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The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team matches have developed into one of the most competitive modern rivalries in Asian cricket. Although Pakistan have historically held the advantage, Afghanistan have made significant progress and have produced several major victories over their neighboring cricketing nation.
The rivalry has mainly taken place in ODI and T20I cricket. Afghanistan and Pakistan have not yet played a men’s Test match against each other. Their limited-overs meetings have included ICC World Cups, the T20 World Cup, Asia-related competitions, bilateral series and the UAE tri-nation series.
Pakistan currently lead the overall head-to-head record, but Afghanistan have narrowed the gap considerably in recent years. The 2023 ODI World Cup victory, Afghanistan’s 2-1 T20I series win in 2023, and their 2025 T20I victory over Pakistan demonstrated how competitive the Afghan side has become. The latest completed meetings came during the 2025 UAE tri-nation T20I series, where Pakistan won two of the three matches against Afghanistan, including the final.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record
Afghanistan and Pakistan have played eight ODIs and 10 T20Is in senior men’s international cricket. Pakistan have won seven of the eight ODIs, while Afghanistan have won one. In T20Is, Pakistan lead 6-4.
| Format | Matches | Afghanistan Wins | Pakistan Wins | Other Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| T20Is | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 |
| Total | 18 | 5 | 13 | 0 |
The ODI record remains strongly in Pakistan’s favor, but T20I cricket is much closer. Afghanistan have won four of the 10 T20Is, including several important matches since 2023.
Early History of Afghanistan vs Pakistan Matches
Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket eventually brought them into regular competition with Pakistan.
Pakistan won the early meetings, including the first T20I between the teams in December 2013 at Sharjah. Pakistan won that match by six wickets.
For Afghanistan, playing against Pakistan has been particularly significant because of the geographical and cricketing connections between the two countries. Pakistan’s established international cricket structure provided Afghanistan with opportunities to play against an experienced Full Member side.
During the early years of the rivalry, Pakistan generally controlled matches through superior batting depth and experienced bowling attacks.
Afghanistan’s rapid development, particularly in spin bowling, gradually changed the balance.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan ODI History
The teams have played eight ODIs, with Pakistan winning seven and Afghanistan winning one.
Their ODI rivalry has included some extremely close matches. Pakistan won the first several meetings, but Afghanistan finally produced a historic victory at the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
| ODI Record | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 8 | 8 |
| Wins | 1 | 7 |
| Losses | 7 | 1 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
| No Results | 0 | 0 |
Pakistan’s ODI victories have included narrow finishes as well as dominant performances. Afghanistan’s only ODI victory, however, came in one of the biggest matches in the history of the rivalry.
Afghanistan’s Historic 2023 World Cup Victory
One of the most memorable Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team matches took place on October 23, 2023, during the ICC Cricket World Cup in Chennai.
Pakistan scored 282/7 after being sent in to bat. Afghanistan responded with 286/2, winning by eight wickets with eight deliveries remaining.
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | 282/7 |
| Afghanistan | 286/2 |
| Result | Afghanistan won by 8 wickets |
| Tournament | 2023 ODI World Cup |
| Venue | Chennai |
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran gave Afghanistan an excellent start, while Rahmat Shah and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi completed the chase.
The eight-wicket victory was Afghanistan’s first ODI win over Pakistan and became one of the most important results in the country’s cricket history.
It also demonstrated Afghanistan’s growing ability to defeat established international teams on the biggest stage.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan ODI Series in 2023
Before the World Cup, the two teams played a three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka in August 2023.
Pakistan won the series 3-0.
| ODI | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Pakistan won by 142 runs |
| 2nd ODI | Pakistan won by 1 wicket |
| 3rd ODI | Pakistan won by 59 runs |
| Series | Pakistan won 3-0 |
The second ODI was especially close. Pakistan chased 301 with 302/9, winning by one wicket. The third match was more comfortable for Pakistan, who won by 59 runs.
The series showed the difference between the two teams at that time, but Afghanistan’s subsequent World Cup victory showed that they could adapt quickly.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I History
The T20I rivalry has been considerably closer than the ODI rivalry.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have played 10 T20Is. Pakistan have won six and Afghanistan have won four.
| T20I Record | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 10 | 10 |
| Wins | 4 | 6 |
| Losses | 6 | 4 |
| No Results | 0 | 0 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
Afghanistan won their first T20I against Pakistan in March 2023 at Sharjah. They subsequently won that three-match series 2-1, marking an important turning point in the rivalry.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I Series in 2023
The three-match T20I series in March 2023 was historic for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan won the first two matches before Pakistan won the third.
| T20I | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Afghanistan won by 6 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | Afghanistan won by 7 wickets |
| 3rd T20I | Pakistan won by 66 runs |
| Series | Afghanistan won 2-1 |
Afghanistan’s bowling attack played a major role in the first two matches, while their batters successfully chased modest targets.
The series became Afghanistan’s first T20I series victory over Pakistan and gave the team considerable confidence ahead of future major tournaments.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan at the 2021 T20 World Cup
The teams met in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Dubai.
Afghanistan scored 147/6, while Pakistan chased the target with 148/5 in 19 overs, winning by five wickets.
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 147/6 |
| Pakistan | 148/5 |
| Result | Pakistan won by 5 wickets |
| Venue | Dubai |
The match is particularly remembered for Pakistan’s dramatic finish.
Afghanistan appeared to have a chance of defending their total, but Asif Ali changed the match with four sixes in an over from Karim Janat.
The victory demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to handle pressure in a major ICC tournament.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan at the 2022 Asia Cup
Pakistan again defeated Afghanistan in the 2022 Asia Cup.
Afghanistan scored 129/6, while Pakistan chased the target with 131/9, winning by one wicket.
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 129/6 |
| Pakistan | 131/9 |
| Result | Pakistan won by 1 wicket |
The match was an extremely tense contest. Afghanistan’s bowlers kept Pakistan under pressure throughout the chase, but Pakistan’s lower order eventually completed the target.
The result became another example of how closely contested Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20 matches can be.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan at the 2023 Asian Games
The teams met again in the men’s T20 competition at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Afghanistan scored 116/6, while Pakistan were dismissed for 115. Afghanistan won by four wickets.
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | 115 all out |
| Afghanistan | 116/6 |
| Result | Afghanistan won by 4 wickets |
The result was Afghanistan’s third consecutive T20I victory over Pakistan at that point when counting their 2023 bilateral series wins.
It further demonstrated Afghanistan’s growing confidence in T20 cricket.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I Matches in 2025
The most recent completed T20I meetings between Afghanistan and Pakistan came during the UAE tri-nation series in August and September 2025.
The teams played three matches in the tournament, including the final. Pakistan won two while Afghanistan won one.
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| August 29, 2025 | Afghanistan vs Pakistan | Pakistan won by 39 runs |
| September 2, 2025 | Pakistan vs Afghanistan | Afghanistan won by 18 runs |
| September 7, 2025 | Final | Pakistan won by 75 runs |
| Overall | 3 matches | Pakistan won 2-1 |
The series was played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium and served as preparation for the 2025 Asia Cup. The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed the seven-match tri-series schedule before the tournament.
The 2025 Tri-Series Final
The final on September 7, 2025, was the latest completed international match between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Pakistan scored 141/8 in 20 overs before bowling Afghanistan out for only 66 in 15.5 overs. Pakistan therefore won by 75 runs. Mohammad Nawaz was named Player of the Match after scoring 25 and taking 5/19.
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Pakistan | 141/8 |
| Afghanistan | 66 all out |
| Result | Pakistan won by 75 runs |
| Player of the Match | Mohammad Nawaz |
| Venue | Sharjah |
The final was Pakistan’s most emphatic result against Afghanistan in their recent T20I rivalry.
Key Players in Afghanistan vs Pakistan Matches
The rivalry has featured some of the best modern Asian cricketers.
For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan has been one of the most influential players. His leg-spin bowling and ability to take wickets in the middle overs have made him a major threat to Pakistan.
Mohammad Nabi has also played an important role through his all-round ability and experience. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai have added further strength to Afghanistan’s batting and all-round options.
Pakistan have relied on players such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz across different periods.
Asif Ali’s performance against Afghanistan at the 2021 T20 World Cup remains one of the most memorable individual contributions in the rivalry.
Afghanistan’s Strengths Against Pakistan
Afghanistan’s biggest strength is their world-class spin bowling.
Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and other Afghan spinners can make scoring difficult in the middle overs. This becomes especially important against Pakistan’s technically strong batting lineup.
Afghanistan have also developed an aggressive opening combination. Players such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran can take advantage of the powerplay and put pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers.
Their historic 2023 World Cup victory illustrated this perfectly. Afghanistan chased 283 with 286/2, losing only two wickets.
Pakistan’s Strengths Against Afghanistan
Pakistan’s major advantages have traditionally been batting depth, pace bowling and experience in pressure situations.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers can exploit conditions with the new ball, while their middle-order and lower-order batters can finish close matches.
The 2021 T20 World Cup and 2022 Asia Cup victories demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to win extremely tight matches against Afghanistan.
Pakistan also remain ahead in both major head-to-head categories. They have won seven of eight ODIs and six of 10 T20Is.
Afghanistan vs Pakistan Match Records
The overall record provides a clear picture of the rivalry.
| Record | Afghanistan | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Test matches | 0 | 0 |
| ODI matches | 8 | 8 |
| ODI wins | 1 | 7 |
| T20I matches | 10 | 10 |
| T20I wins | 4 | 6 |
| Total senior internationals | 18 | 18 |
| Total wins | 5 | 13 |
The statistics show Pakistan’s historical advantage, but the T20I numbers demonstrate that Afghanistan are much closer in the shortest format.
Afghanistan’s four T20I victories have all come in the modern period, showing how quickly the balance has changed.
Most Memorable Afghanistan vs Pakistan Matches
Several matches stand out in the rivalry.
The 2021 T20 World Cup match in Dubai was memorable because Pakistan chased 148 despite Afghanistan’s strong bowling effort. Asif Ali’s four sixes in one over produced a dramatic finish.
The 2023 ODI World Cup match was arguably even more significant. Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by eight wickets after successfully chasing 283.
The 2023 T20I series was also historic because Afghanistan won their first two matches and secured their first T20I series victory over Pakistan.
Finally, the 2025 tri-series final demonstrated Pakistan’s ability to bounce back. Pakistan dismissed Afghanistan for 66 and won by 75 runs.
Future Afghanistan vs Pakistan Matches
The next major scheduled meeting between Afghanistan and Pakistan is particularly significant.
The ICC has scheduled Pakistan vs Afghanistan for October 8, 2027, during the group stage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The match is scheduled to be played at Tshwane.
Both countries are in Group A alongside India, Australia, Zimbabwe and one qualifier. The World Cup will therefore provide another major stage for the rivalry.
A World Cup meeting between the teams will attract considerable attention because Afghanistan have already defeated Pakistan in a World Cup match, while Pakistan remain statistically dominant in the overall ODI rivalry.
Why Afghanistan vs Pakistan Matches Are Important
The rivalry is important because it represents the rapid rise of Afghanistan as an international cricket nation.
Pakistan have decades of experience and a long history of success in ICC competitions. Afghanistan, meanwhile, have progressed from Associate cricket to becoming a competitive Full Member side capable of defeating established teams.
Their matches also feature contrasting cricketing strengths. Pakistan traditionally rely heavily on pace bowling and technically strong batting, while Afghanistan are particularly dangerous with spin and aggressive T20 cricket.
The rivalry has therefore become much more competitive than the early results suggested.
Conclusion
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team matches have evolved from a Pakistan-dominated rivalry into a much more competitive contest.
Pakistan have won seven of the eight ODIs and six of the 10 T20Is. Afghanistan have won five matches overall, including their historic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan at the 2023 Cricket World Cup and their 2-1 T20I series victory in 2023.
The latest meetings in 2025 showed just how competitive the rivalry has become. Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by 18 runs in the second match of the UAE tri-series, but Pakistan won the other two meetings, including the final by 75 runs.
There is no Test history between the nations yet, but their ODI and T20I contests have already produced several memorable moments.
The rivalry will receive another major opportunity to grow when Pakistan and Afghanistan meet at the 2027 Cricket World Cup on October 8 in Tshwane.
With Afghanistan continuing to develop its world-class spin resources and Pakistan maintaining a strong pace-bowling tradition, future Afghanistan vs Pakistan matches are likely to remain among the most exciting contests in Asian cricket.
How many times have Afghanistan and Pakistan played cricket against each other?
Afghanistan and Pakistan have played 18 senior men’s internationals: eight ODIs and 10 T20Is. Pakistan have won 13 of these matches, while Afghanistan have won five. There have been no Test matches between the two teams.
Who has won more Afghanistan vs Pakistan ODI matches?
Pakistan have a clear advantage in ODIs. They have won seven of the eight ODI meetings, while Afghanistan have won one.
Has Afghanistan ever defeated Pakistan in a World Cup?
Yes. Afghanistan defeated Pakistan by eight wickets in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in Chennai. Pakistan scored 282/7 before Afghanistan chased the target with 286/2.
Who has the better Afghanistan vs Pakistan T20I record?
Pakistan lead the T20I head-to-head record 6-4 after 10 matches. However, Afghanistan have won four T20Is against Pakistan, making the format much more competitive than their ODI record.
When will Afghanistan and Pakistan next meet in a major tournament?
Pakistan and Afghanistan are scheduled to meet on October 8, 2027, in the group stage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Tshwane, South Africa. Both teams are in Group A alongside India, Australia, Zimbabwe and one qualifier
