hopes alive and eliminated England from top-four contention
Player Spotlight:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): The 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman set Old Trafford on fire with his aggressive 80 off 57 balls. He particularly targeted Sam Curran and Chris Woakes, smashing four sixes and eight boundaries. His dismissal via run-out while on 80 was unfortunate, but his damage was already done.
- Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan): While Gurbaz attacked, Zadran played the anchor role perfectly with 28 off 48 balls, providing stability at the other end during their 114-run opening stand.
- Ikram Alikhil (Afghanistan): Coming in during a mini-collapse, the young wicketkeeper showed remarkable composure. His 58 off 66 balls, including three boundaries and two sixes, was crucial in getting Afghanistan to a defendable total.
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Redemption! After his 2019 nightmare, Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline Rashid bounced back with 3/37, including the crucial wickets of Liam Livingstone and Jos Buttler. His spell turned the match in Afghanistan’s favor.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afghanistan): The off-spinner was equally devastating, taking 3/51 and keeping the pressure on England throughout their innings.
- Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan): The veteran all-rounder provided the finishing touches with 2/16 from just 4 overs, his economical spell choking England’s chase.
- Harry Brook (England): The young batsman fought valiantly with 66 off 61 balls, but found no support from the other end as England collapsed around him.
Match 4: 2025 ICC Champions Trophy – February 26, 2025
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
Format: One Day International (50 overs)
Result: Afghanistan won by 8 runs – THRILLER
Match Summary: Another historic encounter saw Afghanistan defend their total against England in a nail-biting finish. This victory further cemented Afghanistan’s status as a serious contender in world cricket.
Scorecard:
- Afghanistan: 325/7 (50 overs)
- Ibrahim Zadran: 177 (not out) – Highest individual score in Champions Trophy history
- Hashmatullah Shahidi: 40 (52 balls)
- Azmatullah Omarzai: 41 (33 balls)
- Mohammad Nabi: 40 (48 balls)
- Jofra Archer: 3/64 (10 overs)
- England: 317/10 (49.4 overs)
- Joe Root: 120 (108 balls)
- Azmatullah Omarzai: 5/58 (10 overs) – Match-winning performance
Key Highlights:
- Ibrahim Zadran’s unbeaten 177 was the highest individual score ever in Champions Trophy history
- Zadran’s innings was a masterclass in pacing, building partnerships throughout
- Despite early wickets from Jofra Archer (3/64), Afghanistan recovered through crucial partnerships
- Joe Root’s valiant 120 kept England in the hunt, but he ran out of partners
- Azmatullah Omarzai’s all-round brilliance – 41 with the bat and 5/58 with the ball – won him the Player of the Match award
- Afghanistan held their nerve in a tense finish, defending 8 runs in the final moments
- This victory knocked England out of Champions Trophy contention
Player Spotlight:
- Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan): The 22-year-old opener played one of the greatest ODI innings in Afghanistan’s history. His unbeaten 177 was an exhibition of timing, placement, and temperament. He built crucial partnerships with Shahidi, Omarzai, and Nabi, rotating the strike efficiently while accelerating when needed.
- Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan): The true hero of the match with an exceptional all-round performance. After scoring a quickfire 41 to boost Afghanistan’s total, he returned with the ball to dismantle England’s chase with 5/58. His ability to break Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline partnerships at crucial moments proved decisive.
- Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan): The veteran showed his class yet again with a mature 40 off 48 balls, helping Zadran rebuild the innings after early wickets fell.
- Joe Root (England): The English maestro fought a lone battle with a brilliant 120 off 108 balls. He kept England’s hopes alive almost single-handedly, but lacked support from the other end. His dismissal triggered England’s final collapse.
- Jofra Archer (England): The fast bowler struck early with 3/64, giving England hope of restricting Afghanistan to a lower total, but the middle-order partnerships thwarted his efforts.
Head-to-Head Record Summary
Overall Record:
- Matches Played: 4
- England Wins: 2 (2012 T20, 2019 ODI)
- Afghanistan Wins: 2 (2023 ODI, 2025 ODI)
- Win Percentage: 50% each
Format-wise Breakdown:
- T20 Internationals: England 1-0
- One Day Internationals: Afghanistan 2-1
In ICC Tournaments:
- World T20: England 1-0
- Cricket World Cup: Afghanistan 1-1
- Champions Trophy: Afghanistan 1-0
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Key Players Throughout the Timeline
Afghanistan Cricket Team
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Wicketkeeper-Batsman)
- Age: 23 years (as of 2025)
- Role: Opening batsman, wicketkeeper
- Notable Performances: 80 vs England (2023 World Cup)
- Playing Style: Aggressive opener who likes to dominate from ball one
- Strengths: Power-hitting, fearless approach, excellent against pace
- Career Highlights: Multiple centuries in ODIs, consistent performer in T20s
- Partnership: Forms a deadly opening combination with Ibrahim Zadran
Ibrahim Zadran (Opening Batsman)
- Age: 22 years (as of 2025)
- Role: Opening batsman
- Notable Performances: 177* vs England (2025 Champions Trophy) – Highest Champions Trophy individual score
- Playing Style: Technically sound, patient accumulator who anchors innings
- Strengths: Timing, cover drives, building long innings
- Career Highlights: First Afghan to score 150+ in Champions Trophy
- Significance: Provides perfect balance to Gurbaz’s aggression
Rashid Khan (Leg-Spin Bowler, All-rounder)
- Age: 26 years (as of 2025)
- Role: Leg-spinner, lower-order batsman
- Notable Performances: 3/37 vs England (2023), 23 runs (2023)
- Playing Style: Aggressive leg-spinner with multiple variations
- Strengths: Googlies, quick through the air, economical
- Career Path: From 0/110 nightmare in 2019 to 3/37 redemption in 2023
- Global Impact: IPL star, BBL champion, played in leagues worldwide
- Leadership: Former Afghanistan captain, inspirational figure
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Captain, Batsman)
- Age: 30 years (as of 2025)
- Role: Middle-order batsman, captain
- Notable Performances: 76 vs England (2019), 40 vs England (2025)
- Playing Style: Solid technique, accumulator, calm under pressure
- Leadership: Led Afghanistan to historic victories over England and Pakistan
- Strengths: Rotating strike, building partnerships, tactical acumen
Azmatullah Omarzai (All-rounder)
- Age: 24 years (as of 2025)
- Role: Fast-medium bowler, middle-order batsman
- Notable Performances: 5/58 and 41 runs vs England (2025 Champions Trophy)
- Playing Style: Aggressive with bat, clever with ball
- Strengths: Can bowl in any phase, power-hitting ability
- Impact: Match-winner in crucial games
Mohammad Nabi (All-rounder)
- Age: 40 years (as of 2025)
- Role: Off-spinner, middle-order batsman
- Notable Performances: 2/16 vs England (2023), 40 vs England (2025)
- Experience: One of Afghanistan’s most experienced players
- Playing Style: Economical bowling, big-hitting batsman
- Legacy: Former captain, mentor to younger players
Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Off-Spin Bowler)
- Age: 24 years (as of 2025)
- Role: Off-spinner
- Notable Performances: 3/51 vs England (2023), 28 runs (2023)
- Playing Style: Mystery spinner with multiple variations
- Strengths: Bowling in powerplays, carrom balls
- Development: Started young, now a key bowler
Ikram Alikhil (Wicketkeeper-Batsman)
- Age: 24 years (as of 2025)
- Role: Wicketkeeper, middle-order batsman
- Notable Performances: 58 vs England (2023 World Cup)
- Playing Style: Counter-attacking batsman
- Impact: Crucial innings in pressure situations
Gulbadin Naib (All-rounder)
- Age: 33 years (as of 2025)
- Role: Medium-pace bowler, batsman
- Notable Performances: 44 vs England (2012), 3/68 vs England (2019)
- Experience: Played all matches against England
- Versatility: Can bat anywhere in the order
Fazalhaq Farooqi (Fast Bowler)
- Age: 24 years (as of 2025)
- Role: Left-arm fast bowler
- Strengths: Swing bowling, early breakthroughs
- Recent Form: Star performer in T20 World Cups
England Cricket Team
Eoin Morgan (Former Captain, Batsman)
- Notable Performance: 148 vs Afghanistan (2019) – 17 sixes (World Record)
- Legacy: Led England to 2019 World Cup victory
- Impact: Revolutionized England’s white-ball cricket
- Retirement: Retired in 2022 but remains influential
Joe Root (Batsman)
- Notable Performances: 88 vs Afghanistan (2019), 120 vs Afghanistan (2025)
- Role: Middle-order anchor, former Test captain
- Playing Style: Classical technique, versatile
- Status: One of England’s greatest ever batsmen
Jonny Bairstow (Wicketkeeper-Batsman)
- Notable Performance: 90 vs Afghanistan (2019)
- Role: Explosive opener/middle-order batsman
- Strengths: Power-hitting, aggressive intent
- Versatility: Can keep wickets and bat in any position
Jos Buttler (Captain, Wicketkeeper)
- Age: 34 years (as of 2025)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batsman, current England white-ball captain
- Playing Style: Innovative, 360-degree batsman
- Leadership: Captained England in 2023 and 2025 matches
- Strengths: Finishing matches, innovative shots
Harry Brook (Batsman)
- Age: 26 years (as of 2025)
- Notable Performance: 66 vs Afghanistan (2023)
- Role: Middle-order aggressor
- Playing Style: Modern attacking batsman
- Future: Considered England’s next big star
Jofra Archer (Fast Bowler)
- Notable Performances: 3/52 vs Afghanistan (2019), 3/64 vs Afghanistan (2025)
- Role: Express pace bowler
- Strengths: 90+ mph pace, yorkers, bouncers
- Impact: Match-winner on his day
Adil Rashid (Leg-Spin Bowler)
- Notable Performances: 3/42 vs Afghanistan (2023), 3/66 vs Afghanistan (2019)
- Role: Lead spinner
- Experience: England’s most successful ODI spinner
- Strengths: Googly, variations, economical
Mark Wood (Fast Bowler)
- Role: Express pace bowler
- Strengths: Raw pace (90+ mph), intimidating
- Notable Performance: 2/50 vs Afghanistan (2023)
Luke Wright (All-rounder)
- Notable Performance: 99* vs Afghanistan (2012)
- Status: Retired
- Legacy: One of England’s T20 pioneers
Stuart Broad (Fast Bowler)
- Notable Performance: 2/10 vs Afghanistan (2012)
- Status: Retired (2023)
- Legacy: One of England’s greatest Test bowlers
Memorable Moments
- Luke Wright’s 99 (2012):* Afghanistan’s first taste of England’s power
- Eoin Morgan’s 17 Sixes (2019): The most destructive ODI innings ever
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s Explosive 80 (2023): The spark that ignited Afghanistan’s historic win
- The Spin Trio Dominance (2023): Rashid, Mujeeb, and Nabi combining for 8 wickets
- Ibrahim Zadran’s Record 177 (2025):* Highest individual Champions Trophy score
- Azmatullah Omarzai’s Match-Winning 5-fer (2025): The performance that sealed victory
Statistical Comparison
Batting Records
- Highest Individual Score: Ibrahim Zadran – 177* (2025)
- Best Partnership: Gurbaz-Zadran – 114 runs (2023)
- Most Runs in Series: Ibrahim Zadran
- Best Strike Rate: Eoin Morgan – 208.45 (2019)
Bowling Records
- Best Bowling Figures: Azmatullah Omarzai – 5/58 (2025)
- Most Wickets: Rashid Khan, Adil Rashid – 3 wickets each
- Most Economical: Mohammad Nabi – 4.00 (2023)
- Most Expensive: Rashid Khan – 110 runs (2019)
Team Records
- Highest Team Total: England – 397/6 (2019)
- Lowest Team Total: Afghanistan – 80 (2012)
- Largest Victory Margin: England – 150 runs (2019)
- Closest Finish: Afghanistan – 8 runs (2025)
Afghanistan’s Cricket Evolution
2012 Era: The Beginning
- First major tournament appearance
- Learning from defeats
- Building experience
- Focus: Survival and participation
2019 Era: Growing Pains
- Established ODI presence
- Competitive but lacking experience
- Key players emerging
- Focus: Competing hard, occasional upsets
2023-2025 Era: Coming of Age
- Defeating major teams
- Historic victories
- Consistent performances
- Focus: Winning tournaments, semi-final pushes
Impact on World Cricket
Afghanistan’s rise has inspired cricket development in non-traditional nations. Their success against England symbolizes:
- Hope for emerging nations
- The power of passion over resources
- Cricket’s global expansion
- Inspiration for refugees and displaced communities
The Afghanistan vs England rivalry, though new, has produced some of cricket’s most memorable moments. From heavy defeats to stunning victories, Afghanistan has shown the cricket world that determination, skill, and heart can overcome any obstacle.
What’s Next?
As of 2025, Afghanistan continues to improve. Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline With a talented young core including Gurbaz, Zadran, Rashid Khan, and Omarzai, combined with experienced veterans like Nabi and Shahidi, Afghanistan is poised to become a consistent force in world cricket.
For England, these losses to Afghanistan serve as important reminders that in modern cricket, any team can beat any other on their day. The competition only makes the sport more exciting.
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Conclusion
The Afghanistan national cricket team vs England cricket team timeline is more than just a record of matches – it’s a story of dreams realized, barriers broken, and respect earned. From a 116-run defeat in 2012 to historic victories in 2023 and 2025, Afghanistan has traveled an incredible journey.
Every time these two teams meet, cricket fans witness something special: the marriage of English cricket tradition with Afghan cricket passion. The rivalry is young but already legendary, filled with record-breaking performances, stunning upsets, and unforgettable moments.
As Afghanistan continues to develop and England remains one of cricket’s powerhouses, future encounters promise even more excitement. This timeline will surely add many more thrilling chapters in the years to come.
