The cricketing rivalry between the India National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team stands among the most intense and storied in international cricket. With decades of competitive encounters, both nations bring a legacy of world-class talent, historic performances, and fiercely loyal fanbases to the field.
From gripping five-day Test showdowns to nail-biting One Day Internationals (ODIs) and action-packed T20 Internationals, matches between India and South Africa have consistently delivered unforgettable moments. Their contests are not just about scores—they reflect strategic brilliance, emotional highs, and sporting excellence.
This in-depth guide presents the complete timeline of India vs South Africa cricket matches, offering a comprehensive head-to-head record across all formats. Whether you’re passionate about the heritage of Test cricket or the adrenaline of modern T20s, this breakdown will help you understand the evolution of one of cricket’s most compelling rivalries.
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record
India and South Africa have faced off across all three major formats of international cricket—Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Below is a detailed breakdown of their head-to-head statistics, highlighting how these two cricketing powerhouses have performed against each other over the years.
Head-to-Head Record Table
| Format | Matches Played | India Wins | South Africa Wins | Draws/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Matches | 45 | 17 | 18 | 10 |
| ODIs | 91 | 40 | 50 | 1 |
| T20Is | 26 | 13 | 11 | 2 |
India vs South Africa: Timeline of Key Matches & Series
The cricket rivalry between India and South Africa began in 1991, marking South Africa’s return to international cricket following decades of isolation due to the apartheid-era ban. Since that historic moment, every bilateral series has deepened the intensity of this high-profile contest.
Below is a comprehensive timeline of India vs South Africa matches and series results across all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20 Internationals—showcasing how this iconic rivalry has evolved over the years.
Test Series Timeline
| Year | Series | Host Country | Matches | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 4 | Drawn 1-1 |
| 1996 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 3 | SA won 2-0 |
| 2000 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 2 | India won 1-0 |
| 2001 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 3 | SA won 1-0 |
| 2004 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 2 | India won 1-0 |
| 2006 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 3 | SA won 2-1 |
| 2008 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 3 | Drawn 1-1 |
| 2010 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 3 | Drawn 1-1 |
| 2013 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 2 | SA won 1-0 |
| 2015 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 4 | India won 3-0 |
| 2018 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 3 | SA won 2-1 |
| 2019 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 3 | India won 3-0 |
| 2021 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 3 | SA won 2-1 |
| 2023 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 2 | Drawn 1-1 |
ODI Series Timeline
| Year | Series | Host Country | Matches | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 3 | SA won 2-1 |
| 1992 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 6 | India won 5-1 |
| 1996 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 5 | SA won 3-2 |
| 2000 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 5 | India won 3-2 |
| 2001 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 7 | SA won 5-2 |
| 2005 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 5 | Drawn 2-2 |
| 2006 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 4 | SA won 4-0 |
| 2010 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 5 | India won 3-2 |
| 2011 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 5 | SA won 3-2 |
| 2013 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 3 | SA won 2-0 |
| 2015 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 5 | SA won 3-2 |
| 2018 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 6 | India won 5-1 |
| 2020 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 3 | Abandoned (COVID-19) |
| 2022 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 3 | SA won 2-1 |
| 2023 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 3 | India won 2-1 |
T20I Series Timeline
| Year | Series | Host Country | Matches | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 1 | India won |
| 2009 | ICC World T20 | England | 1 | India won |
| 2011 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 1 | India won |
| 2015 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 3 | SA won 2-0 |
| 2018 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 3 | India won 2-1 |
| 2019 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 3 | Drawn 1-1 |
| 2022 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 5 | Drawn 2-2 |
| 2022 | India Tour of South Africa | South Africa | 3 | India won 2-1 |
| 2023 | South Africa Tour of India | India | 3 | Drawn 1-1 |
Notable Matches and Historic Performances
India vs South Africa – Test Cricket Highlights
- 2001 Cape Town Test: Despite a resilient partnership between Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, India fell short as South Africa secured a commanding home victory.
- 2010 Kolkata Test: A dramatic Indian comeback, led by Harbhajan Singh’s spin magic and Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliance, helped India level the series in an unforgettable contest.
- 2018 Johannesburg Test: India’s only win in a challenging series was hailed as a bowling masterclass, showcasing the pace attack’s dominance on a lively pitch.
India vs South Africa – ODI Thrillers
- 1996 Kanpur ODI: Sachin Tendulkar stole the show with a blistering 127-run knock, guiding India to a narrow victory in a closely fought match.
- 2013 Johannesburg ODI: Quinton de Kock delivered back-to-back centuries, dominating India’s bowling lineup and establishing his reputation as a top-order powerhouse.
- 2018 Centurion ODI: India’s spin duo, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup, powering India to a historic 5-1 series win on foreign soil.
India vs South Africa – T20I Highlights
- 2007 ICC T20 World Cup: India knocked South Africa out of the tournament with a clinical all-round performance, later going on to win the inaugural T20 World Cup.
- 2022 Delhi T20I: An explosive start by Ruturaj Gaikwad and a superb spell of swing bowling by Bhuvneshwar Kumar helped India secure a convincing win on home turf.
Rivalry Analysis: India vs South Africa
The India vs South Africa cricket rivalry is marked by intense competition, mutual respect, and evolving dynamics. In the early years, South Africa held the upper hand, particularly in Test and ODI formats, thanks to their formidable seam bowling attack and a consistently strong top order.
However, the last decade has witnessed a significant shift. India has steadily closed the gap, asserting dominance—especially in home conditions—with a world-class pace attack and a more balanced lineup across formats.
Both nations have demonstrated exceptional cricketing growth and talent development, producing legendary players. South Africa has contributed global icons such as Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, and AB de Villiers, while India has given the world stars like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Statistical Leaders: India vs South Africa
Top Run Scorers (All Formats Combined)
| Player | Country | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 57 | 3399 |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 59 | 3200 |
| Virat Kohli | India | 50+ | 2700+ |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 45+ | 2500+ |
Leading Wicket-Takers
| Player | Country | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | India | 35 | 84 |
| Dale Steyn | South Africa | 30+ | 80+ |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | India | 25+ | 75+ |
| Allan Donald | South Africa | 25 | 65 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did India and South Africa first play an international cricket match?
India and South Africa played their first international match in November 1991, a One Day International (ODI) held in Kolkata after South Africa’s readmission to international cricket.
How many times have India and South Africa faced each other in Test matches?
As of now, India and South Africa have played over 40 Test matches, with South Africa winning the majority of early encounters, while India has gained dominance in recent series.
Who has the better head-to-head record in ODIs between India and South Africa?
South Africa led the head-to-head ODI record for many years, but India has closed the gap significantly in recent years, especially after their 5-1 series win in 2018.
How has the T20I rivalry between India and South Africa evolved?
The T20I contests have been closely matched, with both teams exchanging wins. Notably, India eliminated South Africa in the 2007 T20 World Cup and later won the title.
Which players have made the most impact in India vs South Africa matches?
Legends like Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, and Dale Steyn for South Africa, and Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and MS Dhoni for India, have delivered standout performances across formats.
What is India’s biggest win against South Africa in ODIs?
One of India’s most dominant ODI wins came in 2018, during the Centurion match where India bowled South Africa out for 204 and chased it with ease.
Has South Africa ever won a Test series in India?
No, South Africa has never won a Test series in India, though they have managed to draw series in the past and have won individual Test matches.
Conclusion
The cricketing history between India and South Africa is a testament to the sport’s evolving nature and global appeal. What began as South Africa’s dominant return to international cricket has now grown into a balanced, hard-fought rivalry marked by iconic matches, unforgettable performances, and shifting momentum across decades.
