Afghanistan National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

The rivalry between the Afghanistan 🇦🇫 national cricket team and the South Africa 🇿🇦 national cricket team has grown into an exciting matchup in recent years. Afghanistan, often called the “Dark Horses” of cricket, entered the international scene later but has shown amazing growth, especially in limited-overs formats. South Africa, with their strong history and powerful players, brings experience and skill to every game. These two teams first met in the 2010 T20 World Cup, and since then, their encounters have become more frequent, especially during big tournaments like the World Cup. Fans love watching this clash because Afghanistan’s fighting spirit often challenges South Africa’s usual dominance, leading to close and thrilling results.

What makes this rivalry special is how both teams have evolved. Afghanistan has become known for their spin bowling and quick scoring in the middle order, while South Africa relies on solid batting and fast pace attacks. Over the years, Afghanistan has won some key games, proving they can upset stronger sides. For example, in the 2024 ODI series, Afghanistan took a 2-1 victory at home, showing their home advantage and team unity. But South Africa bounced back in the T20 World Cup semi-final that same year with a big win. This back-and-forth keeps fans on the edge of their seats, as each match feels like a new chapter in their story.

Key players from Afghanistan include Rashid Khan, a world-class leg-spinner who can turn games with his wickets and lower-order hitting; Rahmanullah Gurbaz, an explosive opener who sets aggressive tones early; Gulbadin Naib, a handy all-rounder who bowls medium pace and bats steadily in crises; and Ibrahim Zadran, a young top-order batsman with elegant stroke play.

These players bring energy and surprise to the team. On the South Africa side, standouts are Aiden Markram, a calm batsman who anchors innings and leads with smart captaincy; Marco Jansen, a tall all-rounder who swings the ball and hits big; Keshav Maharaj, a left-arm spinner who controls the middle overs; and Quinton de Kock, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman who scores fast and keeps sharp behind the stumps. These stars make every game a showcase of talent.

Recent trends show Afghanistan improving fast in ODIs, with two wins in their last series against South Africa, thanks to better batting depth and home conditions. South Africa, however, holds the edge in T20s, winning all three meetings so far, often through strong chases and bowling collapses forced on opponents. In 2025, their Champions Trophy clash saw South Africa win big, but Afghanistan’s resilience hints at more upsets ahead. Overall, this matchup highlights cricket’s global appeal, where underdogs like Afghanistan can dream big against giants like South Africa. As both teams gear up for future tours, expect more memorable moments that celebrate skill, heart, and fair play.

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Afghanistan National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: T20I Matches

Only three T20I matches have been played between Afghanistan 🇦🇫 and South Africa 🇿🇦 to date, all won by South Africa. Due to the limited number, all are included here. No additional matches occurred in 2025 up to October.

Afghanistan vs South Africa , 1st Semi-Final T20I at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, 26 June 2024

In this high-stakes semi-final, Afghanistan 🇦🇫 started with hope after reaching the knockouts for the first time, but their batting fell apart quickly. Openers fell early, and despite a brief fight from the middle order, South Africa’s 🇿🇦 bowlers, led by Marco Jansen’s sharp swing, bundled them out for just 56 in under 12 overs. Key moments included Jansen’s three quick wickets and Tabraiz Shamsi’s spin troubling the tail. South Africa 🇿🇦 chased the target in just 8.5 overs, with Reeza Hendricks and Tristan Stubbs playing sensible shots without losing a wicket after the first.

This win sent South Africa to the final, while Afghanistan’s dream ended, but their run to the semis inspired fans worldwide. The match showed how pressure can expose weaknesses, even against a rising team like Afghanistan. (102 words)

Afghanistan vs South Africa, 20th Match Super 10 Group 1 T20I at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 20 March 2016

South Africa 🇿🇦 posted a challenging total at the batting-friendly Wankhede, thanks to AB de Villiers’ explosive 29-ball 52 and Chris Morris’ useful 19 not out at the end. Their innings featured smart partnerships, pushing the score to 209 despite Afghanistan’s 🇦🇫 spinners like Rashid Khan taking two wickets. In reply, Afghanistan 🇦🇫 started well with Mohammad Shahzad’s quick 44, but lost momentum as Morris returned to claim four wickets, including key middle-order scalps.

A late surge by Najibullah Zadran’s 28 couldn’t bridge the gap, falling short by 37 runs. This game highlighted South Africa’s depth in all-rounders and Afghanistan’s growing fight in chases, though they needed more consistency. It was a learning match for the Afghans in a tough group. (112 words)

Afghanistan vs South Africa, 12th Match Group C T20I at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, 5 May 2010

In Afghanistan’s 🇦🇫 debut World T20 group game, South Africa 🇿🇦 set a decent 139 with Jacques Kallis’ steady 34 anchoring the innings amid some resistance from Afghan pacers like Hamid Hassan. The chase turned into a disaster as Morne Morkel’s fiery pace accounted for four wickets, including top-order collapses, while Andrew Puttick and Charl Langeveldt added pressure. Afghanistan 🇦🇫 could only manage 80, with no batsman reaching 20, showing their inexperience against top-class fast bowling on a lively pitch. This lopsided result ended Afghanistan’s hopes early but marked their bold entry into global cricket. South Africa’s bowlers dominated, proving their strength in short formats. The match was a tough lesson for the newcomers. (98 words)

T20I Format Summary

In T20Is, South Africa 🇿🇦 has completely dominated Afghanistan 🇦🇫, winning all three encounters by comfortable margins—9 wickets, 37 runs, and 59 runs. The trend shows South Africa’s superior batting firepower and bowling variety, especially their pace attack troubling Afghanistan’s top order consistently. Key players like Marco Jansen and Chris Morris have shone with all-round efforts, while Afghanistan’s spinners, including Rashid Khan, have taken wickets but struggled to restrict totals

. Afghanistan has shown flashes, like reaching a T20 World Cup semi-final in 2024, but against South Africa, they need better starts and death bowling. Overall, these matches highlight South Africa’s experience in high-pressure chases, with no series tied yet. As T20 cricket evolves, Afghanistan’s youth could close the gap in future bilateral series. (162 words)

Afghanistan vs South Africa Match Scorecard: ODI Matches

Six ODI matches have been played between Afghanistan 🇦🇫 and South Africa 🇿🇦, with the last 10 requested limited to all available. These span World Cups, a bilateral series, and a Champions Trophy game. Data for the 2025 match is based on reported results; further details may emerge.

Afghanistan 🇦🇫 vs South Africa 🇿🇦, 3rd Match Group B ODI at National Stadium, Karachi, 21 February 2025

South Africa 🇿🇦 kicked off their Champions Trophy campaign strongly, with opener Ryan Rickelton smashing his maiden ODI hundred to anchor a 315 total, supported by half-centuries from Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, and Rassie van der Dussen. Afghanistan’s 🇦🇫 bowlers, led by Mohammad Nabi’s two wickets, fought back but leaked runs in the middle overs on a flat Karachi pitch. In the chase, Rahmat Shah’s gritty 90 gave hope, but Kagiso Rabada’s three wickets triggered a collapse, ending any real threat.

This big win boosted South Africa’s net run rate early in the group stage. For Afghanistan, it was a reminder to tighten fielding and build partnerships, though their bowlers showed promise against a strong lineup. The match, under lights, drew huge crowds excited for the tournament’s return. (118 words) (Note: 2025 data based on initial reports; full stats assumed complete.)

Afghanistan vs South Africa, 3rd ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, 22 September 2024

Afghanistan 🇦🇫 struggled on a turning Sharjah track, losing wickets in clumps after Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s promising start, bowled out for 169 as South Africa’s 🇿🇦 spinners Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram applied brakes. Gurbaz top-scored with 89, but poor shot selection hurt the middle order. In response, Markram’s unbeaten 69 guided South Africa home comfortably, with Tristan Stubbs adding quick runs. This chase avoided a series whitewash and gave South Africa pride after two losses. For Afghanistan, securing the series was a milestone, but this game exposed batting frailties against spin. Fans praised Markram’s calm leadership in the run chase under mild pressure. It was a fitting end to a competitive series. (105 words)

Afghanistan vs South Africa, 2nd ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, 20 September 2024

On Rashid Khan’s birthday, Afghanistan 🇦🇫 celebrated with a massive batting display, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s classy 105 and Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 86, piling up 311 on a good Sharjah surface. South Africa’s 🇿🇦 bowlers toiled without breakthroughs early, allowing partnerships to flourish. Rashid then starred with a five-wicket haul, including Temba Bavuma’s wicket, as South Africa collapsed dramatically to 134. Youngster Zia-ur-Rehman Kharoti supported with 4/26. This historic win sealed the series for Afghanistan, their first against a top team at home. It boosted confidence ahead of global events and showed their all-round strength. South Africa rued dropped catches that cost dearly. (108 words)

Afghanistan vs South Africa, 1st ODI at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, 18 September 2024

South Africa 🇿🇦’s top order crumbled against Afghanistan’s 🇦🇫 seamers, with Fazalhaq Farooqi’s swing claiming four early wickets to bowl them out for a paltry 106 in humid Sharjah conditions. The pitch offered seam movement, which Afghanistan exploited perfectly. In the chase, despite losing a few quick wickets, Gulbadin Naib and Rahmat Shah steadied to reach 107 in 26 overs, securing a comfortable win. This upset gave Afghanistan a series lead and highlighted their bowling discipline. South Africa, rebuilding after a long break, looked rusty but learned from fielding errors. It was an ideal start for the hosts, firing up local fans for the decider. (96 words)

Afghanistan vs South Africa, 42nd Match ODI at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, 10 November 2023

Afghanistan 🇦🇫 battled to 244, powered by Azmatullah Omarzai’s heroic unbeaten 97 on a tricky Ahmedabad pitch, after early losses to South Africa’s 🇿🇦 quicks like Gerald Coetzee (4/44). Their spinners then tested South Africa, but Quinton de Kock’s 41 and Rassie van der Dussen’s anchoring 76* steered a tense chase. Late drama saw Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman take wickets, but David Miller’s finishing touches sealed it with 15 balls left. This win kept South Africa’s semi-final hopes alive, while Afghanistan exited proudly after super overs elsewhere. The match showcased resilient batting from both sides under lights. (92 words)

Afghanistan vs South Africa, 21st Match ODI at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, 15 June 2019

Rain interrupted this Welsh encounter, but South Africa 🇿🇦’s Imran Tahir stole the show with four wickets, including a spell that wrecked Afghanistan’s 🇦🇫 middle order for just 125. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s 40 was the lone resistance on a seaming pitch. Under D/L, South Africa chased a revised 126 easily, with Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks unbeaten. The win revived South Africa’s tournament, while Afghanistan’s bowlers couldn’t capitalize post-rain. This game, amid World Cup drama, emphasized spin’s role in overcast conditions and marked Tahir’s farewell flair. Both teams showed grit despite the weather woes. (89 words)

ODI Format Summary

ODIs between Afghanistan 🇦🇫 and South Africa 🇿🇦 have been competitive, with South Africa winning four of the six matches, but Afghanistan claiming a historic 2-1 series victory in 2024—their first against a top-tier opponent. Trends reveal Afghanistan’s home strength in the UAE, where spin duo Rashid Khan (10 wickets across series) and Fazalhaq Farooqi have excelled, while South Africa’s batting collapses highlight adaptation issues.

Key performers include Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s centuries for Afghanistan and Aiden Markram’s consistent anchors for South Africa. Series outcomes favor Afghanistan in bilaterals but South Africa in World Cups. With only six games, more meetings could balance the record, especially as Afghanistan builds depth. The 2025 Champions Trophy loss for Afghanistan underscores the need for better chases against pace. (158 words)

Afghanistan vs South Africa Match Scorecard: Test Matches

No Test matches have been played between Afghanistan 🇦🇫 and South Africa 🇿🇦 to date. Afghanistan has played only 10 Tests since gaining full status in 2018, mostly against other Asian sides, while South Africa’s schedule focuses on traditional rivals. This limitation is noted; future tours may include a Test.

Test Format Summary

Without any Test encounters, there’s no data for analysis between Afghanistan 🇦🇫 and South Africa 🇿🇦 in the longest format. Afghanistan’s Test record overall is challenging, with just one win (against Ireland in 2019), relying on spinners like Rashid Khan on turning tracks. South Africa excels in seam-friendly conditions with bowlers like Kagiso Rabada. A potential debut Test could test Afghanistan’s improving pace attack against South Africa’s experienced batsmen like Dean Elgar. Until then, their rivalry remains limited to white-ball cricket, where excitement abounds. Fans await a red-ball clash to see how Afghanistan’s grit holds up over five days

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