The rivalry between Pakistan national cricket team and Afghanistan national cricket team is one of the most intense modern rivalries in cricket. It is a story of experience versus fearless ambition, where every match carries emotion, pressure, and growing competitiveness.
Head-to-Head Evolution
Format
Played
Pakistan Wins
Afghanistan Wins
No Result
Win % (PAK)
ODI
8
7
1
0
87.5%
T20I
10
6
4
0
60.0%
Total
18
13
5
0
72.2%
Top Performances Timeline (Year-wise)
Year
Match Type
Top Performer (Pakistan)
Top Performer (Afghanistan)
Impact
2012
ODI
Shahid Afridi (5/36)
Gulbadin Naib (31 runs)
First-ever ODI meeting; PAK won by 7 wickets.
2013
T20I
Mohammad Hafeez (42*)
Gulbadin Naib (2/20)
First-ever T20I meeting; PAK won by 6 wickets.
2014
ODI
Umar Akmal (102*)
Dawlat Zadran (3/73)
Asia Cup; Pakistan won by 72 runs.
2018
ODI
Shoaib Malik (51*)
Hashmatullah Shahidi (97*)
Asia Cup thriller; PAK won by 3 wickets.
2019
ODI
Imad Wasim (49*)
Mohammad Nabi (2/23)
World Cup 2019; PAK won a tight chase.
2021
T20I
Asif Ali (25* off 7)
Rashid Khan (2/26)
T20 World Cup; Asif Ali hit 4 sixes in one over.
2022
T20I
Shadab Khan (36 & 1/27)
Ibrahim Zadran (35 runs)
Asia Cup; Naseem Shah hit 2 sixes in final over.
2023
T20I
Imad Wasim (64*)
Mohammad Nabi (38*)
AFG won first-ever T20I series (2-1) vs PAK.
2023
ODI
Haris Rauf (5/18)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (151)
PAK won ODI series 3-0, including a 1-wicket win.
2023
ODI
Babar Azam (74)
Ibrahim Zadran (87)
World Cup 2023; AFG won by 8 wickets.
Biggest Wins & Closest Matches Timeline
Date
Venue
Margin
Type
Significance
22 Aug 2023
Hambantota
142 runs
Biggest Win (Runs)
Afghanistan bowled out for 59 (lowest total vs PAK).
27 Feb 2014
Fatullah
72 runs
Biggest Win (Runs)
Pakistan’s largest run-margin win in Asia Cup.
23 Oct 2023
Chennai
8 wickets
Biggest Win (Wickets)
Afghanistan’s first-ever ODI win over Pakistan.
07 Sep 2022
Sharjah
1 wicket
Closest Match
Pakistan won with 4 balls remaining in Asia Cup.
24 Aug 2023
Hambantota
1 wicket
Closest Match
Pakistan chased 301, winning on the penultimate ball.
21 Sep 2018
Abu Dhabi
3 wickets
Closest Match
Pakistan chased 258, winning with 3 balls left.
29 Jun 2019
Leeds
3 wickets
Closest Match
Pakistan chased 228, winning with 2 balls left.
The Birth of a Passion Driven Rivalry
This rivalry began when Afghanistan entered the international stage and faced Pakistan in global tournaments. Pakistan, with its rich cricketing history, initially dominated these encounters through strong bowling and experienced players. Afghanistan, however, showed immediate promise with aggressive gameplay and fearless intent. These early matches were not just contests but statements of ambition from Afghanistan, proving they belonged at the highest level. The foundation of this rivalry was built on passion, pride, and the desire to compete with the best.
Year
Venue
Score
Result
Highlight
2012
Sharjah
PAK 168 vs AFG 119
PAK won
First clash
2014
Asia Cup
PAK 248 vs AFG 202
PAK won
Competitive start
2018
Asia Cup
PAK 257 vs AFG 258/6
AFG won
Historic upset
2019
World Cup
AFG 227 vs PAK 230
PAK won
Close finish
Afghanistan’s Fearless Rise Changes the Narrative
Afghanistan’s rapid improvement transformed this rivalry into a thrilling contest. Their world class spin attack and attacking batters began to challenge Pakistan consistently. Unlike typical emerging teams, Afghanistan played without hesitation, pushing Pakistan into high pressure situations. Pakistan still relied on its experience and unpredictability, but victories became harder to secure. This phase marked a shift from dominance to competition, making every match unpredictable.
Period
Dominant Team
Key Strength
Result Trend
Impact
2016
PAK
Experience
PAK wins
Control
2018
AFG
Spin attack
AFG wins
Breakthrough
2020
Even
Balanced
Shared results
Competition
2023
Even
Intensity
Close matches
Growth
High Drama Matches That Captivated Fans
Matches between Pakistan and Afghanistan are known for their intensity and dramatic finishes. From last over thrillers to heated on field moments, this rivalry often goes beyond just cricket. Afghanistan’s fearless attitude combined with Pakistan’s unpredictable nature creates matches full of tension and excitement. These encounters have become must watch events for cricket fans around the world.
Year
Match Type
Score
Result
Key Moment
2019
World Cup
AFG 227 vs PAK 230
PAK won
Nail biting finish
2022
Asia Cup
AFG 129 vs PAK 131/2
PAK won
Late surge
2023
ODI
AFG 300/5 vs PAK 280
AFG won
Dominant batting
2023
World Cup
PAK 282 vs AFG 286/2
AFG won
Historic chase
Players Who Defined the Rivalry
The Pakistan vs Afghanistan timeline has been shaped by players who delivered match winning performances. Pakistan’s experienced lineup and pace attack have often been key factors, while Afghanistan’s spin bowlers and fearless batters have turned games in their favor. Individual brilliance has frequently decided outcomes, adding excitement and unpredictability to the rivalry.
Role
Pakistan Strength
Afghanistan Strength
Performance Type
Impact
Opener
Aggressive
Fearless
Quick runs
Momentum
Middle Order
Strong
Dynamic
Big innings
Control
Bowler
Pace attack
Spin attack
Wickets
Pressure
All rounder
Versatile
Impactful
Dual role
Game changer
Numbers That Show a Closing Gap
Statistics highlight Pakistan’s overall advantage, but also show how quickly Afghanistan has improved. The gap between the two teams has reduced significantly, with Afghanistan securing important wins in recent years. These numbers reflect a rivalry that is becoming more balanced with every match played.
Matches
PAK Wins
AFG Wins
No Result
Win % (PAK)
15
10
5
0
66%
ODIs
6
3
0
67%
T20
4
2
0
66%
Asia Cup
2
1
0
67%
The Future of This High Voltage Rivalry
Looking ahead, the Pakistan vs Afghanistan rivalry promises even greater excitement. Afghanistan continues to grow rapidly with young talent and improved consistency, while Pakistan remains a strong and experienced side. Future matches are expected to be closely contested, filled with pressure moments and thrilling finishes. This rivalry is set to become one of the most exciting in modern cricket.
Factor
Pakistan
Afghanistan
Prediction
Impact
Squad Strength
Strong
Rising
Even
Close contests
Batting
Powerful
Aggressive
Even
High scores
Bowling
Pace
Spin
Even
Competition
Youth Talent
High
Very high
Even
Future
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs Afghanistan timeline is a story of passion, growth, and fierce competition. What started as a one sided contest has evolved into a thrilling rivalry filled with drama and intensity. Afghanistan’s fearless rise and Pakistan’s experience have created a balanced and exciting contest. As both teams continue to evolve, this rivalry will only grow stronger, delivering unforgettable cricketing moments for fans around the world.