The cricket rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team has evolved into a notable contest among emerging cricket nations. From their first full ODI series in 2014 to the most recent encounters in 2024, the two teams have played fiercely competitive matches across formats, with Afghanistan largely dominating in recent years.

ODI Rivalry: Series and Results (2014–2024)

Series/Tournament Season Winner Margin
Afghanistan in Zimbabwe ODI Series 2014 Drawn 2-2 (4)
Afghanistan in Zimbabwe ODI Series 2015/16 Afghanistan 3-2 (5)
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe ODI Series (UAE) 2015/16 Afghanistan 3-2 (5)
Afghanistan in Zimbabwe ODI Series 2016/17 Afghanistan 3-2 (5)
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe ODI Series (UAE) 2017/18 Afghanistan 4-1 (5)
ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier (in Zimbabwe) 2017/18 - -
Afghanistan in Zimbabwe ODI Series 2022 Afghanistan 3-0 (3)
Afghanistan in Zimbabwe ODI Series 2024/25 Afghanistan 2-0 (3)
 

Key ODI Series Highlights (2014–2024):

  • 2014: The rivalry began with a 2-2 drawn series in Zimbabwe, establishing a competitive foundation.

  • 2015–2018: Afghanistan started to dominate, winning every bilateral ODI series, both home and away, including a 4-1 win in the UAE in 2017/18.

  • 2022: Afghanistan swept Zimbabwe 3-0 in Harare, marking a period of clear superiority.

  • 2024: Afghanistan continued their dominance, winning the series 2-0 in Harare, including a record 232-run victory in the second ODI.

Head-to-Head ODI Stats (as of December 2024):

  • Total ODIs played: 31

  • Afghanistan wins: 21

  • Zimbabwe wins: 10

T20I Rivalry: Series and Results (2014–2024)

Statistic Afghanistan Zimbabwe
Matches Played 18 18
Wins 16 2
Highest Score 215 190
Lowest Score 125 90
 

Key T20I Series Highlights:

  • Afghanistan has overwhelmingly dominated the T20I format, winning 16 out of 18 matches.

  • Zimbabwe's rare T20I victories include a notable win in Harare in December 2024, where they beat Afghanistan by 4 wickets, with Brian Bennett named Player of the Match.

Notable Match Results (2022–2024)

2022 ODI Series in Harare

  • 1st ODI (June 4, 2022): Afghanistan won by 60 runs.

  • 2nd ODI (June 6, 2022): Afghanistan won by 8 wickets.

  • 3rd ODI (June 9, 2022): Afghanistan won by 4 wickets.

2024 ODI Series in Harare

  • 1st ODI (Dec 17, 2024): No result due to rain.

  • 2nd ODI (Dec 19, 2024): Afghanistan won by 232 runs. Sediqullah Atal scored his maiden ODI hundred (102), and Afghanistan bowled Zimbabwe out for 54.

  • 3rd ODI (Dec 21, 2024): Afghanistan won by 8 wickets, chasing 127 in just 26.5 overs, with Sediqullah Atal again among the top scorers.

2024 T20I in Harare

  • 1st T20I (Dec 11, 2024): Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 4 wickets, chasing 145 with Brian Bennett starring.

Rivalry Trends and Impact

  • Afghanistan's Rise: Since 2015, Afghanistan has asserted clear dominance in both ODIs and T20Is, thanks to a strong spin attack and consistent batting performances.

  • Zimbabwe's Resilience: Despite the lopsided record, Zimbabwe has produced memorable wins, especially in the early years and in the T20 format.

  • Key Players: Afghanistan's Sediqullah Atal, Rashid Khan, and Mohammad Nabi have been instrumental, while Zimbabwe's Brian Bennett and Sikandar Raza have provided resistance.

Summary Table: ODI Head-to-Head (2014–2024)

Format Matches Afghanistan Wins Zimbabwe Wins Draw/No Result
ODI 31 21 10 1
 

Summary Table: T20I Head-to-Head (2014–2024)

Format Matches Afghanistan Wins Zimbabwe Wins
T20I 18 16 2
 

Conclusion:

From a balanced rivalry in 2014 to Afghanistan's clear ascendancy by 2024, the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe national cricket team timeline reflects the rapid growth of Afghan cricket and the enduring competitive spirit of Zimbabwe. Their matches continue to be a showcase for emerging talent and the evolving landscape of international cricket.