The rivalry between the Afghanistan National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team is a modern and evolving contest in international cricket. While South Africa has long been a dominant force, Afghanistan’s rapid rise has added excitement and unpredictability to their encounters.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
Afghanistan Score
South Africa Score
Result
Series
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Feb 11, 2026
187 (19.4 overs)
187/6 (20 overs)
Match tied; South Africa won 2nd Super Over
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
ICC Champions Trophy
Karachi
Feb 21, 2025
208
315/6
South Africa won by 107 runs
ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Bilateral ODI
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Sep 22, 2024
169
170/3 (33 overs)
South Africa won by 7 wickets
Afghanistan vs South Africa ODI 2024
Bilateral ODI
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Sep 20, 2024
311/4
134
Afghanistan won by 177 runs
Afghanistan vs South Africa ODI 2024
Bilateral ODI
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Sep 18, 2024
107/4
106
Afghanistan won by 6 wickets
Afghanistan vs South Africa ODI 2024
ICC Cricket World Cup
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Nov 10, 2023
244
247/5
South Africa won by 5 wickets
ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
ICC Cricket World Cup
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Jun 15, 2019
125
131/1
South Africa won by 9 wickets (D/L method)
ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
Head-to-Head Record
Format
Matches Played
South Africa Wins
Afghanistan Wins
Ties/No Result
South Africa Win %
Test
0
0
0
0
–
ODI
6
4
2
0
66.67
T20I
8-9
6-7
1-2
1 (tied + Super Over)
~75-78
Overall
14-15
10-11
3-4
1
~73
Format-wise Performance Stats
Format
SA Highest Score
AFG Highest Score
SA Lowest Score
AFG Lowest Score
Biggest Win Margin
Most Recent Result
ODI
315/6 (Champions Trophy 2025)
311/4 (Sharjah 2024)
106
125 (2019 WC)
AFG won by 177 runs (2024)
SA won by 107 runs (2025)
T20I
209/5 (2016 WC)
187 (T20 WC 2026)
60/1
56 (2016 WC)
SA won by 9 wickets (2016)
SA won in 2nd Super Over (T20 WC 2026)
Top Performers in Matches
Player
Team
Format
Key Performances
Notable Matches
Rashid Khan
AFG
ODI/T20I
Multiple 4-5 wicket hauls, match-winning spells
177-run win (2024), T20 WC clashes
Quinton de Kock
SA
ODI
68* in low chase, consistent top-order anchor
9-wicket win (2019 WC)
Imran Tahir
SA
ODI
4/29 destructive spell
Destroyed AFG batting (2019 WC)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
AFG
T20I
Explosive 84 in thriller
Double Super Over epic (T20 WC 2026)
Lungi Ngidi / David Miller
SA
T20I
Death bowling & finishing heroics
Super Over hero (2026)
Azmatullah Omarzai
AFG
T20I
All-round impact with bat and ball
T20 WC 2026
A Modern Rivalry with Growing Intensity
Afghanistan and South Africa have only faced each other in recent years, but their matches have already shown competitive sparks. South Africa, with its experience and balanced squad, has maintained a strong record in head-to-head stats. Afghanistan, however, has impressed with fearless cricket and the ability to challenge stronger teams. The stats clearly favor South Africa, yet Afghanistan’s growth indicates that this rivalry could become more competitive in the future. Each match reflects a clash between established dominance and emerging talent.
Overall Stats
Matches
South Africa Wins
Afghanistan Wins
No Result
Head-to-Head
Few
Most
Rare
Few
ODI Stats and Competitive Encounters
One Day Internationals have been the primary format where Afghanistan and South Africa have faced off. South Africa has dominated these encounters with strong batting lineups and effective bowling attacks. Afghanistan, however, has shown resilience, especially with its spin bowling strength. The stats highlight South Africa’s advantage in total wins, but also reveal Afghanistan’s ability to stay competitive in phases of the game. These matches often feature moments where Afghanistan challenges South Africa before experience takes over.
ODI Stats
South Africa
Afghanistan
Matches Won
Most
Few
Highest Score
300+
250+
Close Matches
Some
Notable
Win Ratio
High
Improving
T20 International Stats and Fast-Paced Battles
T20 Internationals have provided Afghanistan with better opportunities to compete against South Africa. This format allows Afghanistan to showcase its aggressive batting and world-class spin attack. South Africa still holds an edge in overall wins, but the gap is narrower compared to ODIs. The stats indicate closely contested matches, with Afghanistan pushing South Africa in several games. Fast scoring and tight bowling spells define this format in their rivalry.
T20I Stats
South Africa
Afghanistan
Matches Won
Higher
Competitive
Highest Score
220+
200+
Strike Rate
High
Aggressive
Spin Strength
Strong
Very Strong
Batting Strength and Performance Comparison
South Africa’s batting lineup has been a key factor in their dominance over Afghanistan. With experienced players capable of building innings and accelerating when needed, they have consistently posted strong totals. Afghanistan’s batting, while improving, relies more on aggressive stroke play and individual brilliance. The stats show South Africa maintaining higher averages and consistency, while Afghanistan has delivered impactful innings in shorter formats. This contrast highlights the difference in experience between the two teams.
Batting Stats
South Africa
Afghanistan
Highest Score
300+
250+
Average Score
Strong
Moderate
Strike Rate
High
Aggressive
Partnerships
Consistent
Developing
Bowling Strength and Key Impact
Bowling is where Afghanistan has made its strongest impression against South Africa. Known for producing world-class spin bowlers, Afghanistan has managed to trouble even top batting lineups. South Africa, however, has a more balanced attack with both pace and spin options, giving them an edge in overall performance. The stats highlight South Africa’s consistency in taking wickets, while Afghanistan’s bowlers have shown the ability to create pressure and produce breakthroughs.
Bowling Stats
South Africa
Afghanistan
Wickets Taken
High
Competitive
Economy Rate
Strong
Good
Pace Attack
Strong
Developing
Spin Impact
Effective
Very Strong
Future Outlook and Emerging Competition
The future of the Afghanistan vs South Africa rivalry looks promising as Afghanistan continues to develop as a competitive cricketing nation. South Africa is likely to maintain its dominance in the near term, but Afghanistan’s rapid improvement suggests that the gap could narrow. The stats from early encounters highlight the difference in experience, but also indicate potential for more competitive matches. This rivalry represents the changing landscape of international cricket, where emerging teams are challenging established powers.
Future Trends
South Africa
Afghanistan
Dominance
Strong
Growing
Team Strength
Elite
Rising
Young Talent
High
Very High
Global Impact
Major
Expanding
Conclusion
The Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team rivalry is a story of growth and competition. While South Africa holds a clear statistical advantage, Afghanistan’s fearless approach and rapid progress make this an exciting contest. As Afghanistan continues to improve, this rivalry has the potential to become more balanced and deliver thrilling matches in the years ahead.
