Hey there, cricket fans! If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing quite like diving into the rich history of two teams battling it out on the pitch. Today, we’re talking about the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline—a matchup that’s packed with underdog stories, nail-biting finishes, and moments that make you jump out of your seat. Whether you’re a die-hard follower who’s been watching since the early days or just someone curious about how these two sides stack up, this timeline will take you through every key encounter. We’ll keep it simple, fun, and easy to follow, like chatting over a cup of tea during a rain delay.
Cricket has a way of bringing people together, right? Afghanistan’s journey from refugee camps to the world stage is nothing short of inspiring, while New Zealand’s Black Caps have always been that steady, no-nonsense team that punches above their weight. Their head-to-head timeline isn’t super long yet—only about eight official international matches so far—but each one tells a story of growth, grit, and glory. From heartwarming World Cup debuts to shocking upsets, let’s rewind the clock and relive it all. Grab your popcorn (or samosas), and let’s get started!
The Early Days: Setting the Stage for a Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry
Before we jump into the matches, a quick backstory. Afghanistan didn’t play their first official international cricket match until 2003, and they earned full ICC membership in 2017. New Zealand, on the other hand, has been a Test nation since 1930, known for their all-rounders and that famous fighting spirit. Their paths didn’t cross much early on because Afghanistan was climbing the ranks through Associates tournaments, while the Kiwis were busy in the big leagues.
The first time these two teams met in a meaningful way? It was in the 2015 ODI World Cup. Afghanistan had just qualified for their maiden World Cup, a huge deal for a nation where cricket was often played in makeshift setups amid tough times. New Zealand, co-hosting the tournament, were favorites to go far. That set the tone for a rivalry where the underdogs would occasionally roar.
2015: The Debut Clash – ODI World Cup Warm-Up Vibes Turn Real
Our timeline kicks off on January 22, 2015, at McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand. This was Match 21 of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, Pool A. Afghanistan, led by captain Asghar Afghan, walked into a ground buzzing with Kiwi pride. New Zealand, under Brendon McCullum’s explosive leadership, were unbeaten and hungry.
Afghanistan batted first and put up 186 all out in 50 overs. It wasn’t a massive total, but openers Mohammad Shahzad and Noor Ali Zadran gave them a solid start with a 70-run partnership. Shahzad smashed 23 off 21 balls—aggressive stuff that hinted at Afghanistan’s fearless style. New Zealand’s bowlers, including Corey Anderson and Daniel Vettori, chipped away steadily. Matt Henry grabbed 3 for 40, keeping things tight.
Chasing 187, the Black Caps wobbled early. Trent Boult’s fiery opening spell had them at 44 for 3. But enter Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor. Guptill anchored with 57, while Taylor’s unbeaten 24 steered them home in 36.1 overs by 6 wickets. It was a comfortable win, but Afghanistan’s fight earned respect. They nearly defended that low total, taking it down to the wire. For many Afghan fans, this was their “welcome to the big time” moment.
This match showed cricket’s magic: a young team holding their own against established pros. Fun fact: Shahzad’s helmet cam footage from this game went viral, giving fans a front-row seat to the action!
2019: Building Momentum – Another World Cup Thriller
Fast forward to the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in England. On June 8, at County Ground in Taunton, Match 21 pitted these sides again. Afghanistan, now with more experience, were still finding their feet. Gulbadin Naib captained, and they aimed to upset the apple cart. New Zealand, chasing a semi-final spot, relied on Kane Williamson’s cool head.
Batting first, Afghanistan struggled to 173 all out in 42.2 overs. Rahmat Shah top-scored with 41, but New Zealand’s seam attack—led by Lockie Ferguson (3/29)—was relentless. The pitch offered bounce, and the Kiwis exploited it.
In reply, New Zealand lost early wickets but Williamson’s masterful 79 not out off 99 balls guided them to victory in just 32.1 overs, losing 3 wickets. It was clinical, but Afghanistan’s bowlers like Rashid Khan (1/46) troubled them. This win extended New Zealand’s dominance, but whispers of Afghanistan’s potential grew louder. They were learning, adapting, and dreaming big.
Off the field, this match highlighted cricket’s global reach. Afghan refugees in the UK turned up in droves, waving flags and chanting. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love the game—it’s more than runs and wickets; it’s hope.
2021: The T20 Twist – Super 12 Showdown
T20 cricket changes everything—fast, furious, and full of surprises. Enter November 7, 2021, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Match 40 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 12 stage. New Zealand, powered by Daryl Mitchell and Jimmy Neesham, faced an Afghanistan side brimming with spin wizards like Rashid Khan.
Afghanistan chose to field and struck early. But New Zealand’s batting depth shone. They posted 176 for 3 in 20 overs, with Mitchell’s blistering 72 off 47 balls stealing the show. Martin Guptill added 45, and the total looked daunting.
Chasing, Afghanistan started strong with Mohammad Shahzad’s 22, but collapsed to 119 all out in 17.2 overs. Ish Sodhi’s 4 for 20 dismantled them. New Zealand won by 8 wickets with 28 balls to spare—a statement victory that kept their semi-final hopes alive.
This was T20 at its best: explosive starts, middle-order drama, and a finish that left fans breathless. For Afghanistan, it was a tough lesson in closing out chases, but Rashid’s economy of 5.75 showed their bowling threat. Little did we know, this was just the appetizer for bigger upsets to come.
2023: World Cup Heartbreak – A One-Sided Affair
The 2023 ODI World Cup in India brought Match 21 on October 18 at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. New Zealand, unbeaten till then, faced an Afghanistan team that had stunned England earlier. Hashmatullah Shahidi captained the Afghans, while Williamson led the Kiwis.
Afghanistan bowled first after winning the toss—no, wait, they elected to field. New Zealand racked up 288 for 6 in 50 overs. Rachin Ravindra’s elegant 97 and Daryl Mitchell’s 41 formed a crucial stand. Afghan spinners Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan kept it under control, but the total was steep.
In reply, Afghanistan crumbled to 139 all out in 34 overs. Rachin Ravindra (2/22) and James Neesham starred with the ball. New Zealand won by 149 runs—a massive margin that highlighted their all-round prowess.
Though it was a low point for Afghanistan, their World Cup campaign overall was legendary—they beat England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka! This loss stung, but it fueled their fire for shorter formats.
2024: The Game-Changer – T20 World Cup Upset of the Year
Hold onto your hats because June 7, 2024, at Providence Stadium in Guyana, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group C, Match 14, changed everything. Afghanistan, riding high after beating Uganda, met a New Zealand side delayed by a flight fiasco. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz opened for the Afghans.
Batting first, Afghanistan posted 159 for 7 in 20 overs. Gurbaz’s fiery 80 off 56 balls, including a six that soared into the stands, set the tone. Azmatullah Omarzai added 22, while New Zealand’s Trent Boult (2/14) fought back.
Chasing, disaster struck the Black Caps. Fazalhaq Farooqi’s 4 for 17 and Rashid Khan’s 4 for 17 triggered a collapse. New Zealand were bundled out for 75 in 15.2 overs—their lowest T20 World Cup total. Afghanistan won by 84 runs, their first-ever victory over the Kiwis in any format!
Social media exploded! “Rashid Khan is a wizard,” trended worldwide. This win propelled Afghanistan to the Super 8s and marked them as dark horses. For New Zealand, it was a wake-up call—their first loss to a non-top-8 nation in World Cups. Pure cricket joy!
September 2024: The Rain-Soaked Test That Never Was
Tests are cricket’s purest form, right? So, imagine the buzz for the first-ever Test between these teams, from September 9-13, 2024, at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida, India. Afghanistan hosted (due to home ground issues), with Hashmatullah Shahidi captaining against Tim Southee’s New Zealand.
But Mother Nature had other plans. Day 1 was washed out due to a wet outfield. Day 2? More rain, despite sunny spells. By Day 3, hope faded, and Day 4 confirmed the nightmare. The entire match was abandoned without a ball bowled—the eighth in Test history and the first since 1998!
Afghan coach Jonathan Trott called it a “learning case” on drainage. New Zealand’s Gary Stead expressed disappointment. Fans were gutted—no Kane Williamson vs. Rashid showdown. It added a quirky chapter to our timeline, showing cricket’s unpredictability.
February 2025: Warm-Up Drama – Champions Trophy Prep
Our most recent entry: February 16, 2025, a warm-up ODI for the ICC Champions Trophy at National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan. Afghanistan batted first, smashing 305 for 9 in 50 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s brilliant 110 off 107 balls, with Sediqullah Atal’s 52, powered them. New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner took 2 for 34.
Chasing 306, the Kiwis edged it by 2 wickets in 47.5 overs. Devon Conway’s 66 and Mark Chapman’s 47 kept them alive, despite Rashid Khan’s 2 for 33. It was a thriller, prepping both for the main event.
This match reminded us: even in warm-ups, these teams bring the heat!
Head-to-Head Stats: By the Numbers
Let’s break it down simply. In 5 ODIs (including the 2025 warm-up), New Zealand leads 4-1. Afghanistan’s lone ODI win? Not yet, but they’re close. In T20Is, it’s 1-1 after that 2024 stunner. Overall internationals: NZ 5 wins, AFG 1, 1 no result (the Test).
| Format | Matches | AFG Wins | NZ Wins | No Result/Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 5 | 0 | 4 | 1 (warm-up close) |
| T20Is | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tests | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 8 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
Key performers? Rashid Khan has 12 wickets in 5 games at 12.5 economy. For NZ, Rachin Ravindra shines with bat and ball. These stats evolve, but they show a tightening contest.
What Makes This Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry Special?
Beyond scores, this timeline is about resilience. Afghanistan’s rise—beating England in 2023, that T20 upset—mirrors New Zealand’s underdog ethos (remember their 2019 final run?). Stars like Rashid and Gurbaz vs. Williamson and Boult create fireworks. Challenges? Security for Afghanistan, travel woes for NZ. Yet, every match unites fans globally.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline?
With the 2025 Champions Trophy looming, expect more clashes. A rematch Test? Fingers crossed for dry weather! As Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline grooms young talent, this rivalry will only heat up. Who knows—maybe an Afghan series win down the line.
