The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team timeline represents one of the most compelling stories in modern international cricket. It is not merely a sequence of matches; it is a reflection of cricket’s globalization, the erosion of traditional hierarchies, and the rise of a fearless new force challenging the old order. When Afghanistan and England meet on a cricket field, the contest carries far greater meaning than runs and wickets. It symbolizes ambition versus legacy, innovation versus tradition, and resilience versus dominance.

Afghanistan’s cricketing journey is among the most extraordinary in sporting history. From makeshift pitches in refugee camps to packed World Cup stadiums, the Afghan team has climbed every rung of international cricket at remarkable speed. England, on the other hand, stands as one of cricket’s founding nations, with more than a century of experience, multiple World Cup titles, and a reputation for setting trends in modern white-ball cricket. The clash between these two teams captures the essence of cricket’s evolution in the 21st century.

This detailed timeline explores every significant Afghanistan vs England encounter, analyzes head-to-head records, highlights iconic performances, revisits unforgettable matches, and looks ahead to future fixtures. For fans, analysts, and historians, this timeline offers a comprehensive view of how a so-called “minnow” has steadily grown into a genuine competitor against one of the game’s traditional giants.

Origins of the Afghanistan vs England Cricket Timeline

Afghanistan’s Rise on the Global Cricket Stage

Afghanistan’s emergence in international cricket is a story built on perseverance and passion. The Afghanistan Cricket Board became an ICC Affiliate Member in 2001, Associate Member in 2013, and achieved Full Member status in 2017. Despite limited infrastructure and political challenges, Afghan cricketers developed a distinctive style centered around aggressive spin bowling and fearless batting.

By the time Afghanistan faced England for the first time, they were already known for upsetting stronger teams. However, England represented a different level altogether—a team with deep resources, elite domestic competitions, and decades of international dominance.

England’s White-Ball Legacy

England’s cricketing heritage is unmatched in longevity. As pioneers of the game, England has consistently reinvented itself, particularly in limited-overs cricket. Following their disappointing 2015 World Cup campaign, England revolutionized their white-ball approach, embracing aggressive batting and data-driven strategies. This transformation culminated in World Cup victories and a reputation as one of the most formidable teams in ODI and T20 cricket.

Against this backdrop, the Afghanistan vs England timeline began—not as a rivalry in the traditional sense, but as a measuring stick for Afghanistan’s progress.

Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline Table

Date	Format	Venue	Result	Key Performers
Feb 18, 2012	ODI	Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE	England by 7 wickets	Eoin Morgan 69*, Hamid Hassan 2/43
Mar 2, 2015	ODI	Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia	England by 9 wickets	Ian Bell 63*, Mohammad Nabi 1/45
Jun 18, 2019	ODI	Old Trafford, Manchester	England by 150 runs	Jonny Bairstow 90, Jofra Archer 3/52
Nov 15, 2019	T20I	Lucknow, India	No Result (Rain)	Match abandoned
Mar 18, 2021	T20I	Narendra Modi Stadium, India	England by 5 wickets	Jos Buttler 26*, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1/18
Mar 20, 2021	T20I	Narendra Modi Stadium, India	England by 5 wickets	Phil Salt 40, Rashid Khan 1/24
Oct 22, 2022	T20I	Adelaide Oval, Australia	England by 5 wickets	Alex Hales 80, Naveen-ul-Haq 2/30
Nov 1, 2022	T20I	MCG, Australia	England by 8 wickets	Ben Stokes 52*, Rashid Khan 1/22
Sep 15, 2023	ODI	HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala	Afghanistan by 69 runs	Rahmat Shah 77, Rashid Khan 4/41
Jun 28, 2024	T20I	Edgbaston, Birmingham	England by 7 wickets	Phil Salt 78*, Fazalhaq Farooqi 2/28
Jul 2, 2024	ODI	Lord’s, London	England by 8 wickets	Joe Root 102*, Azmatullah Omarzai 1/58
Jan 29, 2025	T20I	Sharjah, UAE	Scheduled	TBA
Feb 1, 2025	ODI	Dubai, UAE	Scheduled	TBA
Feb 15, 2025	T20I	MCG, Australia	Scheduled	TBA

Note: 2025 fixtures are subject to ICC confirmation and scheduling updates.

Early Encounters: Laying the Foundation (2012–2015)

2012 Sharjah ODI: A Historic First Meeting

The first-ever ODI between Afghanistan and England took place on February 18, 2012, in Sharjah. Afghanistan, still an Associate nation, showed remarkable composure against a vastly more experienced England side. Batting first, Afghanistan posted a respectable total, highlighted by Asghar Stanikzai’s fluent half-century.

England chased the target comfortably, led by Eoin Morgan’s unbeaten 69. Despite the loss, this match was monumental for Afghanistan. It marked their arrival on the global stage and provided invaluable exposure against elite opposition.

2015 ICC Cricket World Cup: Learning at the Highest Level

The second encounter came during the 2015 World Cup in Australia. England dominated the match, winning by nine wickets. Yet, for Afghanistan, simply competing in a World Cup against top teams was a milestone. The experience gained during this tournament would later fuel Afghanistan’s rapid improvement.

The 2019 World Cup: A Harsh Lesson in Dominance

England’s Record-Breaking Display

The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup clash at Old Trafford remains one of the most lopsided matches in the Afghanistan vs England timeline. England amassed a staggering 397/6, powered by Jonny Bairstow, Jason Roy, and Eoin Morgan’s brutal late assault.

Afghanistan, chasing an impossible target, were bowled out for 247. The 150-run defeat exposed the gap between the two sides at the time, particularly against high-quality pace bowling.

Significance of the Match

Although painful, this match became a turning point. Afghanistan’s management recognized the need for stronger batting depth and tactical discipline. The lessons learned here would pay dividends just four years later.

T20I Battles: Close Contests and Growing Confidence (2019–2022)

Rain-Affected Encounter in 2019

The 2019 T20 World Cup warm-up match in Lucknow was abandoned due to rain. While no result was recorded, it symbolized Afghanistan’s growing presence in global tournaments alongside elite teams like England.

Bilateral T20Is in 2021

In March 2021, Afghanistan and England met in a bilateral T20I series in India. England won both matches, but Afghanistan’s spinners—particularly Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan—demonstrated their ability to control England’s powerful batting lineup.

These matches were significant as they represented scheduling parity. Afghanistan was no longer limited to World Cup fixtures; they were now engaging in bilateral series against top nations.

2022 T20 World Cup Encounters

The 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia featured two Afghanistan vs England matches. England won both, but not without resistance. Alex Hales’ explosive 80 at Adelaide stood out, while Afghanistan’s bowlers, especially Naveen-ul-Haq, consistently troubled England’s top order.

The Defining Moment: Afghanistan’s Historic ODI Victory in 2023

Dharamshala 2023: A Night That Changed Everything

On September 15, 2023, at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, Afghanistan rewrote history. Batting first, Afghanistan posted 284/7, built around Rahmat Shah’s composed 77 and late acceleration from Azmatullah Omarzai.

England’s chase unraveled under relentless spin pressure. Rashid Khan delivered the performance of his life, claiming 4/41 and dismantling England’s middle order. Afghanistan won by 69 runs—registering their first-ever ODI victory over England.

Why This Victory Matters

This win was more than an upset. It was proof that Afghanistan had matured tactically and mentally. They had not only beaten England but outplayed them in all departments. The victory sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and marked Afghanistan as genuine contenders on the biggest stage.

Head-to-Head Record Overview

Overall Record (All Formats)

• Total Matches Played: 13
• England Wins: 11
• Afghanistan Wins: 1
• No Result: 1

ODI Record

• Matches: 4
• England Wins: 3
• Afghanistan Wins: 1

T20I Record

• Matches: 8
• England Wins: 7
• Afghanistan Wins: 0
• No Result: 1

Test Matches

• Matches Played: 0

Key Players Who Defined the Rivalry

Afghanistan’s Standout Performers

Rashid Khan has been the heartbeat of Afghanistan’s success. His leg-spin, control, and big-match temperament have repeatedly challenged England’s aggressive batting. Rahmat Shah has emerged as a reliable anchor, while Naveen-ul-Haq and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have added variety and discipline to the bowling attack.

England’s Match Winners

For England, Jonny Bairstow’s power, Joe Root’s composure, and Phil Salt’s modern T20 explosiveness have been crucial. Adil Rashid’s leg-spin has often countered Afghanistan’s batters effectively, while Jofra Archer’s pace proved decisive in earlier encounters.

Tactical Evolution in Afghanistan vs England Matches

Afghanistan’s approach has evolved from survival to control. Early matches focused on containment, but recent encounters emphasize pressure through spin, smart field placements, and calculated batting. England, meanwhile, has sometimes struggled to adapt its ultra-aggressive style against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling, particularly on slower surfaces.

Upcoming Matches and Future Outlook (2025)

The timeline is set to expand further in 2025 with scheduled T20Is and ODIs in the UAE and Australia. These fixtures could redefine the rivalry, especially if Afghanistan continues its upward trajectory. A potential T20 World Cup clash at the MCG promises high stakes and global attention.

Conclusion: A Timeline That Reflects Cricket’s Changing World

The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team timeline is not just a statistical record—it is a living narrative of cricket’s transformation. From Sharjah in 2012 to Dharamshala in 2023, Afghanistan’s journey against England mirrors the sport’s shift toward inclusivity and competitiveness.

While England still dominates the head-to-head record, Afghanistan’s historic win and consistent improvement suggest a narrowing gap. Each future encounter carries the promise of drama, innovation, and perhaps another chapter of Afghan heroism.

As cricket continues to globalize, this rivalry stands as a testament to how far the game has come—and how exciting its future can be.

Read more: India National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline: Complete Match History & Rivalry Overview