Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

The matches between Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match Scorecard in cricket have quickly become must-watch events. As Afghanistan rises as a cricketing force, facing off against India, a cricket powerhouse, brings out exciting moments and impressive performances. 

This article Afghanistan national cricket team vs India national cricket team match scorecard delves deeply into their encounters, including the scorecards, notable performances, historical context, and future match potential, capturing everything fans need to know about this exciting rivalry.

A Brief History of Afghanistan vs India Cricket Matches

The Rise of Afghanistan Cricket

Afghanistan cricket has seen remarkable growth since achieving ODI status in 2013 and Test status in 2017. Afghanistan’s consistent improvement, particularly in limited-overs cricket, has garnered international admiration. Afghan players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have established themselves as key figures in world cricket, with talents in both batting and bowling.

India’s Position as a Cricket Powerhouse

India has a long-standing and rich history in international cricket, known for world-class players and an impressive record of achievements. The Indian national team has won numerous ICC tournaments, including two World Cups in 1983 and 2011, and has consistently been ranked among the top teams globally.

Head-to-Head Overview

Although Afghanistan and India have not played as many matches as some rivalries, each encounter has been exciting, as Afghanistan continually improves and challenges India in both ODIs and T20s. The rivalry holds potential for future matches, especially in ICC events and the Asia Cup, as Afghanistan aims to strengthen its cricketing reputation.

Notable Matches and Scorecard Analysis

To give fans a complete picture, let’s take a look at some of the most memorable match-ups between Afghanistan and India.

1. 2023 ICC World Cup Clash

• Date: October 11, 2023
• Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
• Result: India won by 8 wickets

Scorecard Breakdown

Afghanistan’s Innings:

• Total Score: 272 all out in 48.5 overs
• Top Scorers:
  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 91 runs off 96 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes
  • Hashmatullah Shahidi: 67 runs off 78 balls
  • Mohammad Nabi: 39 runs off 35 balls

Bowling Highlights for India:

• Jasprit Bumrah: 3 wickets for 42 runs
• Mohammed Shami: 2 wickets for 50 runs
• Kuldeep Yadav: Controlled the middle overs effectively with 1 wicket for 47 runs

India’s Innings:

• Total Score: 273 for 2 in 44.5 overs
• Top Scorers:
  • Virat Kohli: 103 runs off 88 balls, showcasing his masterful skill in ODI chases
  • Rohit Sharma: 75 runs off 59 balls, providing a solid start
  • Shreyas Iyer: Supported Kohli with 45 runs off 49 balls

Bowling Highlights for Afghanistan:

• Rashid Khan: 1 wicket for 63 runs in his 10 overs, showcasing his consistent threat as a spinner
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman: Took 1 wicket for 57 runs, maintaining good control despite India’s strong batting lineup

2. 2020 T20 International Series Match

• Date: January 11, 2020
• Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
• Result: India won by 69 runs

Scorecard Breakdown

India’s Innings:

• Total Score: 185 for 5 in 20 overs
• Top Scorers:
  • KL Rahul: 62 runs off 40 balls with an explosive strike rate
  • Rishabh Pant: 48 runs off 30 balls, adding crucial runs in the middle order
  • Manish Pandey: 25 runs off 15 balls

Bowling Highlights for Afghanistan:

• Rashid Khan: 2 wickets for 32 runs
• Gulbadin Naib: 1 wicket for 26 runs in 4 overs

Afghanistan’s Innings:

• Total Score: 116 all out in 18.5 overs
• Top Scorers:
  • Najibullah Zadran: 42 runs off 32 balls, showing resilience amidst early wickets

Bowling Highlights for India:

• Deepak Chahar: 3 wickets for 15 runs in his 4 overs, dominating the Afghanistan lineup
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 2 wickets for 21 runs, controlling the powerplay effectively

3. 2018 Asia Cup Match

• Date: September 25, 2018
• Venue: Dubai International Stadium
• Result: Match tied (One of Afghanistan’s most celebrated achievements in ODIs)

Scorecard Breakdown

Afghanistan’s Innings:

• Total Score: 252 for 8 in 50 overs
• Top Scorers:
  • Mohammad Shahzad: 124 runs off 116 balls, a fantastic century against India
  • Gulbadin Naib: 15 runs off 7 balls, boosting the score in the final overs

Bowling Highlights for India:

• Kuldeep Yadav: 3 wickets for 50 runs, leading the Indian bowling attack
• Ravindra Jadeja: 2 wickets for 41 runs, providing control in the middle overs

India’s Innings:

• Total Score: 252 all out in 49.5 overs
• Top Scorers:
  • KL Rahul: 60 runs off 66 balls, giving a good start
  • Ambati Rayudu: 57 runs off 49 balls
  • Ravindra Jadeja: 25 runs off 34 balls, fell short by one run in the final over

Bowling Highlights for Afghanistan:

• Rashid Khan: 2 wickets for 41 runs, bowled a crucial spell in the middle overs
• Mohammad Nabi: 2 wickets for 40 runs, adding pressure on the Indian batsmen

Key Players: Top Performers and Rising Stars

Afghanistan National Cricket Team

• Rashid Khan: Known for his exceptional leg-spin bowling, Rashid has troubled even the best batsmen globally. He is Afghanistan’s primary weapon, particularly in T20s and ODIs.
• Mohammad Nabi: An all-rounder with experience and skill, Nabi provides stability in the middle order and is effective in both batting and bowling.
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz: An explosive young opener, Gurbaz adds firepower to Afghanistan’s lineup, often giving them aggressive starts.

India National Cricket Team

• Virat Kohli: Known for his chasing abilities and match-winning knocks, Kohli has consistently performed well against Afghanistan, especially in high-stakes matches.
• Jasprit Bumrah: With his lethal yorkers and precise death bowling, Bumrah is a key bowler for India, often limiting Afghanistan’s runs in crucial moments.
• KL Rahul: An adaptable batsman, Rahul can play both aggressively and defensively, making him a versatile asset in various formats against Afghanistan.

Statistical Comparison: Head-to-Head Record

As of November 2024, India has maintained a winning record against Afghanistan in all official ODI and T20I formats. Afghanistan, however, has shown substantial improvement in their performances, as seen in their thrilling tied match in the 2018 Asia Cup.

Key Stats

• Highest Score by Afghanistan against India: 272 all out (2023 ICC World Cup)
• Highest Score by India against Afghanistan: 273 for 2 (2023 ICC World Cup)
• Top Scorer in Matches: Mohammad Shahzad (124 runs in the 2018 Asia Cup match)
• Top Wicket-Taker: Rashid Khan, known for his consistency in taking wickets against India

Looking Ahead: Future Match Prospects

The growing stature of Afghanistan as a cricketing nation brings anticipation for future matches against India. Their potential face-offs in upcoming ICC tournaments and bilateral series will further ignite interest. With Afghanistan’s young talent and India’s experienced roster, each match promises excitement and competitive spirit.

FAQs

Q1: How many times has Afghanistan defeated India in cricket?
A1: Afghanistan has yet to defeat India in an official ODI or T20I match as of 2024, although they achieved a notable tie in the 2018 Asia Cup.

Q2: Who is the highest run-scorer for Afghanistan against India?
A2: Mohammad Shahzad holds the record with his memorable 124-run innings in the 2018 Asia Cup.

Q3: Where can I watch Afghanistan vs India matches live?
A3: These matches are generally broadcast on sports networks like Star Sports, Willow TV, and are available on streaming platforms like Disney+ Hotstar.

Q4: How has Afghanistan improved against India over time?
A4: Afghanistan’s cricket team has improved remarkably, with players like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi challenging India’s top players in recent encounters.

Conclusion

The rivalry between Afghanistan and India in cricket is budding with potential. Though India has maintained the upper hand, Afghanistan’s rapid improvement adds a competitive edge to every encounter. As both teams look toward future ICC events and possible series, fans can expect thrilling matches and close finishes.