Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Matches: Head-to-Head Record and History

The Afghanistan national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team matches rivalry has become one of the most compelling contests in Asian cricket. What began with Pakistan’s dominance has developed into a competitive matchup, particularly in T20 International cricket, where Afghanistan have recorded several memorable victories.

Pakistan have traditionally held the advantage through their experienced batting lineup, fast bowlers and versatile spin attack. Afghanistan, meanwhile, have built a reputation for producing exceptional spinners, aggressive batters and disciplined performances in limited-overs cricket.

The rivalry gained worldwide attention when Afghanistan defeated Pakistan for the first time in ODI cricket during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Their T20I encounters have also produced dramatic finishes, including Afghanistan’s victory in the 2023 T20I series and Pakistan’s emphatic win in the 2025 tri-series final.

Afghanistan vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record

Afghanistan and Pakistan have competed against each other in men’s ODI and T20I cricket. They have not played an official men’s Test match against each other.

The following table summarizes their international head-to-head record through September 2025.

Pakistan lead the overall record with 13 wins from 18 international matches. Afghanistan have five victories, including one historic ODI win and four T20I wins.

Although Pakistan remain ahead overall, Afghanistan’s results in the shortest format demonstrate that the rivalry has become increasingly competitive. Their spin attack and improved batting depth have made them difficult opponents for Pakistan in T20 cricket.

History of Afghanistan vs Pakistan Cricket Matches

The Afghanistan-Pakistan cricket rivalry reflects the development of Afghan cricket over the past two decades. Pakistan’s domestic cricket environment and facilities played a role in the early development of several Afghan players, and the two countries share a long cricketing connection.

Their first official men’s ODI took place on February 10, 2012, in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Pakistan won the match by seven wickets, beginning a period of ODI dominance.

The teams played their first T20I on December 8, 2013, also in Sharjah. Pakistan won that encounter by six wickets.

For several years, Pakistan won most of their meetings across formats. Afghanistan gradually improved, particularly in T20 cricket, with experienced spinners and aggressive middle-order batters becoming important contributors.

The 2023 Cricket World Cup marked a turning point when Afghanistan defeated Pakistan in an ODI for the first time. Subsequent T20I victories further established Afghanistan as a serious competitor.

Afghanistan vs Pakistan ODI Match History

Pakistan have won seven of the eight official ODIs between the teams, while Afghanistan have one victory. Despite the difference in the overall record, Afghanistan’s historic World Cup win remains one of the defining moments of the rivalry.

First ODI: February 10, 2012

The first ODI between Afghanistan and Pakistan was played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan controlled the chase and secured a comfortable victory. Shahid Afridi’s bowling performance helped restrict Afghanistan, while Pakistan’s batters completed the target without significant difficulty.

The match marked the beginning of official ODI competition between the two national teams.

Afghanistan’s Historic ODI Win in the 2023 World Cup

On October 23, 2023, Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

Pakistan batted first and posted 282/7 in 50 overs. Afghanistan responded with a confident chase, reaching 286/2 in 49 overs.

Ibrahim Zadran scored 87, while Rahmat Shah remained unbeaten on 77. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi also contributed an unbeaten 48, helping Afghanistan complete the chase with six balls remaining.

The victory was historic because it was Afghanistan’s first ODI win over Pakistan. It also demonstrated how far Afghanistan had progressed as an international cricket team.

Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I Match Record

T20 cricket has produced the most competitive results in this rivalry. Pakistan lead the T20I head-to-head record by six wins to four, but Afghanistan have demonstrated that they can defeat Pakistan in high-pressure encounters.

Their first T20I was played in December 2013, when Pakistan won by six wickets. Pakistan initially maintained a strong record, but Afghanistan began securing more victories as their international T20 setup developed.

The 2023 T20I series in Sharjah was a major milestone. Afghanistan won the first two matches to secure their first T20I series victory over Pakistan, before Pakistan won the third match.

Afghanistan’s T20I Series Victory in March 2023

Pakistan and Afghanistan played a three-match T20I series in Sharjah in March 2023.

Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling and composed batting helped them win the first two matches. Pakistan recovered in the final game with a strong batting performance and a substantial victory, but Afghanistan had already secured the series.

The result was significant because it proved that Afghanistan could defeat Pakistan consistently over a bilateral T20I series rather than in a single isolated match.

Pakistan vs Afghanistan T20I Tri-Series in 2025

Pakistan and Afghanistan met three times during the Pakistan, Afghanistan and United Arab Emirates T20I tri-series in August and September 2025.

The teams produced contrasting results during the competition. Pakistan won the opening encounter, Afghanistan responded with a victory in their next meeting, and Pakistan won the final decisively.

Afghanistan Win by 18 Runs

Afghanistan produced an impressive batting performance in the September 2 encounter, scoring 169/5 in 20 overs. Pakistan managed 151/9, giving Afghanistan an 18-run victory.

The result showed Afghanistan’s ability to compete with Pakistan through aggressive batting and effective bowling at the end of the innings.

Pakistan Win the Final by 75 Runs

The final took place on September 7, 2025, at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan defended their total successfully, with Mohammad Nawaz taking five wickets for 19 runs, including a hat-trick. Afghanistan were dismissed for 66 in 15.5 overs.

The 75-run victory gave Pakistan the tri-series title and extended their lead in the T20I head-to-head record.

Memorable Afghanistan vs Pakistan Cricket Matches

Several matches have played a major role in shaping this rivalry.

Afghanistan’s First ODI Win in 2023

Afghanistan’s eight-wicket win in the 2023 World Cup was a landmark achievement. Their successful chase of 283 demonstrated composure, batting depth and confidence against a leading international side.

Afghanistan’s T20I Series Win in 2023

Winning the first two matches of the March 2023 series gave Afghanistan their first bilateral T20I series victory over Pakistan. The result represented a major step forward for Afghan cricket.

Afghanistan’s 18-Run Victory in 2025

Afghanistan’s win in the September 2025 tri-series showed that they remained capable of challenging Pakistan even after Pakistan’s earlier victory in the competition.

Pakistan’s Tri-Series Final Victory

Pakistan responded strongly in the final, bowling Afghanistan out for 66. Mohammad Nawaz’s five-wicket haul and hat-trick made the match one of the most memorable bowling performances in this rivalry.

These results illustrate the changing balance between the teams. Pakistan remain ahead overall, but Afghanistan have increasingly demonstrated their ability to win important matches.

Key Players in Afghanistan vs Pakistan Matches

Both teams have produced players who can change a match through batting, bowling or all-round performances.

Afghanistan Players

• Rashid Khan: One of Afghanistan’s most influential cricketers, known for his leg-spin and ability to take wickets in the middle overs.
• Mohammad Nabi: An experienced all-rounder who has contributed to Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket.
• Ibrahim Zadran: A technically accomplished opening batter who scored 87 in Afghanistan’s historic 2023 ODI win over Pakistan.
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz: An aggressive wicketkeeper-batter capable of providing explosive starts in limited-overs cricket.
• Hashmatullah Shahidi: A composed batter whose unbeaten 48 helped Afghanistan complete their World Cup chase in 2023.

Pakistan Players

• Babar Azam: A technically gifted batter who has been a central figure in Pakistan’s modern batting lineup.
• Mohammad Rizwan: An accomplished wicketkeeper-batter known for consistency and his ability to build innings.
• Shaheen Shah Afridi: A left-arm fast bowler capable of taking early wickets with pace and swing.
• Shadab Khan: A leg-spinner and all-rounder who has played important roles in Pakistan’s limited-overs teams.
• Mohammad Nawaz: His five-wicket haul in the 2025 tri-series final was instrumental in Pakistan’s 75-run victory over Afghanistan.

The contributions of these players have helped define the rivalry’s different phases, from Pakistan’s early dominance to Afghanistan’s more recent successes.

Afghanistan vs Pakistan Cricket Match Records by Format

The head-to-head statistics reveal how the rivalry differs between ODIs and T20Is.

These statistics cover recognized men’s international matches through September 2025. Domestic league fixtures, unofficial matches and youth cricket are excluded.

What Makes Afghanistan vs Pakistan Matches Exciting?

The rivalry combines two different cricketing strengths. Pakistan have traditionally relied on their fast-bowling depth, technically skilled batters and varied bowling combinations. Afghanistan have built their success around high-quality spin bowling, aggressive top-order batting and growing confidence in international tournaments.

Several factors make their matches especially interesting:

• Spin-bowling contests: Afghanistan’s spinners often challenge Pakistan’s batters in the middle overs.
• Fast-bowling pressure: Pakistan’s pace attack can take early wickets and restrict scoring.
• Competitive T20Is: Afghanistan’s four T20I wins show that they can compete with Pakistan in the shortest format.
• Major tournament encounters: Their 2023 World Cup match demonstrated the importance of composure under pressure.
• Changing momentum: The 2025 tri-series featured victories for both teams before Pakistan won the final.

Their shared cricketing background also adds significance to the contest, particularly for supporters who follow the development of cricket across the region.

Conclusion

The Afghanistan national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team matches have evolved from a largely one-sided rivalry into a more competitive contest, particularly in T20I cricket. Pakistan lead the overall international record with 13 wins from 18 matches, while Afghanistan have secured five victories.

Afghanistan’s eight-wicket ODI victory in the 2023 World Cup and their 2–1 T20I series win in the same year remain major milestones. Pakistan responded by winning the 2025 tri-series final by 75 runs, showing their ability to bounce back after a defeat.

With talented batters, world-class spin options and strong fast-bowling resources on both sides, future Afghanistan vs Pakistan encounters should continue to attract considerable attention from cricket fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many international matches have Afghanistan and Pakistan played?

Through September 2025, Afghanistan and Pakistan had played 18 official men’s international matches against each other: eight ODIs and ten T20Is. They have not played a men’s Test match.

2. Which team has won more matches between Afghanistan and Pakistan?

Pakistan lead the overall record with 13 victories, while Afghanistan have won five matches across ODIs and T20Is.

3. When did Afghanistan first defeat Pakistan in ODI cricket?

Afghanistan recorded their first ODI victory over Pakistan on October 23, 2023, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Chennai. They won by eight wickets while chasing 283.

4. Has Afghanistan ever won a T20I series against Pakistan?

Yes. Afghanistan won their first bilateral T20I series against Pakistan in March 2023, taking the three-match series 2–1 after winning the first two matches.

5. Who won the latest Afghanistan vs Pakistan cricket match in the recorded head-to-head period?

Pakistan won the latest meeting in this record, the tri-series final on September 7, 2025. Pakistan scored 141/8 and dismissed Afghanistan for 66, winning by 75 runs.