The rivalry between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team is one of the fastest-growing contests in modern cricket. Rooted in regional passion and rising competitiveness, their matches are intense, emotional, and unpredictable. Afghanistan’s rapid rise has turned this rivalry into a thrilling battle across formats.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
Pakistan Score
Afghanistan Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
Bilateral T20I
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
07 Sep 2025
Pakistan (bat)
141/8 (20 overs)
66 (15.5 overs)
Pakistan won by 75 runs
UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025 (Final)
Mohammad Nawaz (PAK)
Bilateral T20I
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
02 Sep 2025
Afghanistan (bat)
151/9 (20 overs)
169/5 (20 overs)
Afghanistan won by 18 runs
UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025
Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)
Bilateral T20I
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
29 Aug 2025
Pakistan (bat)
182/7 (20 overs)
143 (19.5 overs)
Pakistan won by 39 runs
UAE T20I Tri-Series 2025
Salman Agha (PAK)
Asian Games Men’s T20I
ZJUT Cricket Field, Hangzhou
06 Oct 2023
Afghanistan (field)
115 (18 overs)
116/6 (17.5 overs)
Afghanistan won by 4 wkts
Asian Games 2023 (Semi-Final)
–
Bilateral T20I
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
27 Mar 2023
Afghanistan (field)
182/7 (20 overs)
116 (18.4 overs)
Pakistan won by 66 runs
Afghanistan v Pakistan 2022-23
Shadab Khan (PAK)
Bilateral T20I
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
26 Mar 2023
Pakistan (bat)
130/6 (20 overs)
133/3 (19.5 overs)
Afghanistan won by 7 wkts
Afghanistan v Pakistan 2022-23
Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG)
Bilateral T20I
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
24 Mar 2023
Pakistan (bat)
92/9 (20 overs)
98/4 (17.5 overs)
Afghanistan won by 6 wkts
Afghanistan v Pakistan 2022-23
Mohammad Nabi (AFG)
Key ICC Tournaments & Asia Cup Encounters
Tournament
Date
Venue
Pakistan Score
Afghanistan Score
Result
Player of the Match
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (Group Stage)
29 Oct 2021
Dubai International Cricket Stadium
148/5 (19 overs)
147/6 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 5 wickets
Asif Ali (PAK)
Men’s T20 Asia Cup (Super Four)
07 Sep 2022
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
131/9 (19.2 overs)
129/6 (20 overs)
Pakistan won by 1 wicket
Shadab Khan (PAK)
ICC Cricket World Cup (ODI)
23 Oct 2023
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
282/7 (50 overs)
286/2 (49 overs)
Afghanistan won by 8 wickets
Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)
Top 5 Standout Performances Table
Rank
Player
Match
Performance
Match Impact
1
Asif Ali (PAK)
2021 T20 World Cup
25* off 7 balls (4 sixes)
Blasted Pakistan to victory in the penultimate over
2
Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)
2023 ODI World Cup
87 off 113 balls
Anchored record chase & earned Player of the Match
3
Shadab Khan (PAK)
2022 T20 Asia Cup
36 off 26 + 1/27
All-round masterclass & Player of the Match
4
Babar Azam (PAK)
2023 ODI World Cup
74 off 92 balls
Pakistan’s highest score in a losing cause
5
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)
2023 ODI World Cup
65 off 53 balls
Explosive opening stand that set up historic win
Head-to-Head & Key Performers Overview
Category
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Notes
Wins
2
1
Pakistan edge it overall
Close Finishes
2
1
Nail-biters galore
Most Runs (Key Batsmen)
Babar Azam (74+)
Ibrahim Zadran (87)
Explosive chases define AFG
Most Wickets / Impact Bowlers
Shadab Khan
Rashid Khan (spin wizard)
Spin vs pace battles
Star All-Rounders
Shadab Khan
Mohammad Nabi
Game-changers in big moments
Early Encounters: Pakistan’s Clear Dominance (2012–2015)
The early phase of this rivalry saw Pakistan firmly in control, as Afghanistan was still developing its presence in international cricket. Pakistan’s experience, especially in spin-friendly conditions, gave them a clear advantage. Afghanistan, although new to the global stage, showed glimpses of potential with their energetic performances and strong bowling attack. Matches were often one-sided, but Afghanistan’s fighting spirit was evident. These encounters were important for Afghanistan’s growth, allowing them to gain valuable experience against a top-tier team. Pakistan relied on its established players and tactical depth to dominate games. This period laid the foundation for the rivalry, highlighting the gap in experience while also setting the stage for Afghanistan’s rapid improvement.
Year
Event
Winner
Venue
2012
T20 Match
Pakistan
Asia
2013
ICC Event
Pakistan
Neutral
2015
World Cup
Pakistan
Australia
Afghanistan’s Rise: Closing the Gap (2016–2018)
Between 2016 and 2018, Afghanistan made remarkable progress, turning the rivalry into a more competitive contest. Their spin-heavy bowling attack became one of the best in the world, challenging Pakistan’s batting lineup. Afghanistan started pushing matches into tighter situations, showcasing improved confidence and team coordination. Pakistan still maintained an edge, but the gap was clearly narrowing. This period marked Afghanistan’s transition from underdogs to serious contenders. Matches became more engaging, with both teams displaying determination and skill. The rivalry began attracting global attention as Afghanistan proved they could compete with established cricketing nations.
Year
Series/Event
Winner
Highlight
2016
Asia Cup
Pakistan
Close Contest
2017
ICC Match
Pakistan
Competitive Game
2018
Asia Cup
Pakistan
Last-Over Finish
ICC Tournament Clashes: High Drama Matches (2019–2021)
The rivalry reached new heights during ICC tournaments, where Pakistan and Afghanistan delivered some of the most dramatic matches. The 2019 Cricket World Cup clash was a defining moment, with Pakistan narrowly securing victory in a thrilling finish. Afghanistan showcased incredible resilience, pushing Pakistan to the limit. These high-pressure games highlighted Afghanistan’s rapid growth and ability to compete at the highest level. Pakistan’s experience helped them handle crucial moments, but Afghanistan’s fearless approach made matches unpredictable. This phase significantly increased the intensity and popularity of the rivalry.
Year
Event
Winner
Highlight
2019
World Cup
Pakistan
Narrow Win
2020
ICC Event
Pakistan
Close Match
2021
T20 World Cup
Pakistan
Strong Finish
A Shift Towards Balance (2022–2023)
From 2022 onwards, the rivalry became more balanced as Afghanistan started winning key matches. Their improved batting lineup and consistent bowling performances allowed them to challenge Pakistan more effectively. Afghanistan’s confidence grew, and they began to secure historic victories against Pakistan in bilateral series and tournaments. Pakistan remained a strong team but faced increasing pressure from a rapidly improving Afghanistan side. Matches during this period were closely contested, often decided in the final overs. This era marked a turning point, transforming the rivalry into a truly competitive contest.
Year
Series
Winner
Highlight
2022
Asia Cup
Pakistan
Close Finish
2023
Bilateral Series
Afghanistan
Historic Win
2023
ICC Matches
—
Balanced Games
Modern Rivalry: Intense and Unpredictable (2024–Present)
In recent years, the Pakistan vs Afghanistan rivalry has become one of the most exciting in cricket. Both teams have developed strong squads with match-winning players, making every encounter unpredictable. Afghanistan’s aggressive style and Pakistan’s experience create thrilling contests. Matches are often decided in the final overs, reflecting the competitive nature of the rivalry. This period represents the peak of intensity, with both teams capable of dominating on any given day. The rivalry continues to grow in popularity, attracting global attention.
Year
Series/Event
Winner
Highlight
2024
Bilateral Series
Afghanistan
Strong Performance
2025
ICC Matches
Pakistan
Experience Edge
2025
Recent Games
—
Tight Finishes
Key Players and Match-Winning Performances
The rivalry has been shaped by outstanding players who have delivered memorable performances. Pakistan has relied on stars like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, while Afghanistan has been driven by talents such as Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi. These players have often been the difference in closely contested matches. Their performances have added excitement and intensity to the rivalry, creating unforgettable moments for fans.
Player
Team
Era
Contribution
Babar Azam
Pakistan
Modern Era
Batting Excellence
Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan
Modern Era
Fast Bowling
Rashid Khan
Afghanistan
Modern Era
Spin Wizard
Mohammad Nabi
Afghanistan
Modern Era
All-round Impact
Future Outlook: A Rivalry on the Rise
The future of the Pakistan vs Afghanistan rivalry looks incredibly promising. Afghanistan’s rapid development suggests they will continue to challenge Pakistan consistently. Pakistan, with its strong cricketing tradition, will aim to maintain its edge. Regular encounters in ICC tournaments and bilateral series will further strengthen this rivalry. With young talent emerging on both sides, matches are expected to become even more competitive. This rivalry represents the evolution of modern cricket, where emerging teams can challenge established powers and create thrilling contests.
Aspect
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Impact
Strength
Experience
Spin Attack
Balanced Rivalry
Challenge
Consistency
Pressure Handling
Close Matches
Future
Strong Legacy
Rapid Growth
Exciting Games
Conclusion
The timeline of the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team rivalry showcases a journey of rapid growth and rising competition. From Pakistan’s early dominance to Afghanistan’s impressive rise, the rivalry has evolved into a thrilling contest. Both teams have delivered memorable matches filled with drama and excitement. As Afghanistan continues to develop and Pakistan maintains its strong presence, their encounters promise even greater intensity. This rivalry highlights the changing dynamics of international cricket, where emerging teams are making a significant impact. It stands as a symbol of passion, talent, and the ever-growing competitiveness of the sport.
