Introduction – Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline unfolds as an enthralling testament to cricket’s evolving narrative, where a determined rising force collides with an established powerhouse. Afghanistan has risen in world cricket with astonishing speed—transforming from an associate team to a full-member with strong performances on the global stage. In stark contrast, South Africa stands as a cricket powerhouse, rooted in decades of polished skills, relentless fast bowling, and resolute batting. When these two teams face each other, it’s a fascinating duel of growth versus legacy, raw energy against refined technique.
Their head-to-head encounters, though limited, have yielded momentous moments for both sides—be it historic firsts for Afghanistan or reaffirmations of dominance for South Africa. Through this full history and timeline of matches, each chapter reveals defining milestones, standout individuals, and evolving competitiveness. From Bilateral ODIs in Sharjah to high-stakes showdowns in global tournaments, this timeline chronicles not just results but a deepening rivalry that the cricket world watches with growing intrigue.
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head Overview
Here is the comprehensive head-to-head record across ODI, T20I, and Test formats:
| Format | Matches Played | Afghanistan Won | South Africa Won | No Result / Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
| T20I | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Test | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Afghanistan secured two historic ODI victories during their Bilateral Series in Sharjah in September 2024, while South Africa holds the upper hand overall in both formats played to date. No Tests have taken place between the two sides yet. myKhelESPN Cricinfo
Timeline of Matches (All Formats)
ODI Matches Timeline
Here is the complete chronological breakdown of each ODI match, with precise dates, venues, and detailed summaries:
- 15 June 2019 – ICC Cricket World Cup (Warm-up ODI)
- 10 November 2023 – ICC Cricket World Cup Group Stage
- Venue: Ahmedabad, India
- Result: South Africa won by 5 wickets, chasing 244, with a calm chase powered by well-constructed innings and efficient bowling from Afghanistan.
- 18 September 2024 – 1st ODI of Bilateral Series
- 20 September 2024 – 2nd ODI
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
- Result: Afghanistan delivered a statement win with a 177-run victory. Posting 311 for 4, thanks to Gurbaz’s 105 and Omarzai’s 86 not out, and then skittling South Africa for 134, lifted by Rashid Khan’s 5 for 19. ESPN CricinfoReuters
- 22 September 2024 – Final ODI of Series
- 21 February 2025 – Champions Trophy Group Stage
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi, Pakistan
- Result: South Africa thrashed Afghanistan by 107 runs, powered by Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI century (103) and combined support from Bavuma, van der Dussen, and Markram. Afghanistan mounted a spirited 90 from Rahmat Shah, but SA’s bowlers sealed the win. Reuters
ODI Timeline Summary:
- Total ODIs: 6
- Afghanistan wins: 2 (both in Sharjah, September 2024)
- South Africa wins: 4
T20I Matches Timeline
While fewer, these T20I matches were high-profile:
- 26 June 2024 – ICC T20 World Cup Semi-Final
To date, all T20I matches between the two have been claimed by South Africa. Afghanistan is still searching for their first T20I win against the Proteas.
Test Matches Timeline
At present, the AFG vs SA head-to-head in Test cricket has yet to commence—no Test encounters have taken place to date. Such a milestone remains on the horizon as Afghanistan grows its schedule.
Records and Stats
Here are the standout records and statistical highlights across their ODI rivalry:
Team Records (ODI)
- Afghanistan Highest Total vs SA: 311 for 4 (Sharjah, 20 September 2024) ReutersESPN Cricinfo
- South Africa Highest Total vs AFG: 315 for 6 (Karachi, 21 February 2025) Reuters
- Lowest Total Conceded in T20I: Afghanistan’s 56 all out (T20 World Cup semi-final, 2024) ReutersThe Times
Individual Batting Records (ODI)
- Most Runs – Afghanistan vs SA: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (219 runs across series) WikipediamyKhel
- Highest Individual Score – Afghanistan: 105 by Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Sharjah, 20 September 2024) ReutersESPN Cricinfo
- Highest Individual Score – South Africa: 103 by Ryan Rickelton (Karachi, 21 February 2025) Reuters
Individual Bowling Records (ODI)
- Most ODI Wickets – Afghanistan vs SA: Rashid Khan (series total, including a five-for) ReutersWikipedia
- Best ODI Bowling Figures – Afghanistan: 5 for 19 by Rashid Khan (Sharjah, 20 September 2024) Reuters
Records Summary Table
| Record Type | Afghanistan (AFG) | South Africa (SA) |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Team Score (ODI) | 311/4 (Sharjah, 2024) | 315/6 (Karachi, 2025) |
| Lowest Total Faced (T20I) | 56 all out (T20 WC Semi, 2024) | — |
| Most Runs Scored (Player) | Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 219 | Ryan Rickelton – 103 |
| Highest Individual Score | Gurbaz – 105 (Sharjah, 2024) | Rickelton – 103 (Karachi, 2025) |
| Most Wickets (Player) | Rashid Khan | — (Data not specified) |
| Best Bowling Figures (Single) | Rashid Khan – 5/19 (Sharjah, 2024) | — |
Memorable Encounters
Sharjah Series Upset (September 2024)
Against all expectations, Afghanistan scripted history by winning their first bilateral ODI series against South Africa in Sharjah. The unbeaten 6-wicket win in the opener was followed by a crushing 177-run victory in the second ODI — a dominant performance blending powerful batting and incisive bowling.
Champions Trophy Statement (February 2025)
South Africa responded emphatically in Karachi during the Champions Trophy, with Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI century steering them to a big win. Demonstrating depth and firepower, SA capitalized on experience to dismantle an optimistic Afghanistan.
Semi-Final Slam (T20 World Cup 2024)
In a high-stakes semi-final, South Africa showcased their brutal efficiency in T20 cricket by stopping Afghanistan cold—bowling them out for 56 and gliding to the win in dominant fashion, securing a spot in the World Cup final.
Upcoming Fixtures
As of now, no upcoming fixtures between Afghanistan and South Africa have been confirmed across ODI, T20I, or Test formats. The cricketing calendars of both nations remain open to future clashes—possibly through ICC events or bilateral exchanges, which fans around the world eagerly anticipate.
Conclusion
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline is an unfolding saga of cricketing ambition and formidable heritage. While South Africa’s experience and consistency have yielded wins across formats, Afghanistan’s rapid rise—particularly their ODI series win in Sharjah—signals a shift in the narrative. With players like Gurbaz, Rashid, and Rickelton leaving their mark, each match between these sides rewrites the expectations.
Though Test cricket remains untouched, and T20I dominance still lies with South Africa, the ODI rivalry promises enthralling chapters ahead. This timeline, rich with records, drama, and emerging stars, embodies the evolving spirit of international cricket—where new challengers stake their claim, the giants maintain their legacy, and fans bear witness to sport’s ever-compelling journey.
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