The cricket rivalry between India and South Africa has produced many memorable moments and thrilling games.
Both teams have their own strengths and challenges when they face each other, whether it’s in Test matches, one-day games, or T20Is.
Here, we explore their head-to-head records across all formats in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head in Test Matches
| Category | Details |
| Total Matches | 44 |
| India Wins | 16 |
| South Africa Wins | 18 |
| Draws / No Result | 10 |
| Highest Team Score (India) | 642/7d – India vs South Africa, Ahmedabad 2010 |
| Highest Team Score (South Africa) | 621/5d – South Africa vs India, Durban 2010 |
| Notable Performer (India) | Virender Sehwag – 319 runs in a Test vs South Africa |
| Notable Performer (South Africa) | Hashim Amla – 253* runs in a Test vs India |
India and South Africa have faced each other in 44 Test matches over the years, producing some thrilling contests.
Out of these, South Africa has won 18, India 16, and 10 matches ended in a draw.
Each series has delivered exciting battles, from high-scoring innings to fierce bowling duels, making this rivalry one of the most competitive in world cricket.
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head ODI Record
| Category | Details |
| Total Matches | 94 |
| India Wins | 40 |
| South Africa Wins | 51 |
| No Result / Tie | 3 |
| Highest Team Score (India) | 401/3 – India vs South Africa, Gwalior 2010 |
| Highest Team Score (South Africa) | 438/4 – South Africa vs India, Wankhede Stadium 2015 |
| Lowest Team Score (India) | 91 – India vs South Africa, Durban 2006 |
| Lowest Team Score (South Africa) | 83 – South Africa vs India, Eden Gardens 2023 |
| Highest Individual Score (India) | Sachin Tendulkar – 200* vs South Africa, Gwalior 2010 |
| Highest Individual Score (South Africa) | Quinton de Kock – 135 vs India |
| Top Run Scorer (India vs SA) | Sachin Tendulkar – ~2,001 runs |
| Top Run Scorer (South Africa vs India) | Jacques Kallis – ~1,535 runs |
| Top Wicket-Taker (India) | Sunil Joshi – 5/6 best figures vs South Africa |
| Top Wicket-Taker (South Africa) | Shaun Pollock – 48 wickets |
India and South Africa have faced each other in 94 ODIs over the years, creating an exciting and competitive rivalry.
South Africa leads with 51 wins, while India has won 40 matches, and 3 games ended in no result.
From high-scoring chases to thrilling finishes, these matches have seen remarkable performances from star players like Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, and Quinton de Kock, making this ODI rivalry one of the most entertaining in world cricket.
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head in T20 Internationals (T20Is)
| Category | Details |
| Total Matches | 31 |
| India Wins | 18 |
| South Africa Wins | 12 |
| No Result / Tie | 1 |
| Highest Team Score (India) | 283/1 – Johannesburg 2024 |
| Highest Team Score (South Africa) | 227/3 – Indore 2022 |
| Lowest Team Score (India) | 92 – Cuttack 2015 |
| Lowest Team Score (South Africa) | 87 – Rajkot 2022 |
| Highest Individual Score (India) | Tilak Varma – 120* |
| Highest Individual Score (South Africa) | David Miller – 87* |
India and South Africa have faced each other in 31 T20Is, with India winning 18 matches and South Africa winning 12, while 1 match ended with no result.
These encounters have produced thrilling, high-scoring games and memorable performances from players like Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, and David Miller.
Fast-paced batting, key bowling spells, and close finishes make this T20 rivalry one of the most exciting in modern cricket.
Notable Matches Between India and South Africa
- First Test Win in South Africa (1996–97)
India won their first-ever Test in South Africa at Cape Town, marking the beginning of an exciting rivalry. - Sehwag’s Triple Century (2008–09)
Virender Sehwag scored 319 runs against South Africa in Chennai, one of the highest individual scores in India-South Africa Tests. - Centurion Historic Win (2021–22)
India won at Centurion for the first time, showing their ability to succeed in tough overseas conditions. - ODI High-Scoring Match (2010, Gwalior)
India posted 401/3 in an ODI chase, with Sachin Tendulkar scoring 200*. - South Africa ODI Powerplay (2015, Mumbai)
South Africa scored 438/4, one of the highest ODI totals against India. - Thrilling T20I in Johannesburg (2024)
India scored 283/1, with Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson starring, winning a close match in South Africa. - Low-Scoring Drama (ODI 2006, Durban)
India was bowled out for 91, but still put up a strong fight, showing resilience. - T20 World Cup Clashes
India has beaten South Africa 4 out of 6 times in T20 World Cup encounters, often in close and exciting games. - Bowling Battles in Tests
Matches where Anil Kumble and Dale Steyn dominated with pace and spin, creating memorable bowling duels. - Series-Deciding Matches
Many series, like the 2013–14 home Test series or 2022 ODI series, were decided in final matches, adding to the thrill of the rivalry.
Top Performers in India vs South Africa Matches
India’s Top Performers
- Sachin Tendulkar – The highest run-scorer for India against South Africa, scoring over 2,000 runs in all formats. Known for his big centuries in ODIs and Tests.
- Virender Sehwag – Famous for his explosive batting, including a 319-run triple century in a Test match.
- MS Dhoni – Key finisher in ODIs and T20Is, known for match-winning innings and captaincy.
- Anil Kumble – Leading Indian bowler against South Africa in Tests, taking crucial wickets with his spin.
- Kuldeep Yadav & Arshdeep Singh – Modern T20I stars, providing breakthrough wickets and memorable bowling performances.
South Africa’s Top Performers
- Jacques Kallis – The highest run-scorer for South Africa against India in ODIs and Tests, consistent and reliable.
- Hashim Amla – Key batsman in both Tests and ODIs, known for high scores and classy stroke play.
- Quinton de Kock – Star T20I batter with explosive innings, including a top score of 135 vs India.
- Shaun Pollock – Leading wicket-taker in ODIs against India, strong with pace bowling.
- Lungi Ngidi & Keshav Maharaj – Important bowlers in T20Is, often changing games with quick wickets
Final Words
The India vs South Africa rivalry is one of cricket’s most exciting contests. Across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, both teams have delivered thrilling matches and record-breaking performances.
From legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis to emerging stars, this rivalry continues to entertain fans and inspire future cricketers around the world.
FAQs
1. How many Test matches have India and South Africa played against each other?
India and South Africa have played 44 Test matches, with South Africa winning 18, India 16, and 10 ending in a draw.
2. What is the India vs South Africa ODI head-to-head record?
The two teams have played 94 ODIs. South Africa leads with 51 wins, India has 40 wins, and 3 matches ended with no result.
3. How many T20I matches have they played and who leads?
India and South Africa have faced each other in 31 T20Is. India leads with 18 wins, South Africa has 12 wins, and 1 match ended in no result.
4. Who are the top run-scorers for India against South Africa?
Sachin Tendulkar is the top run-scorer across formats, followed by players like Virender Sehwag and MS Dhoni.
5. Who are the top run-scorers for South Africa against India?
Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla are among the highest run-scorers for South Africa in matches against India.
