The Afro-Asian Cup was a unique cricket tournament that was first held in 2005. Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and African Cricket Association (ACA)designed to showcase talent from both continents. This competition featured an “African XI” consisting of players from African countries and an “Asian XI” consisting of the best cricketers from Asia. The purpose of the tournament was to promote the game in Africa and strengthen cricketing ties between the two regions.
Nations that have added players to Africa XI
The African XI in the Afro-Asia Cup consisted primarily of players from cricket-playing countries in Africa. South AfricaZimbabwe and Kenya. South Africa, being the continent’s most dominant cricket nation, has contributed most of the players including experienced all-rounders, batsmen and bowlers. Zimbabwe also played a key role, providing players who brought skill and experience, particularly in the spin and middle-order batting departments. Although Kenya is a developing cricket nation, it has contributed several players known for their energy and fielding. These three nations formed the core of an African XI that represented the best available talent from the African continent.
Nations contributing to Asian XI players
It brought together players from cricketing powerhouses like the Asia XI India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. With a huge talent pool, India fielded world-class batsmen, all-rounders and fast bowlers to lead the Asian XI. Known for producing formidable fast bowlers and aggressive knocks, Pakistan have added strength to both the batting and bowling departments.
With a rich cricketing tradition, Sri Lanka has provided the players with exceptional spin bowling and reliable middle-order options. An emerging force in international cricket, Bangladesh also contributed key players, particularly in the all-rounder and spin bowling roles. Together, these nations have put together a formidable Asian XI that matches the world’s best.
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1. The first edition of the Afro-Asian Cup in South Africa (2005).
The first edition of the Afro-Asian Cup took place in August 2005 and the matches were played in South Africa. In this first-ever event, an African XI faced an Asian XI in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series. The main venues for the matches were SuperSport Park in Centurion and Kingsmead in Durban. The tournament was organized to raise funds for the development of African cricket and strengthen cricket ties between the two continents.
First edition match results (2005)
The first Afro-Asia Cup in 2005 featured three One Day Internationals (ODIs) played between an African XI and an Asian XI, with the Asian XI dominating the series.
- 1st ODI vs Centurion:
Asia XI won by 2 wickets.
The African XI batted first and posted a total of 198 in 48.5 overs. Shaun Pollock He scored the most runs for the African team with 45 runs, but Asian bowlers led the way Abdul Razzaqlimited them well. In reply, Asia XI chased down the target in 48.4 overs, a crucial 73 overs. Rahul Dravid. Despite some mid-order stumbles, Asia XI secured a close win. - 2nd ODI – Durban:
Asia XI won by 17 runs.
Batting first, Asia XI scored 267/9 in 50 overs Shahid Afridi playing an explosive innings of 55 from just 27 balls. Africa XI, in reply, were restricted to 250/8 in 50 overs despite a strong 82 from Steve Tikolo. Venkatesh Prasad‘s disciplined bowling helped the Asian XI win and seal the series. - 3rd ODI – Durban:
Asia XI won by 18 runs.
Asia XI scored 241/9 in 50 overs with key contributions Muhammad Kaif (52) and Dravid (54). Africa XI fell short and were bowled out for 223 despite a brilliant 85 from Steve Tikolo, while Asia XI won the match and completed a 3-0 series win.
2. The second edition of the Afro-Asian Cup held in India (2007).
After the success of the 2005 edition, the second Afro-Asian Cup was held in 2007, this time in India. The tournament took place in June and all three ODIs were played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The concept remained the same, Asian XI taking on African XI, but this time the event got more attention due to the presence of famous players from both sides.