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.
Second Edition Match Results (2007)
The second edition held in India in 2007 also featured three ODIs and the Asian XI repeated their dominance over the African XI.
- 1st ODI – Bangalee:
Asia XI won by 34 runs.
Asia XI set a target of 317/9 in 50 overs Mahela Jayawardene score 65 and Muhammad Yusuf who contributed 66. Africa XI, led AB de Villiers (88), managed 283/9 in 50 overs but failed to chase down the target. - 2nd ODI – Bengaluru:
Asia XI won by 31 runs (D/L method).
Asia XI posted 337/7 backed by a century from Yousuf (104). Rain affected the match and reduced the African XI’s target to 276 in 39 overs. Despite Pollock’s batting 89, Africa XI were bowled out for 244 in 37.5 overs to give Asia XI another win. - 3rd ODI – Bangalee:
Asia XI won by 13 runs.
Sanath Jayasuriya‘s blistering century (107 off 79 balls) helped Asia XI post 331/8 in their 50 overs. Africa XI put up a brave fight Thomas Odoyo Scored 70, but they fell short and were bowled out for 318 in 49.5 overs. Asia XI again defeated the series 3-0. - T20I Only – Bengaluru:
Asia XI defeated Africa XI by 6 wickets, winning by 109 runs in 15.5 overs in an unofficial Twenty20 match of the Afro-Asia Cup at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore on 5 June 2007. Tillakaratne Dilshan score 47* and He robs Bosman Best score in Africa XI with 52 points.
Impact of the Afro-Asian Cup
Although the Afro-Asia Cup was short-lived, it had an impact in terms of promoting cricket in Africa and establishing good relations between the cricket boards of the two continents. The tournament brought exposure to African players by pitting them against the best cricketers from Asia, which was seen as a positive step towards expanding the game globally. However, logistical problems and scheduling difficulties prevented the tournament from continuing beyond the second edition.
The best players who participated in the Afro-Asian Cup
The best players from both the continents participated and it was an exciting event for cricket lovers. Indian players like Asia XI liked it MS Dhoniof Pakistan Shahid Afridi and of Sri Lanka Muttiah MuralitharanAnd the African XI boasted the same players as South Africa Morne MorkelZimbabwe He will act like a sinnerand of Kenya Steve Ticcolo. Despite the short duration of the tournament, these players brought great skill and experience, making the matches memorable.
