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The cricket rivalry between Bangladesh and Afghanistan has developed rapidly since the two sides first met in 2014. What began with limited-overs encounters has expanded into Test cricket, bilateral series and major ICC tournaments. Their meetings have often produced competitive matches, particularly in ODIs and T20Is, where Afghanistan’s spin attack and Bangladesh’s experienced batting have repeatedly tested each other. The Bangladesh National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline includes memorable Asia Cup encounters, World Cup battles, Afghanistan’s first Test victory, Bangladesh’s record Test win in 2023, and Afghanistan’s progress in T20 cricket. With another Test scheduled for October 2026, the rivalry continues to develop across formats.
The Rivalry Begins in 2014
Bangladesh and Afghanistan first met at senior international level in 2014. Their opening ODI encounter came during the Asia Cup at Fatullah in Bangladesh on March 1.
Afghanistan produced a major surprise by defeating Bangladesh by 32 runs. Afghanistan scored 254 for 6, with Asghar Afghan playing an important innings, before restricting the hosts during their chase.
The victory was historically significant for Afghanistan because it represented its first ODI win against Bangladesh and one of the country’s notable early victories over an established Full Member side.
The teams met again only a few weeks later at the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 in Mirpur. Bangladesh responded strongly, bowling Afghanistan out for 72 before reaching the target comfortably. Bangladesh won by nine wickets.
The contrasting results immediately established a competitive pattern. Afghanistan had demonstrated its ability to challenge Bangladesh in ODI cricket, while Bangladesh had the advantage in their first T20I meeting.
2015 Cricket World Cup Meeting
The rivalry moved to the global stage at the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Bangladesh and Afghanistan met in Canberra on February 18. Bangladesh batted first and scored 267 for 7 from their 50 overs.
Afghanistan struggled during the chase and was eventually bowled out for 162. Bangladesh therefore won by 105 runs.
The result was an important World Cup victory for Bangladesh and showed the difference between the two teams at that stage of their development.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack kept Afghanistan under pressure throughout the innings, while their batsmen established a strong platform with a substantial total.
The 2015 World Cup encounter became another important chapter in the developing rivalry because it was their first meeting at the tournament.
Bangladesh Wins the 2016 ODI Series
Afghanistan toured Bangladesh in 2016 for a three-match ODI series.
Bangladesh won the series 2-1.
The series was closely contested, with Afghanistan continuing to demonstrate that it had become a serious limited-overs opponent. Bangladesh’s experience and home conditions helped them secure the series, but Afghanistan’s ability to win one of the three matches showed that the gap between the teams was narrowing.
The series also provided an important opportunity for both teams to develop their squads ahead of future international tournaments.
Afghanistan’s T20I Breakthrough in 2016
The teams met again during the 2016 Asia Cup, which was played in T20 format.
Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets.
The victory was particularly notable because it gave Afghanistan its first T20I win against Bangladesh.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack restricted Bangladesh to 127, after which its batsmen completed the chase with three wickets remaining.
The result changed the early T20I narrative. Bangladesh had won their first meeting in 2014, but Afghanistan quickly showed that it could compete effectively against Bangladesh in the shortest format.
Afghanistan’s Dominant 2018 T20I Series
One of the clearest demonstrations of Afghanistan’s T20 strength came in 2018.
The two teams played a three-match T20I series in Dehradun, India. Afghanistan won all three matches and completed a 3-0 series sweep.
Afghanistan’s spin bowling was particularly influential during the series. Rashid Khan and other Afghan bowlers repeatedly created pressure during the middle overs, while the batting lineup chased or defended targets effectively.
The clean sweep was significant because it demonstrated Afghanistan’s growing confidence in T20 cricket.
For Bangladesh, the series exposed difficulties against Afghanistan’s variety of spin and disciplined bowling.
2018 Asia Cup Encounters
The teams met twice during the 2018 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
Their first meeting was a closely contested group-stage match, with Afghanistan winning by a narrow margin.
They met again in the Super Four stage. Bangladesh responded with a victory.
The two matches therefore ended with one win for each side.
The Asia Cup meetings highlighted the changing balance between the teams. Afghanistan were increasingly competitive in ODI cricket, while Bangladesh remained capable of producing important victories in major tournaments.
Afghanistan’s First Test Against Bangladesh in 2019
A major milestone arrived in September 2019 when Afghanistan played Bangladesh in their first Test match against each other.
The one-off Test was held at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram from September 5 to 9.
Afghanistan won by 224 runs.
The result was remarkable because Afghanistan had only recently established itself as a Test nation. Rashid Khan, who captained Afghanistan in the match, played a major role with both bat and ball.
Afghanistan’s spinners created substantial problems for Bangladesh throughout the match. Bangladesh could not complete the required chase after Afghanistan established a commanding position.
The victory gave Afghanistan a 1-0 lead in the Test head-to-head record and represented one of the most important results in its early Test history. The ICC’s official schedule confirms the Chattogram match as the first-ever Test between the two teams.
2019 World Cup Battle
The teams met again at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in Southampton.
Bangladesh batted first and posted a strong total of 262 for 7.
Afghanistan struggled to keep pace with the required run rate. Bangladesh’s bowlers controlled the chase and dismissed Afghanistan for 200.
Bangladesh won by 62 runs.
The victory gave Bangladesh another important World Cup result against Afghanistan after their 2015 success.
It also demonstrated Bangladesh’s growing strength as a tournament side. Players such as Shakib Al Hasan played influential roles during Bangladesh’s 2019 campaign.
2019 T20I Tri-Series
Later in 2019, Bangladesh and Afghanistan met during a T20I tri-series that also included Zimbabwe.
The teams faced each other twice in the league stage.
Afghanistan won one encounter, while Bangladesh won the other. The final was scheduled to include Bangladesh and Afghanistan, but the match was abandoned without a result because of rain.
The series therefore provided another example of how evenly matched the teams could be in T20 cricket.
Rather than one side dominating the entire competition, the two teams exchanged victories during the tournament.
Bangladesh’s ODI Success in 2022
Afghanistan returned to Bangladesh in February 2022 for a three-match ODI series.
Bangladesh won the series 2-1.
The hosts won the opening two matches before Afghanistan secured victory in the third.
Bangladesh’s success demonstrated their continued strength in ODI cricket. Their batting lineup was able to build competitive totals, while the bowling attack maintained pressure through the middle and final overs.
Afghanistan’s victory in the final ODI nevertheless prevented a clean sweep.
The 2022 T20I Series
The teams also played T20Is during Afghanistan’s 2022 tour of Bangladesh.
Afghanistan won the first T20I, while Bangladesh won the second. The series therefore finished level at 1-1.
The matches again demonstrated the importance of spin and middle-over batting.
Afghanistan’s T20 side had established itself as a dangerous opponent, while Bangladesh continued to rely on experienced players capable of handling pressure.
Afghanistan Wins at the 2022 Asia Cup
The two teams met during the 2022 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan won by seven wickets after chasing Bangladesh’s total with considerable control.
The victory reinforced Afghanistan’s growing reputation in T20 cricket.
At this stage, Afghanistan had developed a strong spin combination led by Rashid Khan, while Mohammad Nabi provided experience in both batting and bowling.
The match also showed how Afghanistan could use its bowling strength to restrict Bangladesh before taking control of the chase.
Bangladesh’s Huge Test Victory in 2023
The second Test between the teams took place in June 2023 in Mirpur.
Bangladesh produced one of the largest victories in Test cricket history, defeating Afghanistan by 546 runs.
Bangladesh scored 382 in their first innings and then declared on 425 for 4 in the second innings.
Afghanistan struggled in both innings. They were dismissed for 146 in the first innings and 115 in the second.
The result was extraordinary because Bangladesh completely controlled the match from the beginning.
It also levelled the Test head-to-head record at 1-1. Current records list two Tests between the teams, with each side having won one.
Afghanistan’s First ODI Series Win in 2023
Later in 2023, Afghanistan achieved another important milestone against Bangladesh.
The teams played a three-match ODI series in Bangladesh.
Afghanistan won the series 2-1, securing its first bilateral ODI series victory over Bangladesh.
The series demonstrated Afghanistan’s improvement in ODI cricket. Its bowlers were able to create pressure against Bangladesh’s batting lineup, while the middle order provided enough stability to win crucial matches.
Bangladesh avoided a series sweep by winning the final ODI.
The result was particularly important because Bangladesh had previously won bilateral ODI series against Afghanistan in 2016 and 2022.
2023 Asia Cup Contest
Bangladesh and Afghanistan also met during the 2023 Asia Cup.
Bangladesh scored 334 for 5 and then restricted Afghanistan to 245.
Bangladesh won by 89 runs.
The result gave Bangladesh an important victory over Afghanistan during a tournament in which both teams were competing against some of Asia’s strongest sides.
The match was also notable for Bangladesh’s strong batting performance and effective bowling during the second innings.
2023 Cricket World Cup
The rivalry returned to the ODI World Cup in India in October 2023.
Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by six wickets in Mumbai.
Afghanistan scored 156, but Bangladesh’s bowlers prevented the Afghan batsmen from establishing a large total.
Bangladesh then chased the target successfully, reaching 158 for 4.
The victory gave Bangladesh another World Cup win against Afghanistan.
It also demonstrated Bangladesh’s ability to handle Afghanistan’s bowling attack during a major tournament.
2023 T20I Series
Afghanistan and Bangladesh also met in a three-match T20I series in 2023.
Afghanistan won the series 2-0, with one match affected by the series schedule.
The result continued Afghanistan’s strong record in T20 cricket against Bangladesh.
The Afghan side’s combination of spin bowling, power hitting and experienced all-rounders created significant problems for Bangladesh.
2024 T20 World Cup Thriller
One of the most important recent encounters came during the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Bangladesh and Afghanistan met in the Super Eight stage at Kingstown, Saint Vincent.
Afghanistan batted first and scored 115 for 5.
Bangladesh’s chase was interrupted by rain. The revised target and match situation created significant pressure.
Afghanistan eventually won by eight runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
The victory helped Afghanistan qualify for the semi-finals of a T20 World Cup for the first time.
It was therefore one of the most significant matches in Afghanistan’s international history and another memorable chapter in this rivalry.
2025 T20I Meetings
The teams continued their rivalry in 2025.
Bangladesh secured an eight-run victory over Afghanistan in a T20I played on September 16, 2025. Bangladesh scored 154 for 5 and Afghanistan finished on 146.
The result was another close contest between the teams and demonstrated how narrow the margins could be in T20 cricket.
Head-to-Head Record
The ODI rivalry has been competitive, with Bangladesh holding an 11-8 advantage after 19 meetings in the available record.
T20I cricket has been more favorable to Afghanistan. Available records list 13 meetings, with Afghanistan winning seven and Bangladesh six.
Test cricket is perfectly balanced after two matches, with both teams having won once.
| Format | Matches | Bangladesh Wins | Afghanistan Wins | Draw/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| ODI | 19 | 11 | 8 | 0 |
| T20I | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 |
| Total | 34 | 18 | 16 | 0 |
The table shows an interesting contrast. Bangladesh have the stronger ODI record, Afghanistan have the advantage in T20Is, and Test cricket is level.
Complete Timeline of Major Meetings
| Year | Format | Competition or Series | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | ODI | Asia Cup | Afghanistan won by 32 runs |
| 2014 | T20I | World Twenty20 | Bangladesh won by 9 wickets |
| 2015 | ODI | Cricket World Cup | Bangladesh won by 105 runs |
| 2016 | ODI | Bilateral Series | Bangladesh won series 2-1 |
| 2016 | T20I | Asia Cup | Afghanistan won by 7 wickets |
| 2018 | T20I | Bilateral Series | Afghanistan won series 3-0 |
| 2018 | ODI | Asia Cup | Teams won one match each |
| 2019 | ODI | Cricket World Cup | Bangladesh won by 62 runs |
| 2019 | Test | One-off Test | Afghanistan won by 224 runs |
| 2019 | T20I | Tri-Series | Teams won one match each |
| 2022 | ODI | Bilateral Series | Bangladesh won series 2-1 |
| 2022 | T20I | Bilateral Series | Series drawn 1-1 |
| 2022 | T20I | Asia Cup | Afghanistan won by 7 wickets |
| 2023 | Test | One-off Test | Bangladesh won by 546 runs |
| 2023 | ODI | Bilateral Series | Afghanistan won series 2-1 |
| 2023 | ODI | Asia Cup | Bangladesh won by 89 runs |
| 2023 | ODI | Cricket World Cup | Bangladesh won by 6 wickets |
| 2023 | T20I | Bilateral Series | Afghanistan won series 2-0 |
| 2024 | T20I | T20 World Cup | Afghanistan won by 8 runs |
| 2025 | T20I | International Match | Bangladesh won by 8 runs |
The major-match timeline reflects the rapid development of Afghanistan from an emerging international side into a highly competitive white-ball team.
Key Matches in the Rivalry
| Match | Result | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Asia Cup | Afghanistan won by 32 runs | First ODI meeting |
| 2014 World T20 | Bangladesh won by 9 wickets | First T20I meeting |
| 2015 World Cup | Bangladesh won by 105 runs | First World Cup meeting |
| 2018 T20I Series | Afghanistan won 3-0 | Major T20I dominance |
| 2019 Test | Afghanistan won by 224 runs | First Test between teams |
| 2023 Test | Bangladesh won by 546 runs | Record Bangladesh victory |
| 2023 ODI Series | Afghanistan won 2-1 | First ODI series win for Afghanistan |
| 2023 World Cup | Bangladesh won by 6 wickets | World Cup victory |
| 2024 T20 World Cup | Afghanistan won by 8 runs | Afghanistan reached first T20 World Cup semi-final |
The 2026 Chapter
The rivalry is set to continue in October 2026.
Afghanistan are scheduled to host Bangladesh in a one-off Test from October 9 to 13 in the United Arab Emirates.
The teams are then scheduled to meet again in the ODI tri-nation series involving Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Afghanistan and Bangladesh are scheduled to play their league match on October 21.
These matches will add another chapter to a rivalry that has already covered all three international formats. The upcoming Test is particularly significant because the Test record currently stands at one victory apiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bangladesh and Afghanistan first play each other?
Their first major international meeting came in the 2014 Asia Cup, when Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by 32 runs in an ODI at Fatullah.
Who won the first T20I between Bangladesh and Afghanistan?
Bangladesh won the first T20I between the teams by nine wickets during the 2014 World Twenty20 in Mirpur.
When did Afghanistan first defeat Bangladesh?
Afghanistan’s first victory over Bangladesh came in the 2014 Asia Cup ODI, when Afghanistan won by 32 runs.
When did Bangladesh and Afghanistan first play a Test?
Their first Test was played in Chattogram in September 2019. Afghanistan won by 224 runs.
How many Tests have Bangladesh and Afghanistan played?
The teams have played two Tests. Bangladesh and Afghanistan have each won one match.
Who won the biggest Test match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan?
Bangladesh recorded the larger victory when they defeated Afghanistan by 546 runs in 2023.
Who has the better ODI record?
Bangladesh have the stronger ODI head-to-head record, with 11 victories compared with Afghanistan’s eight in 19 meetings.
Who has won more T20Is between Bangladesh and Afghanistan?
Afghanistan have won more T20Is in the available 13-match record, with seven victories compared with Bangladesh’s six.
Who won the 2024 T20 World Cup match?
Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by eight runs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method. The victory helped Afghanistan reach the semi-finals of the tournament.
Who won the 2023 ODI series?
Afghanistan won the three-match ODI series 2-1, recording their first bilateral ODI series victory over Bangladesh.
What is the biggest Bangladesh win over Afghanistan?
Bangladesh’s biggest victory came in the 2023 Test, when they won by 546 runs.
What is the biggest Afghanistan win over Bangladesh?
Afghanistan’s major Test victory came in 2019, when they defeated Bangladesh by 224 runs.
Are Bangladesh and Afghanistan scheduled to play in 2026?
Yes. Afghanistan are scheduled to host Bangladesh in a one-off Test from October 9 to 13, 2026, followed by an ODI tri-series involving Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.
Conclusion
The cricket history between Bangladesh and Afghanistan has expanded remarkably in a relatively short period. Since their first meeting in 2014, the teams have competed in Asia Cups, Cricket World Cups, T20 World Cups, bilateral series and Test matches. Bangladesh have maintained an advantage in ODI cricket, while Afghanistan have developed a stronger T20I record. Test cricket remains evenly balanced after each side recorded one victory. From Afghanistan’s first major win in the 2014 Asia Cup to the dramatic 2024 T20 World Cup encounter, the rivalry has produced several important moments. With another Test and ODI meeting scheduled in October 2026, the next chapter promises to add further depth to their growing international cricket history.