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The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches have become increasingly competitive as Afghanistan have developed into one of the strongest emerging teams in international cricket. Sri Lanka bring a long history of success, including a World Cup title and multiple major ICC tournament appearances, while Afghanistan have rapidly established themselves as a dangerous limited-overs side.
The two teams have faced each other in Test, ODI and T20I cricket. Sri Lanka have generally enjoyed the better overall record, but Afghanistan have produced several memorable victories, particularly in major tournaments.
Their rivalry has included Afghanistan’s famous 2018 Asia Cup victory, a dramatic 2023 World Cup win, Sri Lanka’s dominant 2024 bilateral series, and a six-wicket Sri Lankan victory in the 2025 Asia Cup. The teams were also scheduled to meet in a six-match white-ball series in the UAE in March 2026, but that series was postponed and no new dates had been announced at the time of writing.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head Record
The men’s international head-to-head record shows Sri Lanka ahead across all three formats.
The teams have played one Test, 15 ODIs and nine T20Is. Sri Lanka won the only Test, lead the ODI rivalry 10-4 with one no-result, and lead the T20I rivalry 6-3.
| Format | Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Afghanistan Wins | Draw/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 15 | 10 | 4 | 1 NR |
| T20Is | 9 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Total | 25 | 17 | 7 | 1 NR |
These figures show Sri Lanka’s overall advantage, but the rivalry is much more competitive than the headline numbers suggest. Afghanistan have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to defeat Sri Lanka in high-pressure limited-overs matches.
Early History of Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches
Afghanistan’s rise to full international status created opportunities to face established teams such as Sri Lanka.
The first recorded ODI meetings between the sides came during the 2014 Asia Cup in Bangladesh. Afghanistan were still developing their international cricket program, while Sri Lanka were an established Test nation and one of Asia’s most experienced teams.
Sri Lanka won the early meetings, but Afghanistan’s improvement was rapid. Their batting became more technically reliable, while their spin bowling developed into one of the strongest attacks among the emerging cricket nations.
The rivalry changed significantly in 2018 when Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka for the first time in ODI cricket.
Afghanistan’s First ODI Win Over Sri Lanka in 2018
One of the most important Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches took place during the 2018 Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi.
Afghanistan scored 249 and then dismissed Sri Lanka for 158, winning by 91 runs. Rahmat Shah was named Player of the Match after scoring 72 from 90 balls. Afghanistan’s spin attack, led by Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi, caused major problems for the Sri Lankan batting order.
This was Afghanistan’s first ODI victory over Sri Lanka and one of the biggest wins in their early international history. The result also eliminated Sri Lanka from the 2018 Asia Cup.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 249 | Won |
| Sri Lanka | 158 | Lost by 91 runs |
| Player of the Match | Rahmat Shah – 72 |
The match demonstrated how quickly Afghanistan’s international cricket had developed.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan ODI Rivalry
ODI cricket has produced the largest number of matches between the two sides.
Sri Lanka lead the ODI head-to-head 10-4, with one match ending without a result. Afghanistan’s four wins have nevertheless come in important and memorable circumstances.
Afghanistan defeated Sri Lanka in the 2018 Asia Cup, won a bilateral ODI in 2022, defeated them in the 2023 bilateral series in Hambantota, and then produced another major victory at the 2023 World Cup in Pune.
Sri Lanka, however, have responded strongly in bilateral cricket, particularly during the 2023 and 2024 series.
2023 ODI Series: Sri Lanka Win in Hambantota
The 2023 ODI series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan was closely contested.
Sri Lanka won the third ODI in Hambantota by nine wickets after bowling Afghanistan out for only 116. Sri Lanka reached 120/1 and completed the chase with plenty of overs remaining.
Earlier in the series, Afghanistan had won the second ODI by six wickets, showing that the teams were capable of producing very different results within the same series.
Sri Lanka’s victory in the third match prevented Afghanistan from taking complete control of the series.
2023 ODI: Sri Lanka Win a Thriller by Two Runs
Another memorable match came in September 2023 during the Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka scored 291/8, while Afghanistan responded with 289. Sri Lanka therefore won by only two runs.
The narrow margin demonstrated how competitive the rivalry had become. Afghanistan’s batting depth pushed Sri Lanka to the final stages, but Sri Lanka managed to defend the target.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 291/8 | Won |
| Afghanistan | 289 | Lost by 2 runs |
Close matches such as this have helped make Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches popular among cricket fans.
Afghanistan’s 2023 World Cup Victory
Afghanistan produced one of their most important victories over Sri Lanka during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in Pune.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 241 in 49.3 overs. Afghanistan then chased the target, reaching 242/3 in 45.2 overs and winning by seven wickets with 28 balls remaining.
Rahmat Shah scored 62, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi made an unbeaten 58, and Azmatullah Omarzai finished unbeaten on 73.
The pair of Shahidi and Omarzai added an unbeaten 111-run partnership to complete the chase.
Fazalhaq Farooqi was also instrumental, taking 4/34 to help restrict Sri Lanka to 241.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 241 all out | Lost |
| Afghanistan | 242/3 | Won by 7 wickets |
| Top Afghanistan batter | Azmatullah Omarzai – 73* | |
| Best Afghanistan bowler | Fazalhaq Farooqi – 4/34 |
This victory helped Afghanistan maintain their hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals.
2024 ODI Series: Sri Lanka Complete a 3-0 Sweep
Sri Lanka responded emphatically when Afghanistan toured the island in February 2024.
The three-match ODI series ended in a 3-0 victory for Sri Lanka. The hosts won the first ODI by 42 runs, the second by 155 runs and the third by seven wickets.
The opening match became especially memorable because Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 210.
Sri Lanka made 381/3, while Afghanistan replied with 339/6. Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai scored an unbeaten 149 and Mohammad Nabi made 136, but their huge partnership was not enough to complete the chase.
2024 ODI Series Results
| ODI | Sri Lanka | Afghanistan | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 381/3 | 339/6 | Sri Lanka won by 42 runs |
| 2nd ODI | 308/6 | 153 | Sri Lanka won by 155 runs |
| 3rd ODI | 267/3 | 266 | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets |
| Series | Sri Lanka won 3-0 |
The clean sweep significantly strengthened Sri Lanka’s ODI record against Afghanistan.
Pathum Nissanka’s Historic Double Century
The first ODI of the 2024 series produced one of the greatest individual performances in the rivalry.
Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 210, becoming the first Sri Lankan men’s batter to score an ODI double century. He dominated the Afghanistan bowling attack and helped Sri Lanka reach 381/3.
Afghanistan fought back through two outstanding centuries. Azmatullah Omarzai scored 149 not out and Mohammad Nabi made 136.
Despite their efforts, Afghanistan finished on 339/6 and Sri Lanka won by 42 runs.
The match remains one of the highest-scoring Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Test Match History
The Test rivalry is much smaller than the ODI and T20I contests because Afghanistan only recently entered Test cricket.
The two countries have played one Test, in Colombo in February 2024. Sri Lanka won the historic match by 10 wickets.
Afghanistan were dismissed for 198 in their first innings. Sri Lanka responded with 439, establishing a huge first-innings advantage.
Afghanistan improved in the second innings and scored 296, but Sri Lanka needed only 56 runs in the fourth innings and completed the chase without losing a wicket.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan One-Off Test
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 198 | 296 |
| Sri Lanka | 439 | 56/0 |
| Result | Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets |
Vishwa Fernando was one of Sri Lanka’s leading performers with 4/51 in Afghanistan’s first innings. Rahmat Shah scored 91, providing resistance for Afghanistan.
The match was historic because it represented the first Test played between the two nations.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan T20I History
The T20I rivalry has produced nine matches, with Sri Lanka winning six and Afghanistan winning three.
Afghanistan have been particularly dangerous in T20 cricket because of their world-class spin resources and powerful batting options.
Sri Lanka, however, have generally handled the pressure better in their bilateral T20I meetings.
The rivalry has included victories for both teams in major competitions, making the T20I format particularly unpredictable.
2024 T20I Series
Sri Lanka won the first two T20Is of the 2024 series before Afghanistan took the third match.
In the opening game, Sri Lanka scored 160 and Afghanistan were restricted to 156/9. Sri Lanka therefore won by four runs.
The second T20I was more comfortable for Sri Lanka. They scored 187/6 and bowled Afghanistan out for 115, winning by 72 runs.
Afghanistan responded in the third match by scoring 209/5 and successfully defending the total. Sri Lanka reached 206/6, falling three runs short.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st T20I, 2024 | Sri Lanka won by 4 runs |
| 2nd T20I, 2024 | Sri Lanka won by 72 runs |
| 3rd T20I, 2024 | Afghanistan won by 3 runs |
| Series | Sri Lanka won 2-1 |
The final match was one of the closest T20I contests between the sides.
2025 Asia Cup: Sri Lanka Beat Afghanistan by Six Wickets
The latest completed men’s meeting between the teams came during the 2025 Asia Cup.
Afghanistan scored 169/8 after recovering from 79/6. Mohammad Nabi produced a remarkable late innings of 60, including five sixes in the final over, to give Afghanistan a competitive total.
Sri Lanka responded with 171/4 in 18.4 overs.
Kusal Mendis played the leading role, scoring an unbeaten 74 from 53 balls. Nuwan Thushara was Sri Lanka’s standout bowler, taking 4/18.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 169/8 | Lost |
| Sri Lanka | 171/4 | Won by 6 wickets |
| Top Sri Lanka batter | Kusal Mendis – 74* | |
| Best Sri Lanka bowler | Nuwan Thushara – 4/18 |
The victory helped Sri Lanka progress to the Asia Cup Super Four stage.
2026 Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka Series Postponed
A six-match white-ball tour was scheduled for March 2026, with three T20Is in Sharjah followed by three ODIs in Dubai.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board announced the series in February, describing it as Afghanistan’s first bilateral series against Sri Lanka hosted in the UAE.
However, the series was postponed on 11 March 2026 because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The BBC reported that no new dates had been set at that time.
Therefore, these six scheduled matches should not be counted as played matches in the head-to-head record.
| Scheduled Series | Original Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 3 T20Is | 13, 15, 17 March 2026 | Postponed |
| 3 ODIs | 20, 22, 25 March 2026 | Postponed |
| Venue | UAE | Revised dates not announced |
This distinction is important when calculating the current Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan head-to-head record.
Major Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Matches
| Year | Format | Match Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | ODI | Afghanistan won by 91 runs |
| 2022 | ODI | Afghanistan won by 60 runs |
| 2023 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets |
| 2023 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 2 runs |
| 2023 | ODI World Cup | Afghanistan won by 7 wickets |
| 2024 | Test | Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets |
| 2024 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 42 runs |
| 2024 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 155 runs |
| 2024 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets |
| 2024 | T20I | Sri Lanka won by 4 runs |
| 2024 | T20I | Sri Lanka won by 72 runs |
| 2024 | T20I | Afghanistan won by 3 runs |
| 2025 | T20I | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets |
Key Players in Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Matches
Several players have played major roles in the rivalry.
Pathum Nissanka produced one of the most extraordinary batting performances when he scored an unbeaten 210 in the first ODI of the 2024 series.
Kusal Mendis was the star of the 2025 Asia Cup meeting, scoring an unbeaten 74 as Sri Lanka chased 170 successfully.
Nuwan Thushara made a major impact in the same match, taking 4/18 and putting Afghanistan under pressure during the middle overs.
For Afghanistan, Rahmat Shah has been particularly important. He scored 72 in Afghanistan’s historic 2018 ODI victory and 62 during their 2023 World Cup win.
Azmatullah Omarzai also produced an outstanding performance in the 2023 World Cup, scoring an unbeaten 73, before making 149 not out against Sri Lanka in the 2024 ODI series.
Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi have also played important roles in Afghanistan’s victories and competitive performances.
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head Records
| Record Category | Sri Lanka | Afghanistan |
|---|---|---|
| Test matches | 1 | 1 |
| Test wins | 1 | 0 |
| ODI matches | 15 | 15 |
| ODI wins | 10 | 4 |
| ODI no-results | 1 | 1 |
| T20I matches | 9 | 9 |
| T20I wins | 6 | 3 |
| Total international matches | 25 | 25 |
| Total wins | 17 | 7 |
The overall numbers clearly favor Sri Lanka, but Afghanistan’s victories have often come in major tournaments and high-profile matches.
Biggest Turning Points in the Rivalry
Afghanistan’s 2018 breakthrough: Afghanistan’s 91-run Asia Cup victory was the first time they defeated Sri Lanka in ODI cricket.
Sri Lanka’s 2023 recovery: Sri Lanka won the third ODI in Hambantota by nine wickets and then won a dramatic Asia Cup contest by two runs.
Afghanistan’s World Cup statement: Afghanistan’s seven-wicket win in Pune during the 2023 World Cup demonstrated that they could defeat established teams on the biggest stage.
Sri Lanka’s 2024 dominance: Sri Lanka responded with a 3-0 ODI sweep and a 2-1 T20I series win in February 2024.
The 2025 Asia Cup: Sri Lanka again defeated Afghanistan, winning by six wickets and eliminating Afghanistan from the tournament’s Super Four qualification race.
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches Timeline
| Year | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Early ODI meetings between the sides |
| 2018 | Afghanistan win first ODI against Sri Lanka |
| 2022 | Afghanistan record another ODI victory |
| 2023 | Sri Lanka win ODI by 2 runs |
| 2023 | Afghanistan win World Cup match by 7 wickets |
| 2024 | Sri Lanka win historic first Test by 10 wickets |
| 2024 | Sri Lanka win ODI series 3-0 |
| 2024 | Sri Lanka win T20I series 2-1 |
| 2025 | Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan by 6 wickets in Asia Cup |
| 2026 | Six-match UAE series postponed |
Why the Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Rivalry Is Important
The rivalry represents an interesting meeting between an established cricket nation and one of international cricket’s fastest-rising teams.
Sri Lanka have decades of experience in Test and limited-overs cricket. Their strengths have traditionally included technically skilled batting, quality spin bowling and players comfortable in Asian conditions.
Afghanistan have built their reputation around aggressive limited-overs cricket, world-class spin bowling and increasingly confident batting performances.
That combination creates a fascinating tactical contest. Sri Lanka often rely on experience and adaptability, while Afghanistan can change matches quickly through players such as Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and their powerful top order.
Future of Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Matches
The future of the rivalry should remain competitive.
The postponed 2026 UAE series was scheduled to contain three T20Is and three ODIs, giving both sides another opportunity to strengthen their head-to-head record. The series was postponed, however, and revised dates had not been announced in the available reports.
When the teams next meet, Afghanistan will look to improve their overall record, while Sri Lanka will attempt to maintain the advantage established through their strong 2024 and 2025 performances.
With both teams possessing quality young players and experienced campaigners, future Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches are likely to remain highly competitive.
FAQs About Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches
How many matches have Sri Lanka and Afghanistan played?
The two teams have played 25 completed men’s international matches: one Test, 15 ODIs and nine T20Is. Sri Lanka have won 17 and Afghanistan have won seven, with one ODI ending without a result.
Who has the better head-to-head record between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan?
Sri Lanka have the better overall record. They have won the only Test, 10 of the 15 ODIs and six of the nine T20Is played between the teams.
How many ODIs have Sri Lanka and Afghanistan played?
Sri Lanka and Afghanistan have played 15 ODIs. Sri Lanka have won 10, Afghanistan have won four and one match ended without a result.
How many T20Is have Sri Lanka and Afghanistan played?
They have played nine T20Is. Sri Lanka have won six and Afghanistan have won three.
Has Afghanistan ever beaten Sri Lanka in an ODI?
Yes. Afghanistan’s first ODI victory over Sri Lanka came in the 2018 Asia Cup, when they won by 91 runs in Abu Dhabi.
Who won the 2023 World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan?
Afghanistan won by seven wickets in Pune. Sri Lanka scored 241, while Afghanistan reached 242/3 in 45.2 overs.
Who scored 210 against Afghanistan?
Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 210 in the first ODI of the 2024 series. Sri Lanka scored 381/3 and won by 42 runs.
Who won the latest completed Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match?
Sri Lanka won the latest completed men’s international meeting, defeating Afghanistan by six wickets in the 2025 Asia Cup. Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 74 and Nuwan Thushara took 4/18.
Was Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan scheduled in 2026?
Yes. Afghanistan were scheduled to host Sri Lanka in a six-match white-ball series in the UAE in March 2026, consisting of three T20Is and three ODIs. The series was postponed because of the regional conflict, with no new dates announced in the BBC report.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches have developed into an exciting modern international rivalry.
Sri Lanka currently hold the stronger overall record, winning 17 of the 25 completed men’s international matches between the teams. Afghanistan, however, have produced several major victories, including their historic 2018 Asia Cup win and their seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka at the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Sri Lanka’s 2024 dominance, highlighted by Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 210 and a 3-0 ODI sweep, restored their superiority in bilateral cricket. Their six-wicket victory in the 2025 Asia Cup further strengthened their recent record.
The postponed 2026 UAE series could eventually add another important chapter to the rivalry. With Afghanistan’s powerful limited-overs cricket and Sri Lanka’s experience across formats, future matches should continue to provide exciting contests for international cricket fans.
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