Table of Contents
New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches have become increasingly interesting as Afghanistan have developed into one of the strongest emerging teams in international cricket. Although the two sides have not played as many matches as some of New Zealand’s traditional opponents, their meetings have produced important World Cup games, memorable individual performances and some major changes in the rivalry.
New Zealand have historically dominated the ODI meetings between the teams, winning all three completed ODIs played between 2015 and 2023. Afghanistan, however, produced one of the biggest upsets in their rivalry when they defeated New Zealand by 84 runs at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The T20I rivalry has been much more competitive. New Zealand won their first T20I meeting in 2021, Afghanistan’s famous 2024 victory levelled the contest, and New Zealand regained the advantage with a five-wicket victory in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
This article covers the complete New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches history, including ODI and T20I results, World Cup encounters, major performances, head-to-head records and memorable moments.
New Zealand Vs Afghanistan Head-to-Head Record
The international rivalry between New Zealand and Afghanistan has primarily developed through ICC tournaments. Their ODI meetings began at the 2015 World Cup, while their T20I rivalry began during the 2021 T20 World Cup.
New Zealand have won all three completed ODI matches between the teams. Afghanistan’s biggest success came in T20I cricket at the 2024 T20 World Cup, when they defeated New Zealand by 84 runs.
After New Zealand’s five-wicket victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup, the completed T20I head-to-head record stood at two wins for New Zealand and one for Afghanistan, with one earlier match abandoned without a ball being bowled.
| Format | Completed Matches | New Zealand Wins | Afghanistan Wins | No Result/Abandoned |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| T20I | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Test | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 abandoned |
| Overall Completed | 6 | 5 | 1 | — |
The exact number can vary on statistical websites depending on whether abandoned matches and scheduled Tests are included, but the completed international results clearly show New Zealand’s advantage in ODIs and a much closer T20I contest.
First New Zealand Vs Afghanistan Match in 2015
The first major international meeting between New Zealand and Afghanistan came during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.
The match was played at McLean Park in Napier on 8 March 2015. Afghanistan batted first and were dismissed for 186. New Zealand then chased the target successfully, reaching 188 for four to win by six wickets. New Zealand’s victory established an early advantage in the ODI rivalry. New Zealand Cricket’s records list the match as part of the 2014-15 World Cup schedule.
| Match | Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Cup 2015 | 8 March 2015 | McLean Park, Napier | New Zealand won by 6 wickets |
The match was significant for Afghanistan because it was another opportunity to compete against an established Test-playing nation at the biggest stage. New Zealand, meanwhile, continued their strong World Cup campaign.
New Zealand Vs Afghanistan in the 2019 World Cup
The teams met again during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in England.
The match took place at Taunton on 8 June 2019. Afghanistan were bowled out for 172, while New Zealand reached 173 for three to win by seven wickets. The result continued New Zealand’s unbeaten ODI record against Afghanistan.
New Zealand Cricket’s archive records the match as Afghanistan v New Zealand at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 172 all out | — |
| New Zealand | 173/3 | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
New Zealand’s ability to chase Afghanistan’s total comfortably demonstrated the difference between the two sides at that stage of their ODI development.
New Zealand Vs Afghanistan T20I Rivalry Begins in 2021
The New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches history expanded into T20I cricket at the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The two teams played in Abu Dhabi on 7 November 2021. Afghanistan scored 124 for eight, but New Zealand chased the target efficiently, reaching 125 for two to win by eight wickets.
The result gave New Zealand a strong start to the T20I rivalry. It was also another example of New Zealand’s ability to control Afghanistan’s batting lineup in an ICC tournament.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 124/8 | — |
| New Zealand | 125/2 | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
2022 T20 World Cup Match Abandoned
New Zealand and Afghanistan met again at the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
The match was scheduled for 26 October 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. However, persistent rain prevented the match from starting, and the fixture was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
The abandoned match meant that Afghanistan did not get an opportunity to challenge New Zealand in another completed T20 World Cup contest.
| Year | Tournament | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup | Abandoned without a ball bowled |
New Zealand Vs Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup
The next completed ODI meeting between New Zealand and Afghanistan came at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India.
The match was played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 18 October 2023. Afghanistan were bowled out for 139, while New Zealand scored 288 for six. New Zealand won by 149 runs, one of the largest margins in the history of the rivalry.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 288/6 | — |
| Afghanistan | 139 all out | New Zealand won by 149 runs |
New Zealand’s 288 was their highest ODI total against Afghanistan in the completed matches between the sides. The 149-run victory also strengthened New Zealand’s perfect ODI record against Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s Historic T20 World Cup Win in 2024
The most famous New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team match took place at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Afghanistan faced New Zealand at Providence Stadium in Guyana on 7 June 2024. New Zealand won the toss and chose to field.
Afghanistan’s opening pair Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran produced an outstanding partnership. Gurbaz scored 80 from 56 balls, while Zadran contributed 44 from 41 balls. Afghanistan eventually posted 159 for six from 20 overs.
New Zealand’s chase quickly turned into a collapse. Afghanistan’s bowlers dismissed the New Zealand batting lineup for only 75 in 15.2 overs.
Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi were particularly impressive, each taking four wickets for 17 runs. Afghanistan therefore won by 84 runs, recording their first completed victory over New Zealand in international cricket.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 159/6 | Afghanistan won |
| New Zealand | 75 all out | Afghanistan won by 84 runs |
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was named Player of the Match after his powerful 80-run innings.
The victory was especially important because New Zealand had entered the tournament as one of the established T20 teams, while Afghanistan were building a reputation as a dangerous side capable of defeating top opponents.
Why the 2024 Afghanistan Win Was So Important
Afghanistan’s 84-run victory changed the narrative around New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches.
Before this game, New Zealand had won every completed match against Afghanistan in the major international meetings between the teams. Afghanistan’s victory showed how much their cricket had developed, especially in the T20 format.
The result also demonstrated the strength of Afghanistan’s spin and pace attack. Rashid Khan’s four wickets combined with Farooqi’s four-wicket haul left New Zealand unable to build a partnership during the chase.
The batting performance was equally important. Gurbaz’s 80 gave Afghanistan a strong foundation, while Ibrahim Zadran’s 44 helped create a century opening partnership.
New Zealand Vs Afghanistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup
New Zealand and Afghanistan met again in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 8 February 2026.
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first. They posted 182 for six, setting New Zealand a challenging target.
New Zealand successfully chased the target, reaching 183 for five to win by five wickets. Tim Seifert was named Player of the Match. New Zealand Cricket’s archived scorecard confirms the match result and records Seifert as the Player of the Match.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 182/6 | — |
| New Zealand | 183/5 | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
The victory gave New Zealand another important T20I result against Afghanistan and restored their advantage in the completed T20I head-to-head record.
The match was particularly interesting because it followed Afghanistan’s famous 2024 victory. New Zealand therefore had an opportunity to respond, and their successful chase provided that response.
Complete New Zealand Vs Afghanistan Match Timeline
The following table provides a simple overview of the major international meetings between the two sides.
| Date | Format | Tournament | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Mar 2015 | ODI | World Cup | New Zealand won by 6 wickets |
| 8 Jun 2019 | ODI | World Cup | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
| 7 Nov 2021 | T20I | T20 World Cup | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| 26 Oct 2022 | T20I | T20 World Cup | Abandoned |
| 18 Oct 2023 | ODI | World Cup | New Zealand won by 149 runs |
| 7 Jun 2024 | T20I | T20 World Cup | Afghanistan won by 84 runs |
| 8 Feb 2026 | T20I | T20 World Cup | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
This timeline shows how the rivalry has moved from New Zealand dominance toward a more competitive T20 contest.
New Zealand Vs Afghanistan ODI Records
The ODI record between the two sides is particularly one-sided.
New Zealand have won all three completed ODIs against Afghanistan. Their victories came in the 2015 World Cup, 2019 World Cup and 2023 World Cup.
| ODI Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| ODI matches | 3 |
| New Zealand wins | 3 |
| Afghanistan wins | 0 |
| New Zealand ODI win percentage | 100% |
| Largest New Zealand win | 149 runs |
| Most recent ODI meeting | 18 October 2023 |
The 2023 World Cup match remains the biggest ODI victory for either team in the rivalry, with New Zealand winning by 149 runs.
New Zealand Vs Afghanistan T20I Records
The T20I rivalry is much closer.
New Zealand won the first completed T20I in 2021. Afghanistan won their historic 2024 encounter by 84 runs. New Zealand then won the 2026 meeting by five wickets. One scheduled match in 2022 was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
| T20I Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Completed T20Is | 3 |
| New Zealand wins | 2 |
| Afghanistan wins | 1 |
| Abandoned | 1 |
| Biggest New Zealand win | 8 wickets |
| Biggest Afghanistan win | 84 runs |
| Most recent meeting | 8 February 2026 |
The 2024 Afghanistan victory remains the most significant T20I result because it ended New Zealand’s perfect record in completed matches against Afghanistan.
Highest Team Totals in New Zealand Vs Afghanistan Matches
Team totals have varied considerably across formats.
In ODI cricket, New Zealand’s 288 for six in the 2023 World Cup was their highest total against Afghanistan in a completed ODI. Afghanistan’s 186 in 2015 was their highest score in their first three ODI meetings.
In T20I cricket, Afghanistan scored 182 for six in the 2026 World Cup, while New Zealand successfully chased that target with 183 for five.
| Format | Team | Score | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | New Zealand | 288/6 | 2023 |
| ODI | Afghanistan | 186 | 2015 |
| T20I | New Zealand | 183/5 | 2026 |
| T20I | Afghanistan | 182/6 | 2026 |
Biggest Wins in New Zealand Vs Afghanistan Matches
New Zealand’s largest ODI victory came in Chennai in 2023 when they defeated Afghanistan by 149 runs.
Afghanistan’s biggest victory came in Guyana in 2024, when they defeated New Zealand by 84 runs.
These two matches are particularly important because they represent the biggest wins for either side in the rivalry.
| Team | Format | Margin | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | ODI | 149 runs | 2023 |
| Afghanistan | T20I | 84 runs | 2024 |
| New Zealand | T20I | 8 wickets | 2021 |
| New Zealand | ODI | 7 wickets | 2019 |
Memorable Players in New Zealand Vs Afghanistan Matches
Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Gurbaz produced one of the most memorable innings in the rivalry when he scored 80 from 56 balls against New Zealand in the 2024 T20 World Cup. His innings helped Afghanistan reach 159 for six.
Ibrahim Zadran: Zadran has been an important opening batter for Afghanistan. He scored 44 alongside Gurbaz in the famous 2024 T20 World Cup victory, helping Afghanistan establish a strong opening partnership.
Rashid Khan: Afghanistan’s captain was one of the biggest reasons for the 2024 upset. He took four wickets for 17 runs as New Zealand collapsed to 75 all out.
Fazalhaq Farooqi: Farooqi also took four wickets for 17 runs in the 2024 T20 World Cup match, making the Afghanistan bowling performance even more dominant.
Tim Seifert: Seifert was named Player of the Match when New Zealand defeated Afghanistan by five wickets in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
The Role of ICC Tournaments in This Rivalry
Most New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches have taken place at ICC tournaments rather than in regular bilateral series.
Their first three ODIs were all World Cup matches. Their T20I meetings have also largely taken place at the Men’s T20 World Cup.
This gives the rivalry an interesting character because many of the matches have carried significant tournament pressure. The teams have not needed a long bilateral history to create memorable contests.
The 2015 World Cup established New Zealand’s superiority. The 2019 and 2023 World Cup matches reinforced that dominance in ODIs. The 2024 T20 World Cup then produced a major upset, while the 2026 T20 World Cup saw New Zealand respond with a successful chase.
New Zealand Vs Afghanistan Cricket Rivalry
The rivalry between New Zealand and Afghanistan is an example of how quickly international cricket can change.
New Zealand entered the early meetings as the more experienced side and won the first three ODIs as well as the first completed T20I. Afghanistan’s progress, particularly in T20 cricket, eventually produced the historic 2024 victory.
The 2026 result showed that the rivalry remains competitive. Afghanistan posted 182 for six, but New Zealand chased the total successfully to win by five wickets.
While New Zealand continue to hold the stronger overall record, Afghanistan have demonstrated that they can challenge major cricketing nations when their bowling attack and top-order batting perform together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ODI matches have New Zealand and Afghanistan played?
New Zealand and Afghanistan have played three completed ODI matches. New Zealand won all three, including matches at the 2015, 2019 and 2023 World Cups.
Who has won more New Zealand Vs Afghanistan ODI matches?
New Zealand have won all three completed ODI matches against Afghanistan, giving them a 3-0 advantage in the ODI head-to-head record.
Who won the first New Zealand Vs Afghanistan ODI?
New Zealand won the first ODI between the teams by six wickets at McLean Park, Napier, during the 2015 Cricket World Cup.
Who won the 2024 New Zealand Vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup match?
Afghanistan won by 84 runs. Afghanistan scored 159 for six before dismissing New Zealand for 75. Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 80, while Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi each took four wickets.
Who won the latest New Zealand Vs Afghanistan match?
New Zealand won the latest completed match between the teams, defeating Afghanistan by five wickets in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. Afghanistan scored 182 for six and New Zealand chased the target with 183 for five.
Has Afghanistan ever beaten New Zealand in ODI cricket?
No. Afghanistan have not yet defeated New Zealand in a completed ODI. New Zealand have won all three ODI meetings.
Has Afghanistan beaten New Zealand in T20 cricket?
Yes. Afghanistan defeated New Zealand by 84 runs in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Guyana. It was Afghanistan’s first completed T20I victory over New Zealand.
What was New Zealand’s biggest win over Afghanistan?
New Zealand’s biggest win came in the 2023 ODI World Cup, when they defeated Afghanistan by 149 runs after scoring 288 for six and dismissing Afghanistan for 139.
What was Afghanistan’s biggest win over New Zealand?
Afghanistan’s biggest victory was their 84-run win in the 2024 T20 World Cup. They scored 159 for six before bowling New Zealand out for 75.
Conclusion
New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches have developed into an interesting international rivalry despite the relatively small number of meetings.
New Zealand dominated the early history, winning the first three ODI matches and the first completed T20I. Their ODI record remains perfect, with victories in the 2015, 2019 and 2023 World Cups.
Afghanistan changed the story in 2024 when they produced a stunning 84-run victory over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 80, combined with four-wicket hauls from Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi, helped Afghanistan secure one of their most memorable victories against a major cricketing nation.
New Zealand responded in the 2026 T20 World Cup by chasing Afghanistan’s 182 for six and winning by five wickets.
The history therefore shows two different sides of the rivalry. New Zealand remain clearly ahead in ODI cricket, while T20 cricket has become much more competitive. As Afghanistan continue to strengthen their international team and New Zealand maintain their status as one of the world’s leading cricket nations, future New Zealand National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Matches are likely to produce more memorable World Cup contests and exciting performances.
