India vs South Africa matches have been among the most competitive, as both teams have dominated each other over time, either at home or away, making it difficult for them to challenge.
As South Africa leads in the two-format, but the young Indian team leads in the T20I format, it suggests that the upcoming series will be more in India’s favor, as the Indian team has dominated the South Africans since 2017.
Test Cricket Head-to-Head Records
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| Statistic | Value |
| Total Test Matches | 44 |
| India Wins | 16 |
| South Africa Wins | 18 |
| Draw Matches | 10 |
| India Home Wins | 11 |
| South Africa Home Wins | 5 |
| Draws at India Home | 3 |
The two countries, India and South Africa, have played 44 Test matches to date. South Africa is currently ahead with 18 wins over India’s 16 in this format. There have been 10 draw matches, which indicate how competitive the contests are.
Some of the spectacular group and individual performances have been witnessed within this rivalry. It is interesting to note that India has the largest team total of 643 against South Africa, declared at Eden Gardens in 2010, while the best of the South African team is 620 against 4 declared at Centurion in the same year.
The highest scorers in this format include legendary batsmen Sachin Tendulkar (1,741 runs) and Jacques Kallis (1,734 runs). Home dominance has been so high in India, with 11 of the 19 Tests being won on Indian soil and 5 won by South Africa. The current competition is so high, with India trying to reduce the margin in the next series.
ODI Head-to-Head Records
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| Statistic | Value |
| Total ODI Matches | 94 |
| India Wins | 40 |
| South Africa Wins | 51 |
| No Result / Tie | 3 |
| India Home Wins | 26 |
| South Africa Home Wins | 21 |
| No Result/Tie Home Matches | 1 |
India and South Africa have clashed 94 times in the 50-over limited-overs format. South Africa has the most wins, with 51, followed by India with 40 and 3 no-result games.
These matches have frequently been of high-scoring, and the highest team score is held by South Africa, who had 438 at 4 at Wankhede Stadium in 2015, and India with 401 at 3 at Gwalior in 2010.
Among the individual performances, Sachin Tendulkar leads the run charts with 2,001 runs, closely followed by Jacques Kallis of South Africa with 1,535 runs and Virat Kohli of India with 1,504 runs.
The ODI competition remains lively, with both teams performing well, both at home and abroad. The series has been displaying close matches in recent times.
T20 International Head-to-Head Statistical Records
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| Statistic | Value |
| Total T20I Matches | 31 |
| India Wins | 18 |
| South Africa Wins | 12 |
| No Result / Tie | 1 |
| India Home Wins | 5 |
| South Africa Home Wins | 4 |
When we discuss India vs South Africa in T20Is, we immediately think of the 2024 T20I World Cup, when India clinched their second T20I trophy and broke a decade-long drought that had prevented them from winning any ICC Trophy.
It is the only format for now in which India is leading the number game, having won 18 out of 31 T20I matches. In the last series, India won 3-1, with Tilak Varma scoring 280 runs in 4 innings. However, the previous two games of the series were all about Tilak Varma delivering. He is one of the brightest talents at number three for India, which we even saw in the final of the Asia Cup against Pakistan.
Comparative Table of India vs South Africa Head-to-Head Records
| Format | Matches Played | India Wins | South Africa Wins | Draw/No Result |
| Test | 44 | 16 | 18 | 10 (Draw) |
| ODI | 94 | 40 | 51 | 3 (No Result) |
| T20I | 31 | 18 | 12 | 1 (No Result) |
The match between India and South Africa in cricket is set to be a close one, with South Africa holding a slight edge in overall Tests and ODIs, but comfortably ahead in T20 Internationals. The two teams have delivered remarkable cricketing experiences, driven by record-breaking performances and fierce competition.
This detailed analysis of India’s head-to-head records against South Africa reveals the intensity and drama of one of the most storied rivalries in cricket history, generating excitement and enthusiasm among fans worldwide.
FAQs
A. Overall, South Africa leads in total wins across formats, especially in Tests and ODIs. However, India leads in the T20 International format.
A. They have played 44 Test matches so far, with South Africa winning 18, India winning 16, and 10 matches ending in a draw.
A. India’s highest team total against South Africa is 643 for 6 declared in a Test match, while South Africa’s highest is 620 for 4 declared.
A. Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli are among the top Indian run-scorers, while Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla lead for South Africa. On the bowling side, Anil Kumble (India) and Dale Steyn (South Africa) have been very successful.