Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Timeline

The rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team is one of the most fascinating stories in modern cricket. Beginning in 2014, the two teams have played numerous competitive matches, with Afghanistan emerging as one of the most promising teams in international cricket, while Zimbabwe has shown glimpses of their old strength. This timeline explores the journey of both teams from their first encounter in 2014 to their latest clashes in 2025.

2014 – The Beginning of a New Rivalry

The first official meeting between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe took place in July 2014 during a 4-match ODI series in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Afghanistan shocked the cricketing world by winning the series 3–1, making it one of the first times a non-Test playing nation defeated a full-member side in their own backyard. Players like Asghar Afghan, Nawroz Mangal, and Samiullah Shenwari were key performers during this series.

This win was a turning point for Afghan cricket. It not only boosted their confidence but also helped them gain recognition as a serious contender on the international stage.

2015–2017: Rise of Afghanistan

In October 2015, Zimbabwe visited the UAE to play Afghanistan in a 5-match ODI and 2-match T20I series. Afghanistan once again proved their growing strength by winning the ODI series 3–2 and splitting the T20I series 1–1. These matches were closely contested and helped develop a healthy rivalry between the two sides.

In 2016, Afghanistan played another bilateral series against Zimbabwe and continued to dominate. During this period, players like Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Shahzad rose to prominence and became household names.

2018–2021: Afghanistan Takes Control

By now, Afghanistan had become a Test-playing nation and had developed a solid squad of experienced players and young talents. In 2018, the teams met again in a 5-match ODI series and 2 T20Is in Sharjah, UAE. Afghanistan swept the ODI series 4–1 and won both T20Is, showcasing their depth in both batting and bowling departments.

The 2021 tour of the UAE was another highlight. Afghanistan again clean-swept Zimbabwe in the T20I series and comfortably won the ODI matches, solidifying their superiority in the head-to-head record. Rashid Khan’s spin magic and Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s aggressive batting were crucial in these victories.

2022–2023: Zimbabwe's Fightback

In 2022, Afghanistan toured Zimbabwe for another multi-format series. This time, Zimbabwe showed great improvement and played competitive cricket, although Afghanistan still emerged victorious in most games. Zimbabwe’s new generation, including Sikandar Raza, Blessing Muzarabani, and Wesley Madhevere, began to make a name for themselves.

Afghanistan won the ODI series 3–0, but Zimbabwe put up a spirited fight in the T20Is, nearly upsetting the visitors in the final match. The contests were no longer one-sided, and Zimbabwe seemed to be closing the gap.

2024–2025: Modern Day Encounters

The matches in 2024 and 2025 highlighted how far both teams have come. Afghanistan hosted Zimbabwe in early 2024 and dominated the ODI and T20I series. The Afghan spin attack, led by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, proved too strong for the Zimbabwean batting lineup.

In 2025, Zimbabwe hosted Afghanistan in a return series. Though Afghanistan again had the upper hand, Zimbabwe managed to clinch a T20I match in front of a home crowd in Harare, sparking celebrations and reigniting their hopes of revival.

Head-to-Head Summary

From 2014 to 2025, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have played over 30 ODIs and more than 20 T20Is, along with a few Test matches. Afghanistan holds a dominant record in both formats, especially in ODIs. However, Zimbabwe has shown resilience and has managed to pull off a few surprise wins.

Final Thoughts

The Afghanistan national cricket team vs Zimbabwe national cricket team timeline rivalry has evolved from a battle between an underdog and a seasoned team into a true competitive fixture in world cricket. Afghanistan’s consistent rise and Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit make every encounter exciting. As both teams continue to develop young talent and strengthen their squads, fans can look forward to many more thrilling clashes in the years to come.