For more than a decade, the Indian cricket team has showcased an unparalleled dominance over Afghanistan across all formats of international cricket. Out of 14 encounters since 2010, India has emerged victorious in 13 matches, with a single One Day International (ODI) ending in a tie during the 2018 Asia Cup. This remarkable streak stands as India's most unblemished head-to-head record against any Test-playing nation, underscoring their consistent superiority.
India's Unbreakable Cricket Record Against Afghanistan
Since 2010, India has consistently demonstrated its cricketing prowess against Afghanistan. Their head-to-head record is an impressive 13 wins, with only one match concluding in a tie. This includes a perfect run in both Test matches and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
In the Test arena, India has twice triumphed over Afghanistan with overwhelming innings victories. The most recent Test, held at Mullanpur in June 2026, saw India achieve one of its largest Test wins in history. A standout performance came from debutant Manav Suthar, who claimed 6 wickets for just 33 runs, playing a pivotal role in the comprehensive victory. The first Test between these nations took place from June 14-18, 2018, at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, where India won by an innings and 262 runs. The second was from June 6-8, 2026, at MYAS Stadium, Mullanpur, with India winning by an innings and 300 runs.
The ODI encounters have also largely favored India, with three victories and one tie from four matches. The closest Afghanistan came to defeating India was the dramatic 2018 Asia Cup fixture in Dubai, where both teams scored 252 runs, resulting in the only tied match between them. Other significant ODI victories for India include an 8-wicket win in the 2014 Asia Cup in Mirpur, Bangladesh; another 8-wicket win in the 2023 Asia Cup at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo; and an 8-wicket win in the 2023 ODI World Cup at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
In T20Is, India’s record against Afghanistan remains pristine, with eight wins from eight completed matches. A particularly thrilling game occurred in Bengaluru in January 2024, where both sides ended regulation play tied at 212 runs, leading to a Super Over which India ultimately won, completing a 3-0 series sweep. Noteworthy T20I wins include a 7-wicket victory in the 2010 ICC World T20 in Bridgetown, Barbados; an 11-run victory in the 2014 ICC World T20 in Mirpur, Bangladesh; a 66-run triumph in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup at Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi; a commanding 101-run win in the 2022 Asia Cup at Dubai International Stadium; a 6-wicket win in the 2024 T20I Series in Mohali; a 9-wicket win in the 2024 T20I Series in Indore; and a 47-run win in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup at Kensington Oval, Barbados.
India's dominance extends to ICC World Cup tournaments, where they have faced Afghanistan five times and secured victories in every single match. The two teams are yet to meet in a Champions Trophy event, as Afghanistan has not yet qualified for that tournament. India’s perfect 5-0 record against Afghanistan in ICC events further solidifies their commanding position.
As a new bilateral ODI series approaches, Afghanistan has another opportunity to break this long-standing streak and achieve their maiden victory against India. However, with India carrying strong momentum from their recent Test match win in Mullanpur, the challenge for Afghanistan remains significant.
The remarkable journey of both the Indian and Afghan cricket teams offers valuable lessons in sportsmanship and perseverance. India’s consistent excellence reflects meticulous planning, robust talent development, and strong leadership, setting a benchmark for cricketing nations. For Afghanistan, despite the winless record against India, their overall progress in international cricket is nothing short of inspirational. From emerging status to competing on the global stage, their story is one of unwavering dedication and rapid development, showcasing how passion and hard work can elevate a team's standing. While every team strives for victory, the true spirit of cricket lies in the competition, the effort, and the continuous pursuit of improvement, which both these teams embody.
