The battle among Afghanistan as well as Australia on the international stage of cricket might not have the long-running history of old rivalries, however it has become an exciting and vigorous game in recent years. Both sides took on one another during the important Group B match at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 28, in Lahore The risk could not be greater. The match is of immense significance to both teams.
This game marked a pivotal moment in the group stage when both Afghanistan as well as Australia have recorded only one victory each which made this the game of a lifetime. In spite of the fact that Australia is a well-established player of world cricket, Afghanistan has rapidly risen in the ranks and proven their capacity to play over their weight, particularly at ICC tournaments. Let’s examine the way this growing rivalry has changed over time.
A Brief History of AFG vs AUS in ODIs
Afghanistan and Australia both have fought in three times during their participation in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup three times, with Australia winning each occasion. In spite of the win-loss record being one-sided, Afghanistan has had moments in brilliance, which have highlighted the growing importance of Afghanistan in international cricket.
Read More: Indian National Cricket Team Vs England Cricket Team Timeline
ODI World Cup Head-to-Head:
Total Matches: 3
Australia Wins: 3
Afghanistan Wins: 0
Ties: 0
Notable World Cup Matches:
March 4, 2015 – W.A.C.A, Perth
Results: Australia won by the score of 275 runs
The highlight: Australia posted a huge 417 – the biggest score ever recorded in this game. Afghanistan were knocked out of the match to 142 as a response. It was a wake-up signal for the Afghan part, but it was also an event that sparked the country’s growth.
June 1, 2019 – Bristol
Results: Australia won by seven wickets
Afghanistan was able to score only a small score, but it was not enough to frighten Australia.
November 7, 2023 – Wankhede, Mumbai
Results: Australia won by 3 wickets
This was the closest contest yet. Afghanistan had Australia reeling at 90/6, seemingly on the brink of a historic upset. But Glenn Maxwell played one of the greatest ODI innings ever, scoring an unbeaten 200 to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. That performance broke Afghan hearts but also won them global admiration for their effort.
Highest and Lowest Totals in ODIs:
- Afghanistan’s Highest Total: 291
- Afghanistan’s Lowest Total: 142
- Australia’s Highest Total: 417
- Australia’s Lowest Total: 209
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: A New Chapter
2025’s 2025 ICC Champions Trophy is very special to Afghanistan since it will be the country’s first appearance in this prestigious event. The fact that they will be playing Australia at such a high stakes match adds a new dimension of significance. This game on February 28th, 2025 located in Lahore Lahore, will be the first Champions Trophy encounter between Australia and India.
Match Summary: 10th Match, Group B – Feb 28, 2025, Lahore
- Afghanistan: 273
- Australia the score was 110/1 overs in 12.5 overs
- Results: No Result (Match ended due to the rain)
The awaited match was expected to be an interesting one with Afghanistan having a record-breaking total in the range of 273. But, rain played spoilsport which led to zero result and both sides unhappy. Since both teams had just one win, and a no outcome each, their final game in the group will decide to determine the semi-finals’ qualification.
Read More: Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
AFG vs AUS in T20 World Cups: A Balanced Rivalry
Although Australia is the most dominant team in ODI matches, the situation is different for T20 World Cups and the record for head-tohead games remains just 1-1.
T20 World Cup Head-to-Head:
Matches: 2
Australia Wins: 1
Afghanistan Wins: 1
Afghanistan defeated Australia in the T20 World Cup encounters, with their wit and awe within the shortest format. With the explosive talents of players such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi as well as Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan has the ability to take on any team in their time.
Last Five Matches Between Afghanistan and Australia (Across Formats)
| Date | Venue | Result | Margin |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Lahore | No Result | – |
| Nov 7, 2023 | Wankhede, Mumbai | Australia won | 3 wickets |
| June 1, 2019 | Bristol | Australia won | 7 wickets |
| Mar 4, 2015 | W.A.C.A, Perth | Australia won | 275 runs |
| Aug 25, 2012 | Sharjah | Australia won | 66 runs |
From a margin of 275 runs in 2015 to a narrow 3-wicket win in 2023, the evolution of Afghanistan’s performance against Australia is evident. Their progress has been steady and inspiring.
Afghanistan’s Rise: The Making of a Modern Contender
Afghanistan’s cricket journey has been nothing short of phenomenal. From humble beginnings to now competing on equal footing with the best in the world, the team has grown in stature with every ICC event. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Rashid Khan, has troubled even the most experienced batting line-ups.
Batting has often been their Achilles’ heel, but with emerging talents like Ibrahim Zadran, Gurbaz, and experienced campaigners like Mohammad Nabi, the team is now more balanced than ever.
Australia: Always a Giant, Always a Threat
Australia needs no introduction in world cricket. A team laden with superstars, five-time ODI World Cup winners, and perennial favorites in any ICC event. With players like Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, David Warner, and the indomitable Glenn Maxwell, they bring immense quality to the field.
However, they’ve shown occasional vulnerability, as seen in the 2023 World Cup match, where they were almost defeated by Afghanistan. That thriller was a warning: take Afghanistan lightly at your own peril.
What Lies Ahead: Can Afghanistan Create History?
The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy match could be the turning point in this evolving rivalry. Afghanistan has never beaten Australia in an ODI, but the margin is narrowing. Their near-victory in 2023 and a solid performance in Lahore in 2025 indicate that a win is not far away.
The abandoned match at Lahore was a lost opportunity for both sides. Afghanistan would have hoped to defend 273 successfully, while Australia was looking good at 109/1 when rain halted play. The no result only intensifies the pressure for the next matches in the group stage.
Conclusion: A Rivalry Worth Watching
The Afghanistan vs Australia cricket rivalry is a story of contrast—between a seasoned powerhouse and a rising challenger. While Australia has dominated the win column so far, Afghanistan’s fearless approach and rapid improvement are undeniable.
