The rivalry between Afghanistan and Pakistan is intensifying rapidly. Beyond mere results, their competition speaks to cricket world’s increasing competition and Afghanistan’s ascendance as an emerging power.
At the 2019 ICC World Cup, South Africa and Afghanistan first squared off against each other for an ODI match and came away victorious due to Quinton de Kock’s half century and Imran Tahir’s incredible bowling performances, marking an important moment in the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline.
| Date | Match Type | Venue | Result | Margin | Series Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 18, 2024 | ODI | Sharjah, UAE | Afghanistan won | 6 wickets | Afghanistan lead 1-0 in series |
| Sep 20, 2024 | ODI | Sharjah, UAE | Afghanistan won | 177 runs | Afghanistan lead 2-0 in series |
| Sep 22, 2024 | ODI | Sharjah, UAE | South Africa won | 7 wickets | Series level at 2-1 |
| Feb 21, 2025 | ODI | Karachi, Pakistan | South Africa won | 107 runs | ICC Champions Trophy, Group B |
| Feb 21, 2025 | ODI | Karachi, Pakistan | South Africa won | 107 runs | ICC Champions Trophy, Group B |
Timeline
South Africa is widely acknowledged to be one of the premier cricketing nations and has produced some of the greatest cricketers ever seen on international fields – Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn among many other stars have graced international stage with Proteas jersey.
Afghanistan on the other hand is relatively newer, having struggled to match South Africa’s success over recent decades.
Although Afghanistan are relative newcomers to cricket, they have made quite an impactful mark in limited-over formats despite starting off playing cricket in refugee camps.
Their journey has not been without obstacles and setbacks; but regardless they have managed to become one of the premier sides in limited overs cricket today.
Afghanistan entered their inaugural ICC Champions Trophy tournament in 2024, being drawn into Group B along with Pakistan and South Africa.
Afghanistan faced Pakistan first and lost, before defeating South Africa with an incredible win – their first against a full member team and thus building their confidence immensely.
The 2025 World Cup proved much more productive for Scotland & UAE; they reached the semi-finals before falling short to Australia, winning two one-day internationals against Scotland & UAE as well as two matches played under ODI rules against Scotland & UAE respectively.
Furthermore, during 2024-2025 ICC T20I Championship they took part in three matches as well.
Afghanistan won two out of three matches against India but were completely overpowered in the final. Their match against England proved more of a physical test than an exhibition of skill; Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field, setting an ambitious target of 195/5 in 20 overs but fell short by just 132 runs;
Kagiso Rabada took three wickets during an impressive spell of quickfire bowling which ensured their triumphant win in that match. Although their second match proved closer than anticipated, South Africa were still easily victorious nonetheless, ultimately coming out victorious over time and won easily as well.
History
South Africa cricket team has long been revered as an outstanding opponent. The Proteas are well known for their all-round abilities and have produced some of the game’s premier batsmen and bowlers – most notably Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla who remain popular names today.
Afghanistan made their international cricket debut when they won the 2008 ICC World Cricket League Division Five tournament.
Afghanistan quickly rose through the divisions and won three more WCL tournaments before qualifying for 2009 World Cup qualifier tournament, in which they went undefeated, even beating Scotland en route. Their impressive win secured them one-day international status – becoming the first associate member to do so!
Afghanistan made history when they played their inaugural ODI against Pakistan at Sharjah in 2012. This match marked the inaugural encounter between an International Cricket Council affiliate team and full member team; it marked Afghanistan’s journey to becoming one of cricket’s premier nations.
Though Afghanistan continued to show impressive performances throughout their cricketing journey, 2014 truly brought them attention from fans and experts alike.
That year, they defeated Zimbabwe in a series of ODIs to become the world’s second-best T20 team and would later reach the semi-finals of 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, defeating England, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India on their journey towards making history by reaching their first-ever semifinal appearance at an ICC event.
Afghanistan has since experienced remarkable success since their rise began. They have played numerous full series against full members, most recently against West Indies.
Afghanistan also made its Test cricket debut against India last year and has held up well in this form of cricket as well – currently ranking ninth worldwide and winning six of eight Test matches so far.
Expectations
South Africa and Afghanistan’s encounter is an eagerly-awaited matchup, as its winner can claim top spot in their group. These sides have met five times in ODIs with South Africa holding an edge in terms of head-to-head record. Karachi weather should allow both teams to put their ground defences through rigorous tests.
The match between Afghanistan and South Africa in an International Cricket Council tournament will undoubtedly draw widespread interest from cricket fans around the globe. Both nations have seen impressive progress recently, with Afghanistan becoming a legitimate Associate contender in limited overs cricket while South Africa have consistently performed at major ICC tournaments.
Afghanistan showed strong fight in their initial encounter with South Africa in 2010, yet their experience gap proved too great to bridge.
Even though South Africa won, it served as a positive step toward greater successes for both teams as they continued their development towards bigger things.
Both teams will look to make an impressive opening statement at their tournament, with winners moving onto the semi-finals. Due to its fierce tournament format, teams cannot afford any slip ups in play – especially South Africa which boasts Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Ryan Rickelton among its ranks and can win any game they come up against.
Afghanistan will be keen to demonstrate their ability to compete with the best in the world and that their current success is no fluke. They will benefit from playing on home soil which should help them adapt more quickly to conditions there.
It should make for an engaging matchup between two emerging powers as both teams gradually increase in strength and consistency; both will meet again at South Africa’s Champions Trophy later in 2026.
Conclusions
Afghan and South Africa cricket matches always bring excitement for fans of international cricket, with each team representing different styles.
Over the years, fans have witnessed memorable contests between Afghanistan and South Africa that showcase the growth of Afghanistan as an emerging international cricket nation and South Africa’s longstanding legacy and excellence. On Friday at Karachi National Stadium the two will clash head-on.
This will mark the second time Afghanistan and South Africa meet in an international T20 match; their first encounter took place back in 2014 and resulted in a South African win; however, Afghanistan have since improved significantly and hope to get their own revenge against South Africa’s victory.
Afghanistan will also look to extend their global standing this season. They have already shown they can compete with full members in limited-overs cricket, while earning praise for their high-pressure performances at World Cups and other big tournaments. Afghanistan are providing hope and excitement across their region and to the game as whole.
Afghan batsmen will need to perform at their best against South Africa for any chance of avoiding heavy loss. Ryan Rickelton scored an outstanding century, and Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram all made half centuries in their innings.
Meanwhile Raval and Rabada bowled tight lines while Mulder and Maharaj used cutters from Raval Rabada while Mulder used his cutters against Afghanistan batters with regularity making life hard for Afghanistan batters; wickets fell regularly with no chance for momentum from Afghanistan batsmen escaping.
At the National Stadium, a packed house watched as they cheered every run, wicket and boundary that came their way. This match will long be remembered as an icon for Afghan cricket and continues its popularity across the country.
