The South Africa national cricket team vs India national cricket team match scorecard history shows that South Africa currently leads the overall head-to-head record in Test matches and ODIs, while India holds the upper hand in T20 Internationals. As of January 2026, the two sides have faced off in more than 170 international matches across all formats, with South Africa winning 18 out of 44 Tests and 51 out of 94 ODIs. In contrast, India has dominated the T20I format, winning 18 of their 31 encounters, including a high-stakes victory in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final.
This comprehensive guide explores the deep-rooted rivalry between the Proteas and the Men in Blue, analyzing recent scorecards from the 2025-26 series, historical milestones such as Sachin Tendulkar’s double century, and world-record bowling performances. Whether you are looking for the latest match summary from the Wanderers or historical stats from Eden Gardens, this article provides an authoritative breakdown of every significant scorecard and player performance in the history of South Africa vs. India cricket.
Recent Match: 5th T20I Scorecard (Dec 2025)
The most recent T20I encounter between India and South Africa took place on December 19, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India secured a 30-run victory to clinch the series 3-1, fueled by a brilliant batting display and disciplined death bowling.
India batted first and posted a formidable total of 231/5 in 20 overs, with Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson continuing their rich vein of form. In response, South Africa fought valiantly but were restricted to 201/8, as India’s spin duo of Varun Chakaravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi choked the run flow in the middle overs.
4th T20I: Johannesburg Match Details
On November 15, 2024, at the Wanderers Stadium, India delivered one of their most dominant T20I performances ever against South Africa. India scored a massive 283/1, which remains one of the highest team totals in T20I history between the two nations.
Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma both smashed unbeaten centuries, making it the first time two Indian players scored hundreds in the same T20I innings. South Africa crumbled under the pressure of the 284-run target, being bowled out for just 148 runs in 18.2 overs.
Test Series 2025: Freedom Trophy
The 2025 Test series for the Freedom Trophy saw South Africa exert their dominance on home soil and challenging Indian pitches. The second Test in Guwahati was particularly historic, as South Africa won by a massive 408 runs, marking India’s biggest defeat by runs in Test history.
Senuran Muthusamy scored a maiden century for the Proteas, while Simon Harmer haunted the Indian batters with a 10-wicket match haul. India struggled in both innings, failing to adapt to the variable bounce and disciplined line maintained by the South African pace and spin departments.
ODI Series 2025: Jaiswal’s Dominance
India bounced back in the 2025 One Day International series, securing a 2-1 victory over the visitors. The series finale in Visakhapatnam was a masterclass in modern-day chasing, led by young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Jaiswal scored his maiden ODI century (116 not out) as India chased down a target of 271 with more than 10 overs to spare. Despite a fighting century from South Africa’s Quinton de Kock, the Indian bowling attack, spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav, proved too clinical during the middle overs.
Historical Scorecard: Tendulkar’s Double Century
One of the most iconic scorecards in the history of this rivalry comes from February 24, 2010, in Gwalior. On this day, Sachin Tendulkar became the first male cricketer to score a double century in ODIs, finishing with 200 off 147 balls*.
India posted a gargantuan 401/3, a total that was unheard of at the time. South Africa, despite a spirited 114 from AB de Villiers, were bowled out for 248, handing India a 153-run victory and a permanent place in cricket history books.
T20 World Cup 2024: The Final
The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Final in Bridgetown remains the most significant match between the two sides. India batted first, scoring 176/7, thanks to a steadying half-century from Virat Kohli and explosive hitting from Axar Patel.
South Africa seemed on track for victory with Heinrich Klaasen firing, but a magical spell from Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya turned the game. India won by a mere 7 runs, ending their 11-year ICC trophy drought and leaving the Proteas heartbroken in their first-ever World Cup final.
Bowling Records: Bumrah’s 100 Wickets
In the 2025 series, Jasprit Bumrah achieved a unique milestone by becoming the first Indian bowler to take 100 international wickets in all three formats. His performance in the Cuttack T20I was instrumental, where he dismantled the South African top order.
South Africa was bowled out for just 74 runs in that match, which stands as their lowest-ever total in T20I cricket. India’s pace battery, including Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya, has consistently troubled South African batters in recent years.
Head-to-Head: Test Match Statistics
In the longest format of the game, South Africa has historically held an edge, particularly due to their pace-friendly conditions at home. Out of 44 Test matches played, South Africa has won 18, India has won 16, and 10 matches have ended in draws.
India’s highest team total in Tests against South Africa is 643/6 declared at Eden Gardens in 2010. Conversely, South Africa’s highest is 620/4 declared at Centurion, highlighting the high-scoring nature of these encounters when conditions favor the batsmen.
Head-to-Head: ODI Match Statistics
The ODI record between the two nations is slightly skewed in favor of the Proteas. Out of 94 completed matches, South Africa has won 51, while India has claimed 40 victories.
The rivalry is known for its high-scoring games, such as South Africa’s 438/4 at the Wankhede Stadium in 2015. However, India has dominated recent World Cup encounters, winning their last three matches in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 editions by significant margins.
Head-to-Head: T20I Match Statistics
T20 Internationals are where India has truly asserted its dominance over South Africa. In 31 matches, India has won 18 times, while South Africa has 12 wins to their name.
This format has seen some of the most explosive individual performances, including Tilak Varma’s record-breaking run in the 2025-26 series. Interestingly, South Africa is the team that has defeated India the most times in T20Is (13 losses for India), showing how competitive these games remain.
Venue Analysis: The Wanderers, Johannesburg
The Wanderers, often referred to as the “Bullring,” is a favorite hunting ground for both teams. It is known for its high altitude and lightning-fast outfield, which often leads to massive scores in limited-overs cricket.
India has a storied history here, including their first-ever Test win in South Africa in 2006. In T20Is, the venue has hosted several high-scoring thrillers, including the 2024 match where India posted 283 runs.
Venue Analysis: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Eden Gardens is one of India’s most iconic venues and has hosted numerous historic matches against South Africa. It was the site of India’s massive win in the 2023 World Cup, where they bowled out South Africa for just 83 runs.
The pitch at Eden Gardens usually offers assistance to spinners, which has allowed bowlers like Ravindra Jadeja and Anil Kumble to dominate. In the 2025 Test series, however, it was the South African spinners who utilized the conditions better to secure a victory.
Top Run Scorers: India vs South Africa
Sachin Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer for India against South Africa across all formats, with over 3,000 runs. He is closely followed by Virat Kohli, who has been a consistent performer in both home and away conditions.
For South Africa, Jacques Kallis stands at the top of the mountain with over 3,500 runs against India. His ability to anchor the innings and play long knocks made him the biggest hurdle for Indian bowlers for over two decades.
Top Wicket Takers: India vs South Africa
Anil Kumble leads the charts for India with over 100 wickets against South Africa, primarily due to his success in Test matches. In the modern era, Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah have been the primary architects of South African batting collapses.
Dale Steyn remains the most successful South African bowler against India, with over 120 wickets across formats. His ability to swing the ball at high speeds often left the world-class Indian batting lineup searching for answers.
Practical Information and Planning
Attending a South Africa vs. India match is a bucket-list experience for any cricket fan. Whether you are traveling to the high-altitude stadiums of South Africa or the atmospheric grounds of India, proper planning is essential.
- Tickets: Match tickets for this rivalry usually go on sale 2-3 months in advance via official platforms like TicketPro (South Africa) or BookMyShow (India).
- Costs: Expect to pay between $10 and $100 for stadium seating, depending on the format and the venue’s prestige.
- Transport: In India, stadiums are often centrally located with metro access; in South Africa, renting a car or using ride-sharing apps like Uber is recommended.
- What to Expect: Prepare for high-intensity atmospheres, passionate crowds, and weather that can shift quickly, especially in coastal cities like Durban or Cape Town.
- Tips: Arrive at least two hours before the first ball to clear security and soak in the pre-match festivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more matches between India and South Africa?
Overall, South Africa has won more matches in Tests and ODIs, while India leads in the T20I format. South Africa has 18 Test wins to India’s 16, and 51 ODI wins compared to India’s 40.
What is the lowest score for South Africa against India in T20Is?
South Africa’s lowest T20I total against India is 74 runs, which occurred during the 1st T20I in Cuttack on December 9, 2025. This surpassed their previous low against the same opponent.
Who scored the first double century in India vs South Africa ODIs?
Sachin Tendulkar scored the first-ever double century in men’s ODI history against South Africa in Gwalior on February 24, 2010. He finished the innings on 200 not out.
How many times has India beaten South Africa in the Champions Trophy?
India has a perfect record against South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy, winning all four of their encounters in 2000, 2002, 2013, and 2017.
Which player has the most wickets in India vs South Africa Tests?
Anil Kumble holds the record for the most wickets by an Indian against South Africa, while Dale Steyn holds the overall record with 120+ wickets across all formats.
Where was the 2024 T20 World Cup final played?
The final between India and South Africa was played at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, where India won by 7 runs.
Who is the current captain of the South African T20 team?
As of the 2025nd series, Aiden Markram is the captain of the South African T20I and ODI teams, while Temba Bavuma has led the Test side.
Can I buy tickets for the India vs South Africa 2026 series now?
Tickets for the 2026 matches generally become available 8-12 weeks before the start of the series. Check official board websites for the exact release schedule.
What is the highest individual score in a T20I between these two teams?
The record is held by Tilak Varma, who scored 120 not out in the 4th T20I in Johannesburg in November 2024.
Has South Africa ever won a Test series in India?
Yes, South Africa won the Test series in India in 2000 and most recently achieved a historic series victory in 2025.
Final Thoughts
The South Africa national cricket team vs India national cricket team match scorecard from the 2025-26 series tells the story of two cricketing giants trading blows across formats. While South Africa achieved a monumental 2-0 Test series sweep—their first on Indian soil since 2000—India demonstrated their limited-overs prowess by clinching the ODI series 2-1 and the T20I series 3-1. The tour was defined by extreme results: from India’s crushing 408-run defeat in the Guwahati Test to their emphatic 101-run victory in the Cuttack T20I.
Key individual milestones highlighted the scorecard’s depth. Virat Kohli reinforced his legend by becoming the fastest player to reach 28,000 international runs, while Jasprit Bumrah made history as the first Indian bowler to claim 100 wickets in all three formats. For South Africa, the emergence of Marco Jansen as a premier all-rounder and the veteran stability of Quinton de Kock in his 100th T20I appearance were pivotal. As both teams look ahead to the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, this series serves as a high-octane blueprint for the tactical battles to come.
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