Table of Contents
The Afghanistan-Sri Lanka rivalry burns bright in white-ball cricket: fearless upsets, spin duels, and heart-stopping chases define every clash. From Afghanistan’s gutsy 2015 World Cup debut to their 2023 Pune giant-killing and tight 2024-25 thrillers, this head-to-head pits SL’s experience against AFG’s explosive spirit. Pure drama, massive stakes, endless passion.
Latest Matches: Afghanistan vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Teams
| Format | Date | Venue | Afghanistan Score | Sri Lanka Score | Result | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 2025-09-18 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 169/8 (20 ov) | 171/4 (18.4 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets | Kusal Mendis (SL) |
| T20I | 2024-02-21 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla | 160/10 (19 ov) | 157/7 (20 ov) | Afghanistan won by 3 runs | Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) |
| T20I | 2024-02-19 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla | 115/10 (17 ov) | 187/6 (20 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 72 runs | Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) |
| T20I | 2024-02-17 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla | 156/9 (20 ov) | 160/10 (19 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 4 runs | Matheesha Pathirana (SL) |
| ODI | 2024-02-14 | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele | 266/10 (48.2 ov) | 267/3 (35.2 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets | Pathum Nissanka (SL) |
| ODI | 2024-02-11 | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele | 153/10 (33.5 ov) | 308/6 (50 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 155 runs | Charith Asalanka (SL) |
| ODI | 2024-02-09 | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele | 339/6 (50 ov) | 381/3 (50 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 42 runs | Pathum Nissanka (SL) |
| Test | 2024-02-02 | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 198 & 296 | 439 & 56/0 | Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets | Prabath Jayasuriya (SL) |
| ODI | 2023-10-30 | Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune | 242/3 (45.2 ov) | 241/10 (49.3 ov) | Afghanistan won by 7 wickets | Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG) |
| T20I | 2023-10-04 | Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field, Hangzhou | 116/10 (18 ov) | 108/10 (16.3 ov) | Afghanistan won by 8 runs | Qais Ahmad (AFG) |
| ODI | 2023-09-05 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | 289/10 (37.4 ov) | 291/8 (50 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 2 runs | Dunith Wellalage (SL) |
| ODI | 2023-06-07 | Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota | 116/10 (22.5 ov) | 120/1 (16 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets (DLS method) | Maheesh Theekshana (SL) |
| ODI | 2023-06-04 | Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota | 191/10 (42.1 ov) | 323/6 (50 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 132 runs | Dhananjaya de Silva (SL) |
| ODI | 2023-06-02 | Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota | 269/4 (46.5 ov) | 268/10 (50 ov) | Afghanistan won by 6 wickets | Ibrahim Zadran (AFG) |
| T20I | 2022-11-01 | The Gabba, Brisbane | 144/8 (20 ov) | 148/4 (18.3 ov) | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets | Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) |
Overall Head-to-Head Summary (ODIs + T20Is)
| Category | Overall (ODIs + T20Is) | ODIs Only | T20Is Only | Key Notes & Interesting Facts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 24 | 15 | 9 | Clean rivalry – no ties, rare no-results; high drama every time |
| Sri Lanka Wins | 16 | 10 | 6 | SL’s edge from batting depth & death bowling; consistent in chases |
| Afghanistan Wins | 8 | 5 | 3 | AFG’s upsets define legacy – 2023 WC, 2018 Asia Cup, 2024 Dambulla thriller |
| No Results/Ties | 0 | 0 | 0 | Every game decided – no rain excuses in big ones |
| Win Percentage (SL) | ~66.7% | ~66.7% | 66.7% | SL dominate numbers, but AFG moments steal headlines |
| Most Recent Result | SL won by 6 wickets | – | 2025 Asia Cup Abu Dhabi (T20I) | Kusal Mendis 74* anchored; knocked AFG out – sets 2026 tone |
| Highest Team Total | Afghanistan 313/8 | Afghanistan 313/8 (2022 Pallekele) | Afghanistan 209/5 (2024 Dambulla) | AFG’s batting fireworks shine – powerplay blitzes & late surges |
| Lowest Team Total | Sri Lanka 158 all out | Sri Lanka 158 (2018 Asia Cup) | Sri Lanka 105 all out (2022 Asia Cup) | Spin traps (Mujeeb/Rashid/Nabi) cause SL collapses – AFG’s weapon |
| Biggest Win Margin (Runs) | SL by 155 runs / AFG by 91 runs | SL 155 runs (2024 Pallekele) / AFG 91 runs (2018) | SL 72 runs (2024 Dambulla) | Margins swing wild – from routs to heartbreaks |
| Narrowest Wins | – | – | AFG by 3 runs / SL by 4 runs (2024 Dambulla) | Dambulla 2024 trilogy: 4-run, 72-run, 3-run – last-over mayhem peak |
| Iconic Upset | AFG 7-wkt chase (2023 WC Pune) | First WC win over SL – ranking boost | AFG 3-run win (2024 Dambulla) | Giant-killing vibes – AFG prove they’re no minnows |
| Strength Highlights | SL: Chase kings, death bowlers | AFG: Spin middle-overs choke | SL: Experience in tight finishes | Duels like Rashid vs Hasaranga, Nabi vs Mathews fuel passion |
Record-Breakers Table: Standout Performances Across Formats
| Category | Record Holder | Details | Match/Context | Interesting Fact / Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Team Total (ODI) | Afghanistan 313/8 | 50 overs, power-hitting masterclass | 2022 Pallekele 3rd ODI | Set up rain-soaked chase drama – SL won by 4 wkts |
| Highest Team Total (T20I) | Afghanistan 209/5 | Gurbaz 70 off 43, fireworks | 2024 Dambulla 3rd T20I | Highest in rivalry; SL fell 3 runs short – mayhem |
| Lowest Team Total (ODI) | Sri Lanka 158 all out | Spin collapse vs Mujeeb/Rashid | 2018 Asia Cup Abu Dhabi | 91-run win – knocked SL out, historic upset |
| Lowest Team Total (T20I) | Sri Lanka 105 all out | Afghanistan chase in 10.1 overs | 2022 Asia Cup | 8-wkt humiliation – early Afghanistan dominance |
| Biggest Win Margin (ODI) | Afghanistan 91 runs | Shahzad 124 anchored | 2018 Asia Cup | Perception-changer – AFG no longer underdogs |
| Biggest Win Margin (T20I) | Sri Lanka 72 runs | Spin trap after high total | 2024 Dambulla 2nd T20I | Revenge after 4-run loss – series swing |
| Narrowest Win (Overall) | Afghanistan 3 runs (T20I) | Nabi death bowling | 2024 Dambulla 3rd T20I | Last-ball tension – consolation win for AFG |
| Best Individual Score | Mohammad Shahzad 124 (ODI) | Aggressive anchoring | 2018 Asia Cup | Turned 249 into winning total on slow pitch |
| Best Bowling (Spell) | Fazalhaq Farooqi 4/34 | New-ball swing | 2023 WC Pune | Dismantled SL top – POTM in giant-killing |
| Most Wickets (Series) | Wanindu Hasaranga / Nabi ~8 | Spin control in T20s | Multiple series | Duels define rivalry – leg-spin vs mystery spin |
Key Player Rivalries: Rashid Khan’s Spin Wars with Wanindu Hasaranga, Nabi’s All-Round Duels Against Mathews
In the fiery Afghanistan-Sri Lanka cricket rivalry, two standout duels ignite passions: Rashid Khan’s spin sorcery against Wanindu Hasaranga’s leggie wizardry, and Mohammad Nabi’s all-round grit clashing with Angelo Mathews’ veteran savvy.
Rashid, Afghanistan’s googly king, has claimed 173 T20I wickets overall, often dismantling Sri Lanka with economy under 7. In matchups, he’s edged Hasaranga, who boasts 106 wickets against full members at 17.20 average. Their 2022 Asia Cup thriller saw Hasaranga’s 3-fer trump Rashid’s 2/31, but Rashid’s 4/25 in 2023 World Cup flipped scripts, fueling debates—who’s the ultimate T20 spinner?
Nabi, with 203 T20 runs vs Sri Lanka at 104.64 strike rate, duels Mathews’ 141 ODI runs. Nabi’s 60 off 22 (five sixes in an over) in 2025 Asia Cup torched Lanka, while Mathews’ 42* and 2-9 in 2024 T20I sealed series. Nabi’s running catch dismissing Mathews in 2023 WC? Pure drama.
| Rivalry Aspect | Rashid vs Hasaranga | Nabi vs Mathews | Best Overall Moment | Highest Chase/Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Key Stats | Rashid: 69 wkts vs full teams (avg 17.20); Hasaranga: 106 wkts (eco 6.5) | Nabi: 15 ODIs, 203 T20 runs; Mathews: 36.50 avg in T20s | Nabi’s 5 sixes in final over (2025 Asia Cup) | SL’s 175 chase (2022 Asia Cup) after Nabi fireworks |
| Wickets/Runs | Rashid 8 wkts in series; Hasaranga 8 wkts | Nabi 8 wkts; Mathews 2-9 best | Rashid’s 4/25 demolition (2023 WC) | Afghanistan’s 242/3 (2023 WC) |
| Epic Clashes | 2022 T20WC: Hasaranga POTM | 2024 T20I: Mathews routs AFG | Mathews’ commend on record chase (2022) | SL’s 187/6 defense (2024 T20I) |
First Ever ODI Clash Scorecard: 2015 World Cup Dunedin Drama Afghanistan’s Brave Debut Stand
February 22, 2015 | University Oval, Dunedin | ODI | Toss: Sri Lanka fielded | Result: Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets (10 balls remaining) – Afghanistan’s gutsy debut fightback nearly stunned the 1996 champs.
Afghanistan’s first World Cup ODI was pure drama. Opting to bat, they lost Nawroz Mangal (34) and Javed Ahmadi early but rebuilt through Asghar Afghan’s 54 and Samiullah Shinwari’s 58. Mohammad Nabi (37) and lower-order cameos pushed them to 232 in 49.4 overs – respectable against a star-studded Lanka attack featuring Mathews (2/25) and Malinga.
Sri Lanka collapsed horrifically: 0/1 in the first ball (Thirimanne run out), 2/2, then 18/3 as Hamid Hassan (2/45) and Shapoor Zadran struck. Karunaratne (43) steadied, but it was Mahela Jayawardene’s masterful 100 (100*) – his 19th ODI ton – and Mathews’ 42 that rescued them. They chased 233 in 48.2 overs, surviving tense moments when 178/6 threatened collapse. Jayawardene’s calm anchoring earned Player of the Match.
| Match Highlights | Details | Hero/Stat | Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan Total | 232/10 (49.4 ov) | Highest: Asghar Afghan 54, Shinwari 58 | Debut World Cup fight – 128/2 peak before middle-order wobble |
| Sri Lanka Chase | 236/6 (48.2 ov) | Mahela Jayawardene 100* (key 126-run stand) | From 18/3 horror to victory – Jayawardene’s ton saved Lanka |
| Best Bowling | Hamid Hassan 2/45, Shapoor Zadran | Early triple strike (0-2-18) | Afghanistan reduced SL to 18/3 – closest to shock win |
| Key Partnerships | AFG: 88 (Asghar-Shinwari); SL: 126 (Jayawardene-Mathews) | Jayawardene anchored | Mahela’s 19th ODI century in pressure chase |
| Narrow Margin | 4 wickets, 10 balls left | Tense finish | Afghanistan nearly scripted giant-killing in World Cup debut |
| Player of Match | Mahela Jayawardene | Century under fire | Veteran bailed out after early collapse – classic rescue |
Breakthrough Upset Scorecard: 2018 Asia Cup Abu Dhabi Shocker Afghanistan’s 91-Run Rout of the Lions
September 17, 2018 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | ODI | Toss: Afghanistan batted | Result: Afghanistan won by 91 runs – the massive upset that shook Asian cricket, eliminating Sri Lanka from the tournament.
Asghar Afghan won the toss and chose to bat on a tricky Abu Dhabi pitch. Afghanistan started steadily with Mohammad Shahzad’s aggressive 124 off 116 (10 fours, 4 sixes) – a blistering knock that anchored the innings despite middle-order wobbles. Rahmat Shah added 36, but Thisara Perera’s 5/55 ripped through the lower order, restricting them to 249/10 in 50 overs. Still, 249 felt defendable on a slow track.
Sri Lanka’s chase imploded spectacularly. They lost early wickets to Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s mystery spin (3/37) and Rashid Khan’s googlies (3/31). Mathews (22) and Jayasuriya offered brief resistance, but no one settled. From 50/2, they crumbled to 158 all out in 41.2 overs – a humiliating collapse against Afghanistan’s spin trio. Mujeeb and Rashid spun webs, while Naib chipped in. This victory propelled Afghanistan to Super Fours, marking their arrival as genuine threats.
| Match Highlights | Details | Hero/Stat | Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan Total | 249/10 (50 ov) | Mohammad Shahzad 124 (116b, 10×4, 4×6) | Highest score vs SL in ODIs for AFG – fearless debut ton vibe in Asia Cup |
| Sri Lanka Collapse | 158/10 (41.2 ov) | Lowest vs AFG in ODIs | From 50/2 to all out – spin trap claimed 8 wickets |
| Best Bowling | Mujeeb Ur Rahman 3/37, Rashid Khan 3/31 | Combined 6/68 in middle overs | Afghanistan spinners dominated – only 3 successful 250+ chases in venue history before this |
| Key Partnerships | AFG: Shahzad-Rahmat 70+; SL: None above 50 | Shahzad anchored alone | Thisara’s 5/55 best but couldn’t save chase |
| Margin & Impact | 91-run win | Biggest AFG win vs full member then | Knocked SL out of Asia Cup – historic giant-killing moment |
| Player of Match | Mohammad Shahzad | Century under pressure | Turned 249 into winning total on slow pitch |
2024 Dambulla T20I Trilogy of Tension: 4-Run, 72-Run, and 3-Run Epic Scorecards Full of Last-Over Mayhem
February 17-21, 2024 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium | 3-T20I Series | A trilogy packed with last-over heart-stoppers, massive blowouts, and razor-thin finishes that had fans on edge.
1st T20I (Feb 17): Sri Lanka won by 4 runs. SL posted 160/10 after opting to bat – Pathum Nissanka’s 60 anchored amid collapses. Afghanistan chased fiercely but fell short at 156/9. Tight death bowling from Hasaranga (key wickets) and Mathews sealed it in the final over – pure tension as last-ball sixes weren’t enough.
2nd T20I (Feb 19): Sri Lanka crushed by 72 runs. SL smashed 187/6 – explosive power-hitting from openers and middle order. Afghanistan replied with 115/10, bowled out early – spin trap by Hasaranga and Mahela’s experience dominated. Massive margin after close opener.
3rd T20I (Feb 21): Afghanistan won by 3 runs (consolation). Batting first, AFG flew to 209/5 – Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 70 off 43 set fireworks, powerplay 72/0. SL chased valiantly: Nissanka 60, Kamindu Mendis 65* – needed 10 off last over but Nabi’s 2/35 and death precision restricted to 206/6. Last-ball drama!
| Match Highlights | Details | Hero/Stat | Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I: SL Total | 160/10 (20 ov) | Pathum Nissanka 60 | SL defended low total – 4-run win via final-over heroics |
| AFG Chase Fail | 156/9 (20 ov) | Close margin | Last-ball attempts fell short – tension peak of series |
| 2nd T20I: SL Total | 187/6 (20 ov) | Explosive batting | 72-run thrashing – biggest margin in series |
| AFG Collapse | 115/10 (ov) | Spin dominance | Hasaranga’s control turned game – revenge after close loss |
| 3rd T20I: AFG Total | 209/5 (20 ov) | Rahmanullah Gurbaz 70 (43b) | Powerplay blitz 72/0 – highest team total in series |
| SL Chase | 206/6 (20 ov) | Kamindu Mendis 65* | 3-run defeat – needed 10 off last over, fell agonizingly short |
| Best Bowling Moments | Nabi 2/35 (3rd); Hasaranga spells | Death-over mastery | Nabi’s tight finish denied SL famous chase win |
| Series Margins | 4-run (SL), 72-run (SL), 3-run (AFG) | Thrillers bookend rout | From edge-of-seat to blowout to heartbreak – full drama arc |
| Key Partnerships | Gurbaz fireworks; Nissanka-Kamindu stand | High SR in chases | Dambulla’s batting-friendly pitch produced 209 & 187 highs |
2025 Asia Cup Abu Dhabi T20 Showdown Scorecard: Sri Lanka’s 6-Wicket Chase and What It Means for 2026 Rivalry
September 18, 2025 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | T20I (Men’s T20 Asia Cup, 11th Match, Group B) Toss: Afghanistan batted | Result: Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets (with 8 balls remaining) a clinical chase that knocked Afghanistan out and topped Group B for Lanka.
Afghanistan, needing a win to stay alive, chose to bat on a dry Abu Dhabi surface. They lost early wickets Gurbaz (quick dismissal), Janat, Atal – slumping to 40/3. Darwish Rasooli steadied briefly, but Nuwan Thushara’s fiery 4/18 wrecked the middle order. Enter Mohammad Nabi’s blitz: 60 off just 22 balls (explosive sixes, late acceleration) lifted them to 169/8 in 20 overs competitive but vulnerable against Lanka’s batting depth.
Sri Lanka’s chase was authoritative. Openers set a platform, but Kusal Mendis anchored with an unbeaten 74 off 52 (10 boundaries, calm under pressure). Kamindu Mendis smashed 26* off 13 for late fireworks. Despite Mujeeb and Farooqi’s efforts, Lanka reached 171/4 in 18.4 overs – comfortable, sealing Super Fours qualification while ending Afghanistan’s campaign. Mendis earned Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.
| Match Highlights | Details | Hero/Stat | Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan Total | 169/8 (20 ov) | Mohammad Nabi 60 (22b, explosive cameos) | Nabi’s quickfire turned 71/5 into fighting total – highest individual score |
| Sri Lanka Chase | 171/4 (18.4 ov) | Kusal Mendis 74* (52b, 10×4) | Anchored chase with 8 balls spare – unbeaten masterclass |
| Best Bowling | Nuwan Thushara 4/18 | Early damage to AFG top order | Career-best T20I spell dismantled powerplay |
| Key Partnerships | SL: Mendis-Kamindu late surge; AFG: Nabi rescue | Mendis anchored | From 40/3 to 169 Nabi’s 60 off 22 saved collapse |
| Margin & Impact | 6-wicket win | Knocked AFG out, SL topped group | Bangladesh qualified thanks to this result – twist in group standings |
| Top Chase Moment | Mendis’ boundary off Mujeeb (18.4) | Pulled for four to win | Pulled short ball to deep square – sealed it with authority |
| Late Drama | Kamindu’s quick 26* | Acceleration post-15 overs | Less than run-a-ball finish – no nerves in high-stakes chase |
Conclusion
This scorecard saga proves associate nations can humble giants—Afghanistan’s bold wins shake perceptions, while Sri Lanka’s chase mastery keeps them dominant. As 2026 T20 World Cup qualifiers loom, expect more fireworks, record-breakers, and fan frenzy. The rivalry evolves, grows fiercer, and reminds us: in cricket, underdogs bite back hardest.
