The cricket rivalry between the India National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team is a relatively recent development in the world of international cricket. However, it has grown in significance, reflecting the rise of Afghanistan as a competitive cricketing nation. This timeline traces the key moments, matches, and milestones in the India National Cricket Team VS Afghanistan National Cricket Team timeline.
Early Encounters
The first encounter between the India national cricket team and Afghanistan national cricket team took place on June 14, 2018, during Afghanistan’s inaugural Test match. This match, held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, was a historic moment for Afghanistan, marking their debut in the game’s longest format. India, with their rich cricketing heritage, welcomed Afghanistan to the Test arena.
In this one-off Test, India showcased their dominance, winning by an innings and 262 runs. The match saw India’s spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, dismantling the Afghan batting lineup. Despite the loss, the Afghanistan national cricket team gained valuable experience, setting the stage for future contests.
2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Clash
The next significant chapter in the India national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline occurred during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. The two teams faced off on June 22, 2019, at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, England. This match was a true testament to Afghanistan’s growth as a cricketing nation.
India batted first and struggled against Afghanistan’s disciplined bowling attack, managing to score 224/8 in their 50 overs. Mohammad Nabi, with his all-round performance, played a crucial role in restricting India’s batting. In response, Afghanistan came close to pulling off a major upset, but India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, held their nerve. Shami’s hat-trick in the final over sealed a narrow 11-run victory for India. This thrilling contest highlighted Afghanistan’s potential and their ability to challenge top cricketing nations.
2021 ICC T20 World Cup Encounter
The India national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline continued to evolve during the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. On November 3, 2021, the two teams met in a Super 12 stage match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. This time, the shorter format of the game brought a different dynamic to the rivalry.
India, having struggled in the early stages of the tournament, were in a must-win situation. Batting first, India posted a formidable total of 210/2, with explosive contributions from Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. Afghanistan, despite their valiant efforts, could only manage 144/7 in their 20 overs, handing India a comprehensive 66-run victory. This match not only demonstrated India’s firepower in T20 cricket but also underscored Afghanistan’s fighting spirit.
ODI Series: Strengthening the Rivalry
As Afghanistan continues to establish itself on the international stage, ODI series between the two teams have become more competitive. In the 2022 Asia Cup, held in the UAE, the Afghanistan national cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline witnessed another chapter. India and Afghanistan faced off in the Super Four stage on September 8, 2022, at the Dubai International Stadium.
India, opting to bat first, amassed 212/2 in their 20 overs, with Virat Kohli scoring his much-anticipated 71st international century. Afghanistan, in reply, put up a valiant effort but could only reach 144/7, giving India a 68-run win. This match highlighted the gap in experience between the two sides but also reflected Afghanistan’s resilience and their determination to learn and grow.
Match Scorecards: Key Encounters
- India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard – 2018 Test:
- India: 474/10
- Afghanistan: 109/10 & 103/10
- Result: India won by an innings and 262 runs.
- Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match Scorecard – 2019 World Cup:
- India: 224/8 (50 overs)
- Afghanistan: 213/10 (49.5 overs)
- Result: India won by 11 runs.
- India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard – 2021 T20 World Cup:
- India: 210/2 (20 overs)
- Afghanistan: 144/7 (20 overs)
- Result: India won by 66 runs.
- Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match Scorecard – 2022 Asia Cup:
- India: 212/2 (20 overs)
- Afghanistan: 144/7 (20 overs)
- Result: India won by 68 runs.
FAQs
When did India and Afghanistan play their first cricket match?
The India National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team played their first match on June 14, 2018. This was a historic Test match held in Bengaluru, marking Afghanistan’s debut in Test cricket.
How did Afghanistan perform in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup match against India?
In the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan put up a strong fight against India, losing by only 11 runs. The match took place on June 22, 2019, at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.
What is the most memorable encounter between India and Afghanistan in T20 cricket?
One of the most memorable T20 encounters between the two teams was during the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. India posted a total of 210/2, and Afghanistan managed 144/7, leading to a 66-run victory for India.
What has been Afghanistan’s most competitive performance against India?
Afghanistan’s most competitive performance against India was during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, where they came close to pulling off an upset, losing by just 11 runs.
What is the future outlook for the India vs. Afghanistan cricket rivalry?
As Afghanistan continues to grow as a cricketing nation, future encounters between India and Afghanistan are expected to become even more competitive, adding more excitement to this developing rivalry.
Conclusion
The India national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline is marked by significant encounters that have contributed to the growing rivalry between the two sides. While India’s experience and depth have often given them the upper hand, Afghanistan’s rapid rise in international cricket and their ability to challenge top teams have made these matches increasingly competitive and exciting for fans. As Afghanistan continues to develop, future encounters are sure to add more thrilling chapters to this evolving cricketing rivalry.