Introduction: Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline
When Afghanistan faces England on the cricket field, it’s more than just a match — it’s a meeting of passion and legacy. England, one of the oldest and most decorated cricket teams in the world, has centuries of tradition and a trophy-laden history. Afghanistan, on the other hand, is still writing its story — full of grit, resilience, and a never-say-die attitude. Though their clashes are rare, each encounter has been memorable, often pitting Afghanistan’s youthful fire against England’s seasoned experience.
From heavy defeats to historic wins, their timeline reflects how far Afghanistan has come — and how cricket is evolving.
Table of Contents
A Timeline of Matches: From 2012 to 2025
2012 – Their First Clash at the T20 World Cup
The journey began on September 21, 2012, in Colombo during the T20 World Cup. England won convincingly by 116 runs, thanks to Luke Wright’s blazing 99. It was a one-sided game, but for Afghanistan, it marked their first real step onto the global stage.
2015 – A New Chapter in the ODI World Cup
On March 13, 2015, the teams met again in the ICC ODI World Cup, this time in Sydney. England chased down Afghanistan’s score with ease, winning by 9 wickets (D/L method). Ian Bell scored a steady half-century, while Chris Jordan’s brilliant spell earned him the Player of the Match award.
2016 – A Closer Fight in T20s
At the 2016 T20 World Cup, England and Afghanistan clashed in a tighter game. Held at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, England posted 142 runs. Afghanistan fought back but fell short, losing by 15 runs. It was a far more competitive game than in 2012, showing how quickly Afghanistan was improving.
2019 – England Dominates Again
In the 2019 World Cup, Afghanistan traveled to England. The result? A heavy defeat. England won by 150 runs, powered by some explosive batting. Eoin Morgan smashed a jaw-dropping 148 off just 71 balls, breaking records for sixes in a World Cup innings. It was one of the most dominant performances by England in recent years.
2023 – A Historic Upset
Fast forward to the 2023 ICC World Cup in India — Afghanistan pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history. Batting first, they put up 284 runs, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz scoring a fiery 80 off 57 balls. England, in reply, crumbled. Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s all-round brilliance sealed the win by 69 runs. He was rightfully named the Player of the Match. It was Afghanistan’s first-ever win over England in World Cups — and a statement that they were no longer just underdogs.
2025 – Another Win in the Champions Trophy
In the 2024/25 ICC Champions Trophy, Afghanistan proved the 2023 win was no fluke. In an edge-of-the-seat thriller, they defeated England again — this time by just 8 runs. Ibrahim Zadran led from the front with a majestic 177 off 146 balls, helping Afghanistan post 326. England nearly chased it down, with Joe Root scoring a classy 120, but fell short in the final over. It was a high-scoring, high-drama match — one that added serious weight to this growing rivalry.
Head-to-Head Record
ODIs
| Result | Afghanistan | England |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 4 | 4 |
| Won | 2 | 2 |
| Lost | 2 | 2 |
T20Is
| Result | Afghanistan | England |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 3 | 3 |
| Won | 0 | 3 |
| Lost | 3 | 0 |
Series Results Snapshot
| Season | Tournament | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2014/15 | ICC World Cup (Australia/NZ) | Australia |
| 2019 | ICC World Cup (England) | England |
| 2023/24 | ICC World Cup (India) | Australia |
| 2024/25 | ICC Champions Trophy (Pakistan/UAE) | India |
Final Thoughts: A Rivalry in the Making
What started as a series of one-sided games has evolved into a fascinating mini-rivalry. England may still have the edge in experience, but Afghanistan has proven they’re here to stay — and here to compete. With each match, Afghanistan is closing the gap, turning losses into lessons and lessons into victories.
As future tournaments unfold, expect more fireworks whenever these two nations meet. This isn’t just cricket. It’s the story of a rising giant taking on an old one — and slowly, steadily, changing the narrative.
