Afghanistan national cricket team vs zimbabwe national cricket team match scorecard has become a fixture fans watch keenly — matches often deliver intense battles, unexpected results, and breakout performances. When these two teams face off, it’s rarely a walkover: from gritty bowling displays to aggressive batting, the contests between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe show evolving cricketing grit and hunger. In this article, we dive deep into their recent clashes, give detailed scorecards and highlights, spotlight standout players, examine statistics, and draw insights on what this rivalry tells us about the journey of two passionate cricketing nations.
Match Scorecards & Highlights
Recent ODI Encounters (2022–2024)
| Match | Venue & Date | Zimbabwe Score | Afghanistan Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd ODI, 19 Dec 2024, Harare | 54 (all out) | 286/6 | Afghanistan won by 232 runs | |
| 3rd ODI, 21 Dec 2024, Harare | 127 (all out) | 131/2 (26.5 overs) | Afghanistan won by 8 wickets | |
| 1st ODI 2022 (part of a series) | 216 (all out) | 276/5 | Afghanistan won by 60 runs | |
| 2nd ODI 2022 | 228 (all out) | 229/2 | Afghanistan won by 8 wickets | |
| 3rd ODI 2022 | 135 (all out) | 137/6 | Afghanistan won by 4 wickets |
Recent history shows Afghanistan clearly dominating the ODI contests against Zimbabwe. In December 2024, the 2nd ODI featured a dominant bat‑and‑ball performance by Afghanistan—setting 286/6 and skittling Zimbabwe for just 54. The 3rd ODI saw a comfortable chase. The 2022 series also tilted heavily in Afghanistan’s favor.
Afghanistan national cricket team vs zimbabwe national cricket team match scorecard – T20I Encounters: Short-Format Thrills
In T20Is, the rivalry remains lopsided but competitive: according to latest head‑to‑head data, out of 21 T20I encounters between them, Afghanistan have won 19 times, while Zimbabwe have claimed 2 victories.
Recent 2025 series in Zimbabwe reaffirmed Afghanistan’s T20 strength. For instance, in Nov 2025, Afghanistan chased 201 set by Zimbabwe and clinched a close 9‑run win.
Test Matches & Longer Formats
As of 2025, their Test‑match encounters are limited. Notably, in a one‑off Test in Harare in October 2025, Zimbabwe captured a big win over Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs — a significant result showing that even underdogs can dominate.
While Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe rarely features regular Test series, that rare win by Zimbabwe underlines the unpredictable nature of cricket where conditions, form, and pressure combine.
Player Performances: Standout Stars
Across recent matches between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, several players have delivered memorable performances:
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In the 2nd ODI (Dec 2024), Sediqullah Atal scored a gritty 104 — anchoring Afghanistan’s big total of 286/6. His innings gave Afghanistan a huge advantage.
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Alongside Atal, opener Abdul Malik added a valuable 84 runs, giving Afghanistan a strong start and momentum.
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On the bowling front, AM Ghazanfar played a pivotal role in the 3rd ODI with a match‑winning spell that helped bowl out Zimbabwe cheaply and ease the chase for Afghanistan.
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In T20Is and shorter formats, Afghan bowling — including spin and seam variety — along with rising batting talents, have consistently outperformed Zimbabwe’s lineup.
These performances illustrate that Afghanistan’s growth in batting depth and bowling options has given them clear edge over Zimbabwe in recent years.
Afghanistan national cricket team vs zimbabwe national cricket team match scorecard – Statistics & Records: Head-to-Head Overview
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In ODIs between the two teams (31 matches), Afghanistan have won 20, Zimbabwe 10, with 1 no-result.
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In recent years (2022–2024), Afghanistan remained unbeaten in series against Zimbabwe, showcasing dominance with both bat and ball.
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In T20Is, Afghanistan’s record is highly impressive — 19 wins out of 21 matches — indicating strong short‑format consistency and tactical excellence.
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Recent Test result (2025): Zimbabwe’s win shows that despite Afghanistan’s dominance in limited‑overs, longer format remains open for surprises depending on condition and form.
These statistics reflect a clear trend: Afghanistan currently holds the advantage, especially in white‑ball cricket. However, the unpredictability of cricket—and occasional successes by Zimbabwe—keeps the rivalry alive and fans invested.
What Drives This Rivalry: Strengths & Contrasts
The afghanistan national cricket team vs zimbabwe national cricket team match scorecard rivalry thrives because of contrasting strengths, evolving gameplay, and mutual growth:
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Batting depth vs vulnerability: Afghanistan’s middle order and aggressive openers often build strong totals, while Zimbabwe sometimes struggles under pressure — especially on challenging pitches.
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Bowling variety: Afghanistan’s mix of pace and spin puts consistent pressure; bowlers like Ghazanfar or spin‑bowlers exploit Zimbabwe’s batting weaknesses.
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Adaptability across formats: Afghanistan handles both ODIs and T20Is well; their skill set adapts better to different conditions compared to Zimbabwe’s more variable lineup.
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Room for upsets: As seen in recent Test result, on a good day Zimbabwe can challenge and beat Afghanistan — making every series unpredictable and worth watching.
These dynamics make the contest exciting: dominant performances by one side, sudden upsets by another, and a constant showcase of emerging talent.
Challenges & What Both Teams Must Work On
For Zimbabwe: consistency in batting — especially when early wickets fall — must improve. Building partnerships, handling pressure, and adapting to varied bowling styles is vital. Their pace and spin attack needs sharper execution against aggressive batting.
For Afghanistan: avoiding complacency. Over-reliance on a few match‑winners can be risky. They must nurture bench strength, develop middle‑order stability, and stay alert to pressure situations — especially if wickets fail or conditions challenge batting.
Both teams will benefit from more frequent bilateral series and exposure in varied conditions — helping young talents gain experience and bench players get game time.
Conclusion
The afghanistan national cricket team vs zimbabwe national cricket team match scorecard tells a story of growth, dominance, resilience, and occasional surprises. Afghanistan currently leads the rivalry across formats — thanks to improved batting, versatile bowling, and consistent performances. Yet Zimbabwe, with heart and moments of brilliance, remains a threat — especially in conditions or situations where pressure mounts and form fluctuates.
For fans, this rivalry offers more than results: it showcases emerging cricket talent from two ambitious nations, surprises and upsets, and the evolving face of modern international cricket. As both teams continue to grow, future clashes between them are likely to be just as thrilling, competitive, and unpredictable.
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