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The rivalry between South Africa and India has produced some of the most competitive cricket across all three international formats. Since their first ODI meeting in 1991 and first Test in 1992, the teams have faced each other in major bilateral series and ICC tournaments. The south africa national cricket team vs india national cricket team stats show an interesting split: South Africa have the stronger historical record in Tests and ODIs, while India have built a clear advantage in T20Is. As of September 2026, the teams have played 46 Tests, 97 ODIs, and 36 T20Is. South Africa lead the Test and ODI win counts, while India lead the T20I contest.
Head-to-Head Stats
The overall numbers show why this has become such an important international rivalry.
| Format | Matches | India Wins | South Africa Wins | Draw/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 46 | 16 | 20 | 10 draws |
| ODIs | 97 | 42 | 52 | 3 no results |
| T20Is | 36 | 21 | 14 | 1 no result |
South Africa’s advantage is most noticeable in the longer formats. The Proteas have won 20 of the 46 Tests, compared with India’s 16, while 10 have ended in draws. In ODIs, South Africa have won 52 of 97 matches, giving them another substantial historical edge. T20Is tell a different story: India have won 21 of 36 meetings, compared with 14 for South Africa.
The contrast is useful when assessing the rivalry. South Africa’s historical strength has traditionally been especially visible in Test cricket and early ODI encounters, while India’s depth in the shorter format has produced more consistent results in T20Is.
Test Head-to-Head Record
The Test rivalry began in November 1992 and has produced 46 matches through November 2025.
| Test Statistic | India | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 46 | 46 |
| Wins | 16 | 20 |
| Losses | 20 | 16 |
| Draws | 10 | 10 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
South Africa’s four-match advantage in wins is significant, particularly because Test cricket places greater emphasis on sustained performance over several days.
The home-and-away split also tells an important story. India have won 11 of the 21 Tests played in India, while South Africa have won seven. In South Africa, India have won five of 25 Tests, compared with 13 South African victories and seven draws.
India’s five Test victories in South Africa have come at Johannesburg, Durban, Johannesburg again, Centurion and Cape Town. The 2024 Cape Town victory was particularly notable because the match was completed in just two days.
Test Batting Statistics
Some of the greatest batters in cricket history appear near the top of the rivalry’s run charts.
| Player | Team | Runs vs Opponent | Tests | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 1,741 | 25 | 169 |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 1,734 | 18 | 201* |
| Hashim Amla | South Africa | 1,528 | 21 | 253* |
| Virat Kohli | India | 1,408 | 16 | 254* |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 1,334 | 20 | 217* |
Tendulkar leads the overall run chart with 1,741 runs, but Kallis produced those 1,734 runs in fewer matches and at a considerably higher average. Both players scored seven centuries against the opposing team.
Virat Kohli’s 1,408 runs include a career-best 254 not out, while Hashim Amla’s 253 not out remains one of South Africa’s outstanding individual performances in the matchup.
Test Bowling Statistics
| Player | Team | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | India | 84 |
| Dale Steyn | South Africa | 65 |
| Javagal Srinath | India | 64 |
| Harbhajan Singh | India | 60 |
| Morne Morkel | South Africa | 58 |
Anil Kumble is comfortably the leading wicket-taker in the Test rivalry, with 84 wickets. Dale Steyn is South Africa’s leading bowler against India with 65.
Ravichandran Ashwin also produced one of the best match-bowling performances, taking 12 wickets for 98 runs in Nagpur in 2015.
Highest Test Scores
| Player | Team | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virender Sehwag | India | 319 | Chennai |
| Virat Kohli | India | 254* | Pune |
| Hashim Amla | South Africa | 253* | Nagpur |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 217* | Ahmedabad |
| Mayank Agarwal | India | 215 | Visakhapatnam |
Sehwag’s 319 remains the highest individual score in the Test rivalry. His innings came from only 304 deliveries and included 42 fours, making it one of the most aggressive long-format performances between the teams.
Highest and Lowest Test Totals
| Category | India | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Highest total | 643/6d | 620/4d |
| Lowest all-out total | 66 | 55 |
India’s 643/6 declared at Eden Gardens in 2010 is their highest Test total against South Africa. The Proteas’ highest is 620/4 declared at Centurion. At the other end, India have been bowled out for 66, while South Africa’s lowest total against India is 55.
ODI Head-to-Head Record
The ODI rivalry began in November 1991 and has grown into one of the most frequently played matchups in international cricket.
| ODI Statistic | India | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 97 | 97 |
| Wins | 42 | 52 |
| Losses | 52 | 42 |
| No Results | 3 | 3 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
South Africa’s 52 wins give them a 10-match advantage over India in the format. However, the gap has narrowed considerably during India’s stronger ODI periods, particularly in recent years.
The 2025 three-match ODI series in India illustrates that changing balance. India won the series 2-1 after South Africa won the second match by four wickets. India won the opener by 17 runs and the decider by nine wickets.
ODI Batting Statistics
| Player | Team | Runs | Matches | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 2,001 | 57 | 200* |
| Virat Kohli | India | 1,806 | 34 | 160* |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 1,535 | 37 | 119* |
| Gary Kirsten | South Africa | 1,377 | 26 | 133* |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 1,357 | 32 | 119* |
Tendulkar remains the leading Indian run-scorer against South Africa in ODIs, while Kallis is South Africa’s leading batter in the fixture. Kohli’s 1,806 runs through 2025 have moved him comfortably into second place among India’s batters.
Tendulkar’s unbeaten 200 in Gwalior in 2010 remains the highest individual ODI score in the matchup.
ODI Bowling Statistics
| Player | Team | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 48 |
| Anil Kumble | India | 46 |
| Harbhajan Singh | India | 31 |
| Javagal Srinath | India | 28 |
| Allan Donald | South Africa | 26 |
The bowling numbers show how important South Africa’s pace tradition has been in this rivalry. Pollock’s 48 wickets narrowly put him ahead of Kumble’s 46.
Highest ODI Totals
| Team | Highest Total |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 438/4 |
| India | 401/3 |
South Africa’s 438/4 remains one of the most famous high-scoring performances in the matchup. India have also crossed 400, reaching 401/3. These totals demonstrate how dramatically ODI batting has evolved from the more conservative scoring rates of the 1990s.
T20I Head-to-Head Record
The T20I rivalry began with India’s first-ever T20I against South Africa in Johannesburg in December 2006.
| T20I Statistic | India | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 36 | 36 |
| Wins | 21 | 14 |
| Losses | 14 | 21 |
| No Results | 1 | 1 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
India’s 21 victories give them a seven-match advantage in the format. The first meeting itself was won by India, who chased down South Africa’s 126 in Johannesburg.
The most recent meeting came at the 2026 T20 World Cup, where South Africa defeated India by 76 runs. South Africa scored 187/7 before dismissing India for 111 in 18.5 overs. David Miller scored 63 from 35 balls, while Tristan Stubbs added an unbeaten 44 from 24.
T20I Batting Statistics
| Player | Team | Runs Against Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| David Miller | South Africa | 587* |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 429 |
| Other leading scorers | Both teams | Varies by active career |
Miller’s total has grown beyond the 524 runs recorded before the 2025 series, with his 63-run innings in the 2026 T20 World Cup adding to his tally. The exact active-player totals can change as further matches are played. Rohit Sharma finished his T20I career with 429 runs against South Africa. The pre-2026 head-to-head figures listed Miller at 524 and Rohit at 429.
T20I Bowling Statistics
| Player | Team | Wickets in Rivalry |
|---|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | India | 18* |
| Keshav Maharaj | South Africa | 15* |
The pre-2026 figures placed Arshdeep Singh on 18 wickets and Keshav Maharaj on 15.
T20 bowling numbers can change quickly because both sides have played a large number of fixtures in a short period. That is why current match-by-match records are useful when updating this section.
Highest Team Totals in T20Is
| Team | Highest Total |
|---|---|
| India | 283 |
| South Africa | 227 |
India’s 283 is their highest T20I total against South Africa, while the Proteas’ highest against India is 227.
The lowest completed totals are also striking. South Africa were dismissed for 74 in the first T20I of the 2025 series, while India’s lowest completed score in the rivalry is 92 according to current head-to-head records.
Major Tournament Statistics
The rivalry becomes even more significant when ICC tournaments are included.
2011 ODI World Cup
South Africa defeated India by three wickets in Nagpur during the 2011 World Cup. The match was a high-scoring contest and remains one of the notable World Cup meetings between the teams.
2024 T20 World Cup Final
One of the biggest matches in the history of the rivalry came in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
India scored 176/7. South Africa appeared to be in a strong position during the chase before India’s bowlers and fielders turned the contest around. The Proteas eventually finished on 169/8, giving India a seven-run victory and the T20 World Cup title.
2026 T20 World Cup
South Africa responded in a major ICC meeting two years later by defeating India by 76 runs. Miller’s 63 and Stubbs’ unbeaten 44 helped South Africa reach 187/7, after which their bowling attack dismissed India for 111.
These matches demonstrate how different the outcome can be from the bilateral record. Tournament cricket brings additional pressure, different conditions and greater consequences.
Recent Matches
The 2025-26 period produced a large number of meetings across formats.
| Date/Period | Format | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2025 | 1st Test | South Africa won by 30 runs |
| Nov 2025 | 2nd Test | South Africa won by 408 runs |
| Nov 2025 | 1st ODI | India won by 17 runs |
| Dec 2025 | 2nd ODI | South Africa won by 4 wickets |
| Dec 2025 | 3rd ODI | India won by 9 wickets |
| Dec 2025 | 1st T20I | India won by 101 runs |
| Dec 2025 | 2nd T20I | South Africa won by 51 runs |
| Dec 2025 | 3rd T20I | India won by 7 wickets |
| Dec 2025 | 4th T20I | No result |
| Dec 2025 | 5th T20I | India won by 30 runs |
| Feb 2026 | T20 World Cup | South Africa won by 76 runs |
The 2025 Test series was particularly one-sided. South Africa won both matches, including a 408-run victory in the second Test. India responded strongly in white-ball cricket, winning the ODI series 2-1 and the completed T20I series 3-1, with one match abandoned.
Major Records
Most Test Runs
Sachin Tendulkar leads with 1,741 runs against South Africa. Jacques Kallis follows closely with 1,734. The small difference in total runs hides a major difference in efficiency because Kallis played seven fewer Tests.
Most Test Wickets
Anil Kumble leads the rivalry with 84 wickets. Dale Steyn’s 65 is the highest South African total.
Highest Test Innings
Virender Sehwag’s 319 remains the top individual score. Kohli’s 254 not out and Amla’s 253 not out are the next major entries.
Most ODI Runs
Tendulkar’s 2,001 runs lead the ODI run charts, while Kallis leads South Africa with 1,535. Kohli has moved to 1,806 runs against the Proteas in ODIs.
Most ODI Wickets
Shaun Pollock has 48 wickets against India, while Kumble has 46.
Highest T20I Total
India’s 283 is the highest team total in the T20I rivalry. South Africa’s highest is 227.
Interesting Statistical Facts
The numbers reveal several patterns that are easy to miss when looking only at wins and losses.
South Africa’s strongest historical advantage is in ODIs. A 52-42 win record across 97 matches gives the Proteas a 10-match lead.
Test cricket is more competitive than the raw win totals suggest. South Africa lead 20-16, but 10 matches have ended in draws.
India dominate the T20I head-to-head. Their 21-14 record is the clearest format-specific advantage either team has in the rivalry.
Tendulkar remains central to the statistical history. He is the leading run-scorer in both the Test and ODI rivalry, with 1,741 Test runs and 2,001 ODI runs.
The teams have produced huge batting totals. South Africa’s 438/4 in ODIs and India’s 401/3 show the scoring potential of the matchup, while India’s 643/6 declared is the highest Test total in the fixture.
Performance Analysis
The historical record can be understood in three distinct phases.
In Tests, South Africa’s record has been built largely through their success on home soil. India have improved significantly over time, but their overall Test record in South Africa remains difficult. The Cape Town victory in 2024 was an important example of India’s ability to compete successfully in challenging overseas conditions.
In ODIs, South Africa’s historical lead reflects their strength across the 1990s and 2000s, when players such as Kallis, Pollock and Kirsten were central to the team’s success. India’s later generations narrowed the gap, with Tendulkar, Kohli, Rohit Sharma and other major batters producing substantial numbers.
T20Is have favored India. The format suits India’s depth of specialist white-ball players, and their 21-14 record demonstrates that consistency. However, South Africa’s 2026 World Cup victory showed that the Proteas can still produce a decisive performance against India on the biggest stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Tests have India and South Africa played?
India and South Africa have played 46 Tests. South Africa have won 20, India have won 16, and 10 matches have ended in draws.
Who has scored the most Test runs between India and South Africa?
Sachin Tendulkar is the leading run-scorer with 1,741 runs. Jacques Kallis is second with 1,734. Both players scored seven Test centuries against the opposing team.
Who has taken the most wickets in India vs South Africa Tests?
Anil Kumble leads with 84 wickets. Dale Steyn is South Africa’s leading wicket-taker with 65.
Who leads the ODI head-to-head record?
South Africa lead the ODI record. The teams have played 97 ODIs, with South Africa winning 52 and India winning 42. Three matches ended without a result.
Who leads the T20I head-to-head record?
India lead the T20I rivalry with 21 wins from 36 matches. South Africa have won 14, while one match ended without a result. The latest meeting, at the 2026 T20 World Cup, was won by South Africa by 76 runs.
Conclusion
The south africa national cricket team vs india national cricket team stats present a rivalry with three very different statistical identities. South Africa hold the historical advantage in Tests and ODIs, including 20 Test wins and 52 ODI wins. India have the stronger T20I record, with 21 victories from 36 matches. Individual records add another layer, with Sachin Tendulkar leading the Test and ODI run charts, Anil Kumble topping the Test wicket list, and Shaun Pollock leading the ODI wicket tally.
Recent results have made the rivalry even more interesting. South Africa swept the 2025 Test series, India won the 2025 ODI and T20I series, and South Africa answered with a 76-run victory over India at the 2026 T20 World Cup. The numbers therefore show a rivalry that changes dramatically with format, venue and tournament pressure.
