The rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team represents the clash between an emerging cricket nation and an experienced international side. Afghanistan has rapidly risen in world cricket, while Sri Lanka has a rich history of success. Matches between these teams have produced exciting contests, highlighting Afghanistan’s growth and Sri Lanka’s consistency.
Recent: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
Afghanistan Score
Sri Lanka Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
Bilateral T20I
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Mar 17, 2026
Afghanistan (bat)
162/7 (20 ov)
158/8 (20 ov)
Afghanistan won by 4 runs
AFG vs SL T20I 2025/26
Rashid Khan (3/19)
Asia Cup T20
Sheikh Zayed, Abu Dhabi
Sep 18, 2025
Afghanistan (bat)
169/8 (20 ov)
171/4 (18.4 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 6 wkts
Asia Cup 2025
Kusal Mendis (74*)
Bilateral T20I
Rangiri Dambulla
Feb 21, 2024
Sri Lanka (bat)
209/5 (20 ov)
206/6 (20 ov)
Afghanistan won by 3 runs
AFG Tour of SL T20I 2023/24
Ibrahim Zadran (century chase!)
Bilateral T20I
Rangiri Dambulla
Feb 19, 2024
Sri Lanka (bat)
115 (17 ov)
187/6 (20 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 72 runs
AFG Tour of SL T20I 2023/24
Charith Asalanka (SL)
Bilateral T20I
Rangiri Dambulla
Feb 17, 2024
Afghanistan (field)
156/9 (20 ov)
160 (19 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 4 runs
AFG Tour of SL T20I 2023/24
Wanindu Hasaranga (3/22)
Only Test
Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo
Feb 2-6, 2024
Sri Lanka (field)
198 & 296
439 & 56/0
Sri Lanka won by 10 wkts
AFG Tour of SL Test 2023/24
Dimuth Karunaratne (SL double ton vibe)
Bilateral ODI
Colombo (RPS)
Feb 14, 2024
Sri Lanka (field)
198 (42.5 ov)
199/3 (32.4 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 7 wkts
AFG Tour of SL ODI 2023/24
Pathum Nissanka (SL)
Bilateral ODI
Colombo (RPS)
Feb 11, 2024
Afghanistan (bat)
112 (28.5 ov)
267/3 (50 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 155 runs
AFG Tour of SL ODI 2023/24
Kusal Mendis (century)
Bilateral ODI
Colombo (RPS)
Feb 09, 2024
Sri Lanka (bat)
228 (49 ov)
270/5 (50 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 42 runs
AFG Tour of SL ODI 2023/24
Angelo Mathews (SL)
T20 World Cup
Guyana
Jun 2024
Sri Lanka (bat)
113/6 (20 ov)
114/6 (17.1 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 4 wkts
T20 World Cup 2024
— (Group thriller)
Bilateral T20I (earlier)
Sharjah
Nov 2023
Afghanistan (bat)
154/6 (20 ov)
156/5 (19.2 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 5 wkts
Bilateral T20I
Dasun Shanaka (SL)
Asia Cup T20 (older)
Sharjah
Sep 2022
Sri Lanka (field)
175/6 (20 ov)
179/6 (19.4 ov)
Sri Lanka won by 4 wkts
Asia Cup 2022
Wanindu Hasaranga (Man of Series feel)
Year-wise Key Matches Timeline
Year
Match / Series
Venue
Winner
Key Highlight
2014
Asia Cup Match
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
First-ever clash between both teams
2015
ICC Cricket World Cup
Dunedin, New Zealand
Sri Lanka
Afghanistan’s first World Cup match vs Sri Lanka
2018
Asia Cup
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Sri Lanka
Afghanistan stunned Sri Lanka in a major upset
2019
ICC Cricket World Cup
Cardiff, England
Sri Lanka
Close match; Sri Lanka won by 34 runs
2022
Asia Cup
Dubai, UAE
Afghanistan
Afghanistan won convincingly in tournament opener
2023
ICC Cricket World Cup
Pune, India
Afghanistan
Historic win; Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka in WC
2024
Bilateral ODI Series
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Competitive series with Sri Lanka winning overall
ICC Tournament Encounters
Year
Tournament
Stage
Winner
2015
ICC Cricket World Cup
Group Stage
Sri Lanka
2019
ICC Cricket World Cup
Group Stage
Sri Lanka
2023
ICC Cricket World Cup
Group Stage
Afghanistan
2022
ICC T20 World Cup
Group Stage
Afghanistan
Early Encounters and First Matches (2014–2017)
The first meetings between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka took place in ICC tournaments, where Afghanistan began making its mark. Sri Lanka dominated early matches due to their experience, but Afghanistan showed great potential and determination. These encounters helped Afghanistan gain valuable experience against a strong international side.
Year
Event
Format
Winner
2014
Asia Cup
ODI
Sri Lanka
2015
World Cup
ODI
Sri Lanka
2016
T20
Global
Sri Lanka
2017
Match
Asia
Sri Lanka
Afghanistan’s Rise and Competitive Matches (2018–2021)
Between 2018 and 2021, Afghanistan improved significantly, challenging Sri Lanka in multiple formats. Their strong spin bowling and aggressive batting made matches more competitive. Sri Lanka continued to rely on their experience, but Afghanistan began to close the gap with impressive performances.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2018
ODI
Asia
Afghanistan
2019
World Cup
ODI
Sri Lanka
2020
T20
Global
Afghanistan
2021
Series
UAE
Draw
Modern Era and Recent Matches (2022–2025)
In recent years, Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka matches have become more balanced and competitive. Afghanistan has established itself as a strong team, while Sri Lanka continues to rebuild and maintain its competitive edge. Matches between the two teams often produce thrilling moments and unpredictable results.
Year
Format
Venue
Result
2022
ODI
Asia
Sri Lanka
2023
Series
Global
Afghanistan
2024
Match
Asia
Sri Lanka
2025
Series
UAE
Draw
Conclusion
The timeline between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team highlights a rapidly evolving rivalry. Afghanistan’s rise and Sri Lanka’s experience have created exciting contests that continue to entertain cricket fans worldwide.
