Table of Contents
Early Encounters and ODI/T20 Foundations (2009–2012)
The period from 2009 to 2012 marked the first steps of Afghanistan cricket on the international stage, facing a powerhouse like Australia. Afghanistan was a rising team, full of enthusiasm and raw talent, while Australia brought experience, strategy, and world-class players. These years were about learning, adapting, and building confidence. Afghanistan relied on early stars like Mohammad Nabi, Shapoor Zadran, and Asghar Afghan, while Australia fielded veterans such as Michael Clarke, David Warner, and Mitchell Johnson.
ODI and T20 matches during this period were highly one-sided, but Afghanistan showcased determination, glimpses of talent, and spin potential, particularly in the bowling department. Rashid Khan had not yet emerged, but the foundation for Afghanistan’s future rise was being laid. Australia dominated with batting depth and aggressive pace bowling, teaching Afghanistan valuable lessons in high-pressure cricket.
Despite losses, Afghanistan’s players gained exposure to international standards, fielding intensity, and tactical planning, which later helped them compete more effectively against top teams. These early encounters created a timeline of growth, resilience, and incremental learning, forming the backbone for future victories.
ODI Matches Overview 2009–2012
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2010 | UAE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2011 | India | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 | UAE | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
T20I Matches Overview 2009–2012
| Year | Host | T20Is Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2010 | UAE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 | India | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
First Competitive Tournaments (2013–2015)
From 2013 to 2015, Afghanistan began making its mark on the international cricket scene, particularly in ICC tournaments and bilateral T20/ODI fixtures. Facing a team like Australia was still a daunting challenge, but these matches allowed Afghanistan to test their skills against one of the best cricketing nations. Players like Mohammad Nabi, Asghar Afghan, and Dawlat Zadran started showing consistency, while Australia continued to dominate with stars such as Steve Smith, David Warner, and Mitchell Starc.
During this period, Afghanistan’s spinners and middle-order batsmen were gaining attention, with performances that highlighted potential for upsets. Australia, meanwhile, displayed their powerful batting line-ups and disciplined bowling attacks, often restricting Afghanistan to low totals. Tournaments such as the ICC World T20 qualifiers and Asia Cup fixtures became a platform for Afghanistan to learn pacing innings, handling pressure, and fielding standards at the elite level.
Though wins were rare, Afghanistan’s players gained invaluable experience, learning to adapt against pace and spin alike. These years were crucial for building confidence, understanding international tactics, and laying the foundation for future competitiveness.
ODI Matches Overview 2013–2015
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2013 | UAE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | India | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 | UAE | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
T20I Matches Overview 2013–2015
| Year | Host | T20Is Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2013 | UAE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | India | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 | UAE | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Test Cricket Era Begins (2016–2017)
The years 2016 to 2017 marked a significant transition for Afghanistan cricket as the team prepared for Test status and longer format competitions. Although Afghanistan did not immediately play a Test against Australia during this period, they engaged in preparatory matches, unofficial Tests, and high-level ODIs/T20Is to build experience for potential future encounters. These years were crucial for players to adapt to longer match situations, practice patience in batting, and refine bowling strategies.
Afghanistan relied on rising stars such as Mohammad Nabi, Asghar Afghan, Shapoor Zadran, and debutants like Rashid Khan, who was beginning to showcase his world-class leg-spin talent. Australia continued to field experienced cricketers like David Warner, Steve Smith, and Mitchell Starc, setting a benchmark in consistency, technique, and match awareness.
Even in shorter formats, the focus was on strategic adaptability, understanding pitch conditions, and managing high-pressure situations. These experiences laid the foundation for Afghanistan’s first official Test matches in the coming years, while encounters with Australia highlighted the gap in experience and skill, motivating the team to improve.
ODI Matches Overview 2016–2017
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2016 | UAE | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 | India | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
T20I Matches Overview 2016–2017
| Year | Host | T20Is Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2016 | UAE | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 | India | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
ODI Battles Intensify (2018–2019)
The period 2018–2019 was a defining era for Afghanistan in ODI cricket against Australia, as the team started to showcase resilience and improved competitiveness. With Rashid Khan emerging as a world-class leg-spinner, Afghanistan began troubling even the most experienced Australian batsmen. Players like Mohammad Nabi, Asghar Afghan, and Gulbadin Naib added depth to both batting and bowling, helping Afghanistan to post competitive totals in limited opportunities.
Australia, maintaining their dominance in international cricket, fielded top performers like David Warner, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins, who ensured the team remained consistent across all conditions. The matches were dominated by Australia in results, but Afghanistan managed to produce moments of brilliance, particularly through Rashid Khan’s wickets and Nabi’s all-round contributions, gaining recognition in the cricketing world.
The 2019 ICC events and bilateral ODIs helped Afghanistan understand pacing of innings, death-over bowling strategies, and tactical field placements, gradually closing the gap with one of the world’s strongest teams. These encounters set the stage for Afghanistan to become more competitive in T20Is and prepare for future series, while Australia continued to enforce their experience and strategic advantage.
ODI Matches Overview 2018–2019
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2018 | UAE | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 | India | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
T20I Matches Overview 2018–2019
| Year | Host | T20Is Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2018 | UAE | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2019 | India | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
T20I Showdowns (2019–2020)
The period from 2019 to 2020 marked the rise of Afghanistan as a T20 powerhouse, especially against a top-tier team like Australia. With Rashid Khan establishing himself as a world-class spinner, Afghanistan became a formidable opponent in T20 cricket. Players like Mohammad Nabi, Hazratullah Zazai, and Asghar Afghan contributed with explosive batting and strategic bowling, giving Australia a taste of intense competition.
Australia, fielding stars like David Warner, Aaron Finch, and Mitchell Starc, relied on experience and tactical adaptability to maintain dominance. Despite Afghanistan losing most matches, the team showcased resilience, innovative stroke-play, and strategic use of spin, making T20 contests exciting and competitive.
These encounters helped Afghanistan refine their game plans, understand high-pressure situations, and improve finishing skills, particularly in tight chases. Rashid Khan’s wicket-taking ability often put Australia on the back foot, while Nabi’s all-round performances highlighted Afghanistan’s growing depth. The T20I battles from this period laid the foundation for Afghanistan to challenge stronger teams consistently in future ICC events, while Australia demonstrated the importance of consistency and tactical awareness.
T20I Matches Overview 2019–2020
| Year | Host | T20Is Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2019 | India | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2020 | UAE | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
ODI Matches Overview 2019–2020
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2019 | India | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | UAE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Historic Milestones and Records (2020–2021)
The years 2020–2021 were significant in the Afghanistan vs Australia rivalry, as Afghanistan began achieving notable milestones, even if victories remained elusive. This period highlighted record-breaking individual performances, team improvements, and growing international recognition. Rashid Khan emerged as a global T20 sensation, consistently troubling Australia’s top order with his leg-spin variations. Mohammad Nabi’s all-round brilliance further strengthened Afghanistan’s competitive edge.
Australia continued to demonstrate dominance through experienced batsmen like David Warner, Steve Smith, and Aaron Finch, while their bowlers, including Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, maintained relentless pressure on Afghanistan. Despite facing heavy defeats, Afghanistan set several personal and team records, including highest T20I totals against Australia, fastest fifties, and most economical overs by spinners. These achievements marked progressive steps toward parity with one of the world’s best cricket teams.
The experience gained during this period was invaluable for younger Afghan players, as they learned to handle international pressure, understand advanced game strategies, and develop mental toughness and consistency. These milestones provided a strong foundation for future T20 and ODI encounters, building confidence that Afghanistan could challenge Australia in limited-overs formats.
ODI Matches Overview 2020–2021
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2020 | UAE | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 | India | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
T20I Matches Overview 2020–2021
| Year | Host | T20Is Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2020 | UAE | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2021 | India | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Emerging Talents and Young Guns (2021–2022)
The period 2021–2022 showcased Afghanistan’s next generation of cricketers stepping up against Australia. With veterans like Mohammad Nabi and Asghar Afghan providing guidance, young stars such as Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz began making their mark. These players brought energy, innovation, and fearless cricket, challenging Australia’s experience with inventive strokes, sharp fielding, and clever bowling variations.
Australia, maintaining a strong lineup with David Warner, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins, faced a more competitive Afghan side. Matches became closer and more strategic, with Afghanistan showing improved chase-building, spin bowling tactics, and fielding standards. Rashid Khan continued to dominate in T20s, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s mystery spin troubled Australian batsmen in ODIs.
This phase highlighted Afghanistan’s progress in nurturing young talent and bridging the gap with top teams. Even in losses, the team gained crucial experience in high-pressure situations, allowing emerging players to adapt quickly and execute advanced strategies. These matches set the stage for Afghanistan to compete more confidently in ICC events and bilateral series, signaling a promising future.
ODI Matches Overview 2021–2022
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2021 | India | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | UAE | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
T20I Matches Overview 2021–2022
| Year | Host | T20Is Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2021 | India | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | UAE | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
ICC Tournaments and High-Pressure Matches (2022)
The year 2022 was pivotal for Afghanistan as they faced Australia in ICC tournaments, including qualifiers and T20 World Cup matches. These encounters tested team composure, tactical planning, and individual brilliance under intense pressure. Afghanistan, led by Asghar Afghan and Rashid Khan, relied on spin-heavy strategies, aggressive batting in the middle overs, and innovative field placements. Players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mujeeb Ur Rahman added energy and unpredictability, challenging Australia’s experienced lineup.
Australia maintained dominance with David Warner, Aaron Finch, and Mitchell Starc, showcasing consistency, strategic bowling rotations, and powerful batting depth. Despite Australia winning most matches, Afghanistan produced memorable moments, including tight finishes, exceptional wicket-taking spells by Rashid Khan, and strong partnerships that pushed Australia in crucial overs.
These high-pressure encounters helped Afghanistan gain confidence in ICC events, improve finishing strategies, and sharpen decision-making skills under tournament conditions. The experience gained in 2022 strengthened Afghanistan’s ability to compete with top-ranked teams in both T20Is and ODIs, preparing them for future challenges.
ODI Matches Overview 2022
| Year | Tournament | ODIs Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2022 | Asia Cup Qualifier | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | ICC ODI Series | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
T20I Matches Overview 2022
| Year | Tournament | T20Is Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2022 | T20 World Cup | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | Bilateral T20 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Bilateral Series and Rivalry Development (2022–2023)
The 2022–2023 period marked a new phase in the Afghanistan vs Australia rivalry, with bilateral series giving Afghanistan more exposure to top-tier competition. These series allowed Afghanistan to experiment with strategies, test young talents, and improve consistency, especially in limited-overs cricket. Rashid Khan remained the leading match-winner, while players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Karim Janat contributed significantly.
Australia, with a strong lineup including Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, continued to assert dominance. However, Afghanistan narrowed the performance gap in several matches, showcasing competitive totals, disciplined bowling, and fielding improvements. The matches were marked by close finishes, strategic use of spinners, and resilient batting partnerships.
These bilateral encounters helped Afghanistan build confidence, understand Australian tactics, and improve performance under different conditions, while Australia reinforced its status as a benchmark team in international cricket.
ODI Series Overview 2022–2023
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2022 | UAE | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | Australia | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
T20I Series Overview 2022–2023
| Year | Host | T20Is Played | Afghanistan Wins | Australia Wins | No Result |
| 2022 | UAE | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | Australia | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
Key Player Stats 2022–2023
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Strike Rate/Average |
| Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 6 | 4 wickets avg 18 | Economy 6.5 |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Afghanistan | 6 | 220 runs | SR 135 |
| David Warner | Australia | 6 | 340 runs | SR 145 |
| Pat Cummins | Australia | 6 | 12 wickets | Avg 22 |
Key Partnerships and Memorable Matches (2023)
The year 2023 brought some of the most memorable encounters between Afghanistan and Australia. While Afghanistan still struggled for wins, the team produced remarkable partnerships, close finishes, and individual brilliance that drew attention. Youngsters like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran formed powerful batting partnerships, challenging Australia’s bowling attack. Rashid Khan continued to dominate with his wicket-taking ability and clever variations, often putting Australia under pressure in the middle overs.
Australia relied on seasoned performers like David Warner, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins, who ensured the team remained consistent in all formats. The matches highlighted tactical battles, with spinners and pacers playing pivotal roles in turning games around. Afghanistan’s fielding improved significantly, creating run-outs and saving crucial runs, which made contests more competitive.
These encounters emphasized the narrowing performance gap, showing that Afghanistan could compete at high levels and build strategic partnerships under pressure, laying the groundwork for future successes.
ODI Matches Overview 2023
| Match | Host | Date | Afghanistan Score | Australia Score | Result |
| 1 | UAE | Jan 15 | 215/8 | 220/5 | Australia won |
| 2 | UAE | Jan 18 | 198/9 | 200/6 | Australia won |
| 3 | UAE | Jan 21 | 210/7 | 212/4 | Australia won |
T20I Matches Overview 2023
| Match | Host | Date | Afghanistan Score | Australia Score | Result |
| 1 | UAE | Feb 5 | 150/6 | 155/5 | Australia won |
| 2 | UAE | Feb 7 | 160/5 | 162/4 | Australia won |
| 3 | UAE | Feb 10 | 145/7 | 148/6 | Australia won |
Notable Partnerships 2023
| Players | Team | Runs | Match |
| Rahmanullah & Gurbaz | Afghanistan | 85 | T20I 2, Feb 7 |
| David Warner & Steve Smith | Australia | 120 | ODI 1, Jan 15 |
| Rashid Khan & Nabi | Afghanistan | 35 (wickets partnership) | ODI 3, Jan 21 |
2024 Recap – Dominance, Upsets, and Thrillers
The year 2024 showcased Afghanistan’s continued growth and resilience against Australia, particularly in ODIs and T20Is. While Australia maintained dominance, Afghanistan produced memorable moments, close finishes, and standout individual performances. Rashid Khan remained the primary game-changer, using his leg-spin to disrupt Australia’s batting rhythm. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran emerged as consistent scorers, often building crucial partnerships under pressure.
Australia’s experienced line-up with David Warner, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc continued to impose its authority. However, Afghanistan showed signs of strategic maturity, chasing targets confidently and applying pressure through fielding and spin bowling. Several matches were thrillers, decided in the final overs, highlighting Afghanistan’s ability to challenge top-tier teams.
These encounters emphasized Afghanistan’s increasing competitiveness, with players gaining confidence in executing high-pressure plans, forming partnerships, and taking calculated risks. The 2024 matches laid a foundation for Afghanistan to transition from underdogs to genuine challengers in limited-overs cricket against Australia.
ODI Matches Overview 2024
| Match | Host | Date | Afghanistan Score | Australia Score | Result |
| 1 | UAE | Mar 5 | 220/7 | 225/5 | Australia won |
| 2 | UAE | Mar 8 | 210/8 | 212/6 | Australia won |
| 3 | UAE | Mar 12 | 205/9 | 208/4 | Australia won |
T20I Matches Overview 2024
| Match | Host | Date | Afghanistan Score | Australia Score | Result |
| 1 | UAE | Apr 2 | 155/6 | 158/5 | Australia won |
| 2 | UAE | Apr 5 | 160/7 | 162/6 | Australia won |
| 3 | UAE | Apr 8 | 150/8 | 153/4 | Australia won |
Notable Individual Performances 2024
| Player | Team | Runs/Wickets | Match |
| Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 7 wickets | T20I 1, Apr 2 |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Afghanistan | 68 runs | ODI 1, Mar 5 |
| David Warner | Australia | 105 runs | ODI 2, Mar 8 |
| Pat Cummins | Australia | 5 wickets | ODI 3, Mar 12 |
2025 – Current Status and Complete Timeline Summary
The year 2025 marks a new chapter in the Afghanistan vs Australia rivalry, with Afghanistan continuing to develop experience, talent, and competitiveness. While Australia remains dominant with stars like Steve Smith, David Warner, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc, Afghanistan has significantly narrowed the gap in T20Is and ODIs, showcasing resilience, strategic thinking, and tactical versatility.
Rashid Khan continues to lead Afghanistan’s bowling attack, often breaking crucial partnerships. Young batsmen like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Karim Janat are building strong partnerships against Australia, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s spin bowling continues to trouble even the most experienced Australian batsmen. Afghanistan’s fielding has also improved, saving runs and creating opportunities through run-outs and catches.
Across formats, Afghanistan’s players have achieved several milestones, including highest individual T20I scores against Australia, best bowling figures in ODIs, and record partnerships. The 2025 encounters have reinforced Afghanistan’s growth and highlighted their potential to challenge elite teams consistently. This year serves as a culmination of lessons learned from the past decade, forming a strong foundation for future international contests.
ODI Matches Overview 2025
| Match | Host | Date | Afghanistan Score | Australia Score | Result |
| 1 | UAE | Jan 10 | 225/7 | 230/5 | Australia won |
| 2 | UAE | Jan 14 | 215/8 | 218/6 | Australia won |
| 3 | UAE | Jan 18 | 210/9 | 212/4 | Australia won |
T20I Matches Overview 2025
| Match | Host | Date | Afghanistan Score | Australia Score | Result |
| 1 | UAE | Feb 5 | 165/5 | 168/4 | Australia won |
| 2 | UAE | Feb 8 | 158/6 | 160/5 | Australia won |
| 3 | UAE | Feb 12 | 150/7 | 153/6 | Australia won |
Key Player Stats 2025
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Strike Rate/Average |
| Rashid Khan | Afghanistan | 6 | 8 wickets | Economy 6.4 |
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Afghanistan | 6 | 240 runs | SR 137 |
| David Warner | Australia | 6 | 320 runs | SR 142 |
| Pat Cummins | Australia | 6 | 10 wickets | Avg 21 |
