The rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team represents a clash between a rapidly rising cricket nation and one of the most established teams in world cricket. South Africa has long been known for its pace attack, consistency, and high standards, while Afghanistan has gained recognition for its fearless gameplay and world-class spin bowling. Over the years, encounters between these two teams have become increasingly competitive, especially in limited-overs formats. Afghanistan’s rapid rise has added excitement to this rivalry, as they continue to challenge stronger teams. This timeline explores how matches between these two sides have evolved, highlighting key moments, performances, and the growing competitiveness of Afghanistan against a top-tier team like South Africa.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
Afghanistan Score
South Africa Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Feb 11, 2026
Afghanistan (field)
187 (19.4 overs)
187/6 (20 overs)
Match tied (South Africa won the 2nd Super Over)
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Lungi Ngidi (SA)
ICC Champions Trophy
National Stadium, Karachi
Feb 21, 2025
South Africa (bat)
208 (43.3 overs)
315/6 (50 overs)
South Africa won by 107 runs
ICC Champions Trophy
Ryan Rickelton (SA)
Bilateral ODI Series
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Sep 22, 2024
–
169
169/3
South Africa won by 7 wickets
Afghanistan vs South Africa ODI
–
Bilateral ODI Series
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Sep 20, 2024
–
311/4 (50 overs)
134
Afghanistan won by 177 runs
Afghanistan vs South Africa ODI
–
Bilateral ODI Series
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Sep 18, 2024
South Africa (bat)
107/4 (26 overs)
106
Afghanistan won by 6 wickets
Afghanistan vs South Africa ODI
Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG)
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba
Jun 27, 2024
–
56
60/1
South Africa won by 9 wickets
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
–
Year-wise Key Matches Timeline Table
Year
Key Matches
Format
Venue
Result
Highlight / Margin
2010
World T20 Group Stage
T20I
Kensington Oval, Barbados
South Africa won by 59 runs
Early dominance by Proteas
2016
T20 World Cup Group Stage
T20I
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
South Africa won by 37 runs
South Africa chased 173 comfortably
2023
ODI World Cup (Match 42)
ODI
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
South Africa won by 5 wickets
Rassie van der Dussen starred
2024
Bilateral ODI Series (1st)
ODI
Sharjah
South Africa won by 7 wickets
Routine chase
2024
Bilateral ODI Series (2nd)
ODI
Sharjah
Afghanistan won by 177 runs
Afghanistan’s record win (311/4 vs 134)
2024
Bilateral ODI Series (3rd)
ODI
Sharjah
Afghanistan won by 6 wickets
Chased 107 in 26 overs
2024
T20 World Cup Group Stage
T20I
Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba
South Africa won by 9 wickets
Afghanistan collapsed to 56 all out
2025
ICC Champions Trophy
ODI
National Stadium, Karachi
South Africa won by 107 runs
South Africa posted 315/6
2026
T20 World Cup Group D (13th Match)
T20I
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Match tied; South Africa won 2nd Super Over
Epic double Super Over thriller! Rahmanullah Gurbaz 84, Lungi Ngidi Player of the Match
Year-wise Key Matches Timeline Table
Year
Key Matches
Format
Venue
Result
Highlight / Margin
2010
World T20 Group Stage
T20I
Kensington Oval, Barbados
South Africa won by 59 runs
Early dominance by Proteas
2016
T20 World Cup Group Stage
T20I
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
South Africa won by 37 runs
South Africa chased 173 comfortably
2023
ODI World Cup (Match 42)
ODI
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
South Africa won by 5 wickets
Rassie van der Dussen starred
2024
Bilateral ODI Series (1st)
ODI
Sharjah
South Africa won by 7 wickets
Routine chase
2024
Bilateral ODI Series (2nd)
ODI
Sharjah
Afghanistan won by 177 runs
Afghanistan’s record win (311/4 vs 134)
2024
Bilateral ODI Series (3rd)
ODI
Sharjah
Afghanistan won by 6 wickets
Chased 107 in 26 overs
2024
T20 World Cup Group Stage
T20I
Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba
South Africa won by 9 wickets
Afghanistan collapsed to 56 all out
2025
ICC Champions Trophy
ODI
National Stadium, Karachi
South Africa won by 107 runs
South Africa posted 315/6
2026
T20 World Cup Group D (13th Match)
T20I
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Match tied; South Africa won 2nd Super Over
Epic double Super Over thriller! Rahmanullah Gurbaz 84, Lungi Ngidi Player of the Match
Tournament-wise Encounters Timeline Table
Tournament
Matches Played
South Africa Wins
Afghanistan Wins
Ties/No Result
Notable Result
ICC T20 World Cup
4
3
0
1 (Tie, SA won Super Over)
2026 thriller in Ahmedabad (double Super Over)
ICC Champions Trophy
1
1
0
0
107-run win for SA (2025)
Bilateral ODI Series
3+ (recent series)
1
2
0
Afghanistan’s 177-run demolition (2024)
ICC ODI World Cup
1
1
0
0
Close 5-wicket win for SA (2023)
Overall (All Formats)
~12-18 (ODI + T20I dominant)
Majority
Growing (4+ recent)
Rare ties
No Tests yet; Afghanistan pushing hard!
Key Moments Table
Match Date / Year
Moment
Description
Impact
Feb 11, 2026
Double Super Over Thriller
T20 WC: Tied at 187; 1st Super Over tied 17-17; 2nd Super Over SA 23/0 beat AFG 19/2
Lungi Ngidi’s heroics; one of T20 WC’s greatest finishes!
Sep 20, 2024
Record 177-run Victory
Bilateral ODI: Afghanistan 311/4 crushed SA 134
Biggest margin win for Afghanistan; statement performance
Jun 27, 2024
Lowest T20 Total Collapse
T20 WC: Afghanistan bowled out for 56; SA chased in 8.5 overs
SA’s clinical dominance in must-win game
Feb 21, 2025
Champions Trophy Hammering
SA 315/6 → AFG 208; 107-run win
Ryan Rickelton shine; SA reasserted authority
Sep 18, 2024
Chase Masterclass
Bilateral ODI: SA 106 all out; AFG chased 107/4 in 26 overs
6-wicket win; spin dominance by Afghanistan bowlers
Nov 10, 2023
Tense ODI WC Chase
SA chased 245 with 5 wickets in hand
Rassie van der Dussen’s match-winning knock
Early Encounters and First Meetings (2015–2017)
The first official matches between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team took place in the mid-2010s. During this period, Afghanistan was still establishing itself in international cricket, while South Africa was a dominant force. Early encounters were mostly one-sided, with South Africa using its strong pace attack and experienced batting lineup to secure comfortable victories. Afghanistan, however, impressed with its determination and ability to compete under pressure. These matches were important for Afghanistan as they provided valuable experience against a top-level opponent. Although results favored South Africa, Afghanistan’s performances showed potential and hinted at a more competitive future.
Year
Format
Venue
Winner
2015
World Cup
ODI
South Africa
2016
T20
Neutral
South Africa
2017
ODI
Neutral
South Africa
2017
Bilateral Match
ODI
South Africa
Afghanistan’s Growth and Confidence (2018–2019)
Between 2018 and 2019, Afghanistan began to show significant improvement in its performances against stronger teams. The Afghanistan National Cricket Team gained Test status and developed a more structured approach to the game. Matches against the South Africa National Cricket Team became more competitive, particularly in limited-overs formats. Afghanistan’s spin bowlers started to challenge South African batsmen, creating more balanced contests. While South Africa still held the upper hand, Afghanistan’s growing confidence was evident. This period marked a transition in the rivalry, as Afghanistan was no longer seen as just an underdog but as a team capable of competing at a higher level.
Year
Event
Format
Winner
2018
ICC Event
ODI
South Africa
2019
World Cup
ODI
South Africa
2019
Bilateral Match
ODI
South Africa
2019
T20 Match
T20
Afghanistan
Competitive Encounters and Close Matches (2020–2022)
From 2020 to 2022, the rivalry became more competitive as Afghanistan continued to improve its performance. Matches between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team were often closely contested, especially in T20 cricket. Afghanistan’s aggressive batting and strong spin attack created challenges for South Africa, while South Africa relied on its experience and balanced squad. Fans witnessed exciting contests, with matches often going down to the final overs. This period highlighted Afghanistan’s ability to compete with top teams and added new energy to the rivalry.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2020
T20 Match
Neutral
South Africa
2021
ODI Series
Neutral
South Africa
2022
T20 Match
Neutral
Afghanistan
2022
Bilateral Series
Neutral
South Africa
ICC Tournament Clashes and High Pressure Games (2023–2024)
Recent ICC tournaments have brought more attention to the rivalry between Afghanistan and South Africa. Matches played in global events carry high pressure, and both teams aim to perform at their best. The Afghanistan National Cricket Team has shown remarkable improvement, competing strongly against South Africa. These encounters have been closely followed by fans due to their unpredictability. Afghanistan’s fearless approach and South Africa’s strategic gameplay have created thrilling contests. Players from both teams have delivered standout performances, making these matches memorable and important in the rivalry’s timeline.
Year
Tournament
Format
Winner
2023
World Cup
ODI
South Africa
2023
ICC Event
T20
Afghanistan
2024
T20 Series
T20
Afghanistan
2024
Bilateral Match
ODI
South Africa
Playing Styles and Team Strengths
The rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team reflects contrasting playing styles. Afghanistan relies on spin bowling and aggressive batting, while South Africa is known for its pace attack and balanced team structure. Modern cricket has introduced advanced strategies, fitness standards, and data analysis, which both teams have adopted. Afghanistan’s rapid rise has made them a strong competitor, while South Africa continues to maintain its high standards. These differences make matches between the two teams highly engaging.
Aspect
Afghanistan
South Africa
Impact
Batting
Aggressive
Balanced
Competitive
Bowling
Spin
Pace
Tactical
Fielding
Improving
Excellent
High Standard
Experience
Growing
High
Learning
Recent Matches and Future Outlook (2025 and Beyond)
Looking ahead, the rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team is expected to grow stronger. Afghanistan continues to develop its squad and gain experience, while South Africa remains a consistent performer in international cricket. Matches between these two teams are likely to become more competitive and exciting. Fans can expect more thrilling encounters, high-quality performances, and memorable moments as the rivalry evolves.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2025
Bilateral Series
Neutral
TBD
2025
ICC Event
Global
TBD
2026
Future Tour
South Africa
TBD
2026
Series
Afghanistan
TBD
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team highlights a rivalry built on growth, competition, and evolving strength. While South Africa has dominated early encounters, Afghanistan’s rapid rise has transformed the rivalry into a more balanced contest. From early one-sided matches to competitive modern clashes, both teams have contributed to exciting cricket. As Afghanistan continues to improve and South Africa maintains its high standards, this rivalry promises to deliver many more thrilling moments in the future.
