Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline: The Rise of a New Rivalry

Cricket has always had its legendary rivalries—India vs Pakistan, Australia vs England, and more. But one of the most intriguing match-ups emerging in recent years is between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team. While not yet a historic rivalry in terms of quantity, the Afghanistan vs South Africa timeline is fascinating for its quality, its symbolism, and the contrast in cricketing backgrounds.

Let's explore how this unlikely rivalry has unfolded over the years, from their first encounter to their latest World Cup showdown.

Two Different Worlds of Cricket

Before diving into the timeline, it's important to understand the context.

  • South Africa has been a cricketing giant for decades, producing legends like Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn, and Hashim Amla. With a strong domestic structure and rich cricketing heritage, they've consistently ranked among the top cricket nations.

  • Afghanistan, on the other hand, is one of the most inspiring cricket stories of the 21st century. Rising from a war-torn nation with almost no cricketing infrastructure, they earned ICC full-member status in 2017 and have quickly made their mark, especially in limited-overs cricket.

So when these two sides meet, it's more than a match—it's a clash of legacies and rising dreams.

First-Ever Encounter – 2016 ICC World T20

The first time Afghanistan and South Africa faced off was on March 20, 2016, during the ICC T20 World Cup in India. Played in Mumbai, it was a high-scoring affair. South Africa posted a massive 209/5, and though Afghanistan gave it a spirited chase, they fell short at 172 all out.

Despite the loss, Afghanistan's fearless batting against a world-class attack caught the cricketing world's attention. Mohammad Shahzad's 44 off 19 balls and the attacking intent from the Afghan top order showcased the team's potential.

2019 ICC Cricket World Cup – ODI Clash

Their next major encounter came during the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England. The match was held on June 15, 2019, in Cardiff. Rain shortened the game to 48 overs per side.

  • Afghanistan batted first and were bowled out for 125.

  • South Africa chased down the target comfortably, winning by 9 wickets.

While the match wasn't close, it reflected Afghanistan's growing experience in high-profile tournaments and gave them valuable lessons in temperament and technique against elite bowling units like Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir.

2024 T20 World Cup – A Turning Point

The real turning point in this timeline came during the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, when Afghanistan pulled off a historic victory over South Africa. Held on June 26, 2024, in the Caribbean, this semi-final clash shocked the cricketing world.

  • Afghanistan posted a competitive 155/5, thanks to a gritty half-century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and late hitting from Azmatullah Omarzai.

  • In response, South Africa were bowled out for just 137, with Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq delivering sensational bowling performances.

This was not only Afghanistan's first win over South Africa, but it also took them to their first-ever ICC final. The victory was symbolic—David had finally slain Goliath on the world stage.

Head-to-Head Summary (As of May 2025)

Format Matches Played Afghanistan Wins South Africa Wins No Result
ODI 1 0 1 0
T20I 2 1 1 0
 

Though limited in number, the encounters are gaining in significance and excitement with each match.

Why This Rivalry Matters

This budding rivalry holds a special place in the cricket world for a few reasons:

  • Contrast in Cricketing Cultures: South Africa is a team built on legacy, discipline, and structure. Afghanistan thrives on passion, unpredictability, and raw talent.

  • Symbolism of Growth: Every match between the two serves as a reminder of how far Afghanistan has come and how the cricketing world is becoming more inclusive and competitive.

  • Unpredictable Drama: Afghanistan's aggressive approach, especially in T20s, makes them a dangerous opponent. South Africa, with a history of knockout heartbreaks, often finds themselves tested mentally and tactically.

What's Next?

With ICC events now happening more frequently, and both teams improving their T20 and ODI game, future encounters are bound to be more frequent and more thrilling. Afghanistan's spin power and youthful batting line-up are proving to be match-winners, while South Africa continues to rebuild with players like Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, and Gerald Coetzee.

Could Afghanistan make this rivalry even by 2030? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: when these two teams meet, it's no longer a mismatch—it's a battle worth watching.

Final Thoughts

The Afghanistan vs South Africa cricket timeline is still in its early chapters, but the storyline is already captivating. From underdog performances to major upsets, this match-up reflects the changing face of world cricket. The days of one-sided domination are fading, and the era of thrilling global competition is here.

So next time you see Afghanistan and South Africa facing off, don't blink. You might just witness history.