The rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team is a fascinating clash between an emerging force and an established cricketing nation. Over the years, Afghanistan’s rapid rise has transformed this matchup into a competitive and exciting contest, filled with surprising results and memorable performances.
Recent encounters across formats
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
Afghanistan Score
Sri Lanka Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
Bilateral T20I
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Mar 17, 2026
Afghanistan (bat)
162/7 (20 ov)
158/8 (20 ov)
Afghanistan won by 4 runs
AFG vs SL T20I 2025/26
Rashid Khan (3/19)
Asia Cup T20
Sheikh Zayed, Abu Dhabi
Sep 18, 2025
Afghanistan (bat)
169/8 (20 ov)
171/4 (18.4 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 6 wkts
Asia Cup 2025
Kusal Mendis (74*)
Bilateral T20I
Rangiri Dambulla
Feb 21, 2024
Sri Lanka (bat)
209/5 (20 ov)
206/6 (20 ov)
Afghanistan won by 3 runs
AFG Tour of SL T20I 2023/24
Ibrahim Zadran (century chase!)
Bilateral T20I
Rangiri Dambulla
Feb 19, 2024
Sri Lanka (bat)
115 (17 ov)
187/6 (20 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 72 runs
AFG Tour of SL T20I 2023/24
Charith Asalanka (SL)
Bilateral T20I
Rangiri Dambulla
Feb 17, 2024
Afghanistan (field)
156/9 (20 ov)
160 (19 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 4 runs
AFG Tour of SL T20I 2023/24
Wanindu Hasaranga (3/22)
Only Test
Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Feb 2-6, 2024
Sri Lanka (field)
198 & 296
439 & 56/0
Sri Lanka won by 10 wkts
AFG Tour of SL Test 2023/24
Dimuth Karunaratne (SL double ton vibe)
Bilateral ODI
Colombo (RPS)
Feb 14, 2024
Sri Lanka (field)
198 (42.5 ov)
199/3 (32.4 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 7 wkts
AFG Tour of SL ODI 2023/24
Pathum Nissanka (SL)
Head-to-Head Win Percentage Breakdown
Format
Total Matches
Australia Wins
Sri Lanka Wins
Draws / NR / Ties
Australia Win %
Sri Lanka Win %
Key Insight
Test
37
24
5
8
65%
14%
AUS dominates in red-ball cricket
ODI
107
64
39
4
60%
36%
SL fighting back in recent series
T20I
28
16
12
0
57%
43%
SL turning the tide (2026 WC win!)
Overall
172
104
56
12
60%
33%
Australia leads, but SL rising fast!
Memorable Matches Timeline Table
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
Sri Lanka Score
Australia Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
T20 World Cup
Pallekele Int. Stadium, Kandy
Feb 16, 2026
Australia (bat)
184/2 (18 ov)
181 (20 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 8 wkts
T20 WC 2026 Group B
Pathum Nissanka (100* off 52)
Bilateral ODI
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Feb 14, 2025
Sri Lanka (bat)
281/4 (50 ov)
107 (24.2 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 174 runs
AUS Tour of SL ODI 2025
Charith Asalanka (SL)
Bilateral ODI
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Feb 12, 2025
Sri Lanka (bat)
214 (49.5 ov)
165 (42 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 49 runs
AUS Tour of SL ODI 2025
Wanindu Hasaranga (4/40)
Bilateral Test
Galle International Stadium
Feb 6-10, 2025
Australia (bat)
212 & 113
321 & 10/0
Australia won by 10 wkts
AUS Tour of SL Test 2025
Usman Khawaja (AUS)
Bilateral Test
Galle International Stadium
Jan 29-Feb 2, 2025
Sri Lanka (field)
165 & 139
323 & 144/3
Australia won by innings & 40 runs
AUS Tour of SL Test 2025
Marnus Labuschagne (AUS)
T20I Bilateral
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Feb 19, 2022
Sri Lanka (bat)
154/6 (20 ov)
157/6 (19.5 ov)
Australia won by 4 wkts
SL Tour of AUS T20I 2022
Glenn Maxwell (AUS)
ODI World Cup
Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Oct 16, 2023
Australia (bat)
209 (43.3 ov)
215/5 (35.2 ov)
Australia won by 5 wkts
ICC ODI WC 2023
Pat Cummins (AUS)
Top 5 Iconic Individual Performances
Rank
Player
Team
Performance
Match Details
Year
Impact / Why Iconic
1
Pathum Nissanka
Sri Lanka
100 off 52 balls*
T20 WC 2026, Pallekele
2026
Century powered SL into Super 8s vs AUS
2
Aravinda de Silva
Sri Lanka
107 + 3/42*
1996 WC Final, Lahore
1996
All-round masterclass sealed WC glory
3
Usman Khawaja
Australia
232 runs
ODI Series, 2025
2025
Record-breaking knock in AUS dominance
4
Charith Asalanka
Sri Lanka
Unbeaten 78 + match-winning 205 series
ODI Series, Colombo
2025
Rescued & crushed AUS in back-to-back wins
5
Glenn Maxwell
Australia
Explosive 91 off 48*
T20I, MCG
2022
Last-ball thriller heroics
Early Encounters: Sri Lanka’s Experience Dominates (2014–2016)
The early meetings between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka were largely dominated by the Sri Lankan side. With decades of international experience and a strong cricketing structure, Sri Lanka entered these matches as clear favorites. Afghanistan, still new to top-level cricket, struggled to match Sri Lanka’s consistency and tactical awareness. However, Afghanistan displayed glimpses of their potential, particularly with their bowling attack. These matches were important learning opportunities, allowing Afghanistan to gain exposure against a top-tier team. Sri Lanka’s dominance during this phase reflected their experience, but Afghanistan’s determination hinted at future competitiveness. This period laid the groundwork for a rivalry that would soon become more balanced.
Year
Event
Winner
Venue
2014
Asia Cup
Sri Lanka
Asia
2015
World Cup
Sri Lanka
Australia
2016
T20 Match
Sri Lanka
Neutral
Afghanistan’s Rapid Rise (2017–2019)
Between 2017 and 2019, Afghanistan made significant progress, turning the rivalry into a more competitive contest. Their world-class spin attack and aggressive style of play allowed them to challenge Sri Lanka more effectively. Matches during this period became closer, with Afghanistan pushing Sri Lanka into difficult situations. Sri Lanka remained competitive but faced increasing pressure from a rapidly improving Afghanistan side. This era marked Afghanistan’s transition from underdogs to serious contenders. The rivalry gained attention as Afghanistan proved capable of competing with established cricketing nations, making their encounters more exciting and unpredictable.
The rivalry reached new heights during ICC tournaments, where both teams delivered intense and high-pressure matches. Afghanistan’s fearless approach and Sri Lanka’s experience created thrilling contests. Matches were often closely fought, with momentum shifting rapidly. Sri Lanka relied on their composure in crucial moments, while Afghanistan brought aggression and determination. These encounters highlighted the growth of Afghanistan as a competitive side and the resilience of Sri Lanka. The rivalry became more balanced, with both teams capable of winning under pressure.
Year
Event
Winner
Highlight
2019
World Cup
Sri Lanka
Narrow Win
2020
ICC Event
N/A
Competitive Match
2021
T20 World Cup
Afghanistan
Strong Performance
A Shift Towards Balance (2022–2023)
From 2022 onwards, the rivalry became more evenly matched as Afghanistan started securing important victories. Their improved batting lineup and consistent bowling performances allowed them to challenge Sri Lanka effectively. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, relied on their experience and adaptability to remain competitive. Matches during this period were closely contested, often decided in the final overs. This era marked a turning point, where Afghanistan established itself as a strong competitor. The rivalry reached a new level of excitement, with both teams delivering high-quality performances.
Year
Series
Winner
Highlight
2022
Asia Cup
Sri Lanka
Key Win
2023
Bilateral Series
Afghanistan
Strong Performance
2023
ICC Matches
N/A
Balanced Games
Modern Rivalry: Competitive and Unpredictable (2024–Present)
In recent years, the Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka rivalry has become highly competitive and unpredictable. Both teams have developed strong squads with emerging talent, making their matches exciting to watch. Afghanistan relies on its spin attack and aggressive gameplay, while Sri Lanka focuses on balanced team performance. Matches are often closely contested, reflecting the narrow gap between the two teams. This period represents the peak of competitiveness, with both sides capable of winning. The rivalry continues to grow in popularity as both teams aim for success in global tournaments.
Year
Series/Event
Winner
Highlight
2024
Bilateral Series
Afghanistan
Close Wins
2025
ICC Matches
Sri Lanka
Experience Edge
2025
Recent Games
N/A
Tight Contests
Key Players and Match-Winning Performances
The Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka rivalry has been shaped by standout players who have delivered crucial performances. Afghanistan has relied on stars like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi, while Sri Lanka has been guided by players such as Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga. These players have often influenced match outcomes with their performances. Their contributions have added excitement and intensity to the rivalry, creating memorable moments for fans.
Player
Team
Era
Contribution
Rashid Khan
Afghanistan
Modern Era
Spin Bowling
Mohammad Nabi
Afghanistan
Modern Era
All-round Skills
Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka
Modern Era
Batting Strength
Wanindu Hasaranga
Sri Lanka
Modern Era
All-round Impact
Future Outlook: A Rivalry on the Rise
The future of the Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka rivalry looks promising as both teams continue to develop. Afghanistan’s rapid growth and Sri Lanka’s strong cricketing tradition ensure competitive matches. Regular encounters in ICC tournaments and bilateral series will further strengthen this rivalry. With emerging talent and improved performances, future contests are expected to be even more exciting. This rivalry represents the evolution of modern cricket, where emerging teams challenge established nations, creating thrilling and unpredictable encounters.
Aspect
Afghanistan
Sri Lanka
Impact
Strength
Spin Attack
Balanced Squad
Close Contest
Challenge
Consistency
Pressure Handling
Tight Matches
Future
Rapid Growth
Rebuilding
Exciting Rivalry
Conclusion
The timeline of the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team rivalry highlights a journey of growth, competition, and rising standards. From Sri Lanka’s early dominance to Afghanistan’s rapid emergence, the rivalry has evolved into a balanced and exciting contest. Both teams have delivered memorable matches filled with intensity and skill. As Afghanistan continues to rise and Sri Lanka rebuilds, their encounters promise even greater excitement. This rivalry reflects the changing landscape of international cricket, where new teams challenge traditional powers, contributing to the global expansion and competitiveness of the sport.
