Afghanistan cricket has come a long way from being an associate nation to becoming a competitive force in international cricket.
The year 2025 has been particularly significant for the Afghan team, showcasing their talent and determination across all three formats.
From their impressive Test victories to competitive ODI performances and explosive T20 cricket, Afghanistan has proven they belong among cricket’s elite nations.
Their journey represents one of cricket’s most inspiring success stories.
Despite facing numerous challenges, the team has produced world-class players like Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran who can match any opposition on their day.
Their spin bowling attack is feared globally, while their batting lineup has shown remarkable improvement and consistency.
Afghanistan Cricket Team Schedule 2025
This complete schedule is compiled with detailed stats and match updates sourced from AthleteFire.com, your trusted platform for cricket news and updates.
The 2025 season has seen Afghanistan compete in the prestigious Champions Trophy, dominate bilateral series against Bangladesh, and show fighting spirit in various T20 tournaments.
Their performances have earned respect from cricket fans worldwide and proven that Afghan cricket is here to stay at the highest level.
Overview of Afghanistan Cricket Team Schedule 2025
Afghanistan’s cricket calendar for 2025 has been remarkably packed with action across all formats.
The team has participated in Test matches, ODI series, including the Champions Trophy, multiple T20 tournaments, and bilateral series against top cricketing nations.
This busy schedule reflects their growing stature in international cricket and the increased demand to watch them play.
The Afghanistan cricket team schedule 2025 includes matches against major cricket nations like England, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka.
They’ve played in various prestigious venues across Asia and the Middle East, demonstrating their ability to adapt to different conditions and challenges.
Key Schedule Highlights:
- Total Matches: Over 30 international matches across all formats
- Major Opponents: England, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka
- Key Venues: Karachi, Lahore, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Bulawayo, Harare
- Formats Covered: Test cricket, ODI series, T20 internationals, and tri-series tournaments
- Notable Achievement: Historic win against England and 3-0 ODI series victory over Bangladesh
- Current Form: Competitive across formats with improving consistency
The Afghanistan cricket team’s scheduled players have shown remarkable form throughout the year.
Captain Rashid Khan continues to lead from the front with both bat and ball, while young talents like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Noor Ahmed have emerged as genuine match-winners.
The team’s balanced combination of experienced players and exciting youngsters has made them a formidable opponent for any team.
Afghanistan Test Matches 2025
Test cricket represents the ultimate challenge for any team, and Afghanistan has embraced this format with enthusiasm and determination.
Their progress in red-ball cricket has been steady and impressive, showing their commitment to excelling in all formats despite their relative inexperience compared to established Test nations.
The 2025 Test season saw Afghanistan compete in a bilateral series against Zimbabwe, providing valuable experience and match practice in the longest format.
Their ability to compete and win in Test cricket demonstrates the depth of talent in Afghan cricket and their technical improvement over recent years.
Afghanistan Test Schedule 2025:
Date | Match | Venue | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2–6 Jan 2025 | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | Bulawayo | Afghanistan won by 72 runs |
20–24 Oct 2025 | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | Harare | Upcoming match |
The victory in Bulawayo was particularly significant, showcasing Afghanistan’s ability to dominate across all four innings of a Test match.
Their spin trio of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, and others proved too difficult for Zimbabwe’s batsmen, while their batting lineup showed patience and determination to build substantial totals.
Top Test Performers in 2025:
- Rashid Khan: Leading wicket-taker with crucial breakthroughs in key moments
- Rahmat Shah: Consistent run-scorer providing stability in the middle order
- Noor Ahmed: Young spinner making an impressive impact with his left-arm spin
- Ibrahim Zadran: Solid opening contributions setting strong foundations
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: Pace bowling threat in helpful conditions
Looking ahead, Afghanistan cricket next match in Test format will be against Zimbabwe in Harare in October 2025.
This match presents another opportunity for Afghanistan to build on their Test credentials and gain crucial ICC Test Championship points.
Their improving red-ball skills suggest they’re becoming increasingly competitive in this traditional format.
The team’s approach to Test cricket has matured significantly. They’ve learned to build partnerships, show patience when required, and capitalize on opposition weaknesses.
Their spin bowling remains their greatest strength, but the emergence of quality pace bowlers and improved batting techniques has made them a more complete Test side.
Afghanistan ODI Schedule 2025
One-Day International cricket has been Afghanistan’s strongest format, and 2025 proved this once again.
Their participation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 marked a significant milestone, competing against the world’s best ODI teams.
While they faced tough challenges, they also created memorable moments that will be remembered for years.
The highlight of their ODI year was undoubtedly the historic victory against England and their complete domination of Bangladesh in a bilateral series.
These performances demonstrated that Afghanistan possesses the skill, temperament, and strategy to compete with and defeat top-ranked teams.
Afghanistan ODI Schedule 2025:
Date | Match | Venue | Result |
---|---|---|---|
14 Feb 2025 | Pakistan Shaheens vs Afghanistan (Warm-up) | Lahore | Pakistan Shaheens won by 144 runs |
21 Feb 2025 | South Africa vs Afghanistan | Karachi | South Africa won by 107 runs |
26 Feb 2025 | Afghanistan vs England | Lahore | Afghanistan won by 8 runs |
8 Oct 2025 | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan | Abu Dhabi | Afghanistan won by 5 wickets |
14 Oct 2025 | Afghanistan vs Bangladesh | Abu Dhabi | Afghanistan won by 200 runs |
The victory against England in the Champions Trophy was a watershed moment for Afghan cricket.
Defending a modest total, their spinners created magic, restricting England to fall short by just 8 runs in a nail-biting finish. This win proved Afghanistan’s ability to perform under immense pressure on the biggest stages.
Even more impressive was their complete demolition of Bangladesh in the bilateral series.
The 200-run victory in the second ODI showcased their dominance with both bat and ball.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran provided explosive starts, while the middle order consolidated effectively.
The bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan and supported by quality seamers, dismantled Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
Leading ODI Performers in 2025:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Explosive opening batsman providing rapid starts
- Ibrahim Zadran: Consistent top-order presence with technical solidity
- Rashid Khan: Captain and premier spinner with wickets in crucial moments
- Noor Ahmed: Young spin sensation troubling batsmen with variations
- Fazalhaq Farooqi: New ball specialist taking early wickets
Key ODI Insights:
- Spin Dominance: Afghanistan’s spin trio remains their biggest weapon, controlling middle overs and taking crucial wickets
- Opening Partnership: Gurbaz and Zadran have formed a formidable opening combination, providing strong platforms
- Middle Order Improvement: Better contributions from the middle order have added stability to their batting
- Death Bowling: Improved execution in death overs, making them difficult to score against
- Team Confidence: Series victories have boosted confidence and self-belief
- Tactical Maturity: Better game awareness and strategic decision-making from leadership
The Afghanistan cricket next match 2025 the ODI format in, will be crucial for their preparation for the 2027 World Cup.
Each match provides valuable experience and helps identify areas for improvement. Their current ODI form suggests they’re becoming one of the most dangerous teams in limited-overs cricket.
Afghanistan T20I Schedule 2025
Twenty20 cricket is where Afghanistan truly excels, bringing their natural flair, aggressive intent, and match-winning abilities to the fore.
The 2025 T20 calendar has been action-packed with multiple tournaments, bilateral series, and tri-series competitions that have tested their skills against various opponents.
Their participation in the UAE Tri-Series, Asia Cup, and various bilateral T20 series has provided invaluable experience as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026.
While they faced some defeats, their competitive spirit and ability to bounce back quickly have been impressive.
UAE Tri-Series (August–September 2025)
The tri-series featuring Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the UAE provided excellent preparation and high-quality competition. Afghanistan showed fighting spirit throughout, defeating both Pakistan and the UAE in the group stages before falling short in the final.
Date | Match | Venue | Result |
---|---|---|---|
29 Aug 2025 | Pakistan vs Afghanistan | Sharjah | Pakistan won by 39 runs |
1 Sep 2025 | Afghanistan vs UAE | Sharjah | Afghanistan won by 38 runs |
2 Sep 2025 | Afghanistan vs Pakistan | Sharjah | Afghanistan won by 18 runs |
7 Sep 2025 | Pakistan vs Afghanistan (Final) | Sharjah | Pakistan won by 75 runs |
The victory against Pakistan in the group stage was particularly satisfying, showcasing their ability to compete against stronger opponents. Their bowling attack restricted Pakistan effectively while their batsmen chased down targets with confidence. Though they lost the final, reaching it demonstrated consistency and competitive spirit.
Asia Cup 2025 (September)
The Asia Cup provided another platform for Afghanistan to test itself against regional powerhouses. Competing against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong, they showed flashes of brilliance but also areas needing improvement.
Date | Match | Venue | Result |
---|---|---|---|
9 Sep 2025 | Afghanistan vs Hong Kong | Abu Dhabi | Afghanistan won by 94 runs |
16 Sep 2025 | Bangladesh vs Afghanistan | Abu Dhabi | Bangladesh won by 8 runs |
18 Sep 2025 | Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka | Abu Dhabi | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets |
The dominant victory over Hong Kong was expected, but the close losses to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka showed they’re competing at the highest level. Both defeats came down to the wire, suggesting better execution in crucial moments could turn these into victories.
Upcoming T20 Series & Tri-Series (October–November 2025)
The latter part of 2025 promises more exciting T20 action with series against Zimbabwe and a highly anticipated tri-series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Date | Match | Venue | Status |
---|---|---|---|
29 Oct 2025 | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | Harare | Upcoming |
17 Nov 2025 | Pakistan vs Afghanistan | Rawalpindi | Upcoming |
23 Nov 2025 | Pakistan vs Afghanistan | Lahore | Upcoming |
These upcoming matches are crucial for Afghanistan cricket next match 2025 venue planning and team preparation. The series against Zimbabwe will help fine-tune their skills before the challenging tri-series featuring Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
T20 Format Strengths:
- World-Class Spinners: Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed form one of the best spin combinations globally
- Explosive Opening: Rahmanullah Gurbaz provides aggressive starts in powerplay overs
- Death Bowling: Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazalhaq Farooqi excel in death overs
- Fielding Improvement: Better catching and ground fielding, reducing opposition runs
- Tactical Flexibility: Ability to adapt game plans according to match situations
Key T20 Insights:
- Focus on World Cup 2026 Preparation: Every match serves as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup
- Consistent Bowling Lineup: The bowling attack remains reliable across different conditions
- Batting Depth: Improved middle and lower-order contributions, strengthening overall batting
- Key Venues Familiarity: Regular matches in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Lahore build home advantage
- Young Talent Integration: Successfully blooding young players without compromising team balance
The Afghanistan Match Today updates are always eagerly awaited by fans, as their T20 matches invariably provide entertainment and competitive cricket. Their fearless approach and never-say-die attitude make every game worth watching.
Afghanistan Cricket Team Players to Watch in 2025
The success of Afghanistan cricket in 2025 can be attributed to several outstanding performers who have stepped up across different formats. These players form the core of the team and will be crucial for future success.
Star Performers of 2025:
- Rashid Khan – Captain and World-Class Spinner: The Afghan captain continues to be their most valuable player. His leg-spin, googly variations, and ability to bat in crucial situations make him indispensable. As captain, he’s shown maturity and tactical awareness beyond his years.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Explosive Opening Batsman: The wicketkeeper-batsman has been a revelation at the top of the order. His aggressive intent from the first ball puts pressure on opposition bowlers. His consistency across formats has made him one of Afghanistan’s most important players.
- Ibrahim Zadran – Consistent Top-Order Batsman: Providing stability and solidity at the top, Ibrahim’s technique and temperament complement Gurbaz’s aggression perfectly. His ability to anchor innings while accelerating when needed makes him invaluable in all formats.
- Noor Ahmed – Young Spin Sensation: The left-arm spinner has emerged as a genuine wicket-taking option alongside Rashid Khan. His variations, control, and ability to bowl in any situation have made him one of cricket’s most promising young spinners.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi – Pace Bowling Spearhead: Afghanistan’s premier pace bowler has developed into a consistent wicket-taker in powerplay and death overs. His left-arm angle and ability to swing the new ball make him a valuable asset.
Key Player Statistics 2025:
Player | Role | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Average | Notable Achievement |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rashid Khan | All-rounder | 25+ | 35+ wickets | 18.50 | Captain, match-winner |
Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | 28+ | 850+ runs | 32.50 | Consistent opener |
Ibrahim Zadran | Batsman | 20+ | 650+ runs | 35.80 | Stable top order |
Noor Ahmed | Bowler | 22+ | 38+ wickets | 20.10 | Emerging spin star |
Fazalhaq Farooqi | Bowler | 24+ | 32+ wickets | 24.30 | Powerplay specialist |
These players represent the present and future of Afghan cricket. Their performances will determine how far Afghanistan progresses in the upcoming ICC tournaments and bilateral series.
Afghanistan Next Major Matches and Venues
For fans constantly searching for Afghanistan cricket next match 2025 venue information, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of their upcoming fixtures across all formats:
Upcoming Test Cricket:
- Next Test Match: vs Zimbabwe, October 20-24, 2025 at Harare Sports Club
- Significance: Opportunity to continue Test winning streak and gain valuable championship points
- Conditions: Expected to favor spin bowling in typical Zimbabwean conditions
Upcoming ODI Series:
- Next ODI Series: Potential fixtures against Zimbabwe or other opponents (dates to be confirmed)
- Preparation Focus: Building toward 2027 World Cup with consistent performances
- Venue Preference: Abu Dhabi and UAE venues where they’ve shown strong form
Upcoming T20 Matches:
- Next T20 Series: vs Zimbabwe, October 29, 2025, at Harare
- Following Series: Tri-series vs Pakistan & Sri Lanka, November 2025, venues in Rawalpindi and Lahore
- Major Preparation: These matches crucial for T20 World Cup 2026 preparation
Next Big ICC Event:
- T20 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan will be one of the teams to watch
- Preparation Matches: All upcoming T20 series serve as World Cup preparation
- Expectation: Based on current form, Afghanistan could surprise bigger teams
Quick Match Finder:
“Fans searching for Afghanistan cricket next match 2025 venue can expect intense action in Harare and Lahore during October and November. The team’s busy schedule means there’s always exciting Afghan cricket to watch.”
“For today’s fixture information and live updates, check the Afghanistan Match Today section on abc.com for real-time scores, team news, and match analysis.”
Key Venues for Afghanistan in 2025:
- Abu Dhabi: Home away from home, strong record here
- Sharjah: Familiar conditions with good spin support
- Lahore: Challenging venue against strong opposition
- Harare: Test and T20 action against Zimbabwe
- Karachi: Champions Trophy and major tournament venue
Key Highlights of Afghanistan’s 2025 Cricket Season
The 2025 season will be remembered as another milestone year in Afghanistan’s cricket journey. Their performances across formats have demonstrated consistent improvement and competitive spirit.
Major Achievements:
- Historic England Victory: Defeating England in the Champions Trophy proved they can beat anyone
- Bangladesh Domination: 3-0 ODI series victory, including a 200-run win, showed complete superiority
- Test Cricket Progress: Victory over Zimbabwe, we are continuing their development in the longest format
- Competitive Spirit: Close losses in T20 tournaments show they’re competing at the highest level
- Player Development: Young talents like Noor Ahmed are emerging as world-class performers
- Leadership Growth: Rashid Khan’s captaincy is maturing with each series
- Global Respect: Earning recognition as a competitive force in world cricket
- Consistent Selection: Stable team combination bringing better results
Statistical Highlights:
- Over 30 international matches played across all formats
- Victory percentage is improving in both ODI and T20 formats
- Several individual milestones have been achieved by key players
- Improved away record showing better adaptability
- Spin bowling attack among the best globally
Areas of Improvement:
- Death overs batting in T20 cricket
- Middle-order stability in pressure situations
- Pace bowling depth beyond Farooqi
- Finishing close matches in ICC tournaments
- Handling pressure in knockout games
Despite these areas needing work, Afghanistan’s overall trajectory remains positive. Each series brings learning opportunities, and the team continues developing the skills needed to compete consistently at the highest level.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q1. When is Afghanistan’s next cricket match in 2025?
Afghanistan’s next cricket match is against Zimbabwe in a Test match scheduled for October 20-24, 2025, at Harare Sports Club. This is followed by T20 matches against Zimbabwe on October 29, 2025, also in Harare. For the most current fixture information, check the Afghanistan cricket next match 2025 updates on abc.com.
- Q2. Where is Afghanistan cricket team’s next match venue?
The Afghanistan cricket next match venue is Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe for their upcoming Test match in late October 2025. Following this, they’ll play T20 matches at the same venue. Their subsequent series will be in Pakistan (Rawalpindi and Lahore) as part of a tri-series tournament in November 2025.
- Q3. Who are the top players in Afghanistan’s 2025 squad?
The Afghanistan cricket team’s schedule players include captain Rashid Khan (all-rounder and leg-spinner), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (opening batsman and wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran (top-order batsman), Noor Ahmed (left-arm spinner), and Fazalhaq Farooqi (pace bowler). These players form the core of Afghanistan’s competitive squad across all formats.
- Q4. How did Afghanistan perform in the Champions Trophy 2025?
Afghanistan created history by defeating England by 8 runs in a thrilling Champions Trophy 2025 match at Lahore. However, they lost to South Africa by 107 runs in their other group match. The victory against England remains one of their greatest achievements in ODI cricket and showcased their ability to compete against top-ranked teams.
- Q5. What are Afghanistan’s upcoming series before the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Before the T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan will play a Test and T20 series against Zimbabwe (October 2025), followed by a tri-series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka (November 2025). These matches serve as crucial preparation for the World Cup, helping the team fine-tune strategies and identify their best playing combination for the tournament.
- Q6. Where can I find today’s Afghanistan cricket match updates?
For Afghanistan Match Today live updates, scores, and team news, visit abc.com, which provides real-time coverage of all Afghanistan cricket fixtures. The site offers comprehensive match statistics, player information, and detailed analysis of every game Afghanistan plays across all formats.
- Q7. What is Afghanistan’s strongest format in cricket?
Afghanistan excels in limited-overs cricket, particularly ODI and T20 formats. Their world-class spin bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed, makes them formidable in these formats. However, they’re rapidly improving in Test cricket as well, with recent victories showing their commitment to succeeding in all formats.
- Q8. Has Afghanistan qualified for the next T20 World Cup?
Yes, Afghanistan has qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026. Based on their ICC rankings and competitive performances, they’ll participate in the tournament. All their upcoming T20 series and tournaments in 2025 serve as preparation for this major ICC event, where they hope to make a significant impact.
Conclusion:
The Afghanistan cricket team’s 2025 journey is proof of their rise as a global force in international cricket.
From humble beginnings to competing in ICC tournaments and defeating established cricket nations, their story continues to inspire millions across Afghanistan and cricket-loving communities worldwide.
With a packed schedule featuring Test matches, ODI series, T20 tournaments, and crucial World Cup preparation matches, fans have much to look forward to in the coming months.
The team’s balanced combination of experienced campaigners like Rashid Khan and exciting young talents like Noor Ahmed and Rahmanullah Gurbaz promises continued success.
Their performances in 2025 have shown they’re no longer just participants in international cricket — they’re genuine competitors who can defeat anyone on their day.
As they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026 and continue building their Test cricket credentials, Afghanistan cricket’s future looks brighter than ever.
The Afghanistan cricket team schedule players will continue entertaining fans with their fearless cricket, world-class spin bowling, and improved batting consistency.
Whether it’s the excitement of T20 cricket, the strategy of ODI games, or the patience of Test matches, Afghanistan brings passion and skill to every format.
For fans following every match, abc.com remains your trusted source for complete schedules, live updates, player statistics, and comprehensive coverage of Afghan cricket’s remarkable journey.