In a historic moment, the Afghanistan cricket team secured its first-ever victory against South Africa, defeating the Proteas by six wickets in a low-scoring thriller in Sharjah on Wednesday (September 18). This victory marks a significant milestone in Afghanistan’s international cricket journey as they continue their remarkable form following strong performances in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Historic Victory Over South Africa
This was the first time Afghanistan triumphed over South Africa in any format of international cricket. The two teams had faced off five times before (two ODIs and three T20Is), with South Africa winning every encounter, including the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final earlier this year.
India’s Unique Record
Following Afghanistan’s victory, India has become the only full member team that remains unbeaten against Afghanistan in any format of international cricket. India has faced Afghanistan in one Test, four ODIs, and nine T20Is and has yet to lose a match. Although Afghanistan has come close, with one tie each in both ODIs and T20Is, India has maintained an unbeaten streak, including a dramatic double super over win in a T20I in Bengaluru earlier this year.
Afghanistan’s Rapid Rise
Afghanistan’s recent victories over major cricketing nations highlight their meteoric rise in world cricket. Within the last 12 months, Afghanistan has beaten South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia. Their wins over England came in the 2023 World Cup, while victories against New Zealand and Australia were recorded in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan has also secured victories in all formats against Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Bangladesh and has multiple wins over Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies in both ODIs and T20Is.
