World Cup warm-up of a different kind

Australia and Afghanistan's World Cup squads will meet at the WACA Ground on Wednesday afternoon, but avid cricket fans in the war-torn country have already locked horns.

A group of cricket-mad Afghanis played members of the Australian Defence Force in a friendly game in Kabul.

The seven-a-side, 14-over match was played indoors at the with the Afghan team taking out a comfortable victory, scoring 113 runs to the ADF's 70.

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The Afghan side were too good on the day(Department of Defence/Lauren Larking)

The Australian players are ADF members making up Australia's military presence in Afghanistan which includes those working in mentoring roles with the Afghan National Army and soldiers on force protection duties.

Known as Joint Task Force 636, they are involved in Operation HighRoad, Australia's commitment to the NATO-led Resolute Support mission. It was in the gym at the mission headquarters where the cricket match was played.

Senior ADF Officer in Afghanistan and Commander Joint Task Force 636, Major General David Mulhall, said was the match was "just a bit of fun" the bragging rights around the base were taken seriously.

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An ADF member rolls the arm over(Department of Defence/Lauren Larking)

"Sport unites the world in many respects and the excitement around the Afghan cricket team has translated to local relationships here where many of the Australians and other nations that play cricket are getting asked about it regularly by the locals," said Maj Gen Mulhall.

Private Jess Flanagan from the Force Protection Element said the match made a welcome break from routine.

"It's a break from the norm and having some fun in the spirit of the game," he said.

"The locals loved it too and love the sport.

"As soon as they see us around wearing Australian flag patches, the conversation quickly turns to cricket."