India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline

Hey there, cricket fans! Imagine a game where one team is a global giant, packed with stars and trophies, and the other is a young underdog rising from the dust with nothing but passion and talent. That’s the story of India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline. The Indian team, with its blue jerseys and billions of supporters, has been a powerhouse since the 1930s. But Afghanistan? They’ve only been playing international cricket since the early 2000s, turning heads with their spin wizards and fearless batting. Their timeline isn’t long—starting from 2010—but it’s packed with drama, close calls, and moments that make you jump off your seat.

In this article, we’ll walk through every key clash between these two sides, from that first awkward handshake in a World Cup to nail-biting super overs. I’ll keep it simple, like chatting over a cup of chai, so whether you’re a kid discovering cricket or a grandparent reliving old glories, you’ll get it. We’ll dive into the history, spotlight unforgettable matches, and even break down the stats in a handy table. By the end, you’ll see why this rivalry isn’t just about wins—it’s about inspiration. Let’s bat this story along!

The Early Days: How Two Worlds Collided in Cricket

Cricket in India is like religion—think packed stadiums, street games, and legends like Sachin Tendulkar. The Indian team has won World Cups, dominated Tests, and built an empire. Afghanistan’s tale is different. In a country scarred by conflict, cricket became a lifeline in refugee camps. Players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi picked up the bat amid chaos, dreaming big. The Afghanistan Cricket Board got ICC associate status in 2001, but full membership—and real dreams against giants like India—came in 2017.

Their first official meeting? Not in a bilateral series, but in the heat of the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies. It was like a village kid facing a city bully. India, led by the cool MS Dhoni, won easily by 7 wickets. Afghanistan scored 115, and India chased it down with overs to spare. Yuvraj Singh smashed 18 off 7 balls, but it was a gentle intro. No bad blood, just respect. Little did anyone know, this was the start of something special.

From there, encounters were rare—mostly in big tournaments like Asia Cups and World Cups. India trained Afghan players, shared facilities, and cheered their rise. By 2018, Afghanistan earned Test status, and guess who hosted their debut? India, of course. It was a full-circle moment: the mentor facing the protégé in the longest format. India won by an innings and 262 runs in Bengaluru, but Afghanistan hung in for two days. Prithvi Shaw’s 134 lit up the park, while Rashid Khan’s 4 wickets showed Afghan fight. It wasn’t pretty for the visitors, but it was progress.

These early games set the tone: India dominant, Afghanistan learning fast. But as the 2010s rolled on, the Afghans started spinning webs that even Indian batsmen dreaded. Enter the era of thrillers.

The Thrilling 2010s: Ties, Hat-Tricks, and Near-Misses

The 2010s were when India vs Afghanistan went from polite handshakes to edge-of-your-seat epics. Afghanistan qualified for the 2015 ODI World Cup but didn’t meet India there. Their paths crossed properly in 2018, during the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi. What a game! Afghanistan batted first, posting 252/8 with Gulbadin Naib’s gritty 75. India, chasing, wobbled at 223/7—thanks to Rashid Khan’s 3/30 and Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s mystery spin. But the match ended in a tie, no Super Over needed in the Super Four stage. It was a moral win for Afghanistan; they had pushed the giants to the brink.

Fast-forward to the 2019 ODI World Cup in England. Southampton, June 22. Rain had played spoilsport earlier, but this sunny day delivered drama. India batted first, scraping 224/8—Virat Kohli’s 67 the top score, with Mohammad Nabi snaring 4/30. Afghanistan needed 225 to stun the world. They cruised at one point, with Nabi unbeaten on 52 and Najibullah Zadran’s 43. But then, Mohammed Shami happened. In the last over, he took a hat-trick—clean-bowling Karim Janat, Aftab Alam, and Rashid Khan. India won by 11 runs. Shami’s heroics became legend; for Afghanistan, it was “so close, yet so far.” That hat-trick was the first in World Cup history since 2007.

The decade closed with the 2020 Asia Cup delay due to COVID, but the stage was set. Afghanistan had won hearts, and India had a newfound respect. These matches weren’t just results; they were stories of resilience. Imagine young Afghan boys in Kabul watching Shami’s yorkers, vowing to bowl faster next time.

The 2020s: Super Overs, Records, and Rising Stars

Entering the 2020s, the rivalry exploded with more meetings. The 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE saw India win by 66 runs in Abu Dhabi. India posted 210/2—Rohit Sharma’s 74 off 24 balls was fireworks. Afghanistan managed 144/10, but Rashid’s 2/16 showed class. It was a statement: India unstoppable in T20s.

Then, the 2022 Asia Cup in Dubai. Another T20 thriller! India scored 212/2, powered by KL Rahul’s unbeaten 111. Afghanistan chased hard but fell to 111 all out in 17.5 overs—Deepak Hooda’s 4/20 and Umran Malik’s pace did the trick. India won by 101 runs, but Afghanistan’s fight was evident.

2023 brought the ODI World Cup in India. On October 11 in Delhi, it was a mismatch. Afghanistan batted bravely for 272/8—Ibrahim Zadran’s 72 and Rahmat Shah’s 62 shone. But India chased 273/2 in 35 overs. Virat Kohli (not out 55) and Shubman Gill (not out 95) cruised to an 8-wicket win. Rohit Sharma’s 131 earlier in the tournament broke records, but this game highlighted India’s batting depth.

The real fireworks? Early 2024, Afghanistan touring India for three T20Is. First in Mohali (Jan 11): Afghanistan 158/5, India 159/4 in 17.3 overs—6-wicket win, Shivam Dube’s 63* key. Indore (Jan 14): Afghanistan 172 all out, India 173/4 in 15.4—another 6-wicket romp, Axar Patel’s 3/23 starring. Bengaluru (Jan 17): Epic! India 212/4 (Rohit 121* off 69), Afghanistan tied with 212/6 (Urvil Patel? Wait, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 50). First Super Over: Tied. Second: India won via Ravi Bishnoi’s bowling. Rohit’s fifth T20I ton made history; it was the longest T20I ever.

By mid-2024, the T20 World Cup in the Americas saw India beat Afghanistan by 47 runs in Barbados. India 181/8, Afghanistan 134/10—Suryakumar Yadav’s 53 and Bumrah’s 3/7 sealed it. Afghanistan’s journey continued, but India’s grip held.

These 2020s games show evolution. Afghanistan’s bowlers like Rashid (over 100 T20I wickets by 2025) challenge India, while Indian finishers like Rinku Singh steal shows. It’s not lopsided anymore—it’s competitive.

Key Stats and Records: Who Holds the Edge?

Numbers tell tales. India leads 13-0 in T20Is, 4-0 in ODIs (one tie), and 1-0 in Tests. Overall, India 18 wins, Afghanistan 0, with 1 tie. Highest ODI score: India’s 273/2 (2023 WC). Afghanistan’s best: 272/8 same game. In T20s, Rohit Sharma’s 121* vs 212 tie is iconic.

Here’s a full table of their timeline—every official international match, sorted chronologically. Easy to scan, right?

This table captures the essence—India’s consistency, Afghanistan’s grit. Fun fact: No Afghanistan win yet, but their averages are climbing. Rashid Khan leads Afghan wickets (15 in these games), while Rohit tops Indian runs (over 400).

Memorable Moments: The Heartbeats of the India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry

Let’s zoom in on the magic. That 2019 hat-trick? Shami’s last three balls: bowled, bowled, caught. The crowd erupted; Afghanistan’s dream shattered, but their heads high. Rohit Sharma’s 121* in Bengaluru 2024? A masterclass—pulls, lofts, and a retirement to let Rinku finish. The super overs? First tied (16-16), second India edged 12-11. Ravi Bishnoi’s googly sealed it. Heart-stopping!

Afghanistan’s stars shine too. In 2023 WC, Zadran’s 72 nearly pulled off an upset. Nabi’s all-round heroics in 2019—batting anchor, bowling threat. These moments aren’t just stats; they’re why cricket unites nations.

The Bigger Picture: Friendship Beyond the Boundary

This timeline isn’t one-sided—it’s a bromance. India helped build Afghan pitches, coached their youth. BCCI’s support turned refugees into role models. By 2025, with Afghanistan eyeing top T20 ranks, expect more bilaterals. Maybe a Test series? Who knows.

For kids: Watch Rashid spin—it’s magic! For elders: Remember, every giant started small. Cricket teaches that.

Wrapping Up: What’s Next in This Epic India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline?

From 2010’s gentle start to 2024’s super over saga, India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline is cricket’s underdog fairy tale. India holds 18 wins, but Afghanistan’s zero hides their fire. As we hit 2025, with Asia Cups and World Cups looming, expect more twists. Will Rashid trap Rohit? Will Gurbaz smash a ton? Grab your popcorn—this timeline’s just heating up.