Cricket teams who have played two international matches on the same day

There have been only five instances when a cricket team has played two different international matches on the same day.

In the extensive history of international cricket, there have been moments that stand out as truly remarkable and unique. One such exceptional occurrence is when cricket teams find themselves playing not just one, but two international matches on the same day. These situations can arise either within the same tournament or involve two different tournaments. In the case of two different tournaments, teams often adopt a strategic approach by fielding their less experienced players for the match that is deemed less important or against a weaker opponent, while their main team takes on the high-stakes match.

Let's take a closer look at instances where cricket teams have played two international matches on the same day.

Afghanistan - 2 T20I matches in January 2017 :

On January 20, 2017, Afghanistan accomplished a remarkable feat by playing two matches on the same day. In their first match, they faced Oman in the semi-finals of the Desert T20 Challenge. Oman batted first and posted a total of 149 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Afghanistan chased down the target, scoring 150 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in 18.3 overs, securing a convincing 8-wicket victory. This impressive win earned Afghanistan a spot in the tournament's final.

Indeed, on that very same day, Afghanistan continued their extraordinary cricketing journey by playing the final match of the tournament against Ireland. Ireland batted first and could only manage to score 71 runs in 13.2 overs. In response, this resounding victory not only secured the match but also crowned Afghanistan as the winners of the tournament.

On that remarkable day, another historic feat unfolded as Afghanistan's Mohammad Shahzad achieved a milestone. He became the first-ever player to score half-centuries in two matches played on the same day. Shahzad accomplished this exceptional feat by notching up fifty runs in both matches against Oman and Ireland.

Ireland - 2 T20I matches in January 2017 :

On January 20, 2017, Ireland participated in two matches in the Desert T20 Challenge, showcasing their cricketing abilities. In their first match, they faced Scotland, where Ireland posted an impressive total of 211 runs for the loss of six wickets in their 20 overs. Ireland's dominant performance continued as they restricted Scotland to a score of 113 all out in just 15.1 overs, winning the match convincingly by a margin of 98 runs. This win earned Ireland a spot in the tournament's final.

Indeed, on that very same day, Ireland played the final match of the tournament against Afghanistan. In a contrasting performance from their earlier match, Ireland's batting struggled, and they were bowled out for a mere 71 runs. Afghanistan, in a dominating display, chased down the target with ease, scoring the required runs without losing a single wicket. This emphatic 10-wickets victory for Afghanistan in the finals secured them the Desert T20 Challenge title, while Ireland faced a comprehensive defeat.

Pakistan - 1 T20I (Asian Games) and 1 ODI (World Cup) in October 2023 :

On October 6, 2023, Pakistan found themselves participating in two different cricket matches on the same day. In one of these matches, they were competing in Hangzhou, China, in the semi-finals of Asian Games against Afghanistan. Pakistan batted first, scoring a total of 115/10 in 18 overs. However, Afghanistan managed to chase down the target, reaching 116 runs for the loss of six wickets in 17.5 overs. Unfortunately, Pakistan suffered a defeat by four wickets in this closely contested match.

On that very same day, Pakistan were also engaged in a match against Netherlands in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 held in Hyderabad. Pakistan set a formidable target by scoring 286/10 runs in 49 overs. In response, Netherlands scored 205 runs but were eventually all out in 41 overs. Pakistan emerged victorious in this encounter, securing an 81-runs win.

Pakistan had sent their second-string squad to compete in Asian Games, while their main squad are playing in the World Cup.

Bangladesh - 1 T20I (Asian Games) and 1 ODI (World Cup) in October 2023 :

On October 7, 2023, Bangladesh found themselves engaged in two different cricket matches, each in a different tournament. One of these matches occurred in Hangzhou, China, where they faced Pakistan in the bronze medal match of Asian Games 2023. Because of the rain, the match was reduced to just 5 overs per side. Pakistan posted 48/1 in their 5 overs, and Bangladesh had a revised target of 65 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. In a thrilling finish, Bangladesh secured the bronze medal by reaching 65/4 in their 5 overs, with the match concluding on the final ball.

On the same day, Bangladesh were also engaged in a match against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. Afghanistan batted first and managed to score 156/10 in 37.2 overs. In response, Bangladesh put up a strong performance, successfully chasing down the target by scoring 158 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 34.4 overs. Bangladesh emerged victorious by 6 wickets in this World Cup encounter.

Bangladesh opted to field their secondary squad for Asian Games, with their primary team competing in the World Cup.

Afghanistan - 1 T20I (Asian Games) and 1 ODI (World Cup) October 2023 :

On October 7, 2023, Afghanistan found themselves participating in two distinct cricket matches on the very same day, each in a different tournament. In one of these matches, they were facing India for the gold medal at Asian Games. Afghanistan had scored 112/5 in 18.2 overs when heavy rain disrupted the match, leading to its abandonment. Due to India's higher seeding, they were declared the winners of the gold medal, while Afghanistan had to settle for silver in this unique and weather-affected contest.

On the very same day, Afghanistan were also engaged in a match against Bangladesh in ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Afghanistan batted first, scoring a total of 156/10 in 37.2 overs. However, Bangladesh put up a strong performance, successfully chasing down the target by scoring 158 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 34.4 overs. Afghanistan suffered a defeat in this World Cup encounter by six wickets.

Afghanistan opted to send their secondary squad for Asian Games, while their primary team engaged in the World Cup.