The cricket rivalry between the Zimbabwe national cricket team and the Afghanistan national cricket team has grown significantly over the past decade. Both teams have faced each other in multiple formats — T20 Internationals, One‑Day Internationals (ODIs), and Test matches — delivering thrilling contests and notable performances. Below is a complete look at their recent match scorecards and outcomes.
📊 Recent Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Series (2024–25)
T20I Series – December 2024 (Harare Sports Club)
This short T20 series saw fluctuating fortunes for both sides in Harare, with Afghanistan ultimately dominating.
1st T20I – 11 December 2024
- Zimbabwe: 145/6 (20 overs)
- Afghanistan: 144/6 (20 overs)
- Result: Zimbabwe won by 4 wickets
- Player of the Match: Brian Bennett (ZIM)
A close opening match where Zimbabwe chased down Afghanistan’s total with a thrilling edge to secure the first win in the series.
2nd T20I – 13 December 2024
- Zimbabwe: 144 all out (19.2 overs)
- Afghanistan: 194/5 (20 overs)
- Result: Afghanistan won by 50 runs
- Player of the Match: Mohammad Nabi (AFG)
Afghanistan bounced back strongly with a dominating performance, posting nearly 200 and bowling out Zimbabwe well before the 20 overs.
3rd T20I – 14 December 2024
- Zimbabwe: 150/7 (20 overs)
- Afghanistan: 151/7 (19.3 overs)
- Result: Afghanistan won by 3 wickets
- Player of the Match: Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG)
The final game was another tight contest, with Afghanistan edging Zimbabwe to clinch the series.
ODI Series – December 2024
The ODI leg in the same tour continued Afghanistan’s supremacy.
1st ODI – 17 December 2024
- Zimbabwe: No result (rain affected)
- Afghanistan: 68/2 (15 overs)
- Result: Match abandoned (No result)
Weather interrupted the opening ODI, leaving the teams with an unfinished match.
2nd ODI – 19 December 2024
- Zimbabwe: 132 all out (27.3 overs)
- Afghanistan: 286/6 (50 overs)
- Result: Afghanistan won by 154 runs
- Player of the Match: Sediqullah Atal (AFG)
Afghanistan posted a big total and bundled Zimbabwe out cheaply in a commanding ODI victory.
3rd ODI – 21 December 2024
- Zimbabwe: 218 all out (48.2 overs)
- Afghanistan: 219/5 (47 overs)
- Result: Afghanistan won by 5 wickets
- Player of the Match: Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG)
In the final ODI, Afghanistan chased down the target comfortably to seal a clean sweep in the limited‑overs series.
🧠 Test Encounters – Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan (2024–25 Bulawayo Tests)
The Test format between these sides highlights contrasting strengths and challenges.
1st Test – 26–30 December 2024, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Zimbabwe 1st innings: 586
- Afghanistan 1st innings: 699
- Zimbabwe 2nd innings: 142/4
- Result: Match drawn
- Player of the Match: Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG)
This high‑scoring test featured massive totals from both sides, reflecting strong batting performances and shared dominance.
2nd Test – 2–6 January 2025, Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
- Zimbabwe 1st innings: 243 & 205 all out
- Afghanistan 1st innings: 157
- Afghanistan 2nd innings: 363
- Result: Afghanistan won by 72 runs
- Player of the Match: Rashid Khan (AFG)
Afghanistan clinched the second Test with a strong bowling display and resilient batting led by Rashid Khan.
📅 More Recent Match – T20I Series (2025)
Afghanistan Tour of Zimbabwe – November 2025 T20Is
The 2025 visit saw Afghanistan sweep a short T20 series.
3rd T20I – 2 November 2025, Harare Sports Club
- Afghanistan: 210/3 (20 overs)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 92
- Ibrahim Zadran – 60
- Zimbabwe: 201 (20 overs)
- Sikandar Raza – 51
- Brian Bennett – 47
- Result: Afghanistan won by 9 runs
- Player of the Match: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)
Afghanistan secured the series emphatically with a high‑scoring win in the third T20I, showcasing powerful batting and tactical bowling.
📊 Head‑to‑Head Insights
Across formats, Afghanistan generally holds the edge over Zimbabwe, particularly in limited overs, thanks to a deeper batting lineup and potent spin attack. Afghanistan has consistently posted competitive totals and applied pressure with disciplined bowling.
🏆 Key Performers
Some standout performers in Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan matches include:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG): Explosive top‑order batting in T20Is.
- Mohammad Nabi (AFG): All‑round contributions in T20 and ODI matches.
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG): Strong performances in Tests and limited overs.
- Brian Bennett (ZIM): Key batting resistance for Zimbabwe in T20Is.
- Sikandar Raza (ZIM): Consistent top‑order influence.
📌 Conclusion
The match scorecards between the Zimbabwe national cricket team and the Afghanistan national cricket team reflect a competitive but Afghanistan‑dominated rivalry in recent years. From thrilling T20 clashes to compelling Test battles and big‑win ODI chases, these encounters continue to add depth to both teams’ international cricket narratives.