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The rivalry between the South Africa National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team is one of the most fascinating stories in international cricket. Both countries have world-class players, passion, and flair on the field. From India’s dominance at home to South Africa’s fight on bouncy tracks, the contests between these two teams are always fierce and dramatic.
This timeline shows you how the rivalry has evolved — from their first meetings to present-day battles.
First Meetings (1991–2000)
After years of isolation, South Africa played its first ODI series against India in 1991. This was the start of a competitive cricketing relationship.
Main Highlights:
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1992 World Cup: South Africa’s first-ever World Cup match, won by 6 wickets.
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1996 World Cup: India triumphed by 39 runs in a thrilling group stage match.
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Test cricket between the two sides began in 1992, with closely fought encounters.
Timeline of Famous Matches
| Year | Format | Venue | Winner | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | ODI (WC) | Adelaide | South Africa | First World Cup clash |
| 1996 | ODI (WC) | Karachi | India | Sachin Tendulkar’s brilliance |
| 2000 | Test | Bangalore | South Africa | Historic away series win |
| 2006 | ODI | Johannesburg | South Africa | Successful 414-run chase |
| 2010 | Test | Kolkata | India | Sehwag & Tendulkar dominance |
| 2018 | Test | Johannesburg | India | First-ever win at the Wanderers |
| 2021 | Test Series | South Africa | South Africa | Young SA team wins 2–1 |
Golden Era (2000–2010)
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South Africa dominated at home, making them nearly unbeatable.
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India’s “Fab Four” — Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, and Tendulkar — produced legendary performances.
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2006 Johannesburg ODI: South Africa’s chase of 414 runs remains one of the greatest in cricket history.
Rivalry in the Modern Day (2010–Present)
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Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers became the faces of this era.
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India achieved breakthrough Test wins in South Africa, breaking long-standing barriers.
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South Africa continued to challenge India in ICC tournaments.
Important Points:
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As of 2025, India has never won a Test series in South Africa.
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South Africa has ended India’s winning streaks in multiple ICC tournaments.
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Young stars like Kagiso Rabada, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Aiden Markram are leading the rivalry today.
Key Players Across the Timeline
India
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Sachin Tendulkar – Iconic centuries against South Africa.
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Virat Kohli – Known for consistency in tough conditions.
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Anil Kumble – Legendary spells, especially in Tests.
South Africa
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Jacques Kallis – The greatest all-rounder in this duel.
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AB de Villiers – Destroyer of Indian bowling attacks in ODIs.
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Dale Steyn – His duels with Sehwag and Kohli are unforgettable.
Overall Head-to-Head Record (All Formats up to 2025)
| Format | Matches Played | India Wins | South Africa Wins | Draw/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 44 | 15 | 17 | 12 |
| ODIs | 90 | 41 | 50 | 1 |
| T20Is | 26 | 14 | 11 | 1 |
Quick Takeaways
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South Africa is dominant at home, while India remains a fortress in Asia.
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World Cup clashes between them often go either way, keeping fans on edge.
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Some of cricket’s greatest matches and individual performances have come from this rivalry.
Final Thoughts
The India vs South Africa cricket rivalry is more than just wins and losses. It’s a story of strength, glory, heartbreak, and unforgettable memories. With both teams packed with young stars and world-class veterans, this rivalry promises thrilling battles for decades to come.
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