Introduction
India vs South Africa is one of the most competitive rivalries in international ODI cricket. Since their first ODI meeting in 1991, both teams have produced thrilling matches, huge totals, outstanding individual performances and memorable finishes.
The India vs South Africa ODI records show an interesting picture. South Africa have the overall advantage, but India have enjoyed several strong periods, especially in recent years.
As of the latest ODI between the teams on 6 December 2025, India and South Africa have played 97 ODIs. South Africa have won 52, India have won 42, while three matches ended without a result.
This article covers the complete head-to-head record, highest scores, lowest totals, leading run-scorers, bowling records and some of the most memorable matches in this rivalry.
India vs South Africa ODI Head-to-Head Record
The overall ODI record gives South Africa a clear historical advantage.
| Record | India | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 97 | 97 |
| Wins | 42 | 52 |
| Losses | 52 | 42 |
| No Result | 3 | 3 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
South Africa lead India 52-42 in ODI wins. Three matches produced no result, and there has been no tied ODI between the teams.
The rivalry started at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on 10 November 1991. It was also South Africa’s first official ODI after their return to international cricket, and India won that historic match by three wickets.
India vs South Africa ODI Records in India
Playing conditions have made a major difference in this rivalry.
According to the overall venue split, India have a better record when the teams have played in India. Across 35 ODIs hosted in India through the 2025 series, India won 20 and South Africa won 15.
India’s home advantage has often come from:
- Familiar batting conditions.
- Strong spin options.
- Experienced top-order batters.
- Large home crowds.
- Better understanding of local pitches.
However, South Africa have also produced several outstanding performances in India.
India vs South Africa ODI Records in South Africa
South Africa have historically been much stronger when playing India on their home grounds.
Across 40 ODIs in South Africa, the Proteas have won 26, while India have won 12. Two matches ended without a result.
Fast bowling and bounce have often been important factors.
South African venues such as Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth have traditionally offered conditions where pace bowlers can trouble Indian batters.
Despite this historical disadvantage, India have improved their ODI performances in South Africa significantly in the modern era.
India vs South Africa ODI Records at Neutral Venues
The rivalry has also produced several matches at neutral venues, particularly in ICC tournaments and multi-team events.
The two teams have played 22 ODIs at neutral venues:
- India won 10.
- South Africa won 11.
- One match ended without a result.
This makes the neutral-venue record almost evenly balanced.
Highest ODI Team Score: South Africa 438/4
One of the biggest entries in the India vs South Africa ODI records is South Africa’s incredible 438/4.
South Africa achieved the score against India at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on 25 October 2015. It remains the highest team total in this ODI rivalry.
The innings featured outstanding batting from South Africa’s top order.
India’s highest ODI total against South Africa is 401/3, scored at Gwalior in 2010.
Highest team totals in the rivalry
- South Africa: 438/4
- India: 401/3
Both scores demonstrate how explosive this rivalry can become when conditions favour batting.
Sachin Tendulkar’s Historic 200* Against South Africa
No discussion of India vs South Africa ODI records is complete without Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary double century.
On 24 February 2010, Tendulkar scored 200 not out from 147 balls against South Africa at Gwalior. India finished on 401/3 and won the match by 153 runs.
The innings included:
- 200* runs
- 147 balls
- 25 fours
- 3 sixes
- Strike rate of 136.05
It was the first double century in men’s ODI cricket, making the match one of the most historic moments in the format.
Most Runs in India vs South Africa ODIs
Sachin Tendulkar has been one of the most successful Indian batters against South Africa.
He scored 2,001 ODI runs against the Proteas, including his famous 200*.
His rivalry record includes:
- Matches: 57
- Runs: 2,001
- Highest score: 200*
- Centuries: 5
- Fifties: 8
This makes Tendulkar one of the most important names in the history of India vs South Africa ODI cricket.
South Africa have also had outstanding batters in this fixture. According to ICC’s head-to-head statistics, Quinton de Kock has scored 1,191 runs against India in ODIs, with a highest score of 135.
Rohit Sharma vs South Africa in ODIs
Rohit Sharma has also produced important ODI performances against South Africa.
The ICC head-to-head record lists Rohit with:
- 952 runs
- Average: 35.25
- Strike rate: 85.99
- Highest score: 150
His aggressive approach at the top of the order has made him an important player in this rivalry.
India vs South Africa ODI Bowling Records
Bowling has always been a major part of this contest.
India’s Kuldeep Yadav has been one of the most successful bowlers against South Africa in ODIs. ICC’s head-to-head statistics list him with 36 wickets against the Proteas, including best figures of 4/18.
For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj is among the leading wicket-takers in the modern rivalry, with nine wickets in the ICC head-to-head dataset.
The rivalry has also featured legendary South African fast bowlers such as:
- Allan Donald
- Shaun Pollock
- Dale Steyn
- Morne Morkel
- Kagiso Rabada
India have countered them with bowlers such as:
- Javagal Srinath
- Anil Kumble
- Zaheer Khan
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Kuldeep Yadav
Latest India vs South Africa ODI Series
The most recent ODI series between India and South Africa was played in India in November and December 2025.
India won the three-match series 2-1.
1st ODI – Ranchi
India won by 17 runs.
2nd ODI – Raipur
South Africa responded with a four-wicket victory.
3rd ODI – Visakhapatnam
India won by 9 wickets, successfully taking the series 2-1. The final score was South Africa 270 all out and India 271/1.
The result was significant because it gave India another recent bilateral ODI series victory over South Africa.
Memorable India vs South Africa ODI Matches
1991 – The Historic First ODI
The first ODI between the teams took place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
India won by three wickets, creating the first chapter of this long-running rivalry.
2010 – Tendulkar’s 200*
This remains arguably the most famous individual performance in the rivalry.
Tendulkar became the first men’s ODI batter to reach 200 when he scored 200* at Gwalior.
2015 – South Africa’s 438/4
South Africa produced one of the biggest totals in the history of this fixture by scoring 438/4 at Wankhede.
2023 – India’s 243-Run Victory
India produced a huge 243-run victory over South Africa at Eden Gardens during the 2023 World Cup. The result was one of India’s most dominant ODI wins against the Proteas.
2025 – India Win the ODI Series 2-1
India won the latest three-match ODI series 2-1, finishing the series with a nine-wicket victory in Visakhapatnam.
India vs South Africa ODI Records: Quick Summary
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total ODIs | 97 |
| India wins | 42 |
| South Africa wins | 52 |
| No Results | 3 |
| Ties | 0 |
| South Africa’s highest total | 438/4 |
| India’s highest total | 401/3 |
| India’s lowest completed total | 91 |
| South Africa’s lowest completed total | 83 |
| Highest individual score | Sachin Tendulkar – 200* |
| Tendulkar’s runs vs SA | 2,001 |
| South Africa’s leading run-scorer in ICC H2H data | Quinton de Kock – 1,191 |
| India’s leading wicket-taker in ICC H2H data | Kuldeep Yadav – 36 wickets |
| Latest ODI series | India won 2-1 in 2025 |
The overall figures are based on the latest completed ODI between the teams on 6 December 2025.
Why India vs South Africa ODI Rivalry Is Special
There are several reasons this fixture remains popular among cricket fans.
Different Cricketing Strengths
India have traditionally been known for their deep batting resources and spin options.
South Africa have often relied on:
- Fast bowling.
- Athletic fielding.
- Powerful top-order batting.
- Aggressive cricket.
Great Individual Performances
The rivalry has produced legendary performances from players such as Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock and several world-class bowlers.
World Cup Importance
India and South Africa have also met in major ICC tournaments, adding extra pressure and excitement to their matches.
Changing Balance
South Africa still lead the overall ODI head-to-head record, but India’s recent performances have reduced the gap. The 2025 series victory was another example of India’s improved results in this rivalry.
Conclusion: Who Has the Better India vs South Africa ODI Record?
The numbers clearly give South Africa the historical advantage.
They have won 52 of the 97 ODIs, compared with India’s 42 victories. However, the rivalry is far from one-sided, especially in recent years.
India have produced some of the most memorable performances, including Sachin Tendulkar’s historic 200*, India’s 401/3, and their 2025 ODI series victory.
South Africa, meanwhile, still hold the highest team total in the rivalry with 438/4 and remain ahead in the overall head-to-head record.
So, if history is the deciding factor, South Africa lead the India vs South Africa ODI records. But India’s recent progress suggests that this is one rivalry where the next chapter could look very different.
FAQs
How many ODIs have India and South Africa played?
India and South Africa have played 97 ODIs.
Who has won more India vs South Africa ODIs?
South Africa have won 52, while India have won 42. Three matches ended without a result.
What is the highest ODI score between India and South Africa?
South Africa’s 438/4 at Wankhede in 2015 is the highest team total in this rivalry.
Who scored 200 against South Africa in ODI cricket?
Sachin Tendulkar scored 200 not out against South Africa at Gwalior in 2010. It was the first men’s ODI double century.
Who has scored the most ODI runs in India vs South Africa matches?
Sachin Tendulkar scored 2,001 ODI runs against South Africa, according to the rivalry statistics cited above.
