The rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team is a fascinating clash between an emerging cricket nation and one of the oldest and most established teams in the sport. While England has historically dominated, Afghanistan has shown rapid growth and the ability to challenge top teams in recent years.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
Afghanistan Score
England Score
Result
Series
ICC Champions Trophy
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Feb 26, 2025
325/7 (50 overs)
317 (49.5 overs)
Afghanistan won by 8 runs
ICC Champions Trophy
ICC Cricket World Cup
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Oct 15, 2023
284 (49.5 overs)
215 (40.3 overs)
Afghanistan won by 69 runs
ICC Cricket World Cup
ICC Cricket World Cup
Old Trafford, Manchester
Jun 18, 2019
247/8 (50 overs)
397/6 (50 overs)
England won by 150 runs
ICC Cricket World Cup
ICC Cricket World Cup
Manuka Oval, Canberra
Mar 13, 2015
111/7 (19.3 overs)
101/1 (12.1 overs, DLS)
England won by 9 wickets (DLS)
ICC Cricket World Cup
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Perth Stadium, Perth
Oct 22, 2022
112 (19.4 overs)
113/5 (18.1 overs)
England won by 5 wickets
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
Mar 23, 2016
127/9 (20 overs)
142/7 (20 overs)
England won by 15 runs
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Sep 21, 2012
80 (17.2 overs)
196/5 (20 overs)
England won by 116 runs
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Top Run Scorers in Afghanistan vs England
Rank
Player
Team
Runs
Highest Score
100s
Notable Performance
1
Ibrahim Zadran
AFG
~250+
177
1
Heroic 177 in 2025 Champions Trophy
2
Eoin Morgan
ENG
148+
148
1
Record 17 sixes in 2019 WC
3
Joe Root
ENG
120+
120
1
Solid anchor in 2025 clash
4
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
AFG
80+
80
–
Explosive opening in 2023 WC
5
Jonny Bairstow
ENG
90
90
–
Aggressive start in 2019
Top Wicket Takers in Afghanistan vs England
Rank
Player
Team
Highlights
1
Rashid Khan
AFG
Consistent threat with leg-spin
2
Mark Wood
ENG
Pace and bounce in recent games
3
Mohammad Nabi
AFG
Experienced off-spin control
4
Azmatullah Omarzai
AFG
Best bowling figures in rivalry
5
Adil Rashid / Others
ENG
Spin support in middle overs
Most Memorable Matches in Afghanistan vs England
Match Date
Tournament
Venue
Scores
Result
Why Memorable?
Feb 26, 2025
ICC Champions Trophy
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
AFG 325/7 vs ENG 317
Afghanistan won by 8 runs
Thrilling last-over finish; Ibrahim Zadran’s 177; Highest team total by AFG
Oct 15, 2023
ICC Cricket World Cup
Arun Jaitley, Delhi
AFG 284 vs ENG 215
Afghanistan won by 69 runs
Massive upset vs defending champions; Broke multiple World Cup records
Jun 18, 2019
ICC Cricket World Cup
Old Trafford, Manchester
ENG 397/6 vs AFG 247/8
England won by 150 runs
Eoin Morgan’s record 17 sixes in one innings; Highest team total by ENG
Oct 22, 2022
ICC T20 World Cup
Perth Stadium
AFG 112 vs ENG 113/5
England won by 5 wickets
Clinical chase under pressure in T20 format
Jun 18, 2015 (DLS)
ICC Cricket World Cup
Manuka Oval
AFG 111/7 vs ENG 101/1 (DLS)
England won by 9 wickets
Rain-affected; Early dominance by England
Overall Head-to-Head Records Across Formats
The overall head-to-head record between Afghanistan and England is relatively limited, as the teams have only faced each other in international cricket over the past decade. England holds a clear advantage across formats due to their experience, depth, and consistency. Most encounters have taken place in ODIs and T20 Internationals, particularly in ICC tournaments. Afghanistan, however, has shown remarkable improvement, especially in white-ball cricket, where their spin attack and aggressive batting have made them competitive. The stats highlight England’s dominance in total wins, but Afghanistan’s presence itself reflects their rapid rise in international cricket. Each match between these teams carries significance, as Afghanistan continues to gain experience against top-tier opposition.
Format
Matches
Afghanistan Wins
England Wins
No Result
Win % Afghanistan
Win % England
Tests
0
0
0
0
0%
0%
ODIs
3+
1+
2+
0
Moderate
Higher
T20Is
2+
0
2+
0
0%
100%
Overall
5+
1+
4+
0
Low
Dominant
ICC Matches
5+
1+
4+
0
Low
High
ODI Stats and Key Encounters
One Day Internationals have been the most prominent format in the Afghanistan vs England rivalry. England, known for their aggressive batting and deep lineup, has generally dominated in ODIs. However, Afghanistan achieved a historic victory against England in a major ICC tournament, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level. The stats show England leading in total wins, but Afghanistan’s win stands out as a milestone in their cricketing journey. Matches between these teams have often highlighted contrasting styles—England’s power-hitting versus Afghanistan’s spin-heavy bowling attack. This format continues to be the most competitive aspect of their rivalry.
Category
Afghanistan
England
Advantage
Notes
Impact
Matches Won
1+
2+
England
Slight lead
High
Highest Score
280+
350+
England
Strong batting
High
Successful Chases
Few
Many
England
Depth advantage
High
Win Percentage
Lower
Higher
England
Consistency
High
ICC Wins
1
More
England
Big matches
Very High
T20 International Stats and Match Trends
T20 Internationals between Afghanistan and England have been limited but competitive. England has maintained a strong record, winning most encounters with their powerful batting lineup and versatile bowling attack. Afghanistan has shown promise, particularly with their spin bowlers who can trouble even the best batsmen. The stats indicate England’s dominance, but Afghanistan’s performances suggest potential for closer contests in the future. The shorter format allows Afghanistan to compete more effectively, as individual brilliance can significantly impact the outcome.
Category
Afghanistan
England
Advantage
Notes
Impact
Matches Won
0
2+
England
Clear lead
Medium
Highest Score
170+
200+
England
Big totals
High
Best Bowling
Strong
Very Strong
England
Depth
High
Win Ratio
Low
High
England
Consistency
High
Recent Matches
Improving
Strong
England
Competitive
Medium
Batting Performance Comparison
Batting strength has been a key factor in England’s success against Afghanistan. England’s lineup is known for its aggressive approach, high strike rates, and ability to score big totals. Afghanistan, while improving, has relied on a few key players to anchor their innings. The stats show a clear gap in average scores and consistency, with England leading in most batting metrics. However, Afghanistan has produced some impressive performances, indicating growth in their batting capabilities.
Batting Stats
Afghanistan
England
Advantage
Notes
Impact
Avg Score
250+
320+
England
Strong lineup
High
Highest Score
280+
400+
England
Record totals
Very High
Strike Rate
Moderate
Very High
England
Aggressive play
High
50+ Scores
Few
Many
England
Consistency
High
Partnerships
Limited
Strong
England
Stability
High
Bowling Strength and Wicket Records
Bowling has been Afghanistan’s strongest area, particularly their spin attack, which has troubled many top teams. Against England, Afghan bowlers have shown moments of brilliance, taking key wickets and applying pressure. England’s bowlers, however, have been more consistent and effective overall, with a balanced attack that includes both pace and spin. The stats indicate England’s advantage in wicket-taking ability and economy rates, but Afghanistan’s bowlers remain a key factor in making matches competitive.
Bowling Stats
Afghanistan
England
Advantage
Notes
Impact
Wickets Taken
Moderate
High
England
Strong attack
High
Economy Rate
Good
Better
England
Control
High
Best Figures
Strong
Very Strong
England
Match impact
High
Strike Rate
Good
Better
England
Quick wickets
High
Bowling Depth
Spin-heavy
Balanced
England
Variety
High
Modern Era Stats and Future Outlook
In the modern era, the rivalry between Afghanistan and England continues to evolve. England remains one of the top teams in international cricket, while Afghanistan is rapidly improving and gaining experience. The stats show England’s dominance, but Afghanistan’s growth suggests that future matches could become more competitive. With more exposure to international cricket and participation in ICC tournaments, Afghanistan has the potential to challenge England more consistently. This rivalry highlights the global expansion of cricket and the emergence of new competitive teams.
Aspect
Afghanistan
England
Advantage
Notes
Impact
Recent Wins
Few
More
England
Dominance
High
Team Strength
Growing
Elite
England
Experience gap
High
ICC Performance
Improving
Strong
England
Big stage
Very High
Overseas Success
Limited
Strong
England
Adaptability
High
Rivalry Status
Developing
Dominant
England
Future potential
Medium
Conclusion
The statistical comparison between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team highlights a developing rivalry shaped by England’s dominance and Afghanistan’s rapid rise. While England leads across formats, Afghanistan’s growth and occasional breakthroughs demonstrate their potential. As Afghanistan continues to improve, this rivalry is expected to become more competitive, adding excitement and diversity to international cricket.
