Afghanistan have registered a landmark achievement in international cricket after years of steady progress across formats.

Their recent performances include an unbeaten campaign in a tri-series and a 3-0 T20I series sweep against Zimbabwe.

Afghanistan have added another significant milestone to their international cricket journey following a consistent run of performances in recent months. The team has continued to make progress across formats, establishing itself as a competitive force against some of the more experienced sides in world cricket.

Their latest achievement marks another major step forward since entering international one-day cricket in 2009. The Afghans have also enjoyed success in major tournaments and bilateral series, with their recent results further highlighting their growing stature in the game.

Afghanistan continue their rise in international cricket

Afghanistan have climbed to sixth place in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, overtaking Sri Lanka to register their highest-ever position in the format. They have now moved ahead of several established cricketing nations, including Bangladesh, England and the West Indies. The achievement reflects their growing consistency in ODIs. Afghanistan have won 96 of their 191 matches, maintaining an impressive win-loss ratio of 1.09.

Their progress has also been evident in major international tournaments. Afghanistan recorded historic victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, demonstrating their ability to challenge some of the strongest sides in world cricket. They took another significant step forward at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup by reaching the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

Recent results have further strengthened their credentials. Afghanistan secured a 4-0 away series victory over Ireland before going unbeaten in the recently concluded tri-series involving Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.

Afghanistan complete 3-0 T20I series whitewash against Zimbabwe

The Afghans have also carried their winning momentum into T20I cricket, completing a 3-0 series whitewash against Zimbabwe in Sharjah. They sealed the clean sweep with a convincing seven-wicket victory in the third and final match on Sunday. Left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad was the standout performer, claiming 5/13 as Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 79 in under 15 overs. The hosts struggled to recover after losing three early wickets for just 13 runs.

Afghanistan made light work of the chase, reaching the target in 11.4 overs. Ibrahim Zadran remained unbeaten on 25, while Azmatullah Omarzai contributed an unbeaten 18. The visitors had taken control of the series with victories in the opening two matches. Omarzai’s explosive 116 off 50 deliveries powered Afghanistan to a 19-run win in the second T20I, while captain Rashid Khan’s all-round contribution helped them secure a 37-run victory in the series opener.

Afghanistan will now shift their focus to Test cricket, with a two-match series against Zimbabwe scheduled to follow. They will look to carry their impressive form into the longest format as they continue their international campaign.