India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline: Complete Rivalry History, Head-to-Head Records and Match Scorecards
The India national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team timeline highlights a rivalry consisting of one of the most compelling contests in international cricket. Since their first One Day International (ODI) meeting on 10 November 1991, the two teams have faced each other in memorable encounters across Test cricket, ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Their rivalry has featured historic overseas victories, dominant home performances, record-breaking individual innings and dramatic ICC tournament clashes.
South Africa initially held the upper hand, particularly in Test cricket, where its pace attack and familiarity with home conditions troubled Indian batters. India gradually closed the gap through the performances of players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag and Anil Kumble. The emergence of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin subsequently transformed India into a much more competitive opponent, both at home and away.
Some of the defining moments include India’s first Test victory in South Africa in 2006, Sachin Tendulkar’s historic ODI double century in 2010, India’s 5–1 ODI series victory in South Africa in 2018, the 2024 T20 World Cup final and South Africa’s historic Test series triumph in India in 2025.
As of November 2026, the two teams have played 179 international matches across all three formats. South Africa leads the overall record, although India has established an advantage in T20I cricket.
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record: All Formats
India and South Africa have a long history of competitive cricket, with South Africa holding the advantage in Tests and ODIs and India leading in T20 Internationals.
| Format | Matches | India Won | South Africa Won | Drawn | No Result |
| Test | 46 | 16 | 20 | 10 | 0 |
| ODI | 97 | 42 | 52 | 0 | 3 |
| T20I | 36 | 21 | 14 | 0 | 1 |
| Overall | 179 | 79 | 86 | 10 | 4 |
Key Facts About the Rivalry
| Particular | Details |
| First international meeting | 10 November 1991 |
| First international format | ODI |
| First Test match | 13 November 1992 |
| First T20I | 1 December 2006 |
| First ODI series winner | India |
| First Test series winner | South Africa |
| India’s first Test victory in South Africa | Johannesburg, 18 December 2006 |
| India’s biggest ODI victory against South Africa | 243 runs, Kolkata, 2023 |
| Most memorable T20I encounter | 2024 T20 World Cup final |
| Latest completed meeting | 22 February 2026 |
| Latest match winner | South Africa |
India vs South Africa Timeline: History of the Rivalry From 1991 to 2026
1991–1993: South Africa Returns to International Cricket and India Becomes Its First Opponent
The beginning of the India-South Africa cricket rivalry is closely connected to one of the most important developments in international cricket history: South Africa’s return to international competition after years of sporting isolation during apartheid.
South Africa was readmitted to international cricket in 1991 after more than two decades of exclusion. India became its first international opponent, hosting the returning team for a three-match ODI series in November 1991.
The first ODI was played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on 10 November 1991. India won the historic encounter by three wickets, establishing an early advantage in the newly formed rivalry. India subsequently won the three-match series 2–1.
The two teams met again during the 1992 Benson & Hedges World Cup in Australia, where South Africa defeated India by six wickets on 15 March 1992.
Their first Test series followed during India’s tour of South Africa in November 1992. It consisted of four matches, with the opening Test beginning at Kingsmead, Durban, on 13 November.
South Africa won the third Test at Port Elizabeth by nine wickets, while the remaining three matches ended in draws. The hosts therefore finished the series with a 1–0 victory.
The opening years established an important pattern: South Africa was particularly difficult to defeat in its home conditions, while India relied heavily on its experienced batting lineup to compete against the hosts’ pace attack.
Important milestones:
- 10 November 1991: First ODI between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens.
- 1991: India won the first bilateral ODI series 2–1.
- 13 November 1992: First Test between the countries at Durban.
- December 1992: South Africa registered its first Test victory against India.
1996–2001: South Africa’s Dominance and India’s First Major Test Series Success
The next phase of the rivalry was characterised by contrasting performances in the two countries.
South Africa remained a formidable opponent on home soil, but India began establishing itself as a strong challenger in familiar conditions.
During South Africa’s 1996–97 tour of India, the teams played a three-match Test series. India won the opening Test at Ahmedabad by 64 runs, but South Africa responded with a massive 329-run victory at Eden Gardens.
India recovered in the third Test at Kanpur, winning by 280 runs to secure the series 2–1.
It was India’s first Test series victory against South Africa and an important milestone in the rivalry.
However, the return tour in South Africa produced a different result. South Africa won the Durban and Cape Town Tests by 328 and 282 runs respectively, while the Johannesburg Test ended in a draw. The hosts therefore secured a 2–0 series victory.
South Africa continued its dominance during the 1999–2000 tour of India, winning both Tests. The visitors defeated India by four wickets in Mumbai and by an innings and 71 runs in Bengaluru.
The beginning of the new millennium also produced important ODI encounters. India defeated South Africa in the 2000 ICC KnockOut tournament, winning by 95 runs at Nairobi.
During the 2001–02 tour of South Africa, the hosts won the Bloemfontein Test by nine wickets, while the Port Elizabeth match ended in a draw.
Players who shaped this era:
- Sachin Tendulkar: India’s leading batting figure and one of the most important players in the early rivalry.
- Rahul Dravid: His technical discipline helped India compete against South Africa’s fast bowlers.
- Allan Donald: His pace and aggressive bowling made him one of South Africa’s most challenging opponents for Indian batters.
- Shaun Pollock: His accuracy and consistency strengthened South Africa’s bowling attack.
- Jacques Kallis: His exceptional all-round ability made him a central figure in South Africa’s success.
2004–2007: India’s Historic First Test Victory in South Africa
The period between 2004 and 2007 produced one of the biggest turning points in the India-South Africa rivalry.
India hosted South Africa for a two-Test series in 2004. The opening match at Kanpur ended in a draw, but India won the second Test at Eden Gardens by eight wickets, taking the series 1–0.
The real breakthrough, however, came during India’s tour of South Africa in December 2006.
18 December 2006: India wins its first-ever Test in South Africa
The third Test at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg became a historic occasion for Indian cricket.
India had struggled to win Test matches in South Africa since the beginning of the rivalry in 1992. The 2006 encounter finally changed that record.
India scored 249 runs in its first innings, while South Africa was dismissed for just 84. India then scored 236 in its second innings, setting the hosts a target of 402 runs.
South Africa managed 278 before being dismissed, giving India a memorable 123-run victory.
Sreesanth was the standout performer, producing an outstanding bowling display and earning the Player of the Match award. Anil Kumble and Zaheer Khan also contributed significantly.
The victory was particularly important because it demonstrated that India could defeat South Africa in its own conditions.
South Africa eventually won the three-match Test series 2–1 after victories in Durban and Cape Town.
The beginning of T20I encounters
Another important development occurred on 1 December 2006, when India and South Africa played their first T20 International at Johannesburg.
India won the match by six wickets, making a successful start to the shortest format of the rivalry.
The teams met again during the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2007. India defeated South Africa in the group stage, winning by 37 runs and progressing towards its eventual tournament triumph.
Important milestones:
- 2004: India defeated South Africa by eight wickets in Kolkata.
- 2006: India registered its first Test victory in South Africa.
- 2006: India won the first T20I between the countries.
- 2007: India defeated South Africa in the inaugural Men’s T20 World Cup.
2008–2011: Tendulkar’s Double Century and India’s Growing Competitiveness
The rivalry became increasingly competitive between 2008 and 2011, with both teams producing strong performances in home and away conditions.
South Africa toured India in 2007–08 for a three-match Test series. The visitors won the Ahmedabad Test by an innings and 90 runs, but India responded with an eight-wicket victory at Kanpur. The Kolkata Test was drawn, resulting in a 1–1 series outcome.
The 2009–10 series in India also ended 1–1. South Africa won the opening Test in Nagpur by an innings and six runs, while India responded with an innings-and-57-run victory in Kolkata.
However, the most memorable moment of this period came during the ODI series.
24 February 2010: Sachin Tendulkar creates ODI history
The second ODI between India and South Africa at Captain Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior, became one of the most important matches in international cricket history.
India batted first and scored 401/3 in 50 overs. Sachin Tendulkar produced an extraordinary innings of 200 not out from 147 deliveries, becoming the first male cricketer to score a double century in ODI cricket.
South Africa could manage only 248 runs, handing India a 153-run victory.
Tendulkar’s innings included 25 fours and three sixes and remains one of the most celebrated performances in the history of the rivalry.
India subsequently won the three-match ODI series 2–1.
India’s 2010–11 Test success in South Africa
India toured South Africa again in December 2010 for a three-match Test series.
South Africa dominated the opening Test at Centurion, winning by an innings and 25 runs. India responded strongly in Durban, securing an 87-run victory.
The third Test at Cape Town ended in a draw, resulting in a 1–1 series outcome.
This was an important achievement for India because it demonstrated its ability to compete against South Africa over an entire Test series away from home.
Jacques Kallis also produced a memorable performance during this series, scoring his first Test double century at Centurion.
Important players:
- Sachin Tendulkar: First men’s ODI double century.
- Virender Sehwag: Aggressive opening batting.
- MS Dhoni: Leadership and wicketkeeping.
- Jacques Kallis: Outstanding all-round performances.
- AB de Villiers: Emergence as a world-class batter.
- Dale Steyn: His pace and swing made him one of the most dangerous bowlers in the contest.
2013–2014: South Africa Retains Its Home Advantage
India’s December 2013 tour of South Africa featured two Tests and three ODIs.
The opening Test at Johannesburg was an extraordinary contest. India scored 280 in the first innings and followed it with 421 in the second, setting South Africa a challenging target.
However, South Africa responded with 450/7 in its second innings, securing a draw.
The hosts then won the second Test at Durban by 10 wickets, taking the series 1–0.
South Africa also dominated the ODI series, winning the first two matches before the final encounter was abandoned.
The results highlighted the difficulty India continued to face when playing South Africa in its own conditions.
2015–2016: India’s 3–0 Test Series Victory and South Africa’s ODI Response
South Africa toured India in October 2015 for a comprehensive series involving four Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is.
The Test series became one of the defining periods of India’s home dominance.
India won the opening Test at Mohali by 108 runs. The second match in Bengaluru was affected by rain and ended in a draw.
India subsequently defeated South Africa by 124 runs in Nagpur and by 337 runs in Delhi.
The result was a 3–0 series victory for India.
Ravichandran Ashwin was particularly influential, using the turning pitches to trouble South Africa’s batting lineup. Ravindra Jadeja also played a significant role.
South Africa, however, responded in the ODI series, winning 3–2. The visitors demonstrated that they remained a formidable limited-overs opponent despite India’s Test dominance.
India’s victory in the three-match T20I series by a 2–0 margin, with one match abandoned, further illustrated the competitive nature of the rivalry.
Major achievements:
- India won its first four-match Test series against South Africa 3–0.
- Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as a leading match-winner.
- South Africa won the ODI series 3–2.
- India secured the T20I series 2–0.
2017–2019: India’s Historic ODI Series Win in South Africa
The 2017–18 period marked another significant change in the rivalry.
India toured South Africa in January 2018 for three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is.
South Africa won the first two Tests at Cape Town and Centurion, taking a 2–0 lead. India recovered in the Johannesburg Test, winning by 63 runs and finishing the series 2–1.
However, the ODI series belonged almost entirely to India.
February 2018: India wins the ODI series 5–1
Under Virat Kohli’s leadership, India produced an outstanding performance in the six-match ODI series, winning five matches and losing only one.
It was India’s first bilateral ODI series victory in South Africa.
Kohli was exceptional with the bat, scoring 558 runs across the series. India’s spin combination of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal also proved extremely effective, sharing 33 wickets.
The victory was a landmark because India had finally demonstrated that it could dominate South Africa in a long white-ball series on South African soil.
2019: India’s dominance at home
South Africa toured India again in 2019 for a three-match Test series.
India won the opening Test at Visakhapatnam by 203 runs, followed by an innings-and-137-run victory in Pune and an innings-and-202-run victory in Ranchi.
The 3–0 whitewash reinforced India’s dominance in home Test conditions.
Rohit Sharma made a major impact as an opening batter in Test cricket, while Mayank Agarwal, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami also contributed to India’s success.
2021–2022: South Africa’s Comeback After India’s Centurion Triumph
India toured South Africa in December 2021 for a three-match Test series.
The visitors began impressively, winning the opening Test at Centurion by 113 runs. It was a historic achievement because India became the first Asian team to win a Test at the venue.
However, South Africa responded strongly in the remaining matches.
The hosts won the Johannesburg Test by seven wickets and repeated the result at Cape Town, completing a 2–1 series victory.
Dean Elgar’s leadership and the contributions of Keegan Petersen, Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen were important to South Africa’s comeback.
South Africa also won the three-match ODI series 3–0 in January 2022.
The two teams met again in India in October 2022 for three ODIs and three T20Is. India won the ODI series 2–1 and the T20I series 2–1, showing its improving strength in limited-overs cricket.
2023–2024: The Cape Town Test, World Cup Dominance and the T20 World Cup Final
The 2023–24 tour of South Africa produced several important moments in all three formats.
The Test series began with a heavy defeat for India at Centurion, where South Africa won by an innings and 32 runs.
India responded in Cape Town, winning the second Test by seven wickets.
The match was particularly remarkable because it finished inside two days, becoming the shortest completed Test in history by balls bowled at the time.
India and South Africa therefore finished the Test series level at 1–1.
India also won the ODI series 2–1, while the T20I series ended 1–1 after one match was abandoned.
5 November 2023: India defeats South Africa by 243 runs
The teams met again during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
India scored 326/5 in 50 overs, with Virat Kohli producing an unbeaten 101. South Africa was dismissed for just 83 runs.
India secured a 243-run victory, one of its biggest wins in ODI cricket.
The innings was also significant because Kohli equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI centuries.
29 June 2024: India wins the T20 World Cup final
The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa became one of the greatest matches in the history of their rivalry.
India batted first at Kensington Oval, Barbados, and scored 176/7 in 20 overs. Virat Kohli top-scored with 76 runs.
South Africa appeared to be in a strong position during the chase, particularly after Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive innings of 52 runs from 27 deliveries.
However, India’s bowlers produced a remarkable comeback.
Hardik Pandya dismissed Klaasen, while Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh delivered crucial overs. Suryakumar Yadav’s spectacular catch to dismiss David Miller in the final over became one of the defining images of the match.
South Africa finished on 169/8, giving India a seven-run victory.
India won its second Men’s T20 World Cup title, while South Africa suffered a heartbreaking defeat in its first men’s senior World Cup final.
The encounter remains one of the most important milestones in the India-South Africa rivalry.
2025–2026: South Africa’s Historic Test Victory in India and the Latest T20 World Cup Encounter
South Africa toured India during the 2025–26 season for two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is.
The Test series produced a surprising result, with South Africa winning both matches.
November 2025: South Africa wins its first Test series in India since 2000
South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
The visitors scored 159 in their first innings and 153 in the second. India managed 189 and 93, falling short while chasing 124 runs.
Simon Harmer was the standout performer, taking eight wickets in the match.
South Africa then won the second Test at Guwahati by 408 runs. It was India’s heaviest defeat by runs in Test cricket.
South Africa scored 489 in its first innings and declared its second innings at 260/5. India was dismissed for 201 and 140.
Temba Bavuma’s leadership, Simon Harmer’s spin bowling and Marco Jansen’s all-round performance were central to South Africa’s success.
The 2–0 victory was particularly significant because South Africa had not won a Test series in India since its previous 2–0 success in 2000.
India’s response in ODI and T20I cricket
India recovered from its Test disappointment by winning the ODI series 2–1.
Virat Kohli was outstanding throughout the series, scoring centuries in the first two matches. India won the opening match in Ranchi by 17 runs, South Africa responded with a four-wicket victory in Raipur, and India secured the series with a nine-wicket win in Visakhapatnam.
India also won the five-match T20I series 3–1, with one match abandoned because of fog.
The results demonstrated that although South Africa had regained the upper hand in Test cricket, India remained a formidable opponent in limited-overs formats.
22 February 2026: South Africa defeats India in the T20 World Cup
The latest completed international encounter between the teams took place during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
South Africa defeated India by 76 runs in a Super Eight match at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
South Africa scored 187/7 in 20 overs, with David Miller contributing 63 runs from 35 deliveries and Dewald Brevis adding 45.
India struggled during the chase and was dismissed for 111 in 18.5 overs.
Marco Jansen took four wickets, while Keshav Maharaj claimed three. South Africa’s 76-run victory was a significant result in the tournament and another memorable chapter in the rivalry.
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record in Test
| Statistic | Record |
| Total matches | 46 |
| India won | 16 |
| South Africa won | 20 |
| Drawn | 10 |
South Africa leads the Test rivalry with 20 victories compared with India’s 16.
The two teams have produced contrasting performances depending on where the matches are played. India has historically been stronger at home, while South Africa has enjoyed greater success in its own conditions.
India’s most important achievements include its first Test victory in South Africa in 2006, its 3–0 series victories in 2015–16 and 2019–20, and its Centurion victory in 2021.
South Africa’s 2–0 series triumph in India in 2025 was another major milestone.
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record in ODI
| Statistic | Record |
| Total matches | 97 |
| India won | 42 |
| South Africa won | 52 |
| No Result | 3 |
South Africa leads the ODI rivalry with 52 victories.
The teams have produced several memorable ODI encounters, including Tendulkar’s 200 not out in Gwalior in 2010, India’s 5–1 series victory in South Africa in 2018 and its 243-run victory during the 2023 World Cup.
India has improved considerably in recent years, particularly in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record in T20I
| Statistic | Record |
| Total matches | 36 |
| India won | 21 |
| South Africa won | 14 |
| No Result | 1 |
India leads the T20I rivalry with 21 victories.
The first T20I between the countries took place in Johannesburg on 1 December 2006, with India winning by six wickets.
The 2024 T20 World Cup final was arguably the most important match in this format. India won by seven runs, although South Africa’s victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup demonstrated that the contest remains closely fought.
India National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Latest 10 Matches
The following table lists the 10 latest completed international matches between India and South Africa across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, in reverse chronological order.
| Date | Format | Venue | India Score | South Africa Score | Result |
| 22 Feb 2026 | T20I | Ahmedabad | 111 (18.5 ov) | 187/7 (20 ov) | SA won by 76 runs |
| 19 Dec 2025 | T20I | Ahmedabad | 231/5 (20 ov) | 201/8 (20 ov) | India won by 30 runs |
| 14 Dec 2025 | T20I | Dharamsala | 120/3 (15.5 ov) | 117 (20 ov) | India won by 7 wickets |
| 11 Dec 2025 | T20I | Mullanpur | 162 (19.1 ov) | 213/4 (20 ov) | SA won by 51 runs |
| 9 Dec 2025 | T20I | Cuttack | 175/6 (20 ov) | 74 (12.3 ov) | India won by 101 runs |
| 6 Dec 2025 | ODI | Visakhapatnam | 271/1 (39.5 ov) | 270 (47.5 ov) | India won by 9 wickets |
| 3 Dec 2025 | ODI | Raipur | 358/5 (50 ov) | 362/6 (49.2 ov) | SA won by 4 wickets |
| 30 Nov 2025 | ODI | Ranchi | 349/8 (50 ov) | 332 (49.2 ov) | India won by 17 runs |
| 22 Nov 2025 | Test | Guwahati | 201 & 140 | 489 & 260/5d | SA won by 408 runs |
| 14 Nov 2025 | Test | Kolkata | 189 & 93 | 159 & 153 | SA won by 30 runs |
SA = South Africa; ov = overs; d = declared. The abandoned fourth T20I of the 2025 series is not included because it did not produce a completed match result.
India National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Match-By-Match Highlights
1. South Africa vs India – 22 February 2026, T20 World Cup
South Africa: 187/7
India: 111 all out
Result: South Africa won by 76 runs.
David Miller scored 63 from 35 deliveries, while Marco Jansen took four wickets to help South Africa secure a convincing victory.
2. India vs South Africa – 19 December 2025, 5th T20I
India: 231/5
South Africa: 201/8
Result: India won by 30 runs.
India finished the series with a 3–1 victory after producing another strong batting performance in Ahmedabad.
3. South Africa vs India – 14 December 2025, 3rd T20I
South Africa: 117 all out
India: 120/3
Result: India won by seven wickets.
India comfortably chased the target in Dharamsala, strengthening its position in the series.
4. India vs South Africa – 11 December 2025, 2nd T20I
South Africa: 213/4
India: 162 all out
Result: South Africa won by 51 runs.
South Africa produced a strong batting performance in Mullanpur before restricting India’s chase.
5. India vs South Africa – 9 December 2025, 1st T20I
India: 175/6
South Africa: 74 all out
Result: India won by 101 runs.
India began the T20I series emphatically, bowling South Africa out for just 74 runs.
6. South Africa vs India – 6 December 2025, 3rd ODI
South Africa: 270 all out
India: 271/1
Result: India won by nine wickets.
India completed a comfortable chase in Visakhapatnam to win the ODI series 2–1.
7. India vs South Africa – 3 December 2025, 2nd ODI
India: 358/5
South Africa: 362/6
Result: South Africa won by four wickets.
South Africa successfully chased a target of 359 in Raipur, producing one of the most entertaining batting performances of the series.
8. India vs South Africa – 30 November 2025, 1st ODI
India: 349/8
South Africa: 332 all out
Result: India won by 17 runs.
India began the ODI series with a victory in Ranchi after defending a competitive total.
9. South Africa vs India – 22 November 2025, 2nd Test
South Africa: 489 & 260/5 declared
India: 201 & 140
Result: South Africa won by 408 runs.
South Africa completed a historic 2–0 series victory in India, with Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer playing important roles.
10. India vs South Africa – 14 November 2025, 1st Test
South Africa: 159 & 153
India: 189 & 93
Result: South Africa won by 30 runs.
Simon Harmer’s outstanding bowling performance helped South Africa defend a target of 124 runs at Eden Gardens.
India National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline: Players Who Have Defined the Rivalry
The rivalry has featured several generations of outstanding cricketers. Their performances have shaped the results of important matches and contributed to the development of the contest.
Indian Cricketers
| Player | Contribution to the Rivalry |
| Sachin Tendulkar | Scored the first men’s ODI double century against South Africa in 2010. |
| Rahul Dravid | Provided batting stability and played important overseas innings. |
| Virender Sehwag | His aggressive batting challenged South Africa’s bowling attack. |
| MS Dhoni | Led India in several important limited-overs encounters. |
| Virat Kohli | Scored 558 runs in India’s 2018 ODI series in South Africa and played major roles in the 2023 World Cup and 2024 T20 World Cup. |
| Rohit Sharma | Produced several important limited-overs and Test performances. |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | Played a crucial role in India’s home Test victories. |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Contributed with both bat and ball in important Test and limited-overs matches. |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Became one of India’s most influential bowlers in the modern rivalry. |
| Suryakumar Yadav | Played an important role in India’s T20I success, including the 2024 World Cup final. |
South African Cricketers
| Player | Contribution to the Rivalry |
| Allan Donald | His express pace troubled Indian batters during the early years. |
| Shaun Pollock | Provided consistent bowling performances and leadership. |
| Jacques Kallis | One of South Africa’s most influential all-rounders. |
| Graeme Smith | Led South Africa during several important series. |
| AB de Villiers | His innovative batting made him a major threat across formats. |
| Dale Steyn | Produced outstanding fast-bowling performances against India. |
| Hashim Amla | Consistently contributed important runs in Tests and ODIs. |
| Quinton de Kock | Combined aggressive batting with effective wicketkeeping. |
| Kagiso Rabada | Became a leading fast bowler in the modern rivalry. |
| David Miller | Delivered several important limited-overs performances, including in T20 World Cup cricket. |
| Temba Bavuma | Led South Africa to its historic 2–0 Test series victory in India in 2025. |
| Marco Jansen | Made significant contributions with both bat and ball in recent encounters. |
India National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline: Important Milestones
The following events represent some of the most significant moments in the history of the two teams.
| Year | Milestone |
| 1991 | India and South Africa played their first ODI after South Africa’s return to international cricket. |
| 1992 | First Test match between the countries at Durban. |
| 1996 | India secured its first Test series victory against South Africa. |
| 2006 | India recorded its first Test victory in South Africa at Johannesburg. |
| 2006 | First T20I between the countries, won by India. |
| 2010 | Sachin Tendulkar scored the first men’s ODI double century. |
| 2015 | India won the Test series 3–0 at home. |
| 2018 | India secured its first ODI series victory in South Africa, winning 5–1. |
| 2019 | India completed a 3–0 Test series whitewash at home. |
| 2021 | India became the first Asian team to win a Test at Centurion. |
| 2023 | India defeated South Africa by 243 runs in the ODI World Cup. |
| 2024 | India defeated South Africa in the T20 World Cup final. |
| 2025 | South Africa won its first Test series in India since 2000. |
| 2026 | South Africa defeated India by 76 runs in the T20 World Cup. |
Conclusion
The India-South Africa cricket rivalry has developed over more than three decades, evolving from South Africa’s early dominance into a highly competitive contest across all three formats. India’s historic Test victory in Johannesburg in 2006, Tendulkar’s ODI double century in 2010, the 5–1 ODI series triumph in 2018 and the 2024 T20 World Cup final remain defining moments. South Africa’s 2–0 Test series victory in India in 2025 added another important chapter. With both sides continuing to produce world-class players, this rivalry remains one of international cricket’s most compelling contests.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did India and South Africa first play against each other?
India and South Africa first played an international cricket match on 10 November 1991. It was an ODI at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, which India won by three wickets.
2. When was the first Test match between India and South Africa?
The first Test between the countries began on 13 November 1992 at Kingsmead, Durban. The match ended in a draw.
3. Which team has won more matches between India and South Africa?
South Africa has won more matches overall across the three formats. Based on the supplied records, South Africa has 86 victories compared with India’s 79.
4. When did India win its first Test match in South Africa?
India secured its first Test victory in South Africa on 18 December 2006, defeating the hosts by 123 runs at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
5. Who scored the first double century in an India vs South Africa ODI?
Sachin Tendulkar became the first male cricketer to score a double century in ODI cricket when he made 200 not out against South Africa at Gwalior on 24 February 2010.
6. Who won the 2024 T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa?
India defeated South Africa by seven runs in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final at Kensington Oval, Barbados, on 29 June 2024. Virat Kohli scored 76 runs and received the Player of the Match award.
7. What was India’s biggest victory against South Africa in ODI cricket?
India’s biggest ODI victory against South Africa by runs came during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. India defeated South Africa by 243 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
8. Who won the latest India vs South Africa international match?
South Africa won the latest completed meeting by 76 runs on 22 February 2026, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
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