India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline

Let’s be honest if you’re reading this, you’re either a die hard cricket fan, someone who got dragged into a debate about which team has the better timeline, or maybe you just want something interesting to read over a cup of chai. Whatever brought you here, you’re in for a treat. I’m going to walk you through the complete timeline of encounters between the India National Cricket Team and the Afghanistan National Cricket Team from that first exciting match to the latest jaw dropping moments on the world stage.

This isn’t your dry, boring cricket history lecture. We’re talking real moments, crazy finishes, records, and some of those “wait, did that really just happen?” games that made us all jump off our seats. By the end of this, you’ll know this rivalry inside and out IMO, one of the most fascinating journeys in modern international cricket.

Let’s kick things off.

Why This Timeline Matters More Than You Think

If you asked someone a decade ago whether Afghanistan would ever give a powerhouse like India a run for their money, you’d probably get a laugh. Fast forward to today? That narrative has totally flipped. In fact, the India vs Afghanistan timeline isn’t just about scores and resultsit’s about grit, cricket culture, passion, and raw talent emerging on the world stage.

India has been in international cricket since 1932long enough to have legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. Afghanistan? They only started gaining global attention in the 2000s. Still, when these two teams meet, it’s never just another match. It’s a story.

The First Face-Off: Breaking the Ice (2010)

You ever meet someone for the first time and immediately think, Oh wow, this is going somewhere? That’s exactly how the first India–Afghanistan match felt.

2010 ICC World Twenty20

• Date: 1 May 2010

• Format: T20 International

• Venue: Gros Islet, St. Lucia

• Result: India won by 7 wickets

In the 2010 T20 World Cup, these two met for the first time. India chased down Afghanistan’s total comfortably, but here’s the thing: Afghanistan wasn’t fazed at all. They stood toe-to-toe with one of cricket’s giants, and that match was the start of something cool.

Back then, those Afghan bowlers and batters weren’t on anyone’s radar. Fast forward to now, and you might just find yourself genuinely impressed by their fearless style.

That First ODI Encounter: Growing Pains and Learning Curves (2014)

Here’s a question for you: Do you think a team can learn more from a crushing defeat or a surprising tie? It’s one of those philosophical debates, but in cricket terms, Afghanistan learned fast.

Asia Cup 2014 – ODI Debut Against India

• Date: 5 March 2014

• Format: One Day International

• Venue: Mirpur

• Result: India won by 8 wickets

India basically walked it in, but Afghanistan didn’t back down. They put up competitive runs and showed they weren’t just a “cute underdog story.” These early matches were Afghanistan announcing themselves on the big stage.

2018: Test Cricket and a Historic Tie

2018 was iconic. Afghanistan earned Test status in 2017, and their first match against India in Test cricket came in Bengaluru. India absolutely dominated (let’s be honest), but yet again, Afghanistan showed heart that you can’t teach in coaching clinics.

Asia Cup 2018 – A Tie That Shocked Fans

• Format: ODI

• Result: Match tied

This is where things got interesting. A tie against India doesn’t happen every dayand the Afghan fans celebrated like they’d won. You can’t blame them. That performance was a statement: We’re not here just to play; we’re here to compete.

ICC World Cup 2019: Close Calls and Rising Expectations

Every time India and Afghanistan meet in a World Cup, you feel that extra buzz. So when they crossed paths in the 2019 Cricket World Cup, expectations were sky high from both sides.

2019 ODI World Cup, England

• Result: India won by 11 runs

• Standout: Mohammed Shami’s four wicket spell

Okay, India won, but that margin? Just 11 runs! Afghans fought all the way. That game wasn’t just a match; it was a thriller that had fans chatting for days. It proved that Afghanistan weren’t just showing upthey were contenders.

2023: More Power, More Passion

Ah, 2023. India and cricket fans will remember this year for many reasons. Not least because the clash between India and Afghanistan had some serious spice thanks to thrilling performances and world class cricket.

During this period, the team dynamics had shifted. India was a force as usual, but Afghanistan had sharpened their skills, especially in bat ball balance.

January 2024: T20I Series Inside India

This series was special not just because of the action, but because Afghanistan toured India for an entire T20I series. For many fans, this was the first time they saw Afghanistan chase targets and bowl with real authority on Indian soil.

T20I Series Summary

• 3 T20Is played

• India won all 3 matches

• Matches were competitive and exciting, especially the one that went to no result/removed for rain.

The stars were outShivam Dube smashing runs, Rashid Khan spinning webs, and both captains leading with fire.

June 2024: T20 World Cup Super 8s Showdown

Let me tell youthis was one of those matches that fans will talk about for years.

2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – Super 8 Match

• Date: 20 June 2024

• Format: T20

• Venue: Kensington Oval, Barbados

• Result: India won by 47 runs

Suryakumar Yadav exploded with an absolute blitz of 53 off 28 balls, and India got a solid total. Afghanistan nearly kept it tight with some serious bowling from Rashid Khan and company, but India’s lineup kept chugging along. What made it stand out was the drama, energy, and swings in momentum throughout the match.

2025 and Beyond: What’s Next?

Now we’re here2025 and cricket’s just getting warmed up. Asia Cups, World Cups, and bilateral series are all part of what keeps this timeline ticking.

Sure, India has dominated the majority of matches… but Afghanistan has grown leaps and bounds from that nervous debut in 2010.

They aren’t just “the underdog” anymore they’re a threat, and sometimes a spoiler, and always entertaining.

Head to Head Quick Breakdown (Across All Formats)

Here’s the nutshell version no waffle:

• First Encounter: 2010 T20 World Cup – India won.

• First ODI: 2014 Asia Cup – India won.

• Major Tight Match: 2018 Asia Cup – tied.

• World Cup Clash: 2019 ODI – India won by 11 runs.

• Recent T20 World Cup Clash: 2024 Super 8 – India won by 47 runs.

Notice a pattern? India generally leads, but the closeness and drama have grown with every passing year. Afghanistan isn’t just showing upthey’re making matches interesting, and seriously so.

Why This Timeline Is Fun to Follow (Even If You’re Not a Statistician)

Alright, let’s get real. Timelines full of dates, scores, runs, and wickets can get tedious. So why should YOU care?

Here’s the fun stuff:

• Unexpected twists: Afghanistan can suddenly hit you with spin that gives a world class batter nightmares.

• Super Overs, ties, and dramatic finishes: These aren’t predictable results. They make cricket fun.

• Talent that surprises: Rashid Khan the guy’s a magician with a ball. He can turn a match around like it’s nothing.

• Stories beyond the scorecard: Every match between India and Afghanistan has emotional layerspride, passion, and sometimes outright chaos.

In short: it’s more than cricket. It’s storytelling with bats and balls. And who doesn’t love that?

Also Read: South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Timeline

Wrapping It Up: The Rivalry You Didn’t Know You Needed

If you’ve stuck with this timeline up to now, I’ve got one last thing to say: this rivalry is way more than a lopsided head to head stat. Sure, India has the upper hand in wins, but every game has its own narrative now. Afghanistan brings flair, unpredictability, and fight.

And honestly? That’s what keeps us fans glued to the screen.

So here’s the dealbookmark this timeline, because the next chapter is just around the corner. Who knows? Afghanistan might pull off a stunning win next. Wouldn’t that be something?

Cricket fansstay curious, stay invested, and keep cheering. Because this timeline sure isn’t slowing down.

If you want, I can also create a match by match table summary or a visual timeline graphic to go with this article. Just let me know!