South Africa and Afghanistan have developed an interesting rivalry in ODI cricket despite having met only a handful of times. Their first ODI meeting came during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, while their most recent ODI was played in February 2025. As of the latest available ODI records, the two teams have played 6 ODIs, with South Africa winning 4 and Afghanistan winning 2south-africa-vs-afghanistan-head-to-head-in-odi
South Africa vs Afghanistan ODI Head-to-Head Record
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 66.67% |
| Afghanistan | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 33.33% |
South Africa therefore hold the overall advantage, although Afghanistan have shown that they can beat the Proteas convincingly, particularly in the 2024 ODI series.south-africa-vs-afghanistan-head-to-head-in-odi
South Africa vs Afghanistan ODI Match Results
The teams have met six times in ODI cricket so far:
| Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 15 June 2019 | Cardiff | South Africa won by 9 wickets |
| 10 November 2023 | Ahmedabad | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| 18 September 2024 | Sharjah | Afghanistan won by 6 wickets |
| 20 September 2024 | Sharjah | Afghanistan won by 177 runs |
| 22 September 2024 | Sharjah | South Africa won by 7 wickets |
| 21 February 2025 | Karachi | South Africa won by 107 runs |
First ODI Meeting: 2019 World Cup
South Africa and Afghanistan first faced each other in ODI cricket at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup in Cardiff.
Afghanistan were bowled out for 125, while South Africa reached 131/1 and won by nine wickets under the DLS method. The result gave South Africa a winning start to their ODI head-to-head record against Afghanistan.
2023 World Cup Meeting
The next ODI between the teams came at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in Ahmedabad.
Afghanistan produced a competitive batting performance, scoring 244 all out. South Africa successfully chased the target, reaching 247/5, and won by five wickets.
This was an important match because Afghanistan had already established themselves as a dangerous limited-overs side and were capable of challenging top-ranked teams.
Afghanistan’s Historic 2024 Series
The 2024 ODI series in Sharjah changed the balance of the rivalry.
Afghanistan won the first two matches. In the opening ODI, Afghanistan chased down South Africa’s 106 and won by six wickets. In the second match, Afghanistan produced an outstanding performance, scoring 311/4 before dismissing South Africa for 134 to win by 177 runs.
However, South Africa responded in the third ODI. Afghanistan were dismissed for 169, and South Africa reached 170/3, winning by seven wickets.
The series demonstrated that Afghanistan could compete strongly against South Africa but also that the Proteas could adapt and respond under pressure.
2025 Champions Trophy Match
The latest ODI meeting between the sides took place on 21 February 2025 in Karachi during the ICC Champions Trophy.
South Africa scored an impressive 315/6, while Afghanistan were bowled out for 208. South Africa won by 107 runs, strengthening their overall head-to-head advantage.
South Africa’s 315/6 is also the highest team total in this ODI fixture, while Afghanistan’s highest is 311/4, scored during their 2024 victory in Sharjah.
Highest ODI Scores
South Africa – 315/6
South Africa’s highest ODI total against Afghanistan came in Karachi in February 2025. They scored 315/6 and eventually won by 107 runs.
Afghanistan – 311/4
Afghanistan’s highest total against South Africa was 311/4 in the second ODI at Sharjah in September 2024. Afghanistan went on to win by 177 runs.
Biggest Wins
The biggest victory in this rivalry belongs to Afghanistan, who defeated South Africa by 177 runs in Sharjah on 20 September 2024.
South Africa’s biggest victory came in February 2025, when they defeated Afghanistan by 107 runs in Karachi.
South Africa’s Overall Advantage
South Africa currently lead the ODI head-to-head 4-2. Their success has come from strong performances in major tournaments as well as their ability to recover after Afghanistan’s two consecutive victories in the 2024 series.
At the same time, Afghanistan’s two ODI victories are significant because they demonstrated the team’s growing ability to compete against established international sides.
Afghanistan’s Growing ODI Challenge
Afghanistan have become increasingly competitive in ODI cricket, particularly through their strong spin-bowling attack and aggressive batting. Players such as Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi have played major roles in Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket.
Their two victories over South Africa in 2024 showed that the gap between the teams can be much smaller on the right day.
South Africa, meanwhile, have traditionally possessed a strong pace attack and a deep batting lineup. Their ability to produce totals above 300 has given them an important advantage in this matchup.
Key Head-to-Head Statistics
- Total ODIs: 6
- South Africa wins: 4
- Afghanistan wins: 2
- No Results: 0
- South Africa’s highest total: 315/6
- Afghanistan’s highest total: 311/4
- South Africa’s biggest win: 107 runs
- Afghanistan’s biggest win: 177 runs
- First ODI: 2019
- Most recent ODI: 21 February 2025
Conclusion
The South Africa vs Afghanistan ODI head-to-head record currently stands at 4-2 in South Africa’s favour. South Africa have won four of their six encounters, while Afghanistan have recorded two victories.
However, the rivalry has become more competitive in recent years. Afghanistan’s dominant 177-run victory in 2024 proved that they can challenge South Africa, while South Africa’s 107-run victory in the 2025 Champions Trophy showed their ability to respond strongly.
With both teams possessing talented batsmen, quality fast bowlers and world-class spinners, future South Africa vs Afghanistan ODIs could become increasingly competitive.
5 FAQs
1. How many ODIs have South Africa and Afghanistan played?
South Africa and Afghanistan have played 6 ODI matches so far.
2. Who has won more ODIs between South Africa and Afghanistan?
South Africa have the better record, winning 4 of 6 matches, while Afghanistan have won 2.
3. What is Afghanistan’s biggest ODI win over South Africa?
Afghanistan defeated South Africa by 177 runs in Sharjah on 20 September 2024.
4. What is the highest ODI score in South Africa vs Afghanistan matches?
South Africa’s highest score is 315/6, while Afghanistan’s highest is 311/4.
5. When did South Africa and Afghanistan last play an ODI?
Their latest ODI meeting was on 21 February 2025 in Karachi, where South Africa won by 107 runs