Cricket rivalries often evolve from decades of intense battles, legendary performances, and moments that define nations. In the case of the Bangladesh national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline, the rivalry may be relatively young, but it’s one of the most exciting emerging stories in international cricket. Both teams, known for their passion, resilience, and fighting spirit, have turned their encounters into fascinating contests that reflect the growth of Asian cricket beyond the traditional powerhouses.
This post dives deep into the Bangladesh national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline, exploring how their encounters across formats have shaped an intriguing modern cricketing saga.
Early Encounters: The Beginning of a New Rivalry (2014–2016)
The Bangladesh national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline officially began in 2014, when Afghanistan faced Bangladesh in the group stage of the Asia Cup in Fatullah, Bangladesh. Afghanistan’s 32-run victory in that match was a historic moment their first-ever ODI win against a Test-playing nation. It marked the arrival of Afghanistan as a serious cricketing side and sent a clear message that they were ready to compete at the highest level.
For Bangladesh, that defeat was a wake-up call. Despite being more experienced in international cricket, Bangladesh underestimated Afghanistan’s hunger. From that point onward, Bangladesh took their new Asian rivals seriously, setting the stage for a fierce yet respectful rivalry.
In 2016, both teams met again in a three-match ODI series in Bangladesh. This time, the hosts reclaimed their dominance, winning the series 2–1. The games were closely contested, with Afghanistan showing remarkable consistency and Bangladesh demonstrating the experience of a maturing cricket nation.
The Rise of Afghanistan and Competitive Balance (2018–2019)
By 2018, Afghanistan had grown exponentially as a cricketing force. With star players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman leading their spin attack, Afghanistan began to challenge even top-tier teams.
The 2018 Asia Cup in the UAE was another milestone in the Bangladesh national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline. Both teams met twice in that tournament. Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh convincingly in the group stage, courtesy of superb spin bowling. However, Bangladesh avenged that loss in the Super Four match, thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim’s brilliant batting and a composed team effort.
This phase highlighted how both teams had become evenly matched — Bangladesh’s experience and Afghanistan’s fearless style created thrilling contests every time they met.
In 2019, during the ICC Cricket World Cup in England, Bangladesh once again faced Afghanistan. The Tigers emerged victorious, winning by 62 runs as Shakib Al Hasan produced a stunning all-round performance. The match was memorable for Bangladesh as they maintained their dominance on the world stage while Afghanistan continued to impress with their fighting spirit.
Test Cricket Enters the Picture (2019)
A significant chapter in the Bangladesh national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline came in September 2019, when Afghanistan played their first-ever Test match against Bangladesh in Chattogram. It was only Afghanistan’s third Test match in history, yet they stunned the hosts by winning convincingly by 224 runs.
That victory was monumental — it showed Afghanistan’s adaptability in the longest format of the game. Rashid Khan, captaining the side, took 11 wickets in the match and scored vital runs, leading his team from the front. For Bangladesh, it was a disappointing result on home soil, but it also demonstrated how far Afghanistan had come in such a short period.
The T20 Era: High-Intensity Contests (2022–2023)
As T20 cricket became more dominant globally, the rivalry between the two nations intensified in the shortest format. Bangladesh and Afghanistan both boast world-class T20 talent, making their clashes especially unpredictable.
In 2022, Afghanistan toured Bangladesh for a limited-overs series that included two T20Is. Bangladesh won the ODI series 2–1, while Afghanistan dominated the T20Is with their powerful spin attack. Rashid Khan once again proved to be Bangladesh’s nemesis, as his variations kept even experienced batters guessing.
The T20 battles between these two teams reflect a contrast in styles: Bangladesh’s disciplined approach versus Afghanistan’s aggressive, fearless cricket. Fans have come to expect close finishes, brilliant bowling spells, and bold batting whenever these two sides meet.
Asia Cup 2023 and the ODI Rivalry Reignited
The Bangladesh national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline saw another exciting chapter in the Asia Cup 2023, held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh and Afghanistan met in a must-win group stage match. Bangladesh, led by Shakib Al Hasan, played with intent and posted a commanding total thanks to strong batting from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Afghanistan, despite valiant efforts from Ibrahim Zadran and Hashmatullah Shahidi, couldn’t chase down the total, and Bangladesh advanced further in the tournament. The match showcased how Bangladesh’s all-round balance gave them an edge, even against Afghanistan’s formidable spin attack.
That victory also cemented Bangladesh’s growing confidence in facing Afghanistan, particularly in multi-nation tournaments where every match carries immense pressure.
Afghanistan’s Redemption: 2023 ODI Series Triumph
Later in 2023, Afghanistan toured Bangladesh and made history by winning their first-ever ODI series on Bangladeshi soil. It was a watershed moment in the Bangladesh national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline. Afghanistan’s batters, especially Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, displayed remarkable consistency, while the spinners maintained relentless pressure on Bangladesh.
This series victory highlighted Afghanistan’s maturity and depth as a team. For Bangladesh, it was a lesson in adaptability a reminder that the Asian cricketing landscape was changing rapidly, and emerging teams like Afghanistan were no longer underdogs.
Comparing Strengths and Styles
The Bangladesh national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline isn’t just about results it’s also about contrasting cricketing philosophies. Bangladesh, with their decades of international experience, have built a balanced side relying on strong batting depth and experienced all-rounders. Afghanistan, on the other hand, bring flair, energy, and world-class spin bowling that can dismantle any batting lineup.
While Bangladesh’s home advantage has often given them the upper hand, Afghanistan’s rapid improvement and aggressive style ensure that every encounter remains unpredictable. Their rivalry mirrors the broader evolution of Asian cricket, where emerging nations are challenging established powers with skill and confidence.
Head-to-Head Summary (Across Formats as of 2025)
- ODIs: Bangladesh and Afghanistan have played multiple series, with Bangladesh holding a slight edge overall, though Afghanistan’s 2023 win narrowed the gap significantly.
- T20Is: Afghanistan maintains a stronger record, thanks to their elite spin attack and batting explosiveness.
- Tests: Afghanistan leads 1–0, courtesy of their landmark 2019 victory in Chattogram.
These statistics underline how competitive the two teams have become in every format.
The Road Ahead
As both nations prepare for future tournaments, including the ICC events and Asia Cups, fans eagerly anticipate what the next phase of the Bangladesh national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline will bring. With new talents emerging — like Towhid Hridoy for Bangladesh and Azmatullah Omarzai for Afghanistan — the rivalry is poised to get even more exciting.
Beyond cricketing results, this rivalry symbolizes the rise of two proud cricketing cultures from South Asia. Both nations share parallel stories of struggle, growth, and national pride, making every match between them more than just a game — it’s a statement of identity and ambition.
Conclusion
The Bangladesh national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team timeline captures the journey of two nations that have fought their way into the global cricketing spotlight. From the early Asia Cup battles to historic Test matches and thrilling T20 encounters, each chapter tells a story of evolution and mutual respect.
As the rivalry continues to grow, cricket fans around the world can look forward to even more electrifying contests between Bangladesh and Afghanistan two teams that represent the heart and passion of Asian cricket.
