Introduction
The IND vs SA one day rivalry is one of the most exciting contests in international cricket. India bring their strong batting lineup and spin options, while South Africa are known for their aggressive batting, athletic fielding, and pace attack.
Both teams have produced memorable performances in One Day Internationals (ODIs), including big wins, record-breaking innings, and thrilling finishes. Their rivalry has also featured outstanding players such as Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, AB de Villiers, and Jacques Kallis.
In this article, we cover India vs South Africa ODI head-to-head records, total wins, recent match results, famous performances, and important statistics for cricket fans.
IND vs SA One Day Head-to-Head Record
India and South Africa first met in men’s ODI cricket in November 1991. Since then, the two teams have played numerous matches across bilateral series and international tournaments.
According to records through December 6, 2025, South Africa have the advantage in overall ODI wins. However, India have also produced several dominant performances, especially in recent years.
Source: India vs South Africa head-to-head records.
India
42 wins
97 matches played
South Africa
52 wins
97 matches played
No result
3 matches
Men’s ODIs through December 2025.
IND vs SA One Day: Overall ODI Statistics
The head-to-head record shows South Africa leading India in total wins. However, the overall numbers do not tell the entire story. India’s performance has improved considerably in several recent ODI contests.
| ODI statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| First ODI meeting | November 10, 1991 |
| Total matches played | 97 |
| India won | 42 |
| South Africa won | 52 |
| No result | 3 |
| Tied matches | 0 |
| Highest India score | 401/3 |
| Highest South Africa score | 438/4 |
Source: India vs South Africa ODI records.
IND vs SA One Day: Records in India and South Africa
Playing conditions have played an important role in this rivalry. Indian pitches can help spinners, while South African grounds often offer extra pace and bounce.
| Venue category | Matches | India wins | South Africa wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| In India | 35 | 20 | 15 |
| In South Africa | 40 | 12 | 26 |
| Neutral venues | 22 | 10 | 11 |
Three matches ended without a result across these venue categories.
India’s ODI record at home
India have won more matches than South Africa in India. Familiar pitches and home support have helped the Indian team perform strongly in bilateral series and international tournaments.
South Africa’s ODI record at home
South Africa have historically been more successful when hosting India. Their fast bowlers have often made batting difficult, particularly when the pitch offers bounce and movement.
Who has the advantage at neutral venues?
South Africa have a narrow advantage at neutral venues, with 11 wins compared with India’s 10. These matches include contests at international tournaments and neutral-ground events.
IND vs SA One Day: Last 10 Match Results
The recent results highlight India’s strong performances in this rivalry. India won seven of the last ten ODIs through December 2025, while South Africa won three.
| Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| December 6, 2025 | Visakhapatnam | India won by 9 wickets |
| December 3, 2025 | Raipur | South Africa won by 4 wickets |
| November 30, 2025 | Ranchi | India won by 17 runs |
| December 21, 2023 | Paarl | India won by 78 runs |
| December 19, 2023 | Gqeberha | South Africa won by 8 wickets |
| December 17, 2023 | Johannesburg | India won by 8 wickets |
| November 5, 2023 | Kolkata | India won by 243 runs |
| October 11, 2022 | Delhi | India won by 7 wickets |
| October 9, 2022 | Ranchi | India won by 7 wickets |
| October 6, 2022 | Lucknow | South Africa won by 9 runs |
These results show that India have enjoyed a strong recent run, although South Africa remain capable of winning high-scoring matches and close contests.
IND vs SA One Day: Most Memorable Matches
1. Sachin Tendulkar’s historic 200 in 2010
On February 24, 2010, Sachin Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 200 against South Africa at Gwalior.
- India scored 401/3.
- Tendulkar became the first men’s ODI batter to score a double century.
- India won the match by 153 runs.
It remains one of the defining moments in India vs South Africa ODI history.
2. India’s 243-run victory in the 2023 World Cup
India delivered a dominant performance against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on November 5, 2023.
- India scored 326/5.
- South Africa were bowled out for 83.
- India won by 243 runs.
The result demonstrated India’s strength in a major tournament and remains one of the biggest victories in this rivalry.
3. South Africa’s record 438/4 in 2015
South Africa produced a remarkable batting display against India in Mumbai on October 25, 2015.
- South Africa scored 438/4 in 50 overs.
- AB de Villiers scored 119 off 61 balls.
- South Africa won by 214 runs.
This remains the highest ODI team total in the India-South Africa rivalry listed in the historical records.
IND vs SA One Day: Top Run Scorers
Several legendary batters have made a lasting impact in this fixture. Sachin Tendulkar leads India’s run-scoring list against South Africa, while Virat Kohli has an outstanding average.
| Indian batter | ODI runs vs SA | Highest score |
|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 2,001 | 200* |
| Virat Kohli | 1,806 | 160* |
| Sourav Ganguly | 1,313 | 141* |
| Rahul Dravid | 1,309 | 84 |
| Shikhar Dhawan | 992 | 137 |
Career totals through the December 2025 ODI series.
Virat Kohli’s remarkable consistency
Virat Kohli has been one of India’s most reliable batters against South Africa in ODIs. His ability to build an innings, rotate the strike, and accelerate at the right time makes him particularly dangerous in 50-over cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar’s historic contribution
Tendulkar’s 2,001 ODI runs against South Africa highlight his long-term consistency. His unbeaten double century in 2010 remains a landmark achievement in international cricket.
IND vs SA One Day: Leading Wicket-Takers
Bowlers have played an equally important role in shaping this rivalry. India’s spinners and South Africa’s fast bowlers have produced several memorable spells.
| Indian bowler | Wickets against SA | Best bowling |
|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 46 | 4/25 |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 36 | 4/18 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 31 | 3/27 |
| Javagal Srinath | 28 | 2/34 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 22 | 5/22 |
| South African bowler | Wickets against India | Best bowling |
|---|---|---|
| Shaun Pollock | 48 | 5/37 |
| Allan Donald | 46 | 5/29 |
| Dale Steyn | 34 | 5/50 |
| Jacques Kallis | 31 | 3/3 |
| Lance Klusener | 31 | 5/42 |
Historical ODI figures through December 2025.
Kuldeep Yadav has been especially effective in more recent encounters, while Shaun Pollock leads South Africa’s wicket-takers against India in this format.
IND vs SA One Day: Who Has the Better Record in World Cups?
World Cup matches add extra pressure to this rivalry. India and South Africa have both delivered memorable performances on cricket’s biggest stage.
According to the historical record through 2023:
- India won their 2015 World Cup meeting by 130 runs.
- India defeated South Africa by six wickets in the 2019 World Cup.
- India won by 243 runs in the 2023 World Cup.
- India have also enjoyed success against South Africa in the Champions Trophy.
India’s strong performances in recent World Cups have helped change the narrative of this rivalry, even though South Africa lead the overall ODI head-to-head record.
IND vs SA One Day: Complete Stats Summary
| Category | Key record |
|---|---|
| Overall ODI leader | South Africa |
| South Africa’s ODI wins | 52 |
| India’s ODI wins | 42 |
| Most runs for India | Sachin Tendulkar — 2,001 |
| Most runs for South Africa | Jacques Kallis — 1,535 |
| Most wickets for India | Anil Kumble — 46 |
| Most wickets for South Africa | Shaun Pollock — 48 |
| Highest team score | South Africa — 438/4 |
| Famous individual innings | Tendulkar’s 200* in 2010 |
| Most recent completed ODI meeting | December 6, 2025 |
Historical statistics: India vs South Africa ODI head-to-head.
Conclusion: IND vs SA One Day Rivalry
The IND vs SA one day rivalry combines historic records, outstanding individual performances, and exciting team contests. South Africa lead the overall head-to-head record with 52 wins against India’s 42, but India’s recent results show how competitive the fixture has become.
Sachin Tendulkar’s double century, Virat Kohli’s consistent batting, Kuldeep Yadav’s spin bowling, and South Africa’s powerful batting performances have all helped make this rivalry special.
Overall, South Africa hold the historical advantage, while India have shown that they can dominate this matchup, particularly in major tournaments and recent ODI series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many IND vs SA one-day matches have been played?
India and South Africa have played 97 men’s ODIs through December 6, 2025.
2. Who has won more IND vs SA ODI matches?
South Africa lead with 52 wins, compared with India’s 42 wins. Three matches ended without a result.
3. What is India’s highest ODI score against South Africa?
India’s highest team total in this rivalry is 401/3, scored at Gwalior on February 24, 2010.
4. What is South Africa’s highest ODI score against India?
South Africa’s highest score is 438/4, achieved in Mumbai on October 25, 2015.
5. Who scored the first ODI double century against South Africa?
Sachin Tendulkar scored an unbeaten 200 against South Africa in Gwalior in 2010, becoming the first batter to score a double century in men’s ODI cricket.
