The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team rivalry may not yet be as deep as some of the sport’s historic matchups. But it has already produced some thrilling encounters on the world stage. Afghanistan, a cricketing nation on the rise, has used its clashes with established teams like New Zealand to prove its potential. New Zealand is known for its disciplined and consistent performances across all formats. They have made it the benchmark for emerging teams to measure themselves against.
Here we will explore the timeline of matches, break down key statistics, and look back at the most memorable moments. We will analyze the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team match scorecards across different formats. This rivalry is slowly developing into a competitive and exciting spectacle. We will see significant individual performances and tournaments in international cricket.
Timeline of Matches: Afghanistan vs New Zealand
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team rivalry officially began during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. As Afghanistan made its debut on the world stage, New Zealand, one of the tournament favourites, was a tough opponent to face. However, each match between these two teams has shown Afghanistan’s determination to improve and adapt to the highest levels of the game.
Despite their short history, Afghanistan’s rise has allowed them to compete against teams like New Zealand. They can compete in global tournaments such as the ICC World Cup and the ICC T20 World Cup. The Afghan team is known for its aggressive style, particularly in T20 cricket. They have provided stiff competition for the experienced and balanced New Zealand squad.
Afghanistan’s Journey in International Cricket
Afghanistan’s rise to international cricket is one of the sport’s most inspiring stories. Having achieved ICC Full Member status in 2017, Afghanistan has used its platform to compete against the world’s best teams. The New Zealand National Cricket Team has allowed Afghanistan to gain valuable experience. Especially in high-pressure environments like World Cups, they can improve faster.
ODI Matches: Afghanistan vs New Zealand
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team has primarily competed in the One Day International (ODI) format. Their matchups have mostly taken place in ICC tournaments, where the stakes are always high. Afghanistan’s passion and New Zealand’s discipline make for an exciting contrast in playing styles.
ODI Match Stats
| Statistic | Afghanistan | New Zealand |
| Matches Played | 3 | 3 |
| Wins | 0 | 3 |
| No Result | 0 | 0 |
| Highest Individual Score | Hashmatullah Shahidi (59) | Kane Williamson (79) |
| Best Bowling Figures | Mohammad Nabi (4/30) | Trent Boult (4/30) |
New Zealand has dominated the head-to-head encounters, winning all three matches. But Afghanistan’s progress has been noticeable and they continue to grow with each match. Each ODI match has served as a critical learning experience for Afghanistan as they aim to close the gap with more established teams.
Memorable ODI Matches
2015 ICC Cricket World Cup: New Zealand vs Afghanistan
The first match between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team took place in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. Afghanistan, making its debut in the tournament, faced a formidable New Zealand side. Afghanistan batted first but could only manage 186 runs. Samiullah Shenwari top-scored for Afghanistan with 54. While New Zealand’s bowling attack, led by Trent Boult, restricted Afghanistan’s total.
New Zealand chased down the target easily, with Martin Guptill’s 57 and Kane Williamson’s 33 guiding them to a six-wicket victory. This match demonstrated Afghanistan’s potential but also highlighted the experience gap.
New Zealand vs Afghanistan: 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup
In their second World Cup encounter, Afghanistan showed improvement in their performance. Afghanistan batted first, posting 172 runs, with Hashmatullah Shahidi leading the charge. Hashmatullah Shahidi managed to get a well-constructed 59. However, New Zealand’s bowling was once again too strong, with Jimmy Neesham taking 5 wickets for just 31 runs.
New Zealand chased the target down in 32.1 overs, thanks to Kane Williamson’s unbeaten 79. Also, New Zealand won the match by seven wickets, but Afghanistan’s growing strength as a competitive team was clear.
T20I Matches: Afghanistan vs New Zealand
While Afghanistan and New Zealand have only met once in the T20 International (T20I) format. Their match in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup was filled with intensity. Then there is Rashid Khan renowned for his effectiveness in the shortest format of the game. Their battles with New Zealand’s solid batting lineup were eagerly anticipated.
T20I Match Stats
| Statistic | Afghanistan | New Zealand |
| Matches Played | 1 | 1 |
| Wins | 0 | 1 |
| No Result | 0 | 0 |
| Highest Individual Score | Najibullah Zadran (73*) | Glenn Phillips (33) |
| Best Bowling Figures | Rashid Khan (3/24) | Trent Boult (3/17) |
Memorable T20I Matches
Afghanistan vs New Zealand: ICC T20 World Cup 2021
The lone T20I encounter between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team came during the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. Afghanistan batted first and posted a competitive score of 124/8, with Najibullah Zadran playing a brilliant innings of 73*.
New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Trent Boult (3/17), kept Afghanistan’s batsmen in check throughout the innings. In response, New Zealand comfortably chased the target in 18.1 overs, with Glenn Phillips scoring 33. The captain Kane Williamson remains unbeaten on 40. New Zealand’s 8-wicket win highlighted their composure in high-pressure matches.
Afghanistan vs New Zealand in ICC Tournaments
All of the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team encounters so far have taken place in ICC tournaments. This certainly adds extra significance to each match. These contests have helped Afghanistan grow into a more formidable international cricket team.
ICC World Cup
Afghanistan and New Zealand have faced each other twice in the ICC Cricket World Cup: in 2015 and 2019. Both matches saw New Zealand come out on top, but Afghanistan’s improved performance in the 2019 edition showed how far they had come in just a few years.
ICC T20 World Cup
The two teams have met once in the ICC T20 World Cup, during the 2021 edition. New Zealand’s comfortable victory was a reminder of their experience in big tournaments. While Afghanistan’s determination was evident in the way they fought till the end.
Records in Afghanistan vs New Zealand Matches
Several records have been set in the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team matchups, including:
- Highest Run Scorer (ODIs): Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 104 runs
- Highest Run Scorer (T20Is): Najibullah Zadran (Afghanistan) – 73* runs
- Best Bowling Figures (ODIs): Mohammad Nabi (Afghanistan) – 4/30
- Best Bowling Figures (T20Is): Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 3/17
Head-to-Head Record in All Formats
| Format | Matches Played | Afghanistan Wins | New Zealand Wins | Drawn/No Result |
| ODI | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| T20I | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Test | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Conclusion
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team rivalry may still be in its infancy. But it has already produced some memorable moments. New Zealand has dominated the encounters so far, but Afghanistan is steadily rising in world cricket. This suggests that future contests will be far more competitive against Afghanistan. Every match between these two teams serves as a learning experience for Afghanistan. While New Zealand continues to showcase its strength and consistency across all formats.
As Afghanistan continues to develop into a stronger cricketing nation. The future encounters with New Zealand are sure to bring even more thrilling action to the field. Fans of both teams can expect this rivalry to evolve into one of the more intriguing matchups in world cricket.
FAQs
How many ODI matches have Afghanistan and New Zealand played?
They have played 3 ODI matches, with New Zealand winning all of them.
Who scored the highest individual runs for Afghanistan against New Zealand in ODIs?
Hashmatullah Shahidi scored the highest individual runs for Afghanistan, with 59 runs.
What is the best bowling figure for Afghanistan against New Zealand in ODIs?
Mohammad Nabi took 4/30, the best bowling figure for Afghanistan in an ODI against New Zealand.
How many T20I matches have Afghanistan and New Zealand played?
They have played 1 T20I match, which New Zealand won.
When did Afghanistan and New Zealand first face each other in an ICC tournament?
They first faced each other in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
