The most recent high-stakes encounter between the Pakistan national cricket team and the South Africa national cricket team took place during the 2025-26 multi-format series, where the scorecard reflected intense competition across all formats. In the decisive Test match at Cape Town, South Africa secured a 2-wicket victory with a final scorecard of 150/8 in the fourth innings, while Pakistan triumphed in the ODI series 2-1, following a dominant 7-wicket win in the final match.
This comprehensive guide explores the deep-rooted rivalry between these two cricketing giants, providing detailed scorecards from recent iconic matches, head-to-head statistics, and legendary individual performances. You will find a breakdown of the highest team totals, record-breaking centuries, and the tactical evolutions that have defined their clashes in Test, ODI, and T20 International formats.
Historical Head-to-Head Statistics
The rivalry between Pakistan and South Africa is one of the most balanced in modern cricket, characterized by Pakistan’s flair and South Africa’s clinical discipline. Historically, the Proteas have held a significant advantage in One Day Internationals (ODIs), winning 52 out of 87 matches, while the T20I record is perfectly tied at 12 wins apiece for both nations as of 2026.
In the Test arena, matches are often decided by the venue; South Africa dominates on the bouncy tracks of Johannesburg and Centurion, whereas Pakistan has turned the tide in the spin-friendly conditions of Karachi and Rawalpindi. The overall statistical landscape highlights a fierce competition where neither side remains dominant for long.
Recent Match Scorecard: 1st Test 2024-25
The 1st Test of the 2024-25 series in South Africa was a low-scoring thriller that tested the technique of every batsman involved. South Africa emerged victorious by 2 wickets in a match where momentum shifted with every session, eventually chasing down a target of 144 runs on a crumbling Day 4 pitch.
Pakistan First Innings
Pakistan managed 211 runs, spearheaded by a gritty 54 from Kamran Ghulam, while South Africa’s Dane Paterson dismantled the middle order with figures of 5/61. The innings was marked by a lack of substantial partnerships, as the Pakistani top order struggled against the moving red ball.
South Africa First Innings
South Africa responded with 301, taking a crucial 90-run lead thanks to Aiden Markram’s 89 and a surprising 81 from Corbin Bosch. Pakistan’s Naseem Shah and Khurram Shahzad both took three wickets each, keeping the visitors within striking distance despite the deficit.
Pakistan Second Innings
In their second outing, Pakistan fared slightly better with 237, led by Saud Shakeel’s masterclass of 84 and Babar Azam’s 50. However, Marco Jansen’s lethal spell of 6/52 ensured the target remained below 150, setting the stage for a dramatic final chase.
South Africa Second Innings (Chase)
Chasing 144, the Proteas nearly collapsed, falling to 129/8 before Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen guided them home. Mohammad Abbas was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking 6/54 in a heroic but ultimately losing effort.
ODI Series 2025: Pakistan’s Dominance
The 2025 ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa showcased the “Men in Green’s” resurgence in the 50-over format. Pakistan secured the series 2-1, utilizing their superior spin department to stifle the South African middle order during the middle overs.
1st ODI Scorecard (Ranchi)
Pakistan won the series opener by 2 wickets in a high-intensity chase of 264 runs at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Stadium. Saim Ayub’s 77 and a late-inning flourish from the lower order proved decisive against a bowling attack led by Lungi Ngidi.
3rd ODI Scorecard (Faisalabad)
In the series decider, Pakistan delivered a clinical performance to win by 7 wickets after bowling South Africa out for a mere 143. Abrar Ahmed was the star of the scorecard, claiming 4/27, while Saim Ayub’s aggressive 77 (70 balls) made light work of the small target.
T20I Encounters: A Tale of Two Styles
The T20I format between these two teams often results in high-scoring affairs, with both sides possessing explosive power-hitters. In the 2025 home series, Pakistan won 2-1, emphasizing their ability to defend totals under lights.
- Babar Azam’s Brilliance: In the 3rd T20I, Babar Azam scored a match-winning 64 off 43 balls to chase down 140.
- Fast Bowling Fire: Shaheen Afridi’s opening spells have consistently troubled South African openers like Quinton de Kock.
- Middle Order Stability: South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks has become a mainstay, frequently appearing as the top scorer in recent T20I scorecards.
Record-Breaking Individual Performances
When reviewing the scorecards of Pakistan vs. South Africa, several names stand out for their historic contributions. These performances often serve as the benchmark for future generations of cricketers from both nations.
Top Run Scorers
Legendary South African batsman AB de Villiers holds some of the most impressive records against Pakistan, including the fastest ODI century. For Pakistan, Babar Azam has recently surpassed 15,000 international runs, with many of those coming in high-stakes matches against the Proteas.
Elite Bowling Figures
The bowling scorecards are often dominated by the likes of Dale Steyn and Wasim Akram in historical contexts. More recently, Senuran Muthusamy made waves in the 2025-26 series by taking 11 wickets in a single Test match, including a career-best 6/117.
Venue Analysis: Conditions and Impact
The scorecard of a Pakistan vs. South Africa match is heavily influenced by the geography of the stadium. High-altitude venues in South Africa offer pace, while the coastal cities and Pakistani grounds favor different skill sets.
| Venue Type | Key Characteristic | Impact on Scorecard |
| Highveld (SA) | Extra Bounce & Pace | Dominance of fast bowlers; high scores if batsmen settle. |
| Coastal (SA) | Swing and Humidity | New ball bowlers thrive; lower first-innings totals. |
| Punjab/Sindh (PAK) | Low Bounce & Spin | Spinners dominate middle overs; high scores in T20Is. |
Practical Information for Fans
If you are planning to attend a match between the Pakistan and South Africa national teams, staying informed about logistics is essential. These matches are high-demand events that often sell out months in advance.
- Ticket Prices: Range from $10 for general stands to $250 for VIP hospitality suites.
- Best Time to Visit: South Africa’s cricket season runs from November to March (Summer), while Pakistan hosts matches primarily from October to April.
- What to Expect: Expect a vibrant, noisy atmosphere, especially in Pakistan where the “Cornered Tigers” fans create an electric environment.
- Transport: Most major stadiums like the Wanderers (Joburg) or Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) are well-connected by local ride-sharing apps and public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last Pakistan vs South Africa match?
South Africa won the last Test match by 2 wickets in December 2024, while Pakistan won the most recent ODI series 2-1 in November 2025.
What is the highest team total in Pakistan vs South Africa ODIs?
South Africa holds the record for the highest total against Pakistan, having scored 392/6 in 2013 at Centurion.
Which player has the most centuries in this rivalry?
Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers for South Africa, and Saeed Anwar and Babar Azam for Pakistan, are among the leading century-makers.
Has Pakistan ever won a Test series in South Africa?
No, as of early 2026, Pakistan has never won a Test series on South African soil, though they have won several individual Test matches.
Where can I find the live scorecard for today’s match?
Live scorecards are available on official platforms like the ICC website, ESPNcricinfo, and the PCB/CSA official apps.
Who is the leading wicket-taker in Pakistan vs South Africa T20Is?
Shaheen Afridi and Tabraiz Shamsi are currently among the most successful bowlers in this format.
What was the lowest score in a Pakistan vs South Africa Test?
Pakistan was once bowled out for 49 by South Africa in 2013 at Johannesburg, which remains their lowest total against the Proteas.
Can I buy tickets at the stadium on match day?
It is highly discouraged; most high-profile matches sell out online weeks before the start date.
How many times have they met in World Cups?
The teams have met 6 times in ODI World Cups, with the head-to-head record being very closely contested.
What is the significance of the 1992 World Cup match?
It was a landmark game where South Africa, returning to international cricket, defeated Pakistan in a rain-affected match, featuring Jonty Rhodes’ famous run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Are there any neutral venues for their matches?
Historically, many matches were played in the UAE, which served as Pakistan’s home ground for over a decade.
Who are the current captains of both teams?
As of the 2025-26 season, Shan Masood captains Pakistan in Tests, while Aiden Markram leads South Africa in the longest format.
Final Thoughts
The competitive saga between the Pakistan national cricket team and the South Africa national cricket team remains one of the most unpredictable and enthralling fixtures in the international calendar. As of 2026, the series scorecards continue to reflect a balance between Pakistan’s mercurial brilliance and South Africa’s structured aggression. From the historic 2024–25 tour where Pakistan achieved a landmark ODI whitewash on South African soil to the hard-fought Test battles in 2025, these encounters serve as a testament to the high technical standards of both nations.
Whether it is the raw pace of bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Kagiso Rabada or the batting masterclasses from Babar Azam and Aiden Markram, every scorecard tells a story of tactical evolution. As the teams prepare for future ICC events and World Test Championship cycles, the statistical gap remains narrow, ensuring that every future match will be a high-stakes pursuit of cricketing supremacy.
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