Pakistan-Afghanistan rivalry extends beyond a series of cricket matches; it reflects their bilateral relationship and has grown more intense over time.
Afghanistan’s performance at this World Cup match marked a key turning point for their team and illustrated that they no longer represent an afterthought in international cricket but can compete head on against more established sides. In this article, we will discuss the main points of Pakistan National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Timeline.
Afghanistan vs. Pakistan
One of the central issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan is their contentious Durand Line border, an antiquated colonial-era border. Afghanistan has never recognized this border line and border skirmishes have become frequent. Recently, tensions have escalated further due to Taliban assertiveness regarding territory claims within Pakistan; policymakers should understand what motivates Pakistan’s support for violent Islamist groups in this regard.
Though Pakistan’s reasons for supporting Afghanistan have often been discussed – concerns over India, relationships between ISI officers and religious militants from Afghanistan’s civil war – the more fundamental reason often goes overlooked: Pakistan does not want a government in Kabul that supports nationalist demands from Pashtuns in Afghanistan’s population, such as nationalist demands for independence from foreign rule; instead they prefer an accommodating regime which accepts its control of disputed frontier and does not threaten Islamist interests in the region.
As such, Pakistan has long supported Sunni Islamist factions in Afghanistan that are predominantly Pashtun, such as Hezb-e Islami and Quetta Shura Taliban, in hopes that such groups would less likely spark ethnonationalist sentiments in North-West Frontier Province and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Afghan policy has long been dictated by security considerations since the 1990s, but as the war winds down and threats of Taliban return increase, this policy may soon come to an end.
Afghan government decision to allow TTP into FATA as de facto safe haven has drawn Pakistan into direct conflict and led them to deploy additional troops there in response. While large scale escalation of tension is unlikely, their bilateral relationship is at an impasse and cannot be easily repaired.
Although their relationship has its challenges, Afghanistan and Pakistan do share many economic and cultural ties that should help foster normalized relations between them. Both nations serve as each other’s largest trading partners as well as being primary transit trade conduits between landlocked Afghanistan and Pakistan. Furthermore, both are members of OIC, ECO, SAARC. In spite of all of the obstacles, Afghan and Pakistani governments should work toward normalizing relations.
Afghanistan vs. New Zealand
Afghanistan and New Zealand’s one-off Test match has joined an exclusive club. Only eight other tests have ever been called off without even one ball being bowled, like this match at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex in Greater Noida where rain had prevented play for four days due to a waterlogged outfield. It was called off Friday morning.
Hashmatullah Shahidi of Afghanistan expressed disappointment with the outcome but understood why such a decision had to be taken. He stated that conditions weren’t suitable for a Test match and also noted his pride for his players as they ascended through this defeat.
Kane Williamson of New Zealand expressed his respect for Afghanistan’s performance and lamented losing against such an impressive opponent. Additionally, New Zealand will review their game to try and enhance performance for their next meeting against West Indies.
New Zealand and Sri Lanka have already competed in three one-day internationals and a Test against each other this year, before going on to the United Arab Emirates for three one-day internationals starting September 18th. New Zealand then heads back out for another two test series against Sri Lanka before finally traveling onward to India for three further tests, all scheduled in October.
Afghanistan have shown their mettle with two wins out of two matches and an excellent net run-rate, and remain on top in Group 3. They only trail Papua New Guinea by one point in the table; hopefully their winning streak can continue against Bangladesh on Sunday!
Afghanistan will play their inaugural Test match since their return to the format in 2017, against New Zealand, on Wednesday. They are expected to remain unchanged with only injured wrist spinner Rashid Khan set to miss due to back surgery this week. New Zealand, on the other hand, have endured a mixed start to their season and will look to build momentum heading forward into 2018.
Afghanistan vs. England
Afghanistan produced one of the biggest shocks at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday as they stunned England in Delhi with only their second victory ever in World Cup competition – enough to jolt the competition and send shockwaves through defending champions England who looked disastrous with both bat and ball.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz struck first as Afghanistan raced to 107 for two in the Powerplay over. England batsmen’s errors allowed Afghanistan to add another 66 runs over 10 overs before collapse occurred – save for Ikram Alikhil and Rashid Khan who put on 43 before succumbing.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman struck back after England’s collapse by taking three wickets in his second spell and dismantling England’s top order. Joe Root was first out, caught at short midwicket by Rahmat Shah after playing across the line; Jos Buttler followed soon afterwards by being run out thanks to Naveen-ul-Haq’s incredible fielding work; Sam Curran and Chris Woakes then leaked runs as Afghanistan scored 71 runs off five overs to seize control.
At 161 for 6 and needing 116 to win, Harry Brook edged a Mujeeb delivery from Ikram Alikhil at short midwicket for his eighth wicket to fall – England were still fighting hard but their composure had dissipated significantly.
England suffered their heaviest World Cup defeat since they fell to Ireland in 2011. As such, England now risk missing out on making the quarter-finals and pressure is on to advance through all remaining matches, particularly South Africa on Saturday. Only victory against New Zealand can keep England’s hopes alive – yet Chennai presents them with a challenging task ahead. NPR’s Juana Summers likened this result to one experienced baseball fans would know about; much like when Boston Red Sox lost to Durham Bulls it will long be remembered!
Afghanistan vs. Australia
Australia lost to Afghanistan in an exciting Super 8 Group 2 clash at Arnos Vale Stadium, Kingstown, Saint Vincent and Nevis on June 23. Afghanistan came out firing and stunned Australia with their win to secure their first-ever World Cup win ever against them – this result leaves both teams still alive in playoff contention, leaving wide-reaching effects across multiple formats of cricket.
Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan is beaming after their historic win. He declared it as “massive”, adding they were prepared for a tough pitch while keeping calm throughout. Rashid pledged that they will build on this momentum in future matches to improve further and build on momentum gained.
Afghanistan had previously come close but failed to break through against Australia at both World Cups, however this time was different – led by Gulbadin Naib’s outstanding bowling, who took four wickets against Australia and ensured an overwhelming defeat for his side.
The match began well, as Afghanistan openers Gurbaz Zadran and Mohamad Nabi played superbly on a challenging pitch, creating an opening stand of 118 runs. But Australia took control in the middle overs when Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins took advantage of a tough pitch to thwart Afghanistan batsmen.
Glenn Maxwell threatened to take Afghanistan out of their game as he had in Mumbai last year; but Noor Ahmad made a stunning catch and ended his 59-ball innings.
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and decided to field first, making one change by replacing Mitchell Starc with Ashton Agar in their Playing 11 lineup.
As they were reduced to 32/3 in the fifth over, it looked costly as they decided to pursue. However, with help from Najibullah Zadran and Mohamad Shahzad’s spin bowling skills they managed to regroup before bundling out Australia to record a memorable victory.