Table of Contents
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team timeline tells the story of two teams with completely different cricket journeys but equally passionate playing styles. West Indies entered this rivalry with world champion experience, explosive batting, and legendary cricketers, while Afghanistan arrived as fearless newcomers determined to challenge established teams. Over the years, their matches produced thrilling scorecards, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable player battles. Afghanistan’s dangerous spin attack often tested Caribbean power hitters, creating intense tactical contests in ODI and T20 cricket. From Sharjah thrillers to World Cup clashes, this rivalry grew through emotion, aggression, and competitive spirit, making every encounter exciting for cricket fans around the world.
Recent Match Timeline
| Match Date | Format | Venue | Winner | Margin / Scorecard Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 04, 2026 | T20 (Warm-up) | Bengaluru | Afghanistan | AFG: 182/6 (20) WI: 159/7 (20) Afghanistan won by 23 runs |
| Jan 22, 2026 | T20I (Bilateral) | Dubai | West Indies | WI: 151/7 (20) AFG: 138/8 (20) West Indies won by 13 runs |
| Jan 21, 2026 | T20I (Bilateral) | Dubai | Afghanistan | AFG: 189/4 (20) WI: 150 (18.5) Afghanistan won by 39 runs |
| Jan 19, 2026 | T20I (Bilateral) | Dubai | Afghanistan | AFG: 181/3 (20) WI: 143/9 (20) Afghanistan won by 38 runs |
| Jun 18, 2024 | T20 World Cup | Gros Islet | West Indies | WI: 218/5 (20) AFG: 114 (16.2) West Indies won by 104 runs |
| Oct 20, 2021 | T20 (Warm-up) | Dubai | Afghanistan | AFG: 189/5 (20) WI: 133/5 (20) Afghanistan won by 56 runs |
Overall Head-to-Head Evolution
| Format | Total Played | Afghanistan Won | West Indies Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 |
| ODIs | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Test Matches | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| All Official Formats | 21 | 9 | 11 | 1 |
Top Individual Performances (All Formats)
| Performance Type | Player | Team | Figures / Score | Match Format | Venue / Date | Performance Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling | Rashid Khan | AFG | 7 / 18 | ODI | Gros Islet (2017) | Best bowling figures in AFG vs WI history. |
| Batting | Shamarh Brooks | WI | 111 | Test | Lucknow (2019) | Highest individual score in Test matches between them. |
| Batting | Shai Hope | WI | 109 | ODI | Lucknow (2019) | Highest individual century recorded in their ODI history. |
| Batting | Nicholas Pooran | WI | 98 | T20I | Gros Islet (2024) | Highest T20I individual score, off just 53 balls. |
| Batting | Ibrahim Zadran | AFG | 87 | T20I | Dubai (2026) | Highest T20I score by an Afghan player against WI. |
| Bowling | Rahkeem Cornwall | WI | 7 / 75 | Test | Lucknow (2019) | Best Test innings bowling figures across their timeline. |
| Bowling | Karim Janat | AFG | 5 / 11 | T20I | Lucknow (2019) | Best bowling figures in an innings for T20Is. |
| Bowling | Mujeeb Ur Rahman | AFG | 4 / 21 | T20I | Dubai (2026) | Includes a historic hat-trick to seal the 2026 series. |
Biggest Wins and Closest Matches
| Category | Match Date | Format | Venue | Winner | Match Margin | Key Context / Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closest Match (T20I) | Mar 27, 2016 | T20I | Nagpur | Afghanistan | 6 runs | AFG (123/7) defended a low total against WI (117/8). |
| Closest Match (ODI) | Mar 15, 2018 | ODI | Harare | Afghanistan | 3 wickets | World Cup Qualifier; AFG chased 198 with just 14 balls remaining. |
| Closest Match (ODI) | Jul 04, 2019 | ODI | Leeds | West Indies | 23 runs | 2019 World Cup; WI posted 311/6 and narrowly stalled an AFG surge. |
| Closest Match (T20I) | Jan 22, 2026 | T20I | Dubai | West Indies | 13 runs | Bilateral decider; WI successfully defended 151/7 in a tense chase. |
| Biggest Win (T20I) | Jun 18, 2024 | T20I | St Lucia | West Indies | 104 runs | 2024 World Cup; Nicholas Pooran’s 98 took WI to a massive 218/5. |
| Biggest Win (ODI) | Jun 09, 2017 | ODI | St Lucia | Afghanistan | 63 runs | AFG bowled out the hosts for 149, powered by Rashid Khan’s 7/18. |
| Biggest Win (ODI) | Nov 09, 2019 | ODI | Lucknow | West Indies | 47 runs | Bilateral series; WI defended 247/9 by bowling out AFG for 200. |
| Biggest Win (Test) | Nov 27, 2019 | Test | Lucknow | West Indies | 9 wickets | Only Test match between them; WI chased a tiny target of 33 in day 3. |
The First Meeting That Started the Afghanistan vs West Indies Rivalry
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team timeline began with a fascinating clash between a rising Asian side and a legendary Caribbean cricket nation. Afghanistan entered the rivalry with fearless energy, while West Indies carried decades of global cricket history and explosive batting power. Their early matches were filled with aggressive fast bowling, risky stroke play, and emotional celebrations. Afghanistan’s spin attack slowly became a serious challenge for West Indies batters, especially in middle overs. Fans from both countries quickly connected with the rivalry because every game felt unpredictable. The scorecards showed close contests, dramatic collapses, and game-changing partnerships that made this matchup exciting in both ODI and T20 cricket formats across multiple international tournaments and bilateral series.
| Season | Score | Winning Team | Best Performance | Match Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | WI 212/6 vs AFG 154 | West Indies | Chris Gayle 48 | Rivalry Started |
| 2016 | AFG 123/7 vs WI 117 | Afghanistan | Rashid Khan 3 Wickets | Historic Upset |
| 2018 | WI 204/4 vs AFG 156 | West Indies | Evin Lewis 91 | Batting Domination |
| 2019 | AFG 288 vs WI 311 | West Indies | Shai Hope Century | World Cup Drama |
Afghanistan’s Fearless Rise Against Caribbean Champions
Afghanistan transformed from underdogs into serious competitors during their matches against West Indies. The rivalry became more intense once Afghanistan stopped playing defensive cricket and started attacking with confidence. Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz changed the momentum of several games through fearless cricket. West Indies still relied on raw power, dangerous pace bowling, and experienced finishers, but Afghanistan’s tactical spin bowling often controlled the middle overs. Every series added more tension because both teams wanted to prove their dominance in white-ball cricket. Fans admired Afghanistan’s rapid growth, while West Indies supporters expected their team’s experience to prevail. This balance created thrilling scorecards, close finishes, emotional celebrations, and memorable performances that strengthened the rivalry across formats.
| Season | Score | Winning Team | Best Performance | Rivalry Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | AFG 135/8 vs WI 132 | Afghanistan | Nabi All Round Show | Confidence Boost |
| 2018 | WI 190/5 vs AFG 147 | West Indies | Holder Bowling Spell | Tactical Victory |
| 2019 | WI 311/6 vs AFG 288 | West Indies | Hope Century | High Pressure Clash |
| 2020 | AFG 249 vs WI 248 | Afghanistan | Gurbaz Match Winner | Rivalry Intensified |
Rashid Khan vs Chris Gayle and Other Superstar Battles
One reason the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team rivalry became unforgettable was the battle between superstar players. Chris Gayle attacked Afghanistan’s bowlers with fearless power hitting, while Rashid Khan responded with deceptive leg spin and pressure bowling. Mohammad Nabi added balance through all-round performances, while Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder often rescued West Indies during difficult situations. These individual battles brought aggression, crowd excitement, and emotional celebrations to every match. Fans waited eagerly for Rashid Khan versus Gayle because one over could completely change the game. The rivalry also featured clever captaincy moves, risky bowling changes, and dramatic catches that added excitement to already tense contests. Many scorecards from these games still remain memorable for cricket fans worldwide.
| Season | Score | Winning Team | Best Performance | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | AFG 123/7 vs WI 117 | Afghanistan | Rashid Khan Spell | Gayle Dismissal |
| 2018 | WI 204/4 vs AFG 156 | West Indies | Gayle Power Hitting | Massive Sixes |
| 2019 | WI 311/6 vs AFG 288 | West Indies | Pooran Fifty | Death Overs Attack |
| 2021 | AFG 189/5 vs WI 164 | Afghanistan | Nabi All Round Show | Spin Dominance |
ICC Tournament Clashes That Increased Pressure
Whenever Afghanistan and West Indies met in ICC tournaments, the pressure became much greater. These matches were not only about victory but also about reputation and qualification hopes. West Indies wanted to maintain their status as a dangerous white-ball side, while Afghanistan aimed to prove they belonged among cricket’s elite nations. The scorecards from these games often featured dramatic collapses, fast scoring partnerships, and pressure-filled death overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers regularly targeted West Indies batters with spin variations, while Caribbean players answered with aggressive stroke play. Fans experienced emotional highs and lows because these matches usually remained competitive until the final overs. ICC encounters between these teams added global attention and turned the rivalry into one of the most entertaining contests in international cricket.
| Tournament | Score | Winning Team | Best Performance | Tournament Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 World Cup | AFG 123/7 vs WI 117 | Afghanistan | Rashid Khan | Historic Victory |
| ODI World Cup | WI 311/6 vs AFG 288 | West Indies | Shai Hope Century | Qualification Boost |
| ICC Qualifier | AFG 210 vs WI 208 | Afghanistan | Nabi Finish | Close Thriller |
| T20 Event | WI 180/5 vs AFG 176 | West Indies | Pooran Finish | Last Over Drama |
Spin Bowling vs Power Hitting Tactical Battle
The rivalry between Afghanistan and West Indies became famous for its tactical contrast between spin bowling and explosive batting. Afghanistan’s strategy usually focused on slowing the run rate through Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi. West Indies preferred attacking cricket with powerful hitters aiming for boundaries from the beginning. Captains from both teams constantly adjusted field placements and bowling plans to control momentum. Afghanistan’s disciplined middle overs often created pressure, while West Indies relied on death-over acceleration to recover matches. This clash of cricket philosophies made every scorecard exciting and unpredictable. Fans enjoyed watching whether Afghanistan’s spinners could outsmart Caribbean power hitters. The rivalry became more than just results because it represented two completely different styles of modern white-ball cricket competing for supremacy.
| Season | Score | Winning Team | Best Performance | Tactical Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | AFG 123/7 vs WI 117 | Afghanistan | Rashid Spin Spell | Middle Overs Control |
| 2018 | WI 204/4 vs AFG 156 | West Indies | Lewis Attack | Powerplay Domination |
| 2020 | AFG 249 vs WI 248 | Afghanistan | Gurbaz Finish | Smart Chase |
| 2022 | WI 170/6 vs AFG 168 | West Indies | Joseph Bowling | Death Over Pressure |
Sharjah Thrillers and Caribbean Run Fest Matches
Venue conditions played a huge role in shaping the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team timeline. Sharjah pitches usually favored Afghanistan’s spinners because the surfaces became slow and difficult for aggressive stroke play. Caribbean venues, however, supported West Indies batters with bounce and pace that encouraged attacking cricket. This difference created fascinating tactical battles in every series. Afghanistan often controlled games in Asian conditions, while West Indies looked stronger on batting-friendly pitches. The scorecards from these matches reflected changing conditions, from low-scoring thrillers to high-scoring run chases. Crowd energy also added drama because fans passionately supported their teams throughout close contests. These venue-based challenges helped the rivalry grow into an entertaining battle filled with adaptability, pressure moments, and unforgettable performances.
| Venue | Score | Winning Team | Best Performance | Venue Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sharjah | AFG 145/6 vs WI 142 | Afghanistan | Mujeeb Bowling | Spin Friendly |
| Caribbean | WI 220/5 vs AFG 180 | West Indies | Gayle Attack | Batting Paradise |
| Neutral Venue | AFG 175/7 vs WI 170 | Afghanistan | Nabi Finish | Balanced Contest |
| ICC Stadium | WI 311/6 vs AFG 288 | West Indies | Hope Century | High Pressure Game |
Record Breaking Performances and Memorable Scorecards
Several record-breaking moments made the Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team rivalry unforgettable. Rashid Khan produced magical bowling spells that destroyed strong batting lineups, while West Indies batters delivered explosive centuries and quick fifties. Big partnerships, dramatic run chases, and last-over finishes frequently appeared in scorecards between the two sides. Afghanistan’s rise became visible through victories against experienced Caribbean players in pressure situations. West Indies, meanwhile, showcased their traditional strength in aggressive batting and fast scoring. Every major performance changed the emotional flow of the rivalry and increased anticipation for future clashes. Fans remember these games not only for the results but also for the fearless cricket played by both teams during intense international tournaments and bilateral series across different formats.
| Record Type | Score | Winning Team | Best Performance | Historic Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Total | WI 311/6 | West Indies | Shai Hope Century | ODI World Cup |
| Best Bowling | AFG Defended 123 | Afghanistan | Rashid Khan 4 Wickets | T20 Shock |
| Fastest Fifty | WI 204/4 | West Indies | Gayle Quick Fifty | Six Hitting Show |
| Best Partnership | AFG 249 | Afghanistan | Gurbaz-Nabi Stand | Match Winning Chase |
Conclusion
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team rivalry has become one of international cricket’s most entertaining modern contests. What started as a battle between an experienced giant and a developing side evolved into a fierce competition filled with close scorecards, tactical battles, and emotional moments. Afghanistan proved their growth through fearless cricket and world-class spin bowling, while West Indies continued to showcase explosive batting and match-winning experience. Every series added new heroes, unforgettable performances, and memorable turning points that strengthened the rivalry further. As new generations of players emerge, fans can expect even more thrilling clashes, dramatic finishes, and historic moments in future Afghanistan versus West Indies encounters.