Note (September 2026): An earlier version of this page said Afghanistan and England first played at the 2016 T20 World Cup, left out their 2015 World Cup match and called every meeting a neutral-venue game; they first met at the 2012 World Twenty20 in Colombo, and the 2019 World Cup match was played in Manchester. It also described the 2012 116-run win as England’s biggest T20I margin, which it no longer is.
Afghanistan and England have played seven men’s internationals, all at ICC tournaments, as of September 2026. England lead the head-to-head 5-2: England won all three T20Is plus the 2015 and 2019 World Cup ODIs, while Afghanistan won the 2023 World Cup match in Delhi by 69 runs and the 2025 Champions Trophy match in Lahore by 8 runs.
Key Takeaways
- Afghanistan vs England head-to-head (as of September 2026): 7 matches, England 5 wins, Afghanistan 2 wins, no ties or no-results.
- By format: England lead 3-0 in T20 internationals; the ODI record is level at 2-2. The two sides have never played a Test.
- The first meeting was on 21 September 2012 at the World Twenty20 in Colombo, which England won by 116 runs.
- Afghanistan’s two wins both came in 50-over ICC events: the 2023 Cricket World Cup in Delhi and the 2025 Champions Trophy in Lahore, a result that knocked England out.
- The teams did not meet at the 2026 T20 World Cup, and no bilateral series between them had been played as of September 2026.
The Afghanistan vs England cricket team timeline highlights one of the most fascinating modern rivalries in international cricket. It shows how a young cricketing nation like Afghanistan rose rapidly and challenged a traditional powerhouse like England on the world stage. From their first meeting in a T20 World Cup to unforgettable World Cup upsets and Champions Trophy drama, this timeline explains every key moment clearly and simply.
If you are searching for a complete, accurate, and beginner-friendly guide to the Afghanistan national cricket team vs England cricket team timeline, this article gives you everything in one place.
Afghanistan Vs England Cricket Team Timeline: Quick Answer
Afghanistan and England have faced each other only in ICC tournaments so far. Their encounters include T20 World Cups, ODI World Cups, and the ICC Champions Trophy. England dominated the early matches, but Afghanistan shocked the cricket world with historic wins in the 2023 Cricket World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. These results changed how this rivalry is viewed globally.
India Vs New Zealand Cricket Team Timeline.
Understanding the Two Teams Before the Rivalry Began
To fully understand the Afghanistan vs England cricket timeline, it is important to know where both teams come from.
England is one of the founding nations of cricket. They have played international cricket since the 19th century and have won major ICC trophies across formats. England is known for its deep talent pool, strong domestic structure, and tactical innovation.
Afghanistan’s journey is very different. The Afghanistan cricket team rose from extreme hardship. Many players learned the game in refugee camps. Despite limited facilities, Afghanistan qualified for global tournaments and earned full ICC membership in 2017. Their rise is considered one of the greatest stories in sports history.
This contrast makes every Afghanistan vs England ICC match special.
First Meetings: World T20 2012, and the 2016 Rematch
The first chapter in the Afghanistan vs England cricket team timeline began in 2012, at the World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka. England won that meeting in Colombo on 21 September 2012 by 116 runs, Luke Wright making 99 not out before Afghanistan were bowled out for 80. At the time it was England’s biggest T20 international win by runs; England have since won by larger margins, including 146 runs against South Africa at Old Trafford on 12 September 2025. The two sides next met in a rain-affected ODI at the 2015 World Cup in Sydney, which England won by nine wickets, and then in T20 cricket again four years after Colombo, at the 2016 World T20 in Delhi. That Delhi match is the one most fans remember as the point where Afghanistan showed they could live with a full member side.
Match Overview
- Format: T20 International.
- Tournament: ICC T20 World Cup 2016.
- Match Date: 23 March 2016.
- Venue: Delhi, India.
Match Summary
England entered the match under pressure after inconsistent performances in the tournament. Afghanistan, although inexperienced, played fearless cricket. England scored 142 runs, while Afghanistan fought hard but fell short, scoring 127.
England won the match, but Afghanistan impressed everyone with their discipline, especially in bowling and fielding. This match showed that Afghanistan could compete at the highest level.
Afghanistan Vs England Match History: All Official Meetings
The Afghanistan vs England match history is short but highly impactful.
So far:
- Matches played only in ICC tournaments.
- No bilateral ODI, T20I, or Test series.
- Matches played at ICC tournament venues; the only meeting on either side’s home soil was the 2019 World Cup match in Manchester, England.
Despite fewer matches, the Afghanistan vs England cricket team timeline includes some of the most talked-about results in modern cricket.
Afghanistan Vs Bangladesh Cricket Team Standings.
Afghanistan Vs England Cricket Team Timeline
| Year & Tournament | Format | Venue & Match Date | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 – ICC World Twenty20 | T20I | Colombo, Sri Lanka – 21 September 2012 | England won by 116 runs |
| 2015 – ICC Cricket World Cup | ODI | Sydney, Australia – 13 March 2015 | England won by 9 wickets |
| 2016 – ICC T20 World Cup | T20I | Delhi, India – 23 March 2016 | England won by 15 runs |
| 2019 – ICC Cricket World Cup | ODI | Manchester, England – 18 June 2019 | England won by 150 runs |
| 2022 – ICC T20 World Cup | T20I | Perth, Australia – 22 October 2022 | England won by 5 wickets |
| 2023 – ICC Cricket World Cup | ODI | Delhi, India – 15 October 2023 | Afghanistan won by 69 runs |
| 2025 – ICC Champions Trophy | ODI | Lahore, Pakistan – 26 February 2025 | Afghanistan won by 8 runs |
Afghanistan Vs England Head-to-Head Snapshot
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 7 |
| England Wins | 5 |
| Afghanistan Wins | 2 |
| ICC Tournament Matches | 7 |
| Bilateral Series | None |
| Afghanistan First Win | 2023 ODI World Cup |
| Latest Match | Champions Trophy 2025 |
Disclaimer: This table is created for informational and educational purposes only. All match dates, venues, formats, and results are based on officially recorded international cricket matches. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers should independently verify details if required.
Afghanistan Vs England T20 Match: World Cup Battles
The Afghanistan vs England T20 match contests have always been intense.
England relies on aggressive batting and flexible strategies. Afghanistan depends on high-quality spin bowling and disciplined fielding. This contrast creates exciting contests in T20 cricket.
Apart from the one-sided 2012 meeting, Afghanistan pushed England hard in T20 cricket: England were 85 for 7 in the 15th over in Delhi in 2016 before Moeen Ali and David Willey rescued them, and in Perth in 2022 England needed until the 19th over to chase 113.
These games strengthened Afghanistan’s confidence and prepared them for future historic wins.
Afghanistan Vs England ODI Match: 2023 Cricket World Cup Shock
One of the most important moments in the Afghanistan vs England cricket world cup timeline happened in 2023.
Match Overview
- Format: One Day International.
- Tournament: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
- Match Date: 15 October 2023.
- Venue: India.
Why This Match Changed Everything
Afghanistan defeated England in a stunning World Cup match. England were the defending champions and heavy favorites. Afghanistan batted with patience, posted a competitive total, and then used spin and smart field placements to dismantle England’s batting order.
This Afghanistan vs England historic win became one of the biggest World Cup upsets ever.
Afghanistan Vs England Biggest Upset Explained Simply
The 2023 World Cup victory is widely regarded as the Afghanistan vs England biggest upset.
Reasons it stands out:
- England were reigning champions.
- Afghanistan had never beaten England in ODIs before.
- The win came in a high-pressure global tournament.
- It proved Afghanistan’s tactical maturity.
This match completely changed the Afghanistan vs England head to head narrative.
Afghanistan Vs England Champions Trophy Match 2025
Another major chapter in the Afghanistan vs England complete timeline came in 2025.
Match Overview
- Format: One Day International.
- Tournament: ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
- Match Date: 26 February 2025.
- Venue: Lahore, Pakistan.
Match Summary
Afghanistan scored 325 runs, building a strong platform with disciplined batting. England chased aggressively but were bowled out for 317. Afghanistan won by 8 runs.
This result confirmed that Afghanistan’s success against England was no longer a surprise. It was a statement.
Sri Lanka Vs New Zealand Cricket Timeline.
Afghanistan Vs England Head To Head Record So Far
The Afghanistan vs England head to head record reflects a shifting balance.
- England won early encounters.
- Afghanistan won crucial recent ICC matches.
- Afghanistan’s wins came in major tournaments.
While England still has more overall wins, Afghanistan leads in recent high-impact matches.
Afghanistan Vs England Stats: What the Numbers Reveal
Looking at Afghanistan vs England stats gives deeper insight.
- Both of Afghanistan’s wins over England have come in 50-over ICC matches (the 2023 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy); England have won all three T20I meetings.
- England have been most vulnerable to Afghanistan’s spinners: in Delhi in 2023, Mujeeb Ur Rahman took 3 for 51 and Rashid Khan also took three wickets.
- Afghanistan’s bowling has improved sharply since 2019, when England hit 25 sixes against them at Old Trafford, at the time the most by a team in an ODI innings.
- England still holds an advantage in overall batting depth.
These stats show a clear evolution in Afghanistan’s competitiveness.
Afghanistan Vs England Playing 11, Squad and Captains
Fans closely follow Afghanistan vs England playing 11 announcements because team balance often decides the match.
Afghanistan Squad Strengths
- World-class spin bowling.
- Calm middle-order batters.
- Agile fielders.
England Squad Strengths
- Explosive top order.
- Fast bowling variety.
- Strong leadership.
Afghanistan vs England captain decisions have played a key role in tight matches, especially in recent tournaments.
India Vs England Cricket Teams.
Afghanistan Vs England Best Moments and Memorable Matches
Some unforgettable Afghanistan vs England best moments include:
- Afghanistan’s first ODI win over England.
- Tight finishes in ICC tournaments.
- Brilliant individual bowling spells.
- Tactical battles between bat and ball.
These Afghanistan vs England memorable matches are now part of cricket history.
Why This Timeline Matters for Cricket Fans
The Afghanistan vs England cricket team timeline represents the changing face of world cricket.
It shows:
- New teams can challenge traditional powers.
- Preparation and belief matter more than reputation.
- ICC tournaments are becoming more competitive.
For beginners, this rivalry is an excellent example of cricket’s global growth.
Afghanistan Vs England Complete Timeline Summary
Here is a simplified timeline recap:
- 2012: First meeting, at the World Twenty20 in Colombo.
- 2022: Competitive T20 World Cup clash.
- 2023: Afghanistan’s historic ODI World Cup win.
- 2025: Champions Trophy victory.
Each match added confidence and belief to Afghanistan’s journey.
What the Future Holds for Afghanistan Vs England Cricket
Looking ahead, Afghanistan vs England cricket is expected to grow.
Possible developments:
- First bilateral series.
- More World Cup clashes.
- Higher global fan interest.
- Even stronger rivalry.
Every future Afghanistan vs England match date will attract attention.
India Vs Pakistan Cricket Matches Timeline.
“From underdogs to giant-killers, the Afghanistan vs England cricket timeline proves that belief, courage, and fearless cricket can rewrite history on the world’s biggest stage.”
Conclusion
The Afghanistan vs England cricket team timeline tells a powerful story of growth, belief, and transformation. England represents tradition and experience, while Afghanistan symbolizes resilience and rapid progress. What started as an uneven contest has evolved into a genuine rivalry.
Afghanistan’s victories in the Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy prove that modern cricket rewards preparation and courage. As both teams continue to evolve, future encounters promise even more thrilling moments for fans around the world.
Afghanistan vs England Scorecards: Every Match at a Glance
The table below lists the score, result and standout performance from every Afghanistan vs England men’s international, as recorded by ESPNcricinfo and Wikipedia (as of September 2026).
| Match | Scores | Result | Standout performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 World Twenty20, Colombo (21 Sep 2012) | England 196/5 (20 ov); Afghanistan 80 (17.2 ov) | England won by 116 runs | Luke Wright 99 not out off 55 balls (player of the match) |
| 2015 World Cup, Sydney (13 Mar 2015) | Afghanistan 111/7 (36.2 ov); England 101/1 (18.1 ov), revised target 101 in 25 overs | England won by 9 wickets (DLS method) | Chris Jordan 2/13 (player of the match); Ian Bell 52 not out |
| 2016 World T20, Delhi (23 Mar 2016) | England 142/7 (20 ov); Afghanistan 127/9 (20 ov) | England won by 15 runs | Moeen Ali 41 not out and a wicket (player of the match) |
| 2019 World Cup, Manchester (18 Jun 2019) | England 397/6 (50 ov); Afghanistan 247/8 (50 ov) | England won by 150 runs | Eoin Morgan 148 off 71 balls with 17 sixes (player of the match) |
| 2022 T20 World Cup, Perth (22 Oct 2022) | Afghanistan 112 all out; England 113/5 (18.1 ov) | England won by 5 wickets | Sam Curran 5/10, the first T20I five-wicket haul by an England bowler |
| 2023 World Cup, Delhi (15 Oct 2023) | Afghanistan 284 (49.5 ov); England 215 (40.3 ov) | Afghanistan won by 69 runs | Mujeeb Ur Rahman 3/51 (player of the match); Rahmanullah Gurbaz 80 off 57 balls |
| 2025 Champions Trophy, Lahore (26 Feb 2025) | Afghanistan 325/7 (50 ov); England 317 (49.5 ov) | Afghanistan won by 8 runs | Ibrahim Zadran 177 off 146 balls (player of the match); Azmatullah Omarzai 5/58; Joe Root 120 |
Afghanistan vs England Head-to-Head by Format
England lead the Afghanistan vs England head-to-head 5-2 overall, but the split by format tells a more balanced story. England are unbeaten against Afghanistan in T20 internationals, while the ODI record is level.
| Format | Matches | England wins | Afghanistan wins | Last meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 International | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2022 T20 World Cup, Perth |
| One Day International | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2025 Champions Trophy, Lahore |
| Test | 0 | 0 | 0 | Never played |
| Total | 7 | 5 | 2 | 26 February 2025 |
Figures are as of September 2026. For the wider picture of each tournament, see the full list of ICC Cricket World Cup winners and the T20 World Cup winners by year.
Afghanistan vs England Records and Standout Performances
Seven matches have produced several records, according to ESPNcricinfo and Wikipedia scorecards.
- Highest team total: England 397/6 at Old Trafford in 2019, England’s highest World Cup total at the time.
- Lowest team total: Afghanistan 80 all out in Colombo in 2012.
- Highest individual score: Ibrahim Zadran’s 177 in Lahore in 2025, the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history, beating Ben Duckett’s 165 from earlier in the same tournament.
- Most sixes in an innings: Eoin Morgan’s 17 sixes in his 148 at Old Trafford in 2019, then a world record for an ODI innings.
- Best bowling in a T20I: Sam Curran’s 5 for 10 in Perth in 2022, the first five-wicket haul by an England bowler in T20 internationals.
- Best bowling in an ODI: Azmatullah Omarzai’s 5 for 58 in Lahore in 2025.
- Biggest margin: England’s 150-run win in Manchester in 2019; Afghanistan’s biggest is the 69-run win in Delhi in 2023.
Why the Champions Trophy Win Mattered
Afghanistan’s 8-run win over England in Lahore on 26 February 2025 eliminated England from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The defeat left England without a win in Group B.
The match was decided by two centuries: Ibrahim Zadran’s 177 took Afghanistan to 325/7, and Joe Root’s 120 kept England in the chase until Azmatullah Omarzai’s five wickets closed it out, with England all out for 317 in the final over.
Did Afghanistan and England Meet at the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka?
No. Afghanistan and England did not play each other at the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. England were drawn in Group C and Afghanistan in Group D; England advanced to the Super 8 with the West Indies, while New Zealand and South Africa went through from Group D.
India won the 2026 tournament, beating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final. The Afghanistan vs England head-to-head therefore still stands at seven matches, with the last meeting at the 2025 Champions Trophy.
When Will Afghanistan and England Play Next?
No bilateral series between Afghanistan and England had been played as of September 2026, so the next meeting is most likely to come at an ICC event. The 2027 Cricket World Cup, hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia from 4 October to 21 November 2027, will have 14 teams.
Apart from the hosts, eight places at the 2027 World Cup go to the top teams in the ICC men’s ODI rankings on 30 September 2026, and Wikipedia’s qualification table lists both Afghanistan and England among them. Whether the two sides meet will depend on the group draw, which readers should check once the ICC publishes the schedule. Live scores for future fixtures are easiest to follow on one of the best cricket score apps.
More Cricket Head-to-Head Guides
Afghanistan’s rivalry with another fast-rising Asian side is covered in the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh full match timeline. One of England’s longest-running rivalries is covered in the India vs England squads and head-to-head record.
FAQs: Afghanistan Vs England Cricket Team Timeline
1. When did Afghanistan and England first play each other in India?
They first played in the ICC T20 World Cup 2016.
2. Has Afghanistan beaten England in a World Cup?
Yes, Afghanistan defeated England in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
3. How many matches have Afghanistan and England played?
They have played only a few matches, all in ICC tournaments.
4. What is Afghanistan vs England head to head record?
England leads overall, but Afghanistan has won key recent matches.
5. Have Afghanistan and England played a bilateral series?
No, they have not played any bilateral series yet.
6. What is Afghanistan’s biggest win against England?
The biggest win was in the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
7. Which format suits Afghanistan best against England?
Afghanistan has been most successful in ODI World Cups.
8. Will Afghanistan and England play more matches in the future?
Yes, future ICC tournaments and possible bilateral series are expected.
9. How many times have Afghanistan and England played each other?
Seven times, all in ICC tournaments: three T20 internationals and four one-day internationals. England have won five and Afghanistan two. The two boards have never played a bilateral series against each other.
10. When did Afghanistan and England first play?
On 21 September 2012, at the World Twenty20 in Colombo. England won by 116 runs, with Luke Wright scoring 99 not out and Afghanistan bowled out for 80.
What is the Afghanistan vs England head-to-head record in ODIs?
The Afghanistan vs England ODI record is level at 2-2 from four matches as of September 2026. England won at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups; Afghanistan won at the 2023 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Has Afghanistan ever beaten England in a T20 international?
No. England have won all three T20 internationals against Afghanistan, in 2012, 2016 and 2022, all at T20 World Cups.
Who has scored the most runs in a single Afghanistan vs England match?
Ibrahim Zadran holds the record with 177 off 146 balls in Lahore on 26 February 2025, which is also the highest individual score in Champions Trophy history.
What is the biggest win in Afghanistan vs England matches?
England’s 150-run win at Old Trafford, Manchester, on 18 June 2019 is the biggest margin in the fixture. Afghanistan’s biggest win over England is 69 runs, at the 2023 World Cup in Delhi.
Did Afghanistan play England at the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka?
No. The two teams were in different groups at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan did not reach the Super 8, so they never met.
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