The rivalry between the South Africa National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team is one of the most competitive and respected contests in international cricket. Since South Africa’s return to international cricket in the early 1990s, both teams have faced each other in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Known for their contrasting styles, South Africa’s pace attack and India’s strong batting and spin bowling have produced thrilling encounters. Over the years, this rivalry has delivered iconic matches, close finishes, and memorable performances. This timeline highlights the evolution, key series, and major moments that define the South Africa vs India cricket rivalry.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
South Africa Score
India Score
Result
Series
T20 World Cup Super 8
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Feb 22, 2026
187/7 (20 overs)
111 (18.5 overs)
South Africa won by 76 runs
T20 World Cup 2026
Bilateral T20I
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Dec 19, 2025
201/8 (20 overs)
231/5 (20 overs)
India won by 30 runs
South Africa tour of India T20I 2025/26
Bilateral T20I
Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Dec 17, 2025
n/a
n/a
Match abandoned (no ball bowled)
South Africa tour of India T20I 2025/26
Bilateral T20I
HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
Dec 14, 2025
117 (20 overs)
120/3 (15.5 overs)
India won by 7 wickets
South Africa tour of India T20I 2025/26
Bilateral T20I
Mullanpur Stadium, New Chandigarh
Dec 11, 2025
213/4 (20 overs)
162 (19.1 overs)
South Africa won by 51 runs
South Africa tour of India T20I 2025/26
Bilateral T20I
Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
Dec 9, 2025
74 (12.3 overs)
175/6 (20 overs)
India won by 101 runs
South Africa tour of India T20I 2025/26
Bilateral ODI
ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Dec 6, 2025
270 (47.5 overs)
271/1 (39.5 overs)
India won by 9 wickets
South Africa tour of India ODI 2025/26
Head-to-Head Summary
Format
Matches Played
India Wins
South Africa Wins
Draws / No Result
Test
44
16
18
10 Draws
ODI
94
40
51
3 No Result
T20I
31–35
18–21
12–13
1 No Result
Overall
~178
79
85
~14
Best Player Analysis
Player
Country
Format Focus
Key Achievement
Notable Stats
Sachin Tendulkar
India
ODI / Test
Most runs overall vs SA
2001+ runs in ODIs alone
Virat Kohli
India
ODI / T20I
Consistent big scorer & chases
1500+ ODI runs, high average
Jacques Kallis
South Africa
All Formats
All-round dominance
1700+ runs + wickets
David Miller
South Africa
T20I
Finisher supreme
500+ T20I runs vs India
Shaun Pollock
South Africa
ODI
Leading wicket-taker
48 wickets in ODIs
Rohit Sharma
India
T20I / ODI
Aggressive opener & captain
400+ T20I runs vs SA
Top Run Scorers All-Time
Rank
Player
Country
Runs Scored
Matches/Innings
Average
Highest Score
1
Sachin Tendulkar
India
2001+
57+
~35.73
200*
2
Jacques Kallis
South Africa
1734–1535
37+
~61.40
119*
3
Virat Kohli
India
1504+
31+
~65.39
160*
4
David Miller
South Africa
524–626
25+
N/A
N/A
Early Encounters After South Africa’s Return (1991–1996)
The first official series between the South Africa National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team took place in 1991–92, marking South Africa’s return to international cricket after years of isolation. These early matches were historic and significant for global cricket. South Africa quickly established itself as a strong team with a powerful pace attack, while India relied on its experienced batsmen and spin bowlers. Matches were competitive, but South Africa had the edge, especially in home conditions. These encounters set the tone for a challenging rivalry between the two nations.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
1992
Test Series
South Africa
South Africa
1993
ODI Series
India
India
1996
Test Series
India
India
1996
ODI
World Cup
India
Competitive Growth and Tough Tours (1997–2007)
Between 1997 and 2007, the rivalry became more intense as both teams improved significantly. South Africa remained dominant at home due to its fast and bouncy pitches, which challenged Indian batsmen. India, however, performed strongly in home conditions with its spin-friendly pitches. Matches during this period were closely contested, with both teams winning important series. This era saw the rise of several legendary players who contributed to memorable performances. The rivalry gained global attention due to its competitiveness and high-quality cricket.
Year
Format
Venue
Result
1997
Test
South Africa
South Africa
2001
Test
India
India
2003
World Cup
ODI
India
2007
Test Series
South Africa
South Africa
Rise of Limited-Overs Battles (2008–2015)
From 2008 to 2015, limited-overs cricket became a major highlight of the rivalry between the South Africa National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team. ODIs and T20 matches were fast-paced and highly competitive. Both teams featured explosive batsmen and skilled bowlers, making matches exciting for fans. India achieved notable success in home conditions, while South Africa remained strong in its own backyard. ICC tournaments during this period also featured key clashes between the two teams. This era helped increase the popularity of the rivalry worldwide.
Year
Tournament
Format
Winner
2010
ODI Series
South Africa
South Africa
2011
World Cup
ODI
India
2013
ODI Series
India
India
2015
World Cup
ODI
India
Modern Era and Balanced Competition (2016–2020)
Between 2016 and 2020, the rivalry became more balanced, with both teams winning series across formats. India improved its performance in overseas conditions, while South Africa continued to maintain its strength at home. Matches during this period were closely fought and often decided by small margins. The introduction of advanced training methods and analytics improved the quality of cricket played by both teams. Fans witnessed thrilling finishes, high-scoring games, and exceptional bowling performances. This era highlighted the competitive nature of the rivalry.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2017
T20 Series
India
India
2018
ODI Series
South Africa
India
2019
Test Series
India
India
2020
ODI Series
India
Draw
Recent Matches and High-Intensity Battles (2021–2025)
In recent years, matches between the South Africa National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team have reached new levels of intensity. Both teams feature world-class players capable of delivering match-winning performances. South Africa continues to dominate in pace-friendly conditions, while India has become more consistent overseas. Bilateral series and ICC tournaments between the two sides are highly anticipated by fans. Matches often include dramatic finishes and record-breaking performances, adding to the excitement of this rivalry.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2021
Test Series
South Africa
South Africa
2022
ODI Series
India
India
2023
T20 Series
South Africa
South Africa
2024
Series
India
India
Key Moments and Memorable Matches
The South Africa vs India rivalry has produced several unforgettable moments in cricket history. From close Test matches to high-scoring ODIs, each encounter has contributed to the legacy of this rivalry. Memorable matches often feature outstanding individual performances and dramatic finishes. Both teams have delivered iconic victories that are remembered by fans worldwide. These moments highlight the competitive spirit and quality of cricket played by both sides.
Year
Match Type
Highlight
Winner
1996
ODI
World Cup clash
India
2001
Test
Strong comeback
India
2011
ODI
World Cup win
India
2018
ODI
Dominant series
India
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between the South Africa National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team reflects a rivalry built on skill, competition, and mutual respect. From South Africa’s early dominance to India’s rise as a global powerhouse, the rivalry has evolved into one of the most exciting contests in international cricket. Both teams continue to push each other to perform at the highest level, producing thrilling matches across formats. As cricket continues to grow, the South Africa vs India rivalry will remain a major highlight for fans around the world.
