India-South Africa cricket rivalry goes beyond just cricket; it reflects a wider cultural clash that sparks passions and national pride, creating some unforgettable encounters in both games ranging from nail-biting last-over finishes to stellar individual performances.
Tendulkar and Kallis once defined this fascinating rivalry, while players like Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma are now writing new chapters of this captivating battle royale.
For a deeper look into how the two teams have fared against each other over the years, explore: South Africa national cricket team vs India national cricket team stats.
| Date | Format | Summary & Result |
|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | T20Is | India won series 3–1 in a 4-match T20I series in South Africa. (India 3 wins, SA 1 win) (Wikipedia) |
| December 2023 – January 2024 | Tests | Test series drawn 1–1 during India’s tour of South Africa. SA won 1st Test; India won 2nd. (Wikipedia) |
| December 2023 – January 2024 | ODIs | India won the 3-match ODI series 2–1 in South Africa. (Wikipedia) |
| November 2024 | T20Is (individual) | Highlights include: |
India vs South Africa
India and South Africa have met each other 135 times across various formats of cricket competition since 1871. This fixture has produced many memorable moments and established one of the greatest rivalries ever witnessed in international sport. Both teams are heavyweights of cricket with both sides equally matched; India have gained an edge in T20Is and ODIs respectively.
India, the reigning T20I world champions, will travel to South Africa for a three-match T20I series beginning at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on November 14. This is India’s inaugural official international series since resumption of cricket post apartheid.
South Africa will look to get back on the winning path after losing their ICC World Cup 2024 final against India by just seven runs. Aiden Markram’s squad must now turn their focus towards revitalizing their form and reclaiming first spot in ICC T20I rankings.
Both teams have met 20 times in T20I format and India hold an 8-12 advantage against its visitors. Their last meeting, held this June, resulted in India winning by 7 runs to claim the Freedom Trophy; India captain Virat Kohli scored an amazing 76 off 59 balls to help his side secure a thrilling win!
India and South Africa have met four times in the ICC Champions Trophy and India have triumphed on each occasion against South Africa, winning all four matches against them. Additionally, both teams met twice at ICC World Twenty20 – both wins went to India.
India have had the better overall record against South Africa in T20Is, winning 18 out of 31 encounters against them. India have outshone South Africa in ODIs 95 times – India winning 40 matches while 51 have gone their way; three games ended up as draws. Finally in tests 42 times between them both, South Africa have outshone India 15-17.
ODIs
India-South Africa ODI series is eagerly anticipated, as both teams aim to establish themselves as top sides. India edged out South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup final held at Kensington Oval Bridgetown earlier this year; each side will want revenge!
First meeting between India and South Africa in one-day international cricket was back in 1991, since when they have played 94 times with India winning 35 times and South Africa 49. Three games have resulted in no result being determined.
Both teams have enjoyed considerable success in ODI cricket, with Sachin Tendulkar and Graeme Smith becoming key names on Protea scoreboards during this era. But since 2000, their rivalry has truly flourished – with Pollock and Smith leading Proteas into one of the most dominant sides worldwide.
As for India, Rohit Sharma-led side is widely recognized for being one of the greatest in ODI history and Rohit himself is among the highest run scorers against South Africans in ODIs. Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma have also experienced notable success against Proteas.
This ODI series between South Africa and New Zealand will be the fourth meeting between these teams and it will consist of five games over time. Starting off at The Wanderers in Johannesburg, games will then move on to St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth and Boland Park in Paarl before wrapping up at The Wanderers again in Johannesburg.
T20Is
South Africa have an impressive cricketing tradition that spans decades and their stats speak volumes about them as an impressive team with great promise in the future. Boasting formidable batting lines and devastating bowling attacks led by stars such as AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn, their records continue to fuel discussions among fans while offering insight for selectors and analysts.
The Proteas have established an impressive record in international cricket, winning 42 out of their first 50 Test matches since 1899. At one point during this century they went on a remarkable winning streak of 10 consecutive Test matches that established themselves amongst one of the world’s elite sides. When T20Is were introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2007, South Africa quickly took full advantage of it by becoming a winner more times than any other nation – an accomplishment only rivaled by Australia which have played all 104 nations since.
Though they have found some success in ODIs and T20Is, the Proteas have struggled to regain full Test status after returning to international play following readmission. Their losses against New Zealand and Sri Lanka in their most recent series as well as an early exit from the World Cup have solidified their reputation as chokers at major tournaments.
Even with their struggles, South Africa remain one of the premier sides in ODI cricket. Led by all-rounder Hashim Amla (named ODI player of the year in his sixth season), who can both bat and bowl effectively; as well as an incredibly reliable middle order composed of Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen and Faf du Plessis who can all contribute significantly at bat or ball.
Indian cricketers have long been one of the premier sides in ODI cricket, having won more ODI matches than any other side in its history. Their batsmen are famous for hitting sixes while their bowlers excel at taking wickets at an impressive rate. Additionally, India are formidable T20I competitors thanks to a combination of explosive batsmen and disciplined bowlers who make for a formidable combination in T20s.
Tests
So far, India and South Africa have met in 42 Test matches, with South Africa winning 17 of them and India 15. Both sides have enjoyed fierce rivalries throughout all forms of cricket – India dominated in one-day internationals (ODIs and T20Is), but South Africa held their own in Test matches.
When they face South Africa in a four-match Twenty20 International series starting Friday at Kingsmead in Durban, India will look to put behind them their disappointing series whitewash against New Zealand. Suryakumar Yadav-led side will count on numerous young talent such as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ramandeep Singh Tilak Varma and Vijaykumar Vyshak, all set for debut T20Is.
Virat Kohli led India’s impressive first innings total of 372, before bowling South Africa out for 55 on the final day to level the series and secure victory for India – complete with Siraj and Bumrah both collecting six-fers on that fateful final day at Newlands to secure their victory and mark an exciting ending of an exceptional series that also saw Dean Elgar retire after scoring an extraordinary century on that very same final day!
Even after suffering two injuries to Rohit Sharma and Suresh Raina, India managed to score 202 runs in their second innings batting innings despite these setbacks. Rohit and Suresh shared an unprecedented seventh opening partnership of 153 runs which led to an incredible total of 295.
Indian bowlers also showed strength with the ball, with Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel each taking three wickets – but it was India’s spinners who made a decisive impact as their team claimed an emphatic 2-1 victory to level the series at one-all. The third and final T20I will take place at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on December 14. An ODI series between December 17-21 will then take place across The Wanderers, SuperSport Park and Boland Park respectively – this will mark India and South Africa meeting since their readmission into international cricket earlier this year.