The rivalry between the India National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team is a fascinating story of dominance and rapid growth. While India stands as a global cricket powerhouse, Afghanistan has emerged as a competitive side, making their encounters exciting despite a relatively short history.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
India Score
Afghanistan Score
Result
Series
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown
Jun 20, 2024
181/8 (20 overs)
134 (20 overs)
India won by 47 runs
T20 World Cup
Bilateral T20I
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Jan 17, 2024
212/4 (20 overs)
212/6 (20 overs)
India won (2nd Super Over)
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
Holkar Stadium, Indore
Jan 14, 2024
173/4 (15.4 overs)
172 (20 overs)
India won by 6 wickets
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
Jan 11, 2024
159/4 (17.3 overs)
158/5 (20 overs)
India won by 6 wickets
Bilateral T20I
ICC Cricket World Cup
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Oct 11, 2023
273/2 (35.3 overs)
272/8 (50 overs)
India won by 8 wickets
World Cup
T20 Asia Cup
Dubai International Stadium
Sep 8, 2022
212/2 (20 overs)
111/7 (20 overs)
India won by 101 runs
T20 Asia Cup
ICC Cricket World Cup
The Rose Bowl, Southampton
Jun 22, 2019
224/8 (50 overs)
213 (49.5 overs)
India won by 11 runs
World Cup
Format-wise Performance Comparison
Format
Matches Played
India Won
Afghanistan Won
No Result
India Win %
Test
1
1
0
0
100%
ODI
4
3
0
1
75%
T20I
8
6
0
2
75%
Overall
13
10
0
3
76.9%
Top Batting Performers in Rivalry
Rank
Player
Team
Span
Matches
1
RG Sharma
IND
2012-2024
9
2
V Kohli
IND
2012-2024
9
3
Mohammad Nabi
AFG
2010-2024
13
4
KL Rahul
IND
2018-2024
–
5
Gulbadin Naib
AFG
2012-2024
7
6
Ibrahim Zadran
AFG
2022-2024
–
Top Bowling Performers in Rivalry
Rank
Player
Team
Span
Matches
1
Rashid Khan
AFG
2018-2024
7
2
Mohammad Nabi
AFG
2010-2024
13
3
AR Patel
IND
2015-2024
5
4
B Kumar
IND
2014-2022
3
5
Fareed Ahmad
AFG
2022-2024
–
Overall Head-to-Head Records Across Formats
The overall head-to-head record between India and Afghanistan is limited due to fewer matches, but it reflects India’s dominance across formats. Most encounters have taken place in ICC tournaments such as the Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup. India has won the majority of matches, showcasing their depth and experience. However, Afghanistan has shown remarkable improvement over the years, pushing India in several games and even producing close finishes. The only Test match between the two teams marked Afghanistan’s entry into the longest format, highlighting their growth in international cricket. While the stats clearly favor India, Afghanistan’s steady rise has made the rivalry more competitive than the numbers suggest.
Format
Matches
India Wins
Afghanistan Wins
Draw/No Result
Tests
1
1
0
0
ODIs
Few
All
0
Few
T20Is
Few
Majority
0
Few
Overall
Limited
Dominant
0
Few
Test Cricket Stats and Historic Debut
Test cricket between India and Afghanistan is limited but historically significant. Afghanistan played its first-ever Test match against India, marking a milestone in their cricketing journey. India dominated the match with a strong all-round performance, highlighting the difference in experience between the two sides. Despite the one-sided result, the match was a major achievement for Afghanistan, as it marked their arrival in Test cricket. The stats show India with a perfect record in this format, but the significance of the match goes beyond numbers. It represents Afghanistan’s progress and ambition to compete at the highest level. As Afghanistan continues to develop its Test team, future encounters could become more competitive.
Category
India
Afghanistan
Total Wins
1
0
Home Wins
1
0
Away Wins
0
0
Series Wins
1
0
Historic Matches
Debut Opponent
First Test
One Day International (ODI) Stats Overview
ODI matches between India and Afghanistan have mostly occurred in ICC tournaments, where India has maintained a strong record. However, Afghanistan has come close to securing victories, especially in tightly contested matches. Their bowlers have often challenged India’s strong batting lineup, creating competitive situations. The stats indicate India’s dominance in terms of wins, but Afghanistan’s performances have improved significantly over time. Matches between these teams are no longer one-sided, as Afghanistan has developed the ability to compete against top teams. This format has played a key role in showcasing Afghanistan’s growth and resilience on the global stage.
Category
India
Afghanistan
Matches Won
Majority
0
Highest Score
300+
270+
Close Matches
Few
Several
Win Percentage
Very High
Improving
ICC Encounters
Multiple
Multiple
T20 International Stats and Match Trends
T20 Internationals have been the most competitive format in the India vs Afghanistan rivalry. While India still holds a winning record, Afghanistan has pushed them in several matches, often taking games to the final overs. Afghanistan’s strength in spin bowling and aggressive batting has made them a dangerous opponent in this format. The stats show India leading in wins, but the margin is not as dominant as in other formats. Close finishes and high-pressure situations are common, reflecting the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. This format highlights Afghanistan’s ability to compete with top teams and makes their encounters with India more exciting.
Category
India
Afghanistan
Matches Won
More
0
Highest Score
210+
190+
Best Bowling
Strong
Strong
Close Finishes
Several
Several
Recent Form
Consistent
Competitive
Key Performances and Emerging Stars
Matches between India and Afghanistan have featured several notable individual performances. Indian players have often dominated with strong batting displays and effective bowling spells. At the same time, Afghanistan has produced standout performances, particularly from their bowlers, who have challenged India’s top order. These individual contributions have added excitement to the rivalry, showing that Afghanistan is capable of competing at a high level. The stats highlight India’s overall strength, but Afghanistan’s emerging stars continue to make an impact. This balance between experience and rising talent adds depth to the rivalry and keeps it engaging for fans.
Record Type
India
Afghanistan
Top Run Scorer
High
Moderate
Top Wicket Taker
Strong
Strong
Centuries
Several
Rare
Best Bowling Figures
Notable
Notable
Match Winners
Numerous
Emerging
Modern Era Stats and Rivalry Growth
In the modern era, the India vs Afghanistan rivalry has become more competitive despite India’s dominance. Afghanistan’s rapid rise in international cricket has allowed them to challenge stronger teams and improve their overall performance. The stats from recent matches show closer contests, especially in limited-overs formats. India continues to rely on its depth and experience, while Afghanistan focuses on building a balanced team with strong bowling and aggressive batting. This evolution reflects the changing landscape of international cricket, where emerging teams are closing the gap with established powers. Future encounters between these teams are expected to be even more competitive.
Aspect
India
Afghanistan
Recent Wins
High
Improving
Team Strength
Elite
Growing
ICC Performance
Strong
Developing
Player Depth
Excellent
Expanding
Rivalry Status
One-Sided
Competitive Growth
Conclusion
The India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team rivalry highlights the contrast between an established powerhouse and a rapidly rising team. While India dominates the stats across formats, Afghanistan’s growth and competitive performances have added excitement to their encounters. As Afghanistan continues to develop, this rivalry is expected to become more balanced, offering thrilling matches and showcasing the global expansion of cricket.
