In cricket, great rivalries are often the focus. There are many battles that date back more than a century, such as India vs Pakistan and England vs Australia. However, new tales have been written for the modern age. The rising battle between Afghanistan and Australia is one of the most thrilling.
Afghanistan, a relatively young nation in cricket compared with Australia’s mighty team, has attracted the attention of the entire world through their recent clashes during ICC events. Each meeting between the two teams is a test for Australia and Afghanistan to see how they handle pressure.
Highlights so far were the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025 where both teams met on February 28th, 2025 in Lahore in a critical group B match. Both teams only had one won between them, so their qualification chances were at stake. Rain ruined the game, but the closeness of the teams was shown.
ODI Rivalry – Afghanistan vs Australia
Australia has won all three matches between Afghanistan and Australia in the ODI World Cup. Afghanistan has shown steady improvements in every match, even if the results appear to be one-sided.
Head-to head ODI World Cup
| Stat | Afghanistan | Australia |
| Total Matches | 3 | 3 |
| Won | 0 | 3 |
| Tied | 0 | 0 |
| Highest Total | 291 | 417 |
| The Lowest Total | 142 | 209 |
Some notable ODI encounters
| Date | Results | Highlights | |
| Marc4, 2015 | W.A.C.A., Perth | Australia beat Afghanistan by 275 runs | Australia beat Afghanistan by 275 runs. Afghanistan was not only dealt a crushing defeat, but also received a warning. |
| June 1, 2019 | Bristol | Australia beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets | Afghanistan scored modestly, but its bowlers maintained a fighting spirit. Australia won the chase easily. |
| Nov 7, 2023 | Wankhede, Mumbai | Australia beat Afghanistan by 3 wickets | Australia won by 3 wickets (with 19 balls remaining. Glenn Maxwell’s 200-inning rescue innings* prevented Afghanistan from a historic won. Afghanistan gained respect around the world for this match. |
This 2023 World Cup match was a pivotal moment. Afghanistan has gone from being completely beaten in 2015, to almost beating the giants of 2023.
Champions Trophy – A New Chapter
The ICC Champions Trophy for 2025 was even more special because it was Afghanistan’s very first appearance at the tournament. The fact that they were able to play Australia in a match of such high stakes was a symbol of their progress.
Summary of the match (Feb 28 2025, Lahore)
| Afghanistan Innings | Australia Innings | Results |
| 273, All Out | 109/1 over 12.5 Overs | Rain No Results |
- Afghanistan’s batting line improved as they posted a score of 273.
- Australia began confidently and quickly reached 109/1.
- The match was abandoned due to heavy rain. The match was abandoned due to heavy rain.
The match was a draw, but it proved that Afghanistan could compete with the best.
The T20 World Cup rivalry is more balanced
T20 tells an entirely different tale. Afghanistan is able to equal Australia blow for blow.
Head-to-Head T20 World Cup
| Matches | Afghanistan won | Australia won |
| 2 | 1 | 1 |
Afghanistan is a strong team in T20 cricket. Afghanistan’s T20 cricket is a success because of the explosive talent they have, including Rashid Khan and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
The Last Five Matches in All Formats
Take a look at some of the recent events between Australia and Afghanistan:
| Date | Results | Margin | |
| February 28, 2025 | Lahore | No result | – |
| Nov 7, 2023 | Wankhede, Mumbai | Australia won | 3 wickets |
| June 1, 2019 | Bristol | Australia won | 7 Wickets |
| March 4, 2015 | W.A.C.A., Perth | Australia won | 275 runs |
| August 25, 2012 | Sharjah | Australia won | 66 runs |
Look at the pattern
- 2015– Huge loss by 275 runs.
- 2018 – Still beat but fighting.
- 2023 – Nearly historic upset
- 2025– The rain stopped what was about to be another thrilling thriller.
Afghanistan has steadily closed the gap between itself and other countries.
Afghanistan’s Rise: From underdogs to contenders
Afghanistan’s journey in cricket is among the most inspirational sports stories ever told.
- The team started with limited resources, but grew quickly by participating in ICC competitions.
- The spinners’ superior attack, led by Rashid Khan. There are few batsmen who enjoy playing against Afghan spinners.
- Weaknesses: They have often been let down by their batting. They are improving with the help of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Afghanistan plays no longer just to participate. The aim is to won.
Australia: The Ever-Dominant Power
Australia is a cricketing giant. They are the team that everyone is trying to beat.
- Steve Smith is the batting star.
- Leaders in bowling: Pat Cummins , Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.
- Strength Ability to handle pressure, and deliver when the situation demands it.
Cracks are beginning to show. Afghanistan nearly defeated them in 2020. This match showed the world of cricket that Australia was not invincible.
What lies ahead?
One thing is certain when we look at the recent past:
- Afghanistan is yet to beat Australia in an ODI.
- The margin of victory is decreasing each year.
- Soon, a historic victory could be achieved.
Both teams missed a chance when the 2025 Champions Trophy did not result. Afghanistan thought they would be able to defend 273 while Australia were cruising until the rain stopped play. The excitement of their next match is only heightened by this unfinished game.
A Rivalry to Watch
It’s more than numbers that make up the rivalry between Afghanistan and Australia. The rivalry between Australia and Afghanistan is more than just numbers.
- Every game Australia plays against Afghanistan now is a true test and not an easy won.
- Afghanistan’s every match offers them a chance at glory.
The cricket fans of the entire world are now waiting for Afghanistan to finally won their first ODI against Australia. If their progress so far is anything to go by, this day could be not too far off.
Read Also
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- New Zealand National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline
- Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
- Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline
- Fastest Century in T20: Complete List of Record-Breaking Innings
- South Africa National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
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