From lopsided mismatches in dusty Sharjah to heart-stopping Mumbai miracles and Kingstown upsets, Afghanistan versus Australia has evolved from pure dominance to gripping rivalry. Underdogs armed with spin magic and unbreakable grit have pushed cricketing giants to the brink, delivering aggression, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments that redefine what courage looks like on the field.
Latest Matches
Recent Afghanistan National Cricket Team Vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Timeline encounters across formats (as of March 2026)
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
Afghan Score
Australian Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
ICC Champions Trophy
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Feb 28, 2025
Afghan (bat)
273 (50 ov)
109/1 (12.5 ov)
No result (abandoned due to rain)
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Not awarded
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown
Jun 23, 2024
Australian (bowl)
148/6 (20 ov)
127 (19.2 ov)
Afghan won by 21 runs
ICC T20 World Cup 2024
Gulbadin Naib (AFG)
ICC Cricket World Cup
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Nov 7, 2023
Afghan (bat)
291/5 (50 ov)
293/7 (46.5 ov)
Australian won by 3 wkts
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
Glenn Maxwell (AUS)
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Nov 4, 2022
Afghan (bat)
168/8 (20 ov)
164/7 (20 ov)
Australian won by 4 runs
ICC T20 World Cup 2022
Adam Zampa (AUS)
ICC Cricket World Cup
County Ground, Bristol
Jun 1, 2019
Afghan (bat)
207 (38.2 ov)
209/3 (34.5 ov)
Australian won by 7 wkts
ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
David Warner (AUS)
ICC Cricket World Cup
WACA Ground, Perth
Mar 4, 2015
Australian (bat)
142 (37.3 ov)
417/6 (50 ov)
Australian won by 275 runs
ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
David Warner (AUS)
Bilateral ODI
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Aug 25, 2012
Australian (bat)
206 (43.5 ov)
272/8 (50 ov)
Australian won by 66 runs
Afghanistan v Australia ODI 2012
Mitchell Starc (AUS)
ULTIMATE HEAD-TO-HEAD SUMMARY TABLE
Format
Matches Played
Australia Wins
Afghanistan Wins
No Result
Australia Win % (Decided Matches)
ODI
5
4
0
1
100%
T20I
2
1
1
0
50%
Test
0
0
0
0
–
OVERALL
7
5
1
1
71%
WIN-LOSS SUMMARY TABLE
Team
Total Wins
ODI Wins
T20I Wins
Biggest Win
Historic Moment
Australia
5
4
1
275 runs (2015 WC)
Glenn Maxwell 201* miracle (2023)
Afghanistan
1
0
1
21 runs (2024 T20 WC)
First-ever victory over Australia!
Top Run Scorers
Rank
Player (Team)
Total Runs
Highest Score
Key Performance
1
Glenn Maxwell (AUS)
255
201*
Unbelievable 201* in 2023 WC
2
Ibrahim Zadran (AFG)
155
80+
Solid anchor in 2023 clash
3
David Warner (AUS)
178+
89
Explosive in 2015 & 2019 WCs
Top Wicket Takers
Rank
Player (Team)
Total Wickets
Best Figures
Key Performance
1
Gulbadin Naib (AFG)
5
4/20
Match-winning spell in 2024 upset
2
Pat Cummins (AUS)
4
2+
Consistent destroyer
3
Rashid Khan (AFG)
3+
2+
Magic in T20 clashes
Bonus Legends:
Maxwell’s 201* – one of the greatest ODI knocks ever
Naib’s 4/20 – turned the game in Afghanistan’s first win
The Dawn of a Mismatch: First Encounters and Afghanistan’s Early Struggles (2012–2015)
Afghanistan entered the rivalry as true underdogs against the Australian giants. In Sharjah 2012 they posted just 206 chasing 273 and fell 66 runs short despite Asghar Afghan’s brave 66. Three years later in Perth the World Cup brought humiliation as Australia blasted 417 for six with David Warner scoring 178. Afghanistan managed only 142 in reply losing by a massive 275 runs. These mismatches showcased Australia’s dominance yet highlighted Afghanistan’s fighting partnerships and early spin efforts. The pressure was immense but it laid the foundation for growing aggression in future clashes.
Match Details
Scorecard Summary
Result & Margin
Highest Individual Score (AUS)
Highest Individual Score (AFG)
Best Bowling Figures (AUS)
Best Bowling Figures (AFG)
Biggest Chase Attempt & Outcome
Standout Partnership
Record-Breaking Moment
Only ODI, Sharjah, 25 Aug 2012
AUS 272/8 (50 ov) AFG 206 (43.5 ov)
AUS won by 66 runs
Matthew Wade 75 & Michael Clarke 75
Asghar Afghan 66 (106 balls)
Mitchell Starc 4/47 (9 ov)
Shapoor Zadran 2/60
AFG chased 273 – fell 66 short
AUS 2nd wicket: 100+ runs (Wade-Clarke)
First ever meeting; Starc’s debut spell against AFG
WC 2015, Perth, 4 Mar 2015
AUS 417/6 (50 ov) AFG 142 (37.3 ov)
AUS won by 275 runs
David Warner 178 (133 balls, 19×4, 5×6)
Nawroz Mangal 33
Mitchell Johnson 4/22 (7.3 ov)
Dawlat Zadran 2/101
AFG chased 418 – collapsed early
AUS 2nd wicket: 250 runs (Warner-Smith)
WC highest total at the time (417); biggest WC win margin then
ERA BESTS
Highest Team Total: 417Lowest AFG Total: 142
Biggest Margin: 275 runs
David Warner 178
Asghar Afghan 66
Mitchell Starc 4/47
No AFG bowler took 3+
No successful chase
250-run stand (Warner-Smith)
Australia’s power vs AFG grit – rivalry born here
Pressure Cooker in England: The 2019 World Cup Clash and Warner’s Masterclass
The Bristol encounter at the 2019 World Cup turned into a tense showcase of Australia’s clinical edge against Afghanistan’s rising fight. Afghanistan batted first and reached 207 in 38.2 overs after early collapses, but Rashid Khan’s explosive 27 off 11 balls lifted spirits amid fan cheers. David Warner anchored the chase with an unbeaten 89, partnering Aaron Finch’s aggressive 66 as Australia romped to victory by 7 wickets with 91 balls left. Warner’s composed return from ban highlighted tactical mastery over spin, while Afghan bowlers showed grit in a pressure-filled atmosphere that built rivalry heat.
Match Details
Scorecard Summary
Result & Margin
Highest Individual Score (AUS)
Highest Individual Score (AFG)
Best Bowling Figures (AUS)
Best Bowling Figures (AFG)
Chase Details & Outcome
Standout Partnership
Record-Breaking / Interesting Moment
WC 2019, 4th Match, Bristol, 1 Jun 2019
AFG 207 (38.2 ov) AUS 209/3 (34.5 ov)
AUS won by 7 wickets (91 balls rem)
David Warner 89* (114 balls)
Rashid Khan 27 (11 balls)
Pat Cummins 3/24 (8 ov)
Mujeeb Ur Rahman 2/34 (8 ov)
Target 208 – chased in 34.5 ov (easy)
AUS 1st wicket: 96 runs (Finch-Warner)
Warner’s match-winning unbeaten 89 on return from ban; Player of the Match
Key Innings Breakdown
AFG collapses: 0/1, 5/2 early; late surge
Massive margin despite AFG fight
Aaron Finch 66 (49 balls, 4×6)
Hashmatullah Shahidi 18
Mitchell Starc 2/18 (early spells)
Rashid Khan cameo SR 245.45
No real pressure; 91 balls spare
AUS 2nd wicket: 60 runs (Warner-Khawaja)
Finch’s explosive start with 4 sixes; Afghanistan’s best fight vs AUS then
MATCH BESTS
Highest Team Total: 209/3 (AUS)Lowest Collapse: AFG 5/2
Biggest Ease: 91 balls remaining
David Warner 89*
Rashid Khan 27 off 11
Pat Cummins 3/24
Mujeeb 2/34
Fastest comfortable chase
96-run opening stand
2nd highest World Cup SR vs AUS (Rashid’s 245.45); Afghan fans’ hope crushed but respect earned
Extra Highlights
Early Afghan wickets by Starc; spin control by Mujeeb
Clinical AUS batting
Warner anchored calmly
Brief fireworks from Rashid
Pace trio dominated
Spin threatened briefly
No collapse in chase
Steady middle partnerships
Warner’s masterclass signaled AUS title defense intent; rivalry tension rises
Mumbai Heartbreak: The 2023 ODI World Cup Thriller That Almost Changed Everything
Wankhede Stadium witnessed pure drama as Afghanistan posted their highest total against Australia at 291 for 5, led by Ibrahim Zadran’s brilliant unbeaten 129. They looked set for a famous upset when Australia slumped to 91 for 7 chasing 292. Then Glenn Maxwell unleashed an astonishing unbeaten 201 off 128 balls, battling cramps to smash 21 fours and 10 sixes in one of cricket’s greatest chases. Afghanistan’s bowlers, especially Rashid Khan (2-44), created magic but fell agonizingly short by 3 wickets with 19 balls left. Fan emotions exploded—heartbreak for Afghans, relief for Aussies—in a match that nearly rewrote history.
Match Details
Scorecard Summary
Result & Margin
Highest Individual Score (AUS)
Highest Individual Score (AFG)
Best Bowling Figures (AUS)
Best Bowling Figures (AFG)
Chase Details & Outcome
Standout Partnership
Record-Breaking / Interesting Moment
WC 2023, 39th Match, Wankhede Mumbai, 7 Nov 2023
AFG 291/5 (50 ov) AUS 293/7 (46.5 ov)
AUS won by 3 wickets (19 balls rem)
Glenn Maxwell 201* (128 balls, 21×4, 10×6)
Ibrahim Zadran 129* (143 balls)
Josh Hazlewood 2/39 (10 ov)
Rashid Khan 2/44 (10 ov)
Target 292 – collapsed to 91/7 then Maxwell miracle
AFG 3rd wicket: 121 runs (Ibrahim-Rahmat)
Maxwell’s 201* = highest individual score in WC chase ever; first men’s ODI double ton for AUS
Key Innings Breakdown
AFG steady build: 0 early losses, big middle stand AUS: 5 quick wickets after 91/7
Narrowest escape despite collapse
Pat Cummins 12* (68 balls, support role)
Rahmat Shah 35
Adam Zampa 1/21 (spin control)
Noor Ahmad 1/37
From 91/7 needing 201 more – Maxwell took 91 off last 10 overs
AUS 8th wicket: 202* runs (Maxwell-Cummins)
Maxwell batted with severe cramps, switched hands, swept/spinned like never before; iconic grit
MATCH BESTS
Highest Team Total: 293/7 (AUS chase)AFG Best: 291/5
Closest Margin: 3 wickets
Glenn Maxwell 201*
Ibrahim Zadran 129*
Josh Hazlewood 2/39
Rashid Khan 2/44
Biggest comeback: From 91/7 to win
202 unbroken stand (Maxwell-Cummins)*
Ibrahim’s first WC century for Afghanistan; Maxwell’s knock sealed AUS semi-final spot
Extra Highlights
Early Afghan control with spin; AUS top order failed
Heart-stopping finish
Maxwell SR 157.03 in crisis
Zadran anchored patiently
Pace duo early breakthroughs
Spin trio threatened throughout
19 balls spare after epic turnaround
Cummins’ calm support under pressure
One of greatest ODI innings ever; Afghan near-upset sparked global respect for their rise
ERA/RIVALRY IMPACT
Highest Chase vs AFG for AUSAFG Highest vs AUS
Most Dramatic WC Match 2023
Maxwell 201 standout*
Zadran 129 career-best*
Hazlewood economical
Rashid’s control
No choke despite pressure
Unbroken 8th wicket record chase stand
Rivalry elevated—Afghanistan pushed giants to brink; fans still debate “what if”
Rain-Washed Tension: Champions Trophy 2025 and the Abandoned Battle in Lahore
Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore hosted high-stakes drama on February 28, 2025, but rain stole the show. Afghanistan batted first and reached a competitive 273 all out in 50 overs, thanks to solid contributions from their middle order amid tight Australian bowling. Australia raced to 109 for 1 in just 12.5 overs chasing 274—Travis Head looked dangerous—when heavy rain hit, flooding the outfield despite a brief stop. The match was abandoned as no-result, handing Australia the semi-final spot with a point while leaving Afghanistan needing miracles elsewhere. Tension boiled over poor drainage complaints, fan frustration, and what-ifs in this rivalry’s latest twist.
Match Details
Scorecard Summary
Result & Margin
Highest Individual Score (AUS)
Highest Individual Score (AFG)
Best Bowling Figures (AUS)
Best Bowling Figures (AFG)
Chase Details & Outcome
Standout Partnership
Record-Breaking / Interesting Moment
CT 2025, 10th Match, Group B, Lahore, 28 Feb 2025
AFG 273 (50 ov) AUS 109/1 (12.5 ov, T:274)
No result (abandoned due to rain)
Travis Head (aggressive start, score not fully detailed but key aggressor)
Not specified top scorer (middle order contributions)
Nathan Ellis (took Gulbadin Naib’s wicket)
Not highlighted top (spin/pace mix)
Target 274 – AUS flew to 109/1 in 12.5 ov (run rate ~8.7) before downpour
AUS opening stand momentum
Rain after just 30 mins play; poor Lahore drainage slammed by fans; AUS semis qualification secured
Key Innings Breakdown
AFG built steady total despite early pressure AUS explosive start lost to weather
Share of points each
Head looked set for big knock
Omarzai/Atal knocks noted in highlights
Ellis celebration wicket
Rashid chance to dismiss Head on 6 (missed)
Rapid progress: 109/1 – well ahead of required rate
Early AUS partnership set platform
Run-out controversy retracted by Steve Smith (Inglis appeal); added extra tension before rain
MATCH BESTS
AFG Total: 273AUS Progress: 109/1
No decisive winner
Travis Head (pace-setter)
Middle order resilience
Nathan Ellis (key breakthrough)
Spin threat from Rashid
Fastest group stage chase start halted
Promising AUS opening stand
AUS reached semis with 1 point; Afghanistan’s tournament life hung on other results
Extra Highlights
Rain stopped play permanently; outfield puddles AUS in control
Elevated tension—Afghanistan pushed hard; Australia escaped narrowly; drainage issues spotlighted
Conclusion:
This rivalry transcends scorelines—Afghanistan’s rise from heavy defeats to historic wins symbolizes resilience against giants. Australia’s power meets Afghan defiance in clashes full of drama and respect. As the underdog story grows, every future encounter promises more tension, tactical battles, and magic, proving cricket’s greatest tales often come from the unlikeliest challengers.