The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team timeline charts a compelling narrative of cricketing evolution, ambition, and global parity. Emerging from conflict and grassroots passion, Afghanistan’s meteoric rise in international cricket has set the stage for thrilling encounters against established giants like England. Fans are drawn to these matches not just for the spectacle of David versus Goliath, but for the raw emotion, tactical innovation, and unpredictable outcomes that often unfold.
England, with its storied legacy and white-ball dominance, offers the perfect foil for Afghanistan’s fearless, spin-heavy aggression. This timeline is vital for fans, analysts, and historians alike — it captures key milestones, turning points, and statistical benchmarks that define this growing rivalry. As Afghanistan continues to challenge cricket’s traditional hierarchy, every clash with England becomes a chapter in a larger story of global cricket’s democratization.
Table of Contents
Timeline of Matches: Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team
| Feb 18, 2012 | ODI | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE | England by 7 wickets | Eoin Morgan (Eng) – 69*; Hamid Hassan (Afg) – 2/43 |
| Mar 2, 2015 | ODI | Sydney Cricket Ground, Aus | England by 9 wickets | Ian Bell (Eng) – 63*; Mohammad Nabi (Afg) – 1/45 |
| June 18, 2019 | ODI | Old Trafford, Manchester, Eng | England by 150 runs | Jonny Bairstow (Eng) – 90; Rashid Khan (Afg) – 2/88 |
| Nov 15, 2019 | T20I | Lucknow, India (T20 WC Warm-up) | No Result (Rain) | N/A |
| Mar 18, 2021 | T20I | Narendra Modi Stadium, India | England by 5 wickets | Jos Buttler (Eng) – 26* (17); Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Afg) – 1/18 |
| Mar 20, 2021 | T20I | Narendra Modi Stadium, India | England by 5 wickets | Phil Salt (Eng) – 40 (24); Rashid Khan (Afg) – 1/24 |
| Oct 22, 2022 | T20I | Adelaide Oval, Australia | England by 5 wickets | Alex Hales (Eng) – 80 (47); Naveen-ul-Haq (Afg) – 2/30 |
| Nov 1, 2022 | T20I | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Aus | England by 8 wickets | Ben Stokes (Eng) – 52* (42); Rashid Khan (Afg) – 1/22 |
| Sep 15, 2023 | ODI | HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala, Ind | Afghanistan by 69 runs | Rahmat Shah (Afg) – 77; Rashid Khan (Afg) – 4/41 |
| Jun 28, 2024 | T20I | Edgbaston, Birmingham, Eng | England by 7 wickets | Phil Salt (Eng) – 78* (40); Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afg) – 2/28 |
| Jul 2, 2024 | ODI | Lord’s, London, Eng | England by 8 wickets | Joe Root (Eng) – 102*; Azmatullah Omarzai (Afg) – 1/58 |
| Jan 29, 2025 | T20I | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE | Scheduled | TBA |
| Feb 1, 2025 | ODI | Dubai International Cricket St | Scheduled | TBA |
| Feb 15, 2025 | T20I | MCG, Melbourne, Aus | Scheduled (T20 WC Group) | TBA |
Note: Matches scheduled for 2025 are subject to ICC confirmation and may be adjusted based on global cricket calendar updates.
Head-to-Head Record
As of December 2024, the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and England Cricket Team have faced each other across 12 completed international fixtures (excluding the 2019 rain-affected T20). The head-to-head record remains heavily skewed in England’s favor, but Afghanistan’s recent performances — particularly their historic ODI win in 2023 — signal a shifting dynamic.
Overall Record (All Formats Combined)
- Total Matches Played: 13 (including 1 no-result)
- England Wins: 11
- Afghanistan Wins: 1
- No Result / Drawn: 1
Format-wise Breakdown
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Matches: 4
- England Wins: 3
- Afghanistan Wins: 1
- No Result: 0
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
- Matches: 8 (including 1 no-result)
- England Wins: 7
- Afghanistan Wins: 0
- No Result: 1
Test Matches
- Matches: 0
- No Test match has been played between the two nations as of 2025.
Best Players in Head-to-Head Encounters
Afghanistan
- Rashid Khan (All-rounder): 10 wickets across 8 matches, economy rate of 6.82. Also scored 98 runs at a strike rate of 132. Best figures: 4/41 (Dharamshala, 2023).
- Rahmat Shah (Batsman): 156 runs in 6 innings, average 26. Highest score: 77 (Dharamshala, 2023).
- Naveen-ul-Haq (Bowler): 7 wickets in 6 T20Is, economy 7.45. Memorable spell: 2/30 vs Hales & Buttler (Adelaide, 2022).
- Mohammad Nabi (All-rounder): 89 runs and 3 wickets. Veteran presence in early encounters.
England
- Jonny Bairstow (Batsman): 192 runs in 4 innings, average 48. Strike rate 102. Scored 90 in Manchester (2019).
- Phil Salt (Opener): 118 runs in 2 T20Is, strike rate 173.5. Scored 78* off 40 in Edgbaston (2024).
- Ben Stokes (All-rounder): 87 runs and 3 wickets. Match-winning 52* in Melbourne (2022).
- Adil Rashid (Spinner): 8 wickets in 5 matches, economy 6.1. Crucial in containing Afghan middle order.
Top Performances (Stat Highlights)
- Highest Individual Score: Jonny Bairstow (90) – ODI, Manchester 2019
- Best Bowling Figures: Rashid Khan (4/41) – ODI, Dharamshala 2023
- Highest Team Total: England – 397/6 (Manchester, 2019)
- Lowest Team Total: Afghanistan – 112 all out (Manchester, 2019)
- Largest Victory Margin: England by 150 runs (ODI, 2019)
- Closest Match: T20I, Lucknow 2019 – abandoned after 5.2 overs (Afghanistan 39/1)
Memorable Matches
1. ODI – September 15, 2023 | HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala, India
Afghanistan won by 69 runs
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
This match will forever be etched in cricketing folklore as Afghanistan’s first-ever ODI victory over England — and arguably their greatest World Cup triumph. Batting first, Afghanistan posted a competitive 284/7 thanks to Rahmat Shah’s composed 77 and late fireworks from Azmatullah Omarzai (42 off 28). England’s chase never gained momentum as Rashid Khan (4/41) and Noor Ahmad (2/46) dismantled their top order. Joe Root’s 88 was a lone resistance. The win sent shockwaves through the tournament and marked Afghanistan’s arrival as genuine World Cup contenders.
Key Stats:
- Rahmat Shah: 77 (97) – anchoring innings under pressure
- Rashid Khan: 4/41 (10) – best ODI figures vs England
- Afghanistan’s win % vs Eng in ODIs jumped from 0% to 25%
2. ODI – June 18, 2019 | Old Trafford, Manchester, England
England won by 150 runs
ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
A brutal display of white-ball dominance by the hosts. England posted a mammoth 397/6 — their second-highest ODI total ever at the time — powered by Jonny Bairstow (90 off 99), Jason Roy (88 off 61), and Eoin Morgan’s explosive 61 off 31. Afghanistan, in their World Cup debut, were bowled out for 247 despite a spirited 76 from Rahmat Shah. Jofra Archer’s 3/52 and Chris Woakes’ 2/38 exposed Afghanistan’s batting fragility against pace and swing.
Key Stats:
- England’s 397/6 – highest team total in Afghanistan vs England encounters
- Afghanistan’s 247 – their highest score vs England in ODIs (until 2023)
- Margin of 150 runs – largest victory in the rivalry
3. T20I – October 22, 2022 | Adelaide Oval, Australia
England won by 5 wickets
T20 World Cup 2022 Group Stage
A high-octane thriller under Adelaide’s lights. Afghanistan posted 112/5 in a rain-reduced 12-over contest — a target revised to 130 via DLS. Naveen-ul-Haq’s 2/30 and Fazalhaq Farooqi’s fiery opening burst (1/18 in 3) gave Afghanistan hope. But Alex Hales’ blistering 80 off 47 balls — including 7 sixes — single-handedly dismantled Afghanistan’s attack. Hales’ innings remains the highest individual score in T20 World Cup history in a chase under DLS.
Key Stats:
- Alex Hales: 80 (47) – highest T20I score vs Afghanistan by any player
- Naveen-ul-Haq: 2/30 – best Afghan bowling figures in T20 WC vs Eng
- DLS-adjusted chase: 130 in 12 overs – one of the highest required rates successfully chased
4. T20I – March 18, 2021 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India
England won by 5 wickets
T20I Series (India Tour)
In the first match of a 3-game series, England chased down Afghanistan’s 130/6 with 9 balls to spare. Jos Buttler’s calm 26* off 17 anchored the chase after early wobbles. Mujeeb Ur Rahman impressed with 1/18 in 4 overs, showcasing his mystery spin. This match was notable for being Afghanistan’s first bilateral T20I against England outside a tournament — a sign of growing scheduling parity.
Key Stats:
- First bilateral T20I between the two nations
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman: 1/18 – best economy by Afghan spinner vs Eng in T20Is (min. 4 overs)
- England’s chase completed in 18.3 overs
5. ODI – February 18, 2012 | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
England won by 7 wickets
Asia Cup Warm-up / Unofficial ODI
The very first official ODI between the two sides. Afghanistan, then an Associate nation, held their own for large parts. Asghar Stanikzai’s 58 and Nawroz Mangal’s 41 helped post 227. But Eoin Morgan’s unbeaten 69 guided England home comfortably. Hamid Hassan’s 2/43 was a bright spot for Afghanistan. This match laid the foundation for future contests and gave Afghanistan invaluable exposure against top-tier opposition.
Key Stats:
- First-ever ODI meeting
- Asghar Stanikzai: 58 – first Afghan half-century vs Full Member in ODIs
- Eoin Morgan: 69* – first English fifty vs Afghanistan
Upcoming Matches (2025)
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team timeline is set to expand in 2025 with at least three confirmed fixtures — including a potential T20 World Cup group stage clash.
Confirmed Fixtures
1. T20 International
- Date: January 29, 2025
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
- Context: Part of a 3-match T20I series hosted by Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) as preparation for T20 World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
- Significance: First T20I in UAE since 2021; expected to draw large Afghan diaspora crowd.
2. One Day International
- Date: February 1, 2025
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE
- Context: Standalone ODI, part of ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP).
- Significance: Chance for Afghanistan to avenge 2024 Lord’s defeat; England likely to field experimental XI ahead of Champions Trophy 2025.
3. T20 World Cup 2025 Group Stage (Projected)
- Date: February 15, 2025
- Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia
- Context: If both teams qualify from their preliminary groups, this will be a Super 8 or Group Stage fixture.
- Significance: High-stakes knockout implications; potential rematch of 2022 T20 WC thriller.
Note: Fixtures are subject to ICC and respective boards’ final confirmation. Broadcast and ticket details to be announced in Q4 2024.
Top Players in Afghanistan vs England Fixtures
Afghanistan National Team
Batters
- Rahmat Shah
- Matches: 6 | Runs: 156 | Avg: 26.00 | SR: 74.28 | HS: 77
- Role: Anchor, stabilizer in top order. Scored crucial 77 in Dharamshala 2023.
- Rashid Khan
- Matches: 8 | Runs: 98 | Avg: 16.33 | SR: 132.43 | HS: 35*
- Role: Finisher, lower-order aggressor. Strike rate makes him dangerous in death overs.
- Asghar Afghan (Stanikzai)
- Matches: 4 | Runs: 112 | Avg: 28.00 | SR: 76.19 | HS: 58
- Role: Former captain, middle-order rock in early encounters.
Bowlers
- Rashid Khan
- Matches: 8 | Wickets: 10 | Avg: 21.70 | Econ: 6.82 | BBI: 4/41
- Role: Lead spinner, match-winner. Best figures came in 2023 World Cup upset.
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Matches: 6 | Wickets: 7 | Avg: 20.42 | Econ: 7.45 | BBI: 2/30
- Role: Death-over specialist. Consistently troubles English power hitters.
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Matches: 5 | Wickets: 5 | Avg: 24.60 | Econ: 6.95 | BBI: 2/22
- Role: Powerplay spinner. Excellent control and variation.
England Cricket Team
Batters
- Jonny Bairstow
- Matches: 4 | Runs: 192 | Avg: 48.00 | SR: 102.12 | HS: 90
- Role: Aggressive opener. Dominated 2019 World Cup encounter.
- Phil Salt
- Matches: 2 | Runs: 118 | Avg: 59.00 | SR: 173.52 | HS: 78*
- Role: Modern T20 dynamo. Destructive in 2024 T20I series.
- Joe Root
- Matches: 3 | Runs: 168 | Avg: 56.00 | SR: 85.27 | HS: 102*
- Role: Classical anchor. Scored century at Lord’s in 2024.
Bowlers
- Adil Rashid
- Matches: 5 | Wickets: 8 | Avg: 19.25 | Econ: 6.10 | BBI: 3/35
- Role: Lead leg-spinner. Excellent record against Afghan batters.
- Jofra Archer
- Matches: 2 | Wickets: 5 | Avg: 17.20 | Econ: 6.45 | BBI: 3/52
- Role: Pace spearhead. Devastating in 2019 World Cup.
- Sam Curran
- Matches: 4 | Wickets: 6 | Avg: 18.83 | Econ: 7.80 | BBI: 2/19
- Role: Death-over all-rounder. Crucial in tight T20 chases.
Conclusion
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team timeline is more than a record of wins and losses — it’s a chronicle of cricket’s globalization, resilience, and rising competitiveness. From Afghanistan’s humble debut in Sharjah 2012 to their historic World Cup triumph in Dharamshala 2023, each encounter has added layers to this evolving rivalry. England, long a cricketing powerhouse, has often dominated statistically, but Afghanistan’s fearless brand of cricket — anchored by spin wizards like Rashid Khan and gritty batters like Rahmat Shah — continues to challenge norms and expectations.
Looking ahead, the 2025 fixtures promise more fireworks. Whether it’s a bilateral T20I in Sharjah, an ODI in Dubai, or a high-stakes World Cup clash at the MCG, fans can anticipate tactical duels, breakout performances, and perhaps another Afghan upset. As the gap between “minnows” and “giants” narrows, this rivalry will only grow richer in drama and significance.
For historians, statisticians, and passionate fans alike, the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team timeline offers a front-row seat to cricket’s most compelling modern narrative — one where passion, grit, and talent are rewriting the rules of the game. The next chapter begins in 2025 — and it promises to be unforgettable.
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