India vs South Africa Cricket Head-to-Head Record: Complete History, Stats, Wins & Records (2026)
India vs South Africa Cricket Head-to-Head Record
Complete history, stats, wins and records across Tests, ODIs and T20Is (2026).
India and South Africa have played 179 men’s international cricket matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is as of 6 November 2026. South Africa lead the overall head-to-head record with 86 victories, while India have won 79 matches. The remaining 14 games ended in draws or no-results. South Africa lead in Tests (20–16) and ODIs (52–42), while India lead in T20 Internationals (21–14).
India vs South Africa is one of the most competitive rivalries in international cricket.
From historic Test matches in Johannesburg and Cape Town to unforgettable ODI World Cup encounters and thrilling T20 World Cup contests, both teams have produced remarkable cricketing moments.
The rivalry officially began in November 1991, when South Africa returned to international cricket following its period of isolation.
Since then, India and South Africa have faced each other in bilateral series, ICC tournaments and major international competitions.
Legendary players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Dale Steyn, Hashim Amla and Jasprit Bumrah have contributed to this rivalry.
In recent years, India have become particularly successful against South Africa in T20 cricket.
However, South Africa continue to hold the historical advantage in Test and ODI matches.
In this article, we explore the complete India vs South Africa head-to-head record in 2026, including all-format statistics, home and away records, World Cup meetings, highest scores, famous matches and recent results.
Last updated: 6 November 2026
India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record 2026 – All Formats
The two teams have played 179 international matches across three formats.
IND vs SA Overall Head-to-Head Statistics
| Format | Matches | India Wins | South Africa Wins | Draw / No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 46 | 16 | 20 | 10 draws |
| ODI | 97 | 42 | 52 | 3 no-results |
| T20I | 36 | 21 | 14 | 1 no-result |
| Total | 179 | 79 | 86 | 14 |
South Africa have won seven more international matches than India across the three formats.
However, the rivalry looks different when individual formats are considered.
South Africa have historically dominated more of the Test and ODI contests, while India have enjoyed greater success in T20 Internationals.
India vs South Africa Test Head-to-Head Record
India and South Africa first played Test cricket against each other in November 1992.
Their first Test was held in Durban.
Since then, both teams have contested several memorable Test series.
IND vs SA Test Head-to-Head Statistics
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Test matches | 46 |
| India wins | 16 |
| South Africa wins | 20 |
| Draws | 10 |
| First Test | 13 November 1992 |
| Latest Test | November 2025 |
| Team with more wins | South Africa |
South Africa lead the Test head-to-head record by 20 victories to 16.
India have generally performed better at home, while South Africa have been particularly difficult to defeat in their own conditions.
India vs South Africa Test Record by Venue
| Location | Matches | India Wins | SA Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In India | 21 | 11 | 7 | 3 |
| In South Africa | 25 | 5 | 13 | 7 |
| Total | 46 | 16 | 20 | 10 |
The venue-wise record reveals a significant difference.
India have won 11 of the 21 Tests played at home.
In South Africa, India have managed five victories from 25 matches.
South Africa’s pace-friendly conditions have often challenged Indian batters.
Has India Ever Won a Test Series in South Africa?
As of November 2026, India have not won a bilateral Test series in South Africa.
India’s best results include drawn series in 2010–11 and 2023–24.
The 2023–24 series finished 1–1 after India won the second Test in Cape Town.
India’s Historic Test Wins in South Africa
| Year | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Johannesburg | India won by 123 runs |
| 2010 | Durban | India won by 87 runs |
| 2018 | Johannesburg | India won by 63 runs |
| 2021 | Centurion | India won by 113 runs |
| 2024 | Cape Town | India won by 7 wickets |
These victories represent important milestones in India’s overseas Test history.
India vs South Africa ODI Head-to-Head Record
India and South Africa have faced each other in 97 One Day Internationals.
Their ODI rivalry began on 10 November 1991 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
India won that historic match by three wickets.
IND vs SA ODI Head-to-Head Statistics
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total ODIs | 97 |
| India wins | 42 |
| South Africa wins | 52 |
| No-results | 3 |
| First ODI | 10 November 1991 |
| Latest ODI | 6 December 2025 |
| Team with more wins | South Africa |
South Africa lead the ODI rivalry by 52 wins to 42.
However, India’s performances have improved considerably since the early years of the rivalry.
India vs South Africa ODI Record by Venue
| Location | Matches | India Wins | SA Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In India | 35 | 20 | 15 | 0 |
| In South Africa | 40 | 12 | 26 | 2 |
| Neutral venues | 22 | 10 | 11 | 1 |
| Total | 97 | 42 | 52 | 3 |
India have a positive ODI record against South Africa at home.
South Africa’s overall advantage comes largely from their stronger record in South African conditions and earlier decades.
India vs South Africa ODI Record by Decade
| Period | Matches | India Wins | SA Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 30 | 9 | 20 | 1 |
| 2000s | 27 | 11 | 15 | 1 |
| 2010s | 27 | 15 | 11 | 1 |
| 2020s (through 2025) | 13 | 7 | 6 | 0 |
| Total | 97 | 42 | 52 | 3 |
The table highlights an important trend.
South Africa dominated the rivalry during the 1990s, but India performed better in the 2010s.
India vs South Africa T20I Head-to-Head Record
India and South Africa played their first T20 International on 1 December 2006 in Johannesburg.
India won that match by six wickets.
Since then, T20 cricket has become one of the most exciting parts of this rivalry.
IND vs SA T20I Head-to-Head Statistics
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is | 36 |
| India wins | 21 |
| South Africa wins | 14 |
| No-results | 1 |
| First T20I | 1 December 2006 |
| Latest T20I | 22 February 2026 |
| Team with more wins | India |
India lead South Africa by 21 wins to 14 in T20 Internationals.
India vs South Africa T20I Record by Venue
| Location | Matches | India Wins | SA Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In India | 17 | 8 | 8 | 1 |
| In South Africa | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Neutral venues | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 36 | 21 | 14 | 1 |
Interestingly, India have performed particularly well in T20Is played in South Africa.
India have won nine of their 13 T20I meetings on South African soil.
India vs South Africa ODI World Cup Head-to-Head Record
India and South Africa have produced several memorable matches in the ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup.
Their rivalry in this tournament began in 1992.
ODI World Cup Results
| Year | Winner | Winning Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | South Africa | 6 wickets |
| 1999 | South Africa | 4 wickets |
| 2011 | South Africa | 3 wickets |
| 2015 | India | 130 runs |
| 2019 | India | 6 wickets |
| 2023 | India | 243 runs |
ODI World Cup Head-to-Head Summary
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 6 |
| India wins | 3 |
| South Africa wins | 3 |
The teams are level in ODI World Cup meetings.
South Africa won their first three encounters, while India won the next three.
India vs South Africa – 2015 World Cup
India defeated South Africa by 130 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Shikhar Dhawan scored 137 runs.
India posted 307/7 and dismissed South Africa for 177.
The victory was significant because India had lost their previous three ODI World Cup meetings with South Africa.
India vs South Africa – 2019 World Cup
India defeated South Africa by six wickets in Southampton.
Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 122.
India successfully chased South Africa’s target of 228.
India vs South Africa – 2023 World Cup
India produced a dominant performance at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 101 on his 35th birthday.
India posted 326/5.
South Africa were dismissed for just 83.
India won by 243 runs.
The match was one of India’s most commanding victories during their 2023 World Cup campaign.
India vs South Africa T20 World Cup Head-to-Head Record
India and South Africa have met eight times in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup through February 2026.
India have won five matches, while South Africa have won three.
T20 World Cup Results
| Year | Winner | Winning Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | India | 37 runs |
| 2009 | South Africa | 12 runs |
| 2010 | India | 14 runs |
| 2012 | India | 1 run |
| 2014 | India | 6 wickets |
| 2022 | South Africa | 5 wickets |
| 2024 | India | 7 runs |
| 2026 | South Africa | 76 runs |
T20 World Cup Head-to-Head Summary
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches | 8 |
| India wins | 5 |
| South Africa wins | 3 |
The most famous meeting was the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
India vs South Africa 2024 T20 World Cup Final
The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final was played on 29 June 2024 at Kensington Oval, Barbados.
India entered the match under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy.
South Africa were led by Aiden Markram.
2024 T20 World Cup Final Scorecard
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| India | 176/7 (20 overs) |
| South Africa | 169/8 (20 overs) |
Result: India won by 7 runs.
Key Performances
Virat Kohli scored 76 runs from 59 balls.
Axar Patel contributed 47 from 31 deliveries.
Heinrich Klaasen played an attacking innings of 52 from 27 balls for South Africa.
However, India’s bowlers produced an excellent comeback in the closing overs.
Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh played important roles.
Suryakumar Yadav also completed a remarkable boundary catch to dismiss David Miller in the final over.
India won their second Men’s T20 World Cup title.
The victory ended India’s long wait for another ICC men’s senior white-ball trophy.
India vs South Africa 2026 T20 World Cup Match
The teams met again on 22 February 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
This time, South Africa recorded a convincing victory.
Match Scorecard
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 187/7 (20 overs) |
| India | 111 all out (18.5 overs) |
Result: South Africa won by 76 runs.
This was their most recent men’s international meeting as of 6 November 2026.
The result highlighted South Africa’s ability to challenge India even in Indian conditions.
It also added another chapter to their T20 World Cup rivalry.
India vs South Africa 2025 Test Series
South Africa toured India for a two-match Test series in November 2025.
The visitors won both matches.
Test Series Results
| Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Kolkata | South Africa won by 30 runs |
| 2nd Test | Guwahati | South Africa won by 408 runs |
Series result: South Africa won 2–0.
The series was an important achievement for South Africa.
It also strengthened their overall Test head-to-head advantage.
India vs South Africa 2025 ODI Series
India and South Africa played three ODIs in November and December 2025.
India won the series 2–1.
ODI Series Results
| Match | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 30 November 2025 | India won by 17 runs |
| 2nd ODI | 3 December 2025 | South Africa won by 4 wickets |
| 3rd ODI | 6 December 2025 | India won by 9 wickets |
Series result: India won 2–1.
Third ODI – India Won by Nine Wickets
In the deciding match at Visakhapatnam, South Africa scored 270.
India reached 271/1 in 39.5 overs.
The nine-wicket victory secured the series for India.
India vs South Africa 2025 T20I Series
The teams also played a five-match T20I series in December 2025.
One match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
India won three of the four completed matches.
T20I Series Results
| Match | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 9 December | India won by 101 runs |
| 2nd T20I | 11 December | South Africa won by 51 runs |
| 3rd T20I | 14 December | India won by 7 wickets |
| 4th T20I | 17 December | Abandoned without play |
| 5th T20I | 19 December | India won by 30 runs |
Series result: India won 3–1.
India’s batting depth and strong bowling performances were important factors in the series victory.
India vs South Africa Highest Team Scores
The two teams have produced several high-scoring matches.
Highest Test Team Scores
| Team | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 643/6 declared | Kolkata | 2010 |
| India | 627 | Chennai | 2008 |
| South Africa | 620/4 declared | Centurion | 2010 |
| India | 601/5 declared | Pune | 2019 |
Highest T20I Team Total
India scored 283/1 against South Africa at Johannesburg on 15 November 2024.
It was an extraordinary batting performance.
Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma both scored unbeaten centuries.
India eventually won the match by 135 runs.
The innings remains one of the most memorable batting displays in this rivalry.
India vs South Africa Lowest Team Scores
Several matches have also featured dramatic batting collapses.
| Team | Score | Format | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 55 | Test | 2024 |
| South Africa | 74 | T20I | 2025 |
| India | 76 | Test | 2008 |
| South Africa | 79 | Test | 2015 |
| South Africa | 83 | ODI | 2023 |
South Africa All Out for 55 – Cape Town 2024
South Africa were dismissed for just 55 in the first innings of the Cape Town Test.
Mohammed Siraj took six wickets for 15 runs.
India went on to win the match by seven wickets.
The Test finished in just 642 legal deliveries, making it the shortest completed Test match by balls bowled at the time.
South Africa All Out for 83 – World Cup 2023
India dismissed South Africa for 83 at Eden Gardens.
Ravindra Jadeja took five wickets for 33 runs.
India won by 243 runs.
Top Batting Performances in India vs South Africa Matches
Several legendary batters have produced unforgettable innings in this rivalry.
Sachin Tendulkar – 200* in ODI Cricket
On 24 February 2010, Sachin Tendulkar scored 200 not out against South Africa in Gwalior.
He became the first male cricketer to score a double century in ODIs.
India scored 401/3 and won by 153 runs.
This innings remains one of the most iconic performances in ODI history.
Virat Kohli – 254* in Test Cricket
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 254 against South Africa in Pune in October 2019.
It was his highest Test score.
India declared at 601/5 and won by an innings and 137 runs.
Virat Kohli – 160* in ODI Cricket
Kohli scored 160 not out against South Africa at Cape Town in February 2018.
His innings helped India post 303/6.
India won by 124 runs.
AB de Villiers – 149 from 44 Balls
AB de Villiers scored 149 from 44 deliveries against West Indies in 2015, not India.
That innings is often discussed when comparing South Africa’s greatest ODI performances, but it should not be counted as an India vs South Africa head-to-head record.
For this rivalry, readers should focus on performances actually recorded against the opposing team.
Rohit Sharma – 122* in World Cup 2019
Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 122 against South Africa in Southampton.
His innings helped India win by six wickets.
Tilak Varma – 120* in T20I Cricket
Tilak Varma scored 120 not out from 47 balls against South Africa at Johannesburg in November 2024.
His innings helped India post 283/1.
Top Bowling Performances in India vs South Africa Matches
Mohammed Siraj – 6/15
Siraj took six wickets for 15 runs in the Cape Town Test in January 2024.
His spell helped dismiss South Africa for 55.
Ravindra Jadeja – 5/33
Jadeja claimed five wickets against South Africa in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
His performance helped India secure a 243-run victory.
Dale Steyn – South Africa’s Pace-Bowling Legend
Dale Steyn played a major role in South Africa’s Test successes against India.
His pace, swing and aggressive bowling made him one of the most dangerous opponents for Indian batters.
Jasprit Bumrah – India’s Fast-Bowling Match Winner
Bumrah has delivered several important performances against South Africa.
His ability to bowl accurately with both the new and old ball has been crucial to India’s success.
India vs South Africa: Most Runs in T20Is
Through February 2026, David Miller leads the run-scoring list in men’s India vs South Africa T20 Internationals.
| Player | Team | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| David Miller | South Africa | 626 |
| Quinton de Kock | South Africa | 513 |
| Tilak Varma | India | 497 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 429 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | India | 424 |
These statistics apply specifically to T20I matches between India and South Africa, not the players’ entire T20I careers.
India vs South Africa: Most Wickets in T20Is
Arshdeep Singh has taken 25 wickets against South Africa in T20 Internationals through February 2026.
His performances have made him one of India’s important bowlers in this rivalry.
India vs South Africa: Who Has the Better Record?
The answer depends on the format.
Test Cricket
South Africa lead 20–16.
Their strong home record has been particularly important.
ODI Cricket
South Africa lead 52–42.
However, India have been more competitive in recent decades.
T20 International Cricket
India lead 21–14.
India have also won five of their eight T20 World Cup meetings.
Overall International Cricket
South Africa lead 86–79.
Therefore, South Africa hold the overall historical advantage, while India lead the shortest format.
Why Is India vs South Africa Such a Competitive Rivalry?
Several factors make this rivalry special.
1. Different Playing Conditions
Indian pitches often offer opportunities for spin bowling.
South African conditions can provide more pace, bounce and seam movement.
2. World-Class Fast Bowlers
Both countries have produced exceptional fast bowlers.
South Africa have featured players such as Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada.
India have relied on bowlers including Zaheer Khan, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
3. Legendary Batters
The rivalry has featured Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers.
4. ICC Tournament Encounters
Both teams have faced each other in important World Cup matches.
The 2024 T20 World Cup final remains one of their most famous encounters.
5. Changing Team Strengths
South Africa dominated many early ODI contests.
India later became increasingly successful, particularly in T20 cricket.
Interesting Facts About India vs South Africa Cricket
- India and South Africa first played an ODI in November 1991.
- Their first Test match was played in November 1992.
- Their first T20I was played in December 2006.
- South Africa lead the overall international head-to-head record.
- India lead the T20I rivalry.
- India have never won a bilateral Test series in South Africa.
- India won the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa.
- South Africa defeated India in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
- Sachin Tendulkar scored his historic 200* against South Africa.
- Virat Kohli’s highest Test score of 254* came against South Africa.
- South Africa were dismissed for 55 in Cape Town in 2024.
- India scored 283/1 in a T20I against South Africa in 2024.
- India won the 2025 ODI series 2–1.
- South Africa won the 2025 Test series in India 2–0.
- India won the 2025 T20I series 3–1.
Frequently Asked Questions About India vs South Africa Head-to-Head
1. How many international matches have India and South Africa played?
179 men’s international matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is through 6 November 2026.
2. Who has won more matches overall?
South Africa, with 86 wins compared with India’s 79.
3. What is India vs South Africa’s Test head-to-head record?
South Africa lead 20–16 in 46 Tests, with 10 draws.
4. What is India vs South Africa’s ODI head-to-head record?
South Africa lead 52–42 in 97 ODIs, with three no-results.
5. What is India vs South Africa’s T20I head-to-head record?
India lead 21–14 in 36 T20Is, with one no-result.
6. When did India and South Africa first play an ODI?
10 November 1991.
7. Who won the first ODI between India and South Africa?
India won by three wickets at Kolkata.
8. When did India and South Africa first play a Test?
13 November 1992.
9. When did India and South Africa first play a T20I?
1 December 2006.
10. Who won the first T20I?
India won by six wickets.
11. Has India won a Test series in South Africa?
No, not as of November 2026.
12. How many Tests has India won in South Africa?
Five.
13. Who won the 2024 T20 World Cup final?
India defeated South Africa by seven runs.
14. Who won the 2026 T20 World Cup meeting?
South Africa won by 76 runs.
15. What is the India vs South Africa ODI World Cup record?
Both teams have won three of their six meetings.
16. What is the India vs South Africa T20 World Cup record?
India lead 5–3 in eight matches.
17. Who scored 200 against South Africa in an ODI?
Sachin Tendulkar scored 200 not out in Gwalior in 2010.
18. What is Virat Kohli’s highest Test score?
254 not out against South Africa in Pune in 2019.
19. What is India’s highest T20I score against South Africa?
283/1 in Johannesburg in November 2024.
20. What is South Africa’s lowest Test score against India?
55 in Cape Town in January 2024.
21. Who took six wickets for 15 runs against South Africa?
Mohammed Siraj in the 2024 Cape Town Test.
22. Who won the 2025 Test series?
South Africa won 2–0 in India.
23. Who won the 2025 ODI series?
India won 2–1.
24. Who won the 2025 T20I series?
India won 3–1.
25. Who scored 120 not out against South Africa in 2024?
Tilak Varma.
26. Who has the most T20I runs in this rivalry?
David Miller, with 626 runs through February 2026.
27. Who has the most T20I wickets in this rivalry?
Arshdeep Singh, with 25 wickets through February 2026.
28. Who won the 2023 ODI World Cup match?
India won by 243 runs.
29. Who won the 2015 ODI World Cup match?
India won by 130 runs.
30. Which team has the better cricket record in 2026?
South Africa lead the all-format and historical Test and ODI records, while India lead the T20I head-to-head record.
Conclusion
The India vs South Africa cricket rivalry has produced some of the most memorable matches in international cricket.
From their first ODI meeting in 1991 to the 2026 T20 World Cup, both teams have delivered outstanding performances across all formats.
South Africa currently lead the overall head-to-head record with 86 victories, while India have won 79 matches.
South Africa hold the advantage in Test and ODI cricket, but India lead the T20I rivalry.
The 2024 T20 World Cup final, Sachin Tendulkar’s historic ODI double century, Virat Kohli’s 254 not out and India’s Cape Town Test victory are among the defining moments of this rivalry.
With talented players continuing to emerge from both countries, India vs South Africa promises more exciting contests in the years ahead.
For more cricket records, international head-to-head statistics, player biographies and match analysis, visit CricketGatha – Cricket Ki Har Kahani.
