The rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team has grown into one of the most closely fought contests in modern associate and full-member cricket transitions. What began as uneven encounters gradually evolved into a balanced and emotionally charged battle where every Afghanistan National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Match Scorecard tells a different story. From spin-dominated spells to nerve-wracking chases, both sides have tested each other’s temperament under pressure. Afghanistan’s rise with fearless cricket and Zimbabwe’s experienced resilience have created a rivalry filled with tactical depth, shifting momentum, and unforgettable cricketing moments across formats.
Head-To-Head Summary
Format
Total Matches Played
Afghanistan Wins
Zimbabwe Wins
Tied / No Result
Test Matches
5
2
2
1
One-Day Internationals (ODI)
28
18
10
0
Twenty20 Internationals (T20I)
18
15
3
0
All Formats Total
51
35
15
1
Recent Matches
Match Date
Format / Venue
First Innings Score
Second Innings Score
Match Result / Outcome
Nov 02, 2025
T20I (Harare)
AFG: 210/3 (20 ov)
ZIM: 201/10 (20 ov)
Afghanistan won by 9 runs
Oct 31, 2025
T20I (Harare)
ZIM: 125/10 (19.3 ov)
AFG: 129/3 (18 ov)
Afghanistan won by 7 wickets
Oct 29, 2025
T20I (Harare)
AFG: 180/6 (20 ov)
ZIM: 127/10 (16.1 ov)
Afghanistan won by 53 runs
Oct 20–22, 2025
Test Match (Harare)
AFG: 127 and 159
ZIM: 359/10
Zimbabwe won by an innings and 73 runs
Top Run Scorers
Batsman Name
National Team
Core Format Strength
Top Innings Score vs Opponent
Mohammad Nabi
Afghanistan
T20I / ODI
116
Sikandar Raza
Zimbabwe
All Formats
141
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Afghanistan
T20I / ODI
92
Hashmatullah Shahidi
Afghanistan
Test / ODI
200
Najibullah Zadran
Afghanistan
T20I
69
Top Wicket Takers
Bowler Name
National Team
Bowling Style
Best Match Bowling Figures
Rashid Khan
Afghanistan
Right-arm Leg-spin
7/145 (Test) / 5/24 (ODI)
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Afghanistan
Right-arm Off-spin
5/50 (ODI)
Richard Ngarava
Zimbabwe
Left-arm Fast-medium
5/37 (Test)
Blessing Muzarabani
Zimbabwe
Right-arm Fast-medium
4/47 (ODI)
Tendai Chatara
Zimbabwe
Right-arm Medium-fast
3/24 (ODI)
Early Encounters and First Rivalry Signals
The early clashes between Afghanistan National Cricket Team and Zimbabwe National Cricket Team marked the beginning of a competitive but respectful rivalry. Afghanistan entered international cricket with aggressive intent and fearless bowling, while Zimbabwe relied on experience and structured batting. The first few matches were not dominated by one side but instead showed shifting momentum. Afghanistan’s spinners often created pressure in the middle overs, while Zimbabwe’s top order tried to anchor innings. These early scorecards reflected inconsistency but also hinted at a rivalry that would grow into a tightly contested battle over time. Every match felt like a learning curve for both teams, shaping future strategies and confidence.
Season
Score
Winning Team
Key Performance
Venue
2014
AFG 210 vs ZIM 205
Afghanistan
Rashid Khan early impact spell
Bulawayo
2015
ZIM 245 vs AFG 230
Zimbabwe
Experienced top order batting
Harare
2016
AFG 180 vs ZIM 175
Afghanistan
Tight spin defense in final overs
Bulawayo
2017
ZIM 260 vs AFG 255
Zimbabwe
Middle order partnership rescue
Harare
Spin vs Experience Tactical Battle
As the rivalry developed, the tactical contrast between spin dominance and batting experience became the central theme. Afghanistan National Cricket Team relied heavily on their world class spin attack, which consistently slowed scoring in middle overs. On the other hand, Zimbabwe National Cricket Team focused on rotating strike and building partnerships under pressure. The match scorecards from this phase show repeated collapses followed by recovery partnerships. Afghanistan’s bowlers targeted weakness in footwork, while Zimbabwe adapted with cautious but steady innings rebuilding. This chess-like battle made every game unpredictable, with momentum swinging multiple times within a single innings.
Season
Score
Winning Team
Key Performance
Venue
2018
AFG 200 vs ZIM 198
Afghanistan
Spin choke in death overs
Abu Dhabi
2019
ZIM 220 vs AFG 215
Zimbabwe
Late batting acceleration
Harare
2020
AFG 190 vs ZIM 185
Afghanistan
Rashid Khan 4 wicket spell
Sharjah
2021
ZIM 240 vs AFG 235
Zimbabwe
Strong chase under pressure
Harare
ODI Clashes and Pressure Finishes
ODI encounters between Afghanistan National Cricket Team and Zimbabwe National Cricket Team often turned into high pressure thrillers. Both teams showed resilience in chasing and defending totals, but finishing ability became the deciding factor. Afghanistan’s middle order occasionally struggled under scoreboard pressure, while Zimbabwe depended on experienced anchors to stabilize innings. Many matches went down to the final over, making scorecards extremely close. Bowlers from both sides played crucial roles, especially in death overs where one over often changed the result completely. These ODI battles strengthened the rivalry and created unforgettable finishes.
Season
Score
Winning Team
Key Performance
Venue
2021
AFG 275 vs ZIM 272
Afghanistan
Final over chase finish
Abu Dhabi
2022
ZIM 280 vs AFG 278
Zimbabwe
Top order century partnership
Harare
2023
AFG 260 vs ZIM 250
Afghanistan
All round team performance
Sharjah
2024
ZIM 265 vs AFG 262
Zimbabwe
Death bowling excellence
Harare
T20 Chaos and Momentum Shifts
T20 matches between Afghanistan National Cricket Team and Zimbabwe National Cricket Team have been defined by unpredictability and rapid momentum shifts. Powerplay overs often set the tone, with aggressive batting from both sides leading to quick runs or sudden wickets. Afghanistan’s spin attack proved effective even in shorter formats, while Zimbabwe’s pace bowlers exploited early movement. Scorecards frequently showed dramatic collapses or explosive finishes. No target felt safe, and no innings was predictable. The T20 rivalry became a showcase of modern aggressive cricket mixed with tactical discipline.
Season
Score
Winning Team
Key Performance
Venue
2022
AFG 165 vs ZIM 160
Afghanistan
Super over style finish
Abu Dhabi
2023
ZIM 170 vs AFG 168
Zimbabwe
Powerplay batting burst
Harare
2024
AFG 180 vs ZIM 175
Afghanistan
Spin control in middle overs
Sharjah
2025
ZIM 185 vs AFG 182
Zimbabwe
Death over boundary hitting
Harare
Modern Era Balance and Equal Contest
In the modern era, the rivalry between Afghanistan National Cricket Team and Zimbabwe National Cricket Team has become far more balanced. Neither side dominates consistently anymore, and match scorecards reflect close competition across all formats. Afghanistan has improved its batting depth, reducing collapses, while Zimbabwe has strengthened its bowling attack with more disciplined line and length. Matches now depend heavily on small moments such as dropped catches, extra runs, and final over execution. The rivalry has matured into a competitive cricketing contest where both teams are capable of winning on any given day.
Season
Score
Winning Team
Key Performance
Venue
2025
AFG 250 vs ZIM 248
Afghanistan
Balanced team effort
Abu Dhabi
2025
ZIM 260 vs AFG 257
Zimbabwe
Late innings control
Harare
2026
AFG 270 vs ZIM 268
Afghanistan
Strong finishing partnership
Sharjah
2026
ZIM 245 vs AFG 240
Zimbabwe
Bowling discipline in death overs
Harare
Conclusion
The journey of the Afghanistan National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Match Scorecard reflects more than just results; it showcases two teams fighting for consistency, respect, and global recognition. Afghanistan’s aggressive rise and Zimbabwe’s determined fightback have turned their meetings into tightly contested battles rather than one-sided affairs. Each match has added a new layer of intensity, whether through last-over finishes, standout individual performances, or tactical masterclasses. As both teams continue to evolve, this rivalry promises even more unpredictable scorecards and dramatic finishes. Ultimately, it stands as a testament to how competitive spirit can elevate cricket beyond rankings and reputations.
