South Africa National Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Timeline (1991 to 2024)

The South Africa national cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline showcases a rivalry that has evolved into one of the most compelling in modern cricket.

Since 1991, when India became the first team to tour South Africa after their return to international cricket post-apartheid, this matchup has delivered unforgettable moments across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

From historic matches like India’s first-ever Test win on South African soil to South Africa’s dominance in the ODI formats, this timeline is filled with fierce competition, memorable performances, and iconic players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers. Over the years, each encounter has not only shaped the trajectory of the two teams but also enriched the global cricket landscape.

South Africa National Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Timeline from 1991 to 2024

1. 1991-1992: India’s Tour of South Africa

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Overview:

• Format: 3 ODIs (No Test matches)
• Result: ODI series drawn 1-1 (one match abandoned)
• Captains: Clive Rice (South Africa) and Mohammad Azharuddin (India)
• Man of the Series: Allan Donald (South Africa)

Description:

In this historic series, South Africa returned to international cricket after a 21-year ban due to apartheid, and India became the first team to tour South Africa post-readmission.

The tour featured a three-match ODI series. The first ODI in Kolkata saw South Africa claim a narrow victory by 3 wickets, driven by Kepler Wessels’ steady batting and Allan Donald’s fiery bowling. India leveled the series in the second ODI at Delhi, winning by 38 runs with strong contributions from Kapil Dev and Sachin Tendulkar. The third ODI was washed out due to rain.

• Highest Run Scorer: Kepler Wessels (South Africa) – 163 runs
• Highest Wicket Taker: Allan Donald (South Africa) – 8 wickets

2. 1992-1993: South Africa’s First Tour of India

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Test Series:

• Number of Matches: 1 Test
• Result: India won 1-0
• Captains: Kepler Wessels (South Africa) and Mohammad Azharuddin (India)
• Man of the Match: Anil Kumble (India)

ODI Series:

• Number of Matches: 4 ODIs
• Result: Series drawn 2-2
• Man of the Series: Kepler Wessels (South Africa)

Description:

This was South Africa’s first full tour of India. In the one-off Test match held in Kanpur, India dominated, winning by 8 wickets, with Anil Kumble taking 8 wickets. Azharuddin‘s hundred and Kapil Dev’s all-round contributions were key.

The ODI series was closely contested. South Africa won the first and third ODIs, while India claimed victories in the second and fourth games, ending the series in a 2-2 draw. Kepler Wessels, with 267 runs, was the top scorer and deservedly took home the Man of the Series award.

• Test Series Highest Run Scorer: Mohammad Azharuddin (India) – 108 runs
• Test Series Highest Wicket Taker: Anil Kumble (India) – 8 wickets
• ODI Series Highest Run Scorer: Kepler Wessels (South Africa) – 267 runs
• ODI Series Highest Wicket Taker: Allan Donald (South Africa) – 9 wickets

3. 1996-1997: South Africa’s Tour of India

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Test Series:

• Number of Matches: 3 Test matches
• Result: South Africa won 2-0
• Captains: Hansie Cronje (South Africa) and Sachin Tendulkar (India)
• Man of the Series: Allan Donald (South Africa)

ODI Series:

• Number of Matches: 7 ODIs
• Result: South Africa won 5-2
• Man of the Series: Gary Kirsten (South Africa)

Description:

This series saw South Africa dominate in both formats. In the Test series, Allan Donald’s express pace, with 20 wickets, was a major factor in South Africa’s comprehensive 2-0 victory. Daryll Cullinan‘s impressive 427 runs helped South Africa win the first Test by 329 runs in Ahmedabad and the third Test by 280 runs in Kanpur, with the Kolkata Test ending in a draw.

In the ODI series, South Africa comfortably won 5-2. Gary Kirsten amassed 353 runs at the top of the order, while Donald continued his fine form with 14 wickets, earning Kirsten the Man of the Series.

• Test Series Highest Run Scorer: Daryll Cullinan (South Africa) – 427 runs
• Test Series Highest Wicket Taker: Allan Donald (South Africa) – 20 wickets
• ODI Series Highest Run Scorer: Gary Kirsten (South Africa) – 353 runs
• ODI Series Highest Wicket Taker: Allan Donald (South Africa) – 14 wickets

4. 1999-2000: India’s Tour of South Africa (Border-Gavaskar Trophy)

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Test Series:

• Number of Matches: 2 Test matches
• Result: South Africa won 2-0
• Captains: Hansie Cronje (South Africa) and Sachin Tendulkar (India)
• Man of the Series: Shaun Pollock (South Africa)

ODI Series:

• Number of Matches: 5 ODIs
• Result: South Africa won 3-2
• Man of the Series: Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa)

Description:

This was a tough series for India as South Africa dominated both formats. In the Test series, South Africa won both matches, with Shaun Pollock playing a starring role by taking 15 wickets in two games, earning him the Man of the Series award. Sachin Tendulkar was India’s standout performer with 278 runs.

In the ODI series, South Africa edged a competitive series 3-2, with Herschelle Gibbs scoring 271 runs. The turning point was the fourth ODI in Kanpur, where South Africa won by 7 wickets, securing the series.

• Test Series Highest Run Scorer: Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 278 runs
• Test Series Highest Wicket Taker: Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – 15 wickets
• ODI Series Highest Run Scorer: Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa) – 271 runs
• ODI Series Highest Wicket Taker: Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – 12 wickets

5. 2001: South Africa’s Tour of India

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Test Series:

• Number of Matches: 2 Test matches
• Result: Series drawn 1-1
• Captains: Shaun Pollock (South Africa) and Sourav Ganguly (India)
• Man of the Series: Shaun Pollock (South Africa)

ODI Series:

• Number of Matches: 5 ODIs
• Result: India won 3-2
• Man of the Series: Virender Sehwag (India)

Description:

The Test series ended in a 1-1 draw, with India winning the first Test in Mumbai by 2 wickets, thanks to strong performances by VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble. South Africa rebounded in the second Test in Bengaluru, winning by 9 wickets. Herschelle Gibbs was the top scorer with 310 runs, while Shaun Pollock’s 14 wickets earned him the Man of the Series.

In the ODI series, India came back from a 2-1 deficit to win the series 3-2, thanks to a standout performance by Virender Sehwag, who was awarded the Man of the Series. Herschelle Gibbs was again the top run-scorer with 271 runs.

• Test Series Highest Run Scorer: Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa) – 310 runs
• Test Series Highest Wicket Taker: Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – 14 wickets
• ODI Series Highest Run Scorer: Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa) – 271 runs
• ODI Series Highest Wicket Taker: Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – 10 wickets

6. 2004: India’s Tour of South Africa

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Test Series:

• Number of Matches: 2 Test matches
• Result: South Africa won 2-0
• Captains: Graeme Smith (South Africa) and Rahul Dravid (India)
• Man of the Series: Makhaya Ntini (South Africa)

ODI Series:

• Number of Matches: No ODI series played

Description:

In the Test series, South Africa won both matches to complete a 2-0 series win. Graeme Smith’s leadership and the bowling of Makhaya Ntini, who took 13 wickets, were instrumental in the hosts’ victory. India struggled to counter South Africa’s pace attack, with Rahul Dravid leading the batting charts for India but unable to prevent defeats.

• Test Series Highest Run Scorer: Rahul Dravid (India) – 186 runs
• Test Series Highest Wicket Taker: Makhaya Ntini (South Africa) – 13 wickets

7. 2006-2007: India’s Tour of South Africa

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Test Series:

• Number of Matches: 3 Test matches
• Result: South Africa won 2-1
• Captains: Graeme Smith (South Africa) and Rahul Dravid (India)
• Man of the Series: Shaun Pollock (South Africa)

ODI Series:

• Number of Matches: 5 ODIs
• Result: South Africa won 4-0
• Man of the Series: Shaun Pollock (South Africa)

T20I Series:

• Number of Matches: 1 T20I
• Result: South Africa won 1-0

Description:

The 2006-2007 series saw India tour South Africa with hopes of reversing their poor record. In the Test series, India made history by winning their first-ever Test match on South African soil in the first Test at Johannesburg, thanks to Sreesanth’s stunning bowling spell that helped India claim a victory by 123 runs.

However, South Africa bounced back to win the next two Tests in Durban and Cape Town, with Shaun Pollock taking 13 wickets in the series and being named Man of the Series.

The ODI series was heavily dominated by South Africa, who swept the five-match series 4-0 (one match abandoned). Shaun Pollock was the standout player once again, with both bat and ball, while Herschelle Gibbs and AB de Villiers shined in the batting department. The only T20I of the tour saw South Africa win comfortably.

• Test Series Highest Run Scorer: Wasim Jaffer (India) – 292 runs
• Test Series Highest Wicket Taker: Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – 13 wickets
• ODI Series Highest Run Scorer: AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 248 runs
• ODI Series Highest Wicket Taker: Shaun Pollock (South Africa) – 10 wickets

8. 2010-2011: South Africa’s Tour of India

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Test Series:

• Number of Matches: 2 Test matches
• Result: Series drawn 1-1
• Captains: Graeme Smith (South Africa) and MS Dhoni (India)
• Man of the Series: Hashim Amla (South Africa)

ODI Series:

• Number of Matches: 3 ODIs
• Result: South Africa won 2-1
• Man of the Series: Hashim Amla (South Africa)

Description:

The 2010-2011 series between India and South Africa was closely contested. In the Test series, South Africa took the lead by winning the first Test in Nagpur by an innings and 6 runs, thanks to Hashim Amla’s double century and Dale Steyn’s remarkable bowling, taking 7 wickets in the second innings.

India bounced back in the second Test in Kolkata, winning by an innings and 58 runs, courtesy of Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh, who took 8 wickets in the match. The series ended in a 1-1 draw, with Hashim Amla scoring a remarkable 490 runs in two Tests and being named the Man of the Series.

In the ODI series, South Africa edged India 2-1, with Hashim Amla continuing his fantastic form, scoring 200 runs in three matches. AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn were instrumental in South Africa’s success.

• Test Series Highest Run Scorer: Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 490 runs
• Test Series Highest Wicket Taker: Harbhajan Singh (India) – 15 wickets
• ODI Series Highest Run Scorer: Hashim Amla (South Africa) – 200 runs
• ODI Series Highest Wicket Taker: Dale Steyn (South Africa) – 6 wickets

9. 2013: India’s Tour of South Africa

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Test Series:

• Number of Matches: 2 Test matches
• Result: South Africa won 1-0
• Captains: Graeme Smith (South Africa) and MS Dhoni (India)
• Man of the Series: AB de Villiers (South Africa)

ODI Series:

• Number of Matches: 3 ODIs
• Result: South Africa won 2-0
• Man of the Series: Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

Description:

In 2013, India toured South Africa for a two-Test and three-ODI series. In the Test series, South Africa emerged victorious, winning 1-0. The first Test in Johannesburg ended in an epic draw, with India nearly pulling off a famous victory before AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis held on for South Africa.

South Africa then won the second Test in Durban by 10 wickets, with AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis (in his farewell Test) playing key roles. AB de Villiers, who scored 341 runs in two Tests, was awarded the Man of the Series.

In the ODI series, South Africa dominated India, winning 2-0, with the third match being abandoned. Quinton de Kock was the star of the series, smashing three consecutive centuries and ending with 342 runs. His outstanding performances earned him the Man of the Series.

• Test Series Highest Run Scorer: AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 341 runs
• Test Series Highest Wicket Taker: Zaheer Khan (India) – 9 wickets
• ODI Series Highest Run Scorer: Quinton de Kock (South Africa) – 342 runs
• ODI Series Highest Wicket Taker: Mohammed Shami (India) – 9 wickets

10. 2015: South Africa’s Tour of India

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Test Series:

• Number of Matches: 4 Test matches
• Result: India won 3-0
• Captains: Hashim Amla (South Africa) and Virat Kohli (India)
• Man of the Series: Ravichandran Ashwin (India)

ODI Series:

• Number of Matches: 5 ODIs
• Result: South Africa won 3-2
• Man of the Series: AB de Villiers (South Africa)

T20I Series:

• Number of Matches: 3 T20Is
• Result: South Africa won 2-0
• Man of the Series: JP Duminy (South Africa)

Description:

The 2015 tour was a long series, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. In the Test series, India comprehensively won 3-0, with the fourth Test in Bengaluru washed out. The turning point was India’s dominance through spin, with Ravichandran Ashwin taking 31 wickets, earning him the Man of the Series award. South Africa struggled against India’s spinners, with AB de Villiers being one of the few consistent batsmen for South Africa.

In the ODI series, South Africa came out on top, winning 3-2 in a thrilling contest. AB de Villiers was sensational, scoring 358 runs, including a blistering century in the decider in Mumbai, leading South Africa to a massive victory by 214 runs.

In the T20I series, South Africa won 2-0, with one match being abandoned. JP Duminy played a key role in the victory, earning the Man of the Series award.

• Test Series Highest Run Scorer: Ajinkya Rahane (India) – 266 runs
• Test Series Highest Wicket Taker: Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 31 wickets
• ODI Series Highest Run Scorer: AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 358 runs
• ODI Series Highest Wicket Taker: Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – 10 wickets

11. 2018: India’s Tour of South Africa

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Test Series:

• Number of Matches: 3 Test matches
• Result: South Africa won 2-1
• Captains: Faf du Plessis (South Africa) and Virat Kohli (India)
• Man of the Series: Vernon Philander (South Africa)

ODI Series:

• Number of Matches: 6 ODIs
• Result: India won 5-1
• Man of the Series: Virat Kohli (India)

T20I Series:

• Number of Matches: 3 T20Is
• Result: India won 2-1
• Man of the Series: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India)

Description:

The 2018 tour was a mixed series for both teams. In the Test series, South Africa won 2-1, with the first Test in Cape Town and the second Test in Centurion going to the hosts. India won the third Test in Johannesburg, with Virat Kohli leading from the front, but Vernon Philander’s swing bowling was the series decider, earning him the Man of the Series award.

India made up for the Test series loss by dominating the ODI series, winning 5-1. Virat Kohli was in incredible form, scoring 558 runs across six games, with three centuries, and was deservedly named Man of the Series. In the T20I series, India won 2-1, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar impressing with his bowling, earning him the Man of the Series.

• Test Series Highest Run Scorer: Virat Kohli (India) – 286 runs
• Test Series Highest Wicket Taker: Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – 15 wickets
• ODI Series Highest Run Scorer: Virat Kohli (India) – 558 runs
• ODI Series Highest Wicket Taker: Kuldeep Yadav (India) – 17 wickets

12. 2021-2022: India’s Tour of South Africa

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Test Series:

• Number of Matches: 3 Test matches
• Result: South Africa won 2-1
• Captains: Dean Elgar (South Africa) and Virat Kohli (India)
• Man of the Series: Keegan Petersen (South Africa)

ODI Series:

• Number of Matches: 3 ODIs
• Result: South Africa won 3-0
• Man of the Series: Quinton de Kock (South Africa)

Description:

The 2021-2022 series saw India touring South Africa for a three-Test and three-ODI series. South Africa, facing a formidable Indian side, won the Test series 2-1, with Dean Elgar’s gritty performances as captain being a standout. The first Test at Centurion saw India win by 113 runs, but South Africa bounced back to win in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Keegan Petersen, who scored 276 runs, was named Man of the Series.

In the ODI series, South Africa whitewashed India 3-0. Quinton de Kock starred with 229 runs, and his explosive batting earned him the Man of the Series award.

• Test Series Highest Run Scorer: Keegan Petersen (South Africa) – 276 runs
• Test Series Highest Wicket Taker: Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – 20 wickets
• ODI Series Highest Run Scorer: Quinton de Kock (South Africa) – 229 runs
• ODI Series Highest Wicket Taker: Lungi Ngidi (South Africa) – 8 wickets

13. 2024: India’s Tour of South Africa

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The India tour of South Africa 2023-2024 is highly anticipated, featuring a series of matches across all formats. The tour will consist of 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs, and 2 Test matches, all set to take place between December 2023 and January 2024.

T20I Series:

• Number of Matches: 3 T20Is
• Schedule:
  • 1st T20I: December 10, 2023 – Kingsmead, Durban
  • 2nd T20I: December 12, 2023 – St George’s Park, Gqeberha
  • 3rd T20I: December 14, 2023 – New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
• Significance: This series will help both teams fine-tune their squads ahead of the busy cricketing calendar in 2024, including the T20 World Cup later in the year.

ODI Series:

• Number of Matches: 3 ODIs
• Schedule:
  • 1st ODI: December 17, 2023 – New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
  • 2nd ODI: December 19, 2023 – St George’s Park, Gqeberha
  • 3rd ODI: December 21, 2023 – Boland Park, Paarl
• Significance: The ODI series will be a crucial part of preparations for the next ICC World Cup cycle and provide valuable points in the ICC rankings for both teams.

Test Series:

• Number of Matches: 2 Test matches
• Schedule:
  • 1st Test: December 26-30, 2023 – SuperSport Park, Centurion
  • 2nd Test: January 3-7, 2024 – Newlands, Cape Town
• Significance: The Test series will be part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. India and South Africa will both be looking to secure points to strengthen their positions on the World Test Championship table.

The tour promises exciting matchups, with the T20I series setting the stage for fast-paced cricket, while the Test series will reignite the Freedom Trophy, honoring the legacies of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi.

Conclusion

The South Africa national cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline stands as a testament to the intense and enduring cricket rivalry between these two powerhouse nations. From the early days of South Africa’s return to the international stage to the upcoming battles in 2024, this matchup has consistently delivered moments of high drama, strategic brilliance, and individual excellence.

As both teams gear up for future encounters, the rivalry continues to grow, promising more thrilling contests that will shape the course of international cricket for years to come.

What Are the FAQs for South Africa National Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Timeline?

When did the rivalry begin?

The rivalry began in 1991-1992 when India toured South Africa for a three-match ODI series, marking the first international tour of South Africa after the end of apartheid.

What notable players have participated in this rivalry?

Several iconic players have featured prominently in this rivalry, including Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers.

How has the competition evolved over the years?

The competition has seen numerous memorable moments, including India’s first Test win on South African soil and South Africa’s dominance in ODIs. Over time, the encounters have shaped the trajectory of both teams and contributed to the global cricket landscape.

What is the significance of the upcoming 2024 series?

The upcoming series in December 2023 and January 2024 will feature T20Is, ODIs, and Test matches. It holds significance as it helps both teams fine-tune their squads ahead of major events like the T20 World Cup and contributes to the ICC World Test Championship standings.

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