The India National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team has been contested in the most exciting and fiercely in international cricket. Both teams claim rich cricket history, mythological players and emotional fanbase. For decades, his encounters have given some true prestigious matches, ranging from thrilling test battle to high-stake One Day International (ODI) and T20 Clash.
This article examines the entire timeline of matches between India and South Africa, including a wide head-to-record record in all the formats of the game. Whether you are a fan of the rich traditions of Test cricket or the enthusiasm of T20, this article will give you a comprehensive view of how rivalry between India and South Africa has come out.
India vs South Africa’s head-to-head records
India and South Africa have played each other in all three major formats: Test, One Day International (ODI), and T20 International (T20I). Here these two cricketers have a look at the head-to-head data between these two cricketers:
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 |
Note: The data are accurate by April 2025 and may vary with future encounters.
India vs South Africa: Timeline of Key Matches & Series
India and South Africa have faced off in cricketing battles since 1991, when South Africa was readmitted into international cricket after the apartheid ban. Since then, each series has added new layers to this dynamic rivalry.
Here’s a detailed timeline of India vs South Africa matches and series results across formats:
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
ODI Thrillers
- 1996 Kanpur ODI: Sachin Tendulkar’s blistering 127 helped India win a tight match.
- 2013 Johannesburg ODI: Quinton de Kock scored back-to-back centuries, dominating India’s bowling attack.
- 2018 Centurion ODI: Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal wrecked havoc as India took a 5-1 series win.
Test Cricket Highlights
- 2001 Cape Town Test: Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman’s fightback went in vain as South Africa secured a home win.
- 2010 Kolkata Test: India’s dramatic comeback led by Harbhajan Singh and Sachin Tendulkar helped level the series.
- 2018 Johannesburg Test: India’s only win in an otherwise tough series was considered a bowling masterclass.
T20I Performances
- 2007 ICC T20 World Cup: India knocked South Africa out of the tournament, going on to win the inaugural title.
- 2022 Delhi T20I: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s explosive start and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing bowling gave India a strong win.
Reputation Analysis: India vs South Africa
The rivalry between India and South Africa is still honorable. Historically, South Africa dominated early encounters, especially in tests and ODI formats due to their strong seam bowling attacks and solid top orders. However, in the last decade, India has balanced the scales, especially in home conditions with their dominance and in a much better speed attack.
Both teams have shown remarkable growth and talent development, which for South Africa create global cricket stars such as Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn and AB de Villiers, and Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Jaspreet Bumrah are for India.
Statistical leader: India vs South Africa
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 |
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+ |
Future of Great cricket rivalry
With the emergence of young talents like Shubman Gill, Marco Jansen, Aden Markram, and Arshdeep Singh, The Future of India vs South Africa cricket looks thrilling. Both teams are investing in youth, fitness and innovative strategies, making every encounter a spectacle for fans.
The upcoming tourism and ICC tournaments will continue to fuel this great cricket rivalry.
Conclusion
India vs South Africa cricket rivalry is pride, flexibility and world class cricket. From Sachin vs Donald to Bumrah vs Rabada, every generation has contributed to this entertaining sports story. Head-to-head statistics, iconic moments, and upcoming matches ensure that fans of the two countries will always be on the edge of their seats when these two Titans collide.
As the cricket world develops, it is rivalry. It is not only about the number and victory, it is about passion, pride and unforgettable cricketing moments that define generations.
You may read also this one: India vs New Zealand cricket: Virat Kohli
FAQs: India vs South Africa T20 Head-to-Head Timeline
Who has won more T20 matches between India and South Africa?
India has a slightly better record in T20Is against South Africa, with more wins overall. However, both teams have had their share of dominant performances.
When was the first T20 match played between India and South Africa?
The first T20I between India and South Africa was played on December 1, 2006, in Johannesburg.
What is the biggest win by India against South Africa in T20Is?
India’s biggest T20I win against South Africa (in terms of runs or wickets) has occurred in several series. Specific match details can be found in match archives.
Where do most India vs South Africa T20 matches take place?
T20I matches between India and South Africa have been hosted in both countries across multiple venues including Mumbai, Durban, Bengaluru, and Centurion.
Who are the top performers in India vs South Africa T20 matches?
Key performers include Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar from India; Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada from South Africa.
