Picture a desert nation with no cricket infrastructure a decade ago, now toppling giants. Picture a team that learned the game in refugee camps, defeating World Cup veterans. This isn’t fiction—it’s the Afghanistan vs Bangladesh cricket rivalry.
Over the past decade, clashes between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the Bangladesh National Cricket Team have evolved from one-sided affairs to edge-of-the-seat thrillers. Let’s unravel their timeline, dissect key moments, and discover why this rivalry is cricket’s best-kept secret.
The Rivalry at a Glance
Think of Afghanistan and Bangladesh as chess players from opposite worlds: one mastering survival instincts, the other leveraging experience. Their matches aren’t just games—they’re battles of strategy, grit, and redemption.
2023 Series in Bangladesh: A Rollercoaster of Emotions
Bangladesh hosted Afghanistan for a multi-format series, delivering fireworks across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Test Match: Bangladesh’s Record-Breaking Domination
Result: Bangladesh won by 546 runs (The 2nd-largest victory margin in Test history).
Key Moment: Afghanistan collapsed for 115 in their 2nd innings, unable to chase 662.
Why It Mattered: A harsh reminder of Afghanistan’s Test cricket infancy.
ODI Series: Afghanistan’s Redemption Arc
Result: Afghanistan won 2-1.
| Match | Result | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Afghanistan won by 17 runs (DLS) | Rashid Khan’s 4/29 spun chaos. |
| 2nd ODI | Afghanistan won by 142 runs | Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 145 off 125 balls. |
| 3rd ODI | Bangladesh won by 7 wickets | Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round masterclass. |
Aha Moment: Afghanistan’s first ODI series win on Bangladeshi soil—proof of their white-ball evolution.
T20I Series: Bangladesh’s Swift Revenge
Result: Bangladesh won 2-0.
- 1st T20I: Won by 2 wickets (Taskin Ahmed’s last-over heroics).
- 2nd T20I: Won by 6 wickets (Litton Das’s unbeaten 58).
Takeaway: Bangladesh’s T20I depth outshone Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack.
2024-2025 UAE Series: Afghanistan’s Desert Storm
In November 2024, Bangladesh toured the UAE for a 3-ODI showdown.
Series Result: Afghanistan won 2-1.
| Match | Result | Turning Point |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Afghanistan won by 92 runs | Fazalhaq Farooqi’s 5/38 demolished Bangladesh. |
| 2nd ODI | Bangladesh won by 68 runs | Mushfiqur Rahim’s gritty 89* anchored the chase. |
| 3rd ODI | Afghanistan won by 5 wickets | Ibrahim Zadran’s century under pressure. |
Hidden Story: Afghanistan’s pacers took 14 wickets—a shift from their spin-reliant identity.
Why This Rivalry Matters
- Underdog vs Veteran: Afghanistan’s fearless youth vs Bangladesh’s tactical maturity.
- Format Wars: Bangladesh dominates Tests; Afghanistan rules ODIs.
- Future Implications: Both teams eyeing 2027 World Cup glory.
FAQs
Q1: When did Afghanistan and Bangladesh first play each other?
A: Their maiden ODI clash was in 2014 (Asia Cup)—Bangladesh won by 32 runs.
Q2: Who has the upper hand in ODIs?
A: Afghanistan leads 8-6 since 2019, a staggering turnaround.
Q3: What’s their most memorable match?
A: The 2023 2nd ODI—Gurbaz’s 145 and Afghanistan’s 142-run win redefined their batting prowess.
Q4: How does Rashid Khan perform against Bangladesh?
A: 27 wickets in 12 ODIs—his bunny is Shakib Al Hasan (dismissed 5 times).
Q5: Will Afghanistan ever host Bangladesh?
A: Geopolitical challenges delay home games, but the UAE remains Afghanistan’s “home” fortress.
3 Takeaways for Cricket Fans
- Watch the Spin Duels: Rashid vs Shakib is cricket’s version of a magic show.
- Track Young Guns: Players like Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) and Towhid Hridoy (BAN) are future legends.
- Mark Your Calendar: Their next T20I clash could be a World Cup thriller.
Final Thought: This rivalry isn’t about rankings—it’s about passion rewriting destiny. Afghanistan’s rise mirrors a phoenix; Bangladesh’s resilience echoes decades of struggle. Every match is a new chapter. Which side will you cheer for?
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