IND vs SA: Match Results, Series Scorecards & Historic Records

The most recent IND vs SA series in late 2025 concluded with South Africa winning the Test series 2–0 and the ODI series 2–1, while India won the T20I series 3–1. A historic milestone was reached during the 2nd Test in Guwahati (November 2025), where South Africa secured their first Test series victory on Indian soil since 2000, winning by a massive margin of 408 runs. In white-ball cricket, individual brilliance dominated the scorecards, with Tilak Varma becoming the youngest Indian to reach 1,000 T20I runs and Virat Kohli breaking the record for most centuries in a single format (52) during the ODI leg.

This comprehensive guide offers an authoritative look at the India vs South Africa rivalry. You will find detailed scorecards from the 2025 home series, a breakdown of historical head-to-head statistics in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, and a preview of the upcoming 2026 calendar. Whether you are analyzing the “Freedom Trophy” or preparing for the next ICC event, this article provides the factual depth and scannable data required by every cricket enthusiast.

2025 Test Series: Freedom Trophy

The 2025 Test series between India and South Africa was a landmark event in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. South Africa’s dominant performance re-established them as a powerhouse in subcontinental conditions.

1st Test: Kolkata (Nov 13-17)

South Africa defeated India by 30 runs in a low-scoring thriller at Eden Gardens. Jasprit Bumrah took 5/27 in the first innings, but a masterclass in spin bowling by Simon Harmer (4/30 and 4/21) dismantled India’s batting lineup on a turning track.

2nd Test: Guwahati (Nov 22-26)

In one of India’s heaviest defeats, South Africa won by 408 runs to clinch the series 2–0. Senuran Muthusamy scored his maiden Test century (109), while Marco Jansen took 6/48 in the first innings to leave the Indian top order in tatters.

2025 ODI Series Summary

The three-match ODI series was a display of high-octane batting, featuring record-breaking chases and historical milestones from legendary players.

Series Result: SA 2-1 IND

South Africa claimed the series victory by winning the second and third matches. The series opener in Ranchi went to India by 17 runs, but the Proteas bounced back in Raipur and Visakhapatnam with clinical performances.

Historic Milestones in ODIs

• Virat Kohli: Surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record with his 52nd century in a single format.
• Rohit Sharma: Broke the record for the most career sixes in ODIs (352), overtaking Shahid Afridi.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad: Scored his maiden ODI century (105) during the Raipur clash.

2025 T20I Series Breakdown

India found their rhythm in the shortest format, showcasing the depth of their young talent pool under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav.

Series Result: IND 3-1 SA

India dominated the five-match series, with one game being abandoned due to rain in Lucknow. Notable wins included a 101-run victory in Cuttack and a 7-wicket win in Dharamshala.

Standout T20I Performers

Tilak Varma was the star of the series, amassing 187 runs and becoming the youngest Indian to reach 1,000 T20I runs. On the bowling front, Varun Chakravarthy led the charts with 10 wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah reached the milestone of 100 T20I wickets.

Head-to-Head Records (All Formats)

The IND vs SA rivalry is one of the most balanced in world cricket, with both teams showing significant dominance in their respective home conditions over the decades.

Test Match Statistics

Across 44 Test matches, South Africa leads with 18 wins compared to India’s 16, with 10 matches ending in draws. India has been strong at home, but South Africa’s 2025 series win has narrowed the gap significantly.

ODI and T20I Statistics

In ODIs, South Africa holds a slight edge with 51 wins in 94 matches. However, India is the superior side in T20 Internationals, leading with 18 wins out of 31 encounters, reflecting their aggressive approach in the 20-over format.

Practical Information for Fans

Attending an IND vs SA match is a premium experience. Future matches in 2026 are expected to be hosted across major international venues in both nations.

Venue Expectations and Tips

• Wanderers (Johannesburg): High-altitude ground where the ball travels further; expect high scores in T20s.
• Eden Gardens (Kolkata): Historic atmosphere with a capacity of 66,000; known for being spin-friendly in late autumn.
• Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad): The world’s largest cricket stadium; check for early bird tickets via official BCCI partners.

Logistics and Costs

• Tickets: Prices generally start at ₹750 ($9) for general stands and can go up to ₹25,000 ($300) for hospitality boxes.
• Travel: Most stadiums are well-connected by local metro services; it is advised to arrive at least 2 hours before the first ball.

Women’s Cricket: IND vs SA 2025/26

The women’s rivalry has reached new heights, with Laura Wolvaardt and Shafali Verma emerging as the faces of their respective nations.

Wolvaardt’s Record Month

In late 2025, South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt became the ICC Player of the Month after scoring three centuries across formats against India. Her unbeaten 115 in the T20Is remains one of the highest strike-rate innings in the rivalry’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the last IND vs SA Test series? 

South Africa won the last series 2–0 in November 2025, including a record-breaking 408-run win in the second Test.

What is Virat Kohli’s record against South Africa? 

Virat Kohli holds the record for most centuries (52) in a single format and has scored over 1,500 runs against South Africa in ODIs.

When is the next India vs South Africa match? 

The next scheduled encounter is a Women’s T20 World Cup group stage match on June 21, 2026, at Old Trafford.

Who has the most wickets in IND vs SA T20Is? 

Jasprit Bumrah became the leading wicket-taker for India in the 2025 series, also reaching the 100-wicket milestone.

Which team has the highest ODI score in this rivalry? 

South Africa holds the record with 438/4, achieved at Wankhede Stadium in 2015.

Who captained India in the 2025 Test series? 

Shubman Gill led the side for the 1st Test, while Rishabh Pant captained India for the first time in Tests during the 2nd Test.

What was South Africa’s lowest T20I total against India? 

South Africa was bowled out for 74 in the 1st T20I in Cuttack in December 2025.

Is the Freedom Trophy a perpetual trophy? 

Yes, the Freedom Trophy is awarded to the winner of every Test series between India and South Africa to commemorate Gandhi and Mandela.

How many T20I runs does Tilak Varma have? 

As of early 2026, Tilak Varma has surpassed 1,000 T20I runs, becoming the youngest Indian to reach this landmark.

Can I buy IND vs SA 2026 World Cup tickets now? 

Tickets for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup are expected to go on sale in late 2025 via the official ICC website.

Final Thoughts

The IND vs SA rivalry in 2026 stands at a fascinating crossroads. South Africa’s resurgence in Test cricket, highlighted by their 2–0 sweep of the Freedom Trophy, has challenged India’s long-standing home dominance. Conversely, India’s 3–1 T20I victory proves that their next generation of white-ball stars is ready to lead the global stage. As both teams prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup, the tactical battle between pace and spin remains the defining feature of their scorecards.

Looking ahead, the inclusion of veterans like Virat Kohli and the rise of youngsters like Tristan Stubbs ensure that every match between these two giants remains a must-watch event. For fans and analysts, the 2025–2026 season has been a masterclass in high-stakes cricket, setting a high bar for the years to come.

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