Afghanistan cricket's incredible journey: From underdogs to beating world champions

Who could have predicted that Afghanistan would triumph over the defending champions, England, in a World Cup match? No one. As the match between the underdogs, Afghanistan and England, unfolded on Sunday (October 15) at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium, an easy win for Jos Buttler’s men was the expected outcome.

Yet, the events of the next few hours left everyone stunned. Afghanistan successfully defended their score of 284 against England, bowling the English team out at 215. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman Zadran, along with Mohammad Nabi, each claimed three and two wickets respectively.

During the 2019 World Cup, Afghanistan faced defeat in all nine matches they played. The 2023 World Cup seemed to be heading in the same direction after initial losses to India and Bangladesh. However, Afghanistan shocked the world by defeating England in the World Cup match.

The rise of Afghanistan cricket

Afghanistan has never ceased playing cricket. Despite operating without internal or external support, the Afghan boys persevered in playing their favorite game, their sole solace during challenging times.

The last two decades in Afghanistan were marred by turmoil, impacting cricket as well. The sport suffered a severe setback after the 2001 attacks, compelling Afghans to seek refuge in neighboring countries for their safety.

But as all things, good and bad, eventually come to an end, cricket in Afghanistan also saw the light of day. A new lease of life was granted to the Afghanistan cricket team in 2006 when they were awarded membership in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The team took to the field in 2006, sparking widespread interest among the general public.

Subsequently, significant milestones marked Afghanistan's cricket journey in the following years:

• Under the leadership of Nawroz Mangal, Afghanistan emerged as joint winners of the inaugural ACC Twenty20 Cup in 2007 after a tied final against Oman.
• The team attained One Day International status in 2009, reaching the Super Eight stage in South Africa. Despite losing to Canada in the final stage, they were recognized for playing ODI cricket.
• In 2010, Afghanistan secured a spot in the ICC World T20 by winning the qualifiers in Dubai, defeating Ireland.
• 2012 served as a momentous occasion in Afghanistan's history as they played their first ODI against Pakistan in Sharjah, albeit losing by 7 wickets.
• The same year, Afghanistan hosted Australia in an ODI match in Sharjah.In 2013, Afghanistan was promoted from Affiliate to Associate Member by the ICC.
• 2015 saw Afghanistan's inclusion in the ICC Cricket World Cup held in Australia. Despite losing the first five group stage matches, they made history by defeating Scotland, clinching their first World Cup victory on February 15, 2015.
• In 2017, Afghanistan, along with Ireland, was granted Test status by the ICC. Subsequently, they played their first Test against India on June 14, 2008, in Bengaluru.2018 witnessed Afghanistan's qualification for the ICC World Cup 2019 after a last-minute victory over Nepal in their final match, aided by other favorable results.
• During the 2019 World Cup, despite losing all matches, players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Mujeeb ur Rehman maintained their commendable form.
• In the 2023 World Cup, Afghanistan encountered two consecutive defeats but managed a stunning upset over England.

All eyes are now on Afghanistan's upcoming World Cup match against New Zealand on October 18, 2023.