Table of Contents
South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team stats provide a fascinating look at one of international cricket’s most competitive rivalries. The Proteas and Australia have played each other across Test cricket, One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals, producing memorable matches, remarkable individual performances and several historic results.
Australia have traditionally held the advantage in Test cricket, while South Africa have enjoyed a stronger overall record in ODIs. In T20I cricket, Australia have also maintained the upper hand. The rivalry has continued to develop in 2026, with South Africa and Australia completing a three-match ODI series before meeting again in a three-Test series.
The 2025 World Test Championship Final was another major chapter in this rivalry, with South Africa defeating Australia by five wickets at Lord’s. That result gave the Proteas a major victory over Australia on the biggest Test stage.
Contents Overview
- South Africa vs Australia overall head-to-head stats
- Test cricket statistics
- ODI statistics
- T20I statistics
- Recent South Africa vs Australia results
- 2026 ODI series statistics
- 2025 World Test Championship Final
- Major batting and bowling records
- Biggest wins in the rivalry
- Home and away performance
- Key players
- Frequently asked questions
- Conclusion
South Africa vs Australia Head-to-Head Stats
South Africa and Australia have a long history in international cricket. Their Test rivalry dates back many decades, while their ODI rivalry began in the 1992 World Cup era. Their T20I meetings started in 2006.
The overall numbers show different patterns depending on the format. Australia have a clear advantage in Tests and T20Is, whereas South Africa have won more ODIs overall.
| Format | Matches | South Africa Wins | Australia Wins | Draw/Tie/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 101* | 26 | 54 | 21 Draws |
| ODIs | 115 | 58 | 53 | 3 Ties, 1 NR |
| T20Is | 28 | 9 | 19 | 0 |
| Total | 244 | 93 | 126 | 24 |
*The Test figures shown above are the completed head-to-head record before the scheduled 2026 Test series. Current records list 101 completed Tests, with Australia winning 54 and South Africa 26, while 21 were drawn.
In ODIs, the latest available figures show 115 matches, with South Africa winning 58 and Australia 53. Three matches have been tied and one has ended without a result.
South Africa vs Australia Test Stats
Test cricket has traditionally been the format in which Australia have had the strongest advantage against South Africa.
Before the upcoming 2026 Test series, the teams had completed 101 Tests. Australia had won 54, South Africa had won 26 and 21 matches had ended in draws.
| Test Statistic | South Africa | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 101 | 101 |
| Wins | 26 | 54 |
| Losses | 54 | 26 |
| Draws | 21 | 21 |
| Home Wins | 16 | 23 |
| Away Wins | 10 | 29 |
The Test rivalry has produced some extraordinary results. One of South Africa’s biggest victories came in the fourth Test of the 2018 series, when the Proteas defeated Australia by 492 runs.
More recently, Australia dominated the 2022–23 Test series, winning two matches while the third ended in a draw. Australia won the second Test by an innings and 182 runs and the first Test by six wickets.
However, South Africa produced a memorable response in the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
2025 World Test Championship Final
The 2025 World Test Championship Final was one of the most important recent matches between South Africa and Australia.
Australia scored 212 in their first innings, while South Africa replied with 138. Australia then scored 207 in the second innings, leaving South Africa with a target of 282.
South Africa successfully chased the target, reaching 282/5 and winning by five wickets.
The victory was particularly significant because it gave South Africa the World Test Championship title and demonstrated their ability to beat Australia in a high-pressure Test match.
South Africa vs Australia ODI Stats
The ODI rivalry is much closer than the Test rivalry, with South Africa holding the overall advantage.
The latest figures show 115 ODI meetings between the two sides. South Africa have won 58, while Australia have won 53. Three matches have ended in ties and one has produced no result.
| ODI Statistic | South Africa | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 115 | 115 |
| Wins | 58 | 53 |
| Losses | 53 | 58 |
| Ties | 3 | 3 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Home Wins | 28 | 20 |
| Away Wins | 22 | 23 |
| Neutral Wins | 8 | 10 |
The ODI rivalry has produced some of the most memorable matches in cricket history. The famous 2006 Johannesburg ODI remains one of the greatest examples of high-scoring international cricket, while the teams have also produced dramatic World Cup encounters.
South Africa vs Australia 2026 ODI Stats
The three-match ODI series in September 2026 was another important chapter in the rivalry.
South Africa won the first two matches before Australia claimed the third match using the DLS method.
| Match | Result | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI, 24 September 2026 | South Africa won | 67 runs |
| 2nd ODI, 27 September 2026 | South Africa won | 32 runs |
| 3rd ODI, 30 September 2026 | Australia won | 45 runs by DLS |
In the first ODI, South Africa scored 297/8 and dismissed Australia for 230.
The second ODI was another South African victory. South Africa posted 365/9, while Australia were dismissed for 333.
Australia avoided a series whitewash in the third ODI. Australia made 322/9, while rain affected South Africa’s chase and Australia were declared winners by 45 runs under the DLS method.
The series therefore finished 2–1 in favour of South Africa.
South Africa vs Australia T20I Stats
Australia have a strong advantage over South Africa in T20I cricket.
The teams have played 28 T20Is, with Australia winning 19 and South Africa winning nine. There have been no ties or no-results in the current head-to-head record.
| T20I Statistic | South Africa | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 28 | 28 |
| Wins | 9 | 19 |
| Losses | 19 | 9 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
| No Result | 0 | 0 |
| Home Wins | 6 | 7 |
| Away Wins | 3 | 10 |
| Neutral Wins | 0 | 2 |
The T20I rivalry has generally favoured Australia, particularly during their strong limited-overs periods.
In their most recent three-match T20I series in August 2025, Australia won the series 2–1. Australia won the first match by 17 runs, South Africa won the second by 53 runs, and Australia won the third by two wickets.
Recent South Africa vs Australia Results
Recent matches show how competitive this rivalry remains.
| Year | Format | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ODI | South Africa won 67 runs |
| 2026 | ODI | South Africa won 32 runs |
| 2026 | ODI | Australia won by 45 runs, DLS |
| 2025 | Test | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| 2025 | T20I | Australia won by 2 wickets |
| 2025 | T20I | South Africa won by 53 runs |
| 2025 | T20I | Australia won by 17 runs |
| 2025 | ODI | Australia won by 276 runs |
| 2025 | ODI | South Africa won by 84 runs |
| 2025 | ODI | South Africa won by 98 runs |
| 2023 | ODI | Australia won by 3 wickets |
| 2023 | ODI | South Africa won by 134 runs |
The results show that neither side has completely dominated the recent rivalry across all formats.
South Africa vs Australia 2025 ODI Records
The 2025 ODI series in Australia was also important. South Africa won the first two matches before Australia produced an enormous victory in the third.
South Africa won the first ODI by 98 runs after scoring 296/8. They won the second by 84 runs after making 277.
Australia then produced a spectacular performance in the third ODI, scoring 431/2 and defeating South Africa by 276 runs.
Australia’s 431/2 was one of the highest totals in the history of the fixture.
Famous 2006 South Africa vs Australia ODI
One of the most famous matches in South Africa vs Australia stats came at Johannesburg in March 2006.
Australia scored 434/4, at the time setting a remarkable ODI record. South Africa responded with 438/9 and completed one of the greatest successful chases in international cricket.
The match remains a defining moment in the history of both teams and is frequently mentioned when discussing the greatest ODI matches ever played.
South Africa vs Australia Biggest ODI Wins
Both teams have recorded huge ODI victories against each other.
Australia’s 276-run victory in 2025 was one of their biggest wins in this rivalry. Australia scored 431/2 before bowling South Africa out for 155.
South Africa have also produced massive wins, including their 134-run victory over Australia in the 2023 World Cup group stage.
| Team | Notable Victory | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 2025 ODI | 276 runs |
| South Africa | 2023 ODI | 134 runs |
| Australia | 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final | 3 wickets |
| South Africa | 2026 ODI | 67 runs |
| South Africa | 2026 ODI | 32 runs |
South Africa vs Australia Biggest Test Wins
Test cricket has also produced some extraordinary margins.
South Africa’s 492-run victory in 2018 is among their most memorable results against Australia. Australia also recorded a major victory in the 2022–23 series, defeating South Africa by an innings and 182 runs.
These results demonstrate the contrasting nature of Test cricket in this rivalry. Australia have historically dominated the overall head-to-head record, but South Africa have shown that they can produce extremely convincing victories.
South Africa vs Australia Home and Away Stats
Home conditions have played an important role in the rivalry.
In Tests, Australia have won 23 home matches against South Africa, compared with South Africa’s 16 home wins. Australia have also won 29 Tests in South Africa, while South Africa have recorded 10 away Test victories.
The ODI numbers are much closer. South Africa have won 28 home ODIs, while Australia have won 20 in their own country according to the current head-to-head figures.
| Format | South Africa Home Wins | Australia Home Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Tests | 16 | 23 |
| ODIs | 28 | 20 |
| T20Is | 6 | 7 |
These numbers show that home advantage has mattered, particularly in Test cricket.
Key Players in South Africa vs Australia Stats
The South Africa vs Australia rivalry has featured some of the greatest players of several generations.
For South Africa, players such as Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Kagiso Rabada and Temba Bavuma have played important roles across different periods.
Australia have been represented by legendary cricketers including Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh, Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Steve Smith, David Warner and Pat Cummins.
In the modern era, players such as Steve Smith, Travis Head and Pat Cummins remain important to Australia’s success, while South Africa continue to rely on players such as Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada and their strong pace-bowling group.
South Africa vs Australia 2026 Test Series
The rivalry continues with a three-match Test series scheduled in October 2026.
The first Test is scheduled for 9 October in Durban, followed by Tests in Gqeberha and Cape Town.
The series is particularly interesting because South Africa enter it as the reigning World Test Championship holders after defeating Australia in the 2025 final. Australia, meanwhile, will look to restore their Test dominance in the rivalry.
Recent team news has also focused on South Africa’s fast-bowling options. Anrich Nortje has been considered for a Test return after a lengthy absence from red-ball cricket, while injuries have affected several members of the South African pace attack.
South Africa vs Australia Stats Comparison
The following table provides a quick summary of the rivalry across the three major international formats.
| Category | South Africa | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Test Wins | 26 | 54 |
| ODI Wins | 58 | 53 |
| T20I Wins | 9 | 19 |
| Test Draws | 21 | 21 |
| ODI Ties | 3 | 3 |
| ODI No Results | 1 | 1 |
| Strongest Format | ODI | Test/T20I |
The statistics show a fascinating contrast. South Africa have the better overall ODI record, while Australia have a substantial advantage in Tests and T20Is.
Why South Africa vs Australia Stats Matter
South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team stats are useful for understanding the development of one of cricket’s most competitive international rivalries.
The numbers show that Australia have historically been stronger in Test cricket. Their 54 Test victories compared with South Africa’s 26 demonstrate that advantage.
ODI cricket tells a different story. South Africa have won 58 of the 115 completed head-to-head matches currently listed, compared with Australia’s 53.
T20I cricket again favours Australia, who have won 19 of 28 meetings.
Recent results, however, suggest that the rivalry remains highly competitive. South Africa won the 2025 World Test Championship Final and took a 2–1 ODI series win over Australia in September 2026, while Australia retained their overall advantage in T20Is and the historical Test record.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Africa vs Australia Stats
How many Tests have South Africa and Australia played?
South Africa and Australia had completed 101 Test matches before the 2026 Test series. Australia had won 54, South Africa had won 26 and 21 matches had ended in draws.
Who has won more ODIs between South Africa and Australia?
South Africa currently lead the ODI head-to-head record. The teams have played 115 ODIs, with South Africa winning 58 and Australia winning 53. Three matches have been tied and one ended without a result.
Who has the better T20I record between South Africa and Australia?
Australia have the better T20I record. They have won 19 of the 28 T20Is between the teams, while South Africa have won nine.
Who won the 2025 World Test Championship Final between South Africa and Australia?
South Africa won the 2025 World Test Championship Final by five wickets. Australia scored 212 and 207, while South Africa successfully chased a target of 282 in their second innings.
Who won the South Africa vs Australia ODI series in 2026?
South Africa won the three-match ODI series 2–1. They won the first two matches by 67 and 32 runs, while Australia won the third by 45 runs under the DLS method.
Conclusion
South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team stats reveal a rivalry that has remained competitive across generations and formats. Australia have a clear historical advantage in Test cricket and T20Is, while South Africa have the edge in ODIs.
The rivalry has also produced some of cricket’s most memorable moments, including the famous 438 chase in Johannesburg, major World Cup encounters, huge ODI totals and the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
The latest results have added another interesting dimension. South Africa defeated Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship Final and won the 2026 ODI series 2–1. Australia, however, continue to lead the historical Test and T20I head-to-head records.
With another Test series between the two teams scheduled in October 2026, the South Africa vs Australia rivalry remains one of the most important contests in international cricket.
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