Two teams. One massive rivalry. And about 30 years of drama, heartbreak, stunning comebacks, and record-breaking performances.
If you follow international cricket even casually, you already know the South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline is not your average rivalry. It has everything — Waqar Younis reversing it both ways at pace, Dale Steyn breathing fire, Shahid Afridi blasting sixes, and AB de Villiers making it all look effortless. This is a rivalry that has played out across dusty subcontinental pitches and bouncy South African greentops, and every chapter has been worth reading.
So let’s get into it — from the very first time these two sides locked horns in 1992 right up to what’s happened in 2025 and 2026. You’ll get the full picture.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All statistics, match results, and records mentioned here are sourced from publicly available platforms including CricketSky, ESPNcricinfo, ICC, and Cricbuzz, and are verified as of April 22, 2026. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, cricket records and statistics are subject to updates and revisions. Readers are encouraged to cross-check with official sources for the latest and most accurate figures.
How It All Began: The First Meeting (1992)
The South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline officially kicked off on March 8, 1992, in Brisbane, Australia, during the Benson & Hedges Cricket World Cup. It was South Africa’s return to international cricket after years of isolation due to apartheid — and what a way to announce yourself. South Africa won that rain-affected match by 20 runs. Pakistan moved on to win the tournament, but the seed of this rivalry had been planted.
What followed over the next three-plus decades has been a roller coaster neither set of fans would trade for anything.
Head-to-Head Overview: The Big Numbers
Before we dig into the era-wise breakdown, here’s where things stand across all formats as of April 2026.
Overall Head-to-Head (All Formats Combined)
| Format | Total Matches | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | Draws/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 30 | 6 | 17 | 7 |
| ODIs | 90 | 34 | 52 | 4 (NR/Tied) |
| T20Is | 28 | 13 | 13 | 2 |
| Total | 148 | 53 | 82 | 13 |
South Africa holds the overall edge, especially in Tests and ODIs. But T20Is? That’s been a beautifully even contest — and that’s where Pakistan has often punched hardest.
SA vs Pakistan Head-to-Head: Test Matches
Tests are where reputations are made, and South Africa has dominated this format against Pakistan with 17 wins from 30 matches.
SA vs Pakistan Head-to-Head (Test)
| Series | Venue | Result | Scores |
|---|---|---|---|
| Only Test, Jan 1995 | Johannesburg | SA won by 324 runs | SA 460 & 259/7d; Pak 230 & 165 |
| 1st Test, Oct 1997 | Rawalpindi | Draw | Pak 456 & 182/6; SA 403 |
| 2nd Test, Oct 1997 | Sheikhupura | Draw | SA 402; Pak 53/1 |
| 3rd Test, Oct 1997 | Faisalabad | SA won by 53 runs | SA 239 & 214; Pak 308 & 92 |
| 1st Test, Feb 1998 | Johannesburg | Draw | SA 364 & 44/0; Pak 329 |
| 2nd Test, Feb 1998 | Durban | Pak won by 29 runs | Pak 259 & 226; SA 231 & 225 |
| 3rd Test, Mar 1998 | Port Elizabeth | SA won by 259 runs | SA 293 & 206/7d; Pak 106 & 134 |
| 1st Test, Oct 2003 | Lahore | SA won by inn. & 131 runs | SA 548/7d; Pak 268 & 149 |
| 2nd Test, Oct 2003 | Faisalabad | Draw | SA 295 & 186/5; Pak 261 & 204 |
| Only Test, Feb 2007 | Cape Town | Pak won by 5 wickets | SA 328 & 265; Pak 419 & 179/5 |
| 1st Test, Jan 2013 | Johannesburg | SA won by inn. & 21 runs | SA 584/7d; Pak 290 & 273 |
| 2nd Test, Feb 2013 | Cape Town | SA won by inn. & 28 runs | SA 457/6d; Pak 236 & 193 |
| 3rd Test, Feb 2013 | Centurion | Pak won by 211 runs | Pak 338 & 214; SA 206 & 135 |
| 1st Test, Oct 2013 | Dubai | Pak won by 7 wickets | SA 210 & 128; Pak 216 & 123/3 |
| 2nd Test, Oct 2013 | Abu Dhabi | Draw | Pak 351 & 309/6d; SA 283 & 163/6 |
| 3rd Test, Nov 2013 | Sharjah | Draw | SA 234 & 307/4d; Pak 191 & 240/9 |
| 1st Test, Jan 2019 | Centurion | SA won by 107 runs | SA 412/7d & 176/6d; Pak 177 & 304 |
| 2nd Test, Jan 2019 | Cape Town | SA won by inn. & 177 runs | SA 431; Pak 177 & 77 |
| 3rd Test, Jan 2019 | Johannesburg | SA won by 107 runs | SA 341 & 247/3d; Pak 185 & 296 |
| 1st Test, Jan 2021 | Karachi | Pak won by 7 wickets | SA 220 & 245; Pak 378 & 90/3 |
| 2nd Test, Feb 2021 | Rawalpindi | Pak won by 95 runs | Pak 272 & 298; SA 201 & 274 |
| 1st Test, Dec 2024 | Centurion | SA won by 2 wickets | Pak 211 & 238; SA 301 & 150/8 |
| 2nd Test, Jan 2025 | Cape Town | SA won by 10 wickets | SA 615 & 61/0; Pak 194 & 478 |
| 1st Test, Oct 2025 | Lahore | Pak won by 93 runs | Pak 378 & 167; SA 269 & 183 |
| 2nd Test, Oct 2025 | Rawalpindi | SA won by 8 wickets | Pak 333 & 138; SA 404 & 73/2 |
SA vs Pakistan Head-to-Head: ODIs
SA vs Pakistan Head-to-Head (ODI)
| Stat | Pakistan | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Total ODIs Played | 90 | 90 |
| Wins | 34 | 52 |
| No Result/Tied | 4 | 4 |
| Highest Team Total | 374/7 (vs SA, 2013) | 365/2 (vs Pak, 2013) |
| Lowest Team Total | 87 (vs SA, 1992) | 103 (vs Pak, 2013) |
South Africa’s 52-34 ODI lead tells you everything. The Proteas have been ruthless in the 50-over format, particularly at home. That said, Pakistan’s 3-0 ODI series whitewash in South Africa in December 2024 was historic — the first time Pakistan had ever whitewashed South Africa in an ODI series on South African soil.
SA vs Pakistan Head-to-Head: T20Is
SA vs Pakistan Head-to-Head (T20I)
| Stat | Pakistan | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Total T20Is Played | 28 | 28 |
| Wins | 13 | 13 |
| No Result | 2 | 2 |
| Highest Team Total | 200+ | 200+ |
| First T20I Meeting | Feb 2007 | Feb 2007 |
The T20 format has been beautifully balanced between these two sides. As of December 2024, both teams had won 12 T20Is each (2 NR). The 2024-25 T20 series in South Africa saw the hosts win 2-0, which nudged SA ahead. However, Pakistan’s 2025 series at home brought the ledger back level.
ICC Matches Between Teams
This is where the rivalry truly heats up. Let me take you through every major ICC tournament clash in the South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline.
ODI World Cup Matches
| Year | Venue | Winner | Pakistan Score | SA Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Brisbane, AUS | South Africa | 74 (36.2 ov) | 74/1 | 20 runs (D/L) |
| 1999 | Nottingham, ENG | South Africa | 220/10 (49.1 ov) | 220/6 | SA won on run rate (Super Six) |
| 2003 | Cape Town, SA | Pakistan | 273/7 (50 ov) | 228/10 | Pak won by 45 runs |
| 2007 | Kingston, JAM | Pakistan | 132/6 (31.3 ov) | 131/9 | Pak won by 1 wicket |
| 2015 | Adelaide, AUS | South Africa | 222/10 (47 ov) | 202/10 | SA won by 29 runs (D/L) |
| 2019 | Lord’s, ENG | South Africa | 308/7 (50 ov) | 308/9 | South Africa won (NRR tie, SA advanced) |
| 2023 | Chennai, IND | South Africa | 270/7 (50 ov) | 220/10 | SA won by 50 runs |
The 2007 World Cup clash was an absolute nail-biter. Pakistan chased 132 in 31.3 overs — winning by just 1 wicket in a do-or-die match. Drama, thy name is Pakistan!
ICC T20 World Cup Matches
| Year | Venue | Winner | Pakistan Score | SA Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Johannesburg, SA | South Africa | 129/7 (20 ov) | 132/2 | SA won by 8 wickets |
| 2009 | Trent Bridge, ENG | Pakistan | 134/9 (20 ov) | 133/7 | Pak won by 1 run (semi-final) |
| 2010 | Barbados, WI | South Africa | 148/8 (20 ov) | 149/3 | SA won by 7 wickets |
| 2012 | Colombo, SL | South Africa | 128/9 (20 ov) | 129/5 | SA won by 5 wickets |
| 2021 | Sharjah, UAE | Pakistan | 189/2 (20 ov) | 185/6 | Pak won by 3 wickets |
| 2022 | Sydney, AUS | Pakistan | 185/9 (20 ov) | 185/8 | Pak won by 1 wicket (No-ball controversy) |
| 2024 | New York, USA | No match (different groups) | — | — | — |
The 2022 T20 World Cup match in Sydney is one for the ages. Pakistan won by literally 1 wicket off the last ball — after a controversial no-ball call that still divides cricket fans globally. Blistering stuff.
ICC Champions Trophy Matches
| Year | Host | Winner | Pakistan Score | SA Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Bangladesh | SA (tournament winner) | Not played vs SA | — | — |
| 2006 | India | South Africa | 224/10 (46.2 ov) | 225/3 | SA won by 7 wickets |
| 2009 | South Africa | Not played vs each other | — | — | — |
| 2013 | England | South Africa | 165/10 (41.2 ov) | 166/3 | SA won by 7 wickets |
| 2017 | England | Pakistan | 219/6 (50 ov) | 200/10 | Pak won by 19 runs |
| 2025 | Pakistan/Dubai | SA eliminated in semi-finals; Pak in group stage | Pak out in group | SA out in semi-finals | — |
The 2017 clash at Edgbaston was stunning — Pakistan rode Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali’s contributions to post 219 and then bowled South Africa out for 200 to clinch a comfortable 19-run win on their way to lifting the Champions Trophy.
Records: The Numbers That Tell the Story
SA vs Pakistan Test Records
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Team Total (SA) | 615 (Cape Town, Jan 2025) |
| Highest Team Total (Pak) | 456 (Rawalpindi, 1997) |
| Lowest Team Total (SA) | 77 (Cape Town, 2019) |
| Lowest Team Total (Pak) | 92 (Faisalabad, 1997) |
| Most Runs (SA) | Aiden Markram – 428 runs in 2018-19 series |
| Most Wickets (SA) | Duanne Olivier – 24 wickets (all in 2018-19 series) |
| Most Runs (Pak) | Younis Khan – 800+ runs across career vs SA |
| Most Wickets (Pak) | Waqar Younis – 20+ wickets vs SA in Tests |
Lowest Team Totals in an Innings (Between SA and Pakistan)
| # | Team | Score | Format | Overs | Opposition | Venue | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pakistan | 49 | Test | 29.1 | South Africa | Johannesburg | Lost | 1 Feb 2013 |
| 2 | Pakistan | 89 | ODI | 25.0 | South Africa | Mohali | Lost | 27 Oct 2006 |
| 3 | Pakistan | 92 | Test | 37.3 | South Africa | Faisalabad | Lost | 24 Oct 1997 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 98/9 | T20I | 20.0 | South Africa | Dubai (DICS) | Lost | 13 Nov 2013 |
| 5 | Pakistan | 99 | Test | 36.4 | South Africa | Dubai (DICS) | Lost | 23 Oct 2013 |
| 6 | South Africa | 100 | T20I | 12.2 | Pakistan | Centurion | Lost | 3 Mar 2013 |
| 7 | South Africa | 101 | ODI | 26.5 | Pakistan | Sharjah | Lost | 28 Mar 2000 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 106 | Test | 40.5 | South Africa | Gqeberha | Lost | 6 Mar 1998 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 107 | ODI | 45.4 | South Africa | Cape Town | Lost | 11 Feb 2007 |
| 10 | Pakistan | 109 | ODI | 32.3 | South Africa | Johannesburg | Lost | 12 Jan 1995 |
| 11 | Pakistan | 114 | ODI | 37.1 | South Africa | Cape Town | Lost | 23 Apr 1998 |
| 12 | Pakistan | 119 | T20I | 19.5 | South Africa | Abu Dhabi | Lost | 26 Oct 2010 |
| 13 | Pakistan | 120 | ODI | 36.2 | South Africa | East London | Lost | 13 Dec 2002 |
| 14 | Pakistan | 120/9 | T20I | 20.0 | South Africa | Abu Dhabi | Lost | 27 Oct 2010 |
| 15 | Pakistan | 121 | ODI | 28.1 | South Africa | Singapore | Lost | 27 Aug 2000 |
| 16 | South Africa | 124 | Test | 40.0 | Pakistan | Gqeberha | Lost | 19 Jan 2007 |
| 17 | Pakistan | 129/8 | T20I | 20.0 | South Africa | Johannesburg | Lost | 2 Feb 2007 |
| 18 | South Africa | 133/6 | T20I | 20.0 | Pakistan | Colombo (RPS) | Lost | 28 Sep 2012 |
| 19 | South Africa | 137/7 | T20I | 20.0 | Pakistan | Gros Islet | Lost | 10 May 2010 |
| 20 | Pakistan | 140 | ODI | 42.5 | South Africa | Durban | Lost | 8 Dec 2002 |
Greatest Wins (Between SA and Pakistan)
| Match | Winner | Margin | Year | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg | SA | 324 runs | 1995 | Test |
| Cape Town | SA | Inn. & 177 runs | 2019 | Test |
| Cape Town | SA | 10 wickets | Jan 2025 | Test |
| Centurion | SA | Inn. & 131 runs | 2003 | Test |
| Sydney T20 WC | Pakistan | 1 wicket (last ball) | 2022 | T20I |
| T20 WC SF 2009 | Pakistan | 1 run | 2009 | T20I |
| ODI Series | Pakistan | 3-0 whitewash | Dec 2024 | ODI |
Rivalry: Key Players and Memorable Performances (Era-Wise Till 2026)
The South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline has been shaped by some absolutely elite cricketers. Here’s the era-by-era breakdown.
1992–2000: The Early Years
Pakistan entered this period with legends at their peak. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were the most feared bowling duo in the world. On the other side, South Africa had Allan Donald — “White Lightning” — who gave batsmen nightmares. Hansie Cronje’s captaincy brought discipline to the Proteas’ game.
In ODIs during this period, South Africa held a clear edge. Their consistency in the field and Jonty Rhodes’ electrifying performances set them apart. Pakistan were unpredictable but dangerous — their 1992 World Cup win was driven by Imran Khan and Javed Miandad.
Standout Moment: South Africa’s 324-run demolition of Pakistan in the only Test of 1995 at Johannesburg announced that the Proteas were a serious force in the longest format.
2001–2010: Prime Time Drama
This era gave us some of the best cricket in this rivalry. Pakistan had Inzamam-ul-Haq, Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, and the great Younis Khan. South Africa answered with Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, and the rising AB de Villiers.
The 2007 World Cup clash in Kingston was a one-wicket thriller. Pakistan inched over the line in one of the most nerve-wracking games between these two sides. Then came the 2009 T20 World Cup semi-final — Pakistan defeating South Africa by just 1 run in a match that left every South African cricket fan broken.
Standout Moment: Inzamam-ul-Haq’s retirement-era heroics for Pakistan and Jacques Kallis’ all-round dominance in Test cricket.
2011–2018: South Africa’s Golden Age
This is when South Africa ruled. They had Dale Steyn at his peak — arguably the best fast bowler in the world during this period. AB de Villiers was rewriting the batting rulebook. Hashim Amla was elegant and prolific. Kagiso Rabada emerged toward the end of this era as the next great South African quick.
For Pakistan, Misbah-ul-Haq brought calm and grit. Mohammad Amir was electric in his return to cricket. But South Africa won the 2013 and 2019 Test series dominantly, including a 3-0 hammering at home.
Standout Moment: South Africa’s 2018-19 home series win 3-0 with Duanne Olivier taking 24 wickets — a record for a South African pacer in a single series vs Pakistan.
2019–2026: The Modern Era Shifts
Things started to change. Pakistan’s Babar Azam rose to world-class batting status. Shaheen Shah Afridi became one of the most lethal new-ball bowlers in the game. Mohammad Rizwan was reinventing himself as an opener and keeper-captain.
South Africa found new heroes in Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and the electric David Miller in T20s.
Pakistan’s 2021 home series win (2-0) showed they could beat South Africa on their own turf. Then came December 2024 — a 3-0 ODI whitewash by Pakistan in South Africa — making history. South Africa hit back in the 2024-25 Test series (2-0), qualifying for the World Test Championship final. In 2025, both home Test series were split 1-1.
Standout Moment: Pakistan’s historic ODI whitewash in South Africa (Dec 2024) — the first ever — and the breathtaking 2022 T20 World Cup 1-wicket win.
Where to Watch South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team
Fans watching the South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team matches can tune in through:
- SuperSport (South Africa)
- PTV Sports / Ten Sports (Pakistan)
- Willow TV (USA & Canada)
- Sky Sports (UK)
- ICC.tv (International streaming)
- Disney+ Hotstar (Subcontinent digital streaming)
For live scores and ball-by-ball updates, ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz are the go-to platforms.
South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Stats: Top Individual Records
Batting Records (Tests – SA vs Pakistan)
| Player | Team | Runs | Matches | Average | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Younis Khan | Pakistan | 897 | 16 | 40.77 | 173 |
| Mohammad Yousuf | Pakistan | 698 | 13 | 38.77 | 192 |
| Aiden Markram | South Africa | 631 | 8 | 45.07 | 152 |
| Graeme Smith | South Africa | 789 | 14 | 35.86 | 154 |
| Hashim Amla | South Africa | 820 | 14 | 41.00 | 253 |
| Inzamam-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 741 | 13 | 37.05 | 138 |
Bowling Records (Tests – SA vs Pakistan)
| Player | Team | Wickets | Matches | Average | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duanne Olivier | South Africa | 24 | 3 | 12.29 | 6/37 |
| Dale Steyn | South Africa | 49 | 10 | 23.18 | 7/51 |
| Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 36 | 8 | 28.47 | 5/43 |
| Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 27 | 7 | 30.10 | 5/46 |
| Morne Morkel | South Africa | 33 | 8 | 25.40 | 6/23 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan | 22 | 5 | 24.50 | 5/49 |
Expert Insight
“The South Africa vs Pakistan rivalry has always produced some of the best fast bowling cricket the world has seen. When Waqar and Wasim were operating, and then later when Steyn was in his pomp, this was the purest test of batsmanship in the world. Now with Shaheen and Kagiso Rabada both in their prime, this rivalry has found its next generation.”
— Cricket analyst perspective, based on ESPNcricinfo editorial commentary
The 2024-25 Season: What Happened?
The South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team series of 2024-25 was one of the most eventful in recent memory. Here’s the quick recap:
- T20I Series (Dec 2024, SA): South Africa won 2-0
- ODI Series (Dec 2024, SA): Pakistan won 3-0 — historic first whitewash by Pakistan on SA soil
- Test Series (Dec 2024 – Jan 2025, SA): South Africa won 2-0 (WTC series)
Pakistan’s ability to sweep the ODIs while losing the T20s and Tests shows just how format-specific their strengths are. It also highlighted the depth of South Africa’s Test cricket machine under their WTC-winning squad.
The 2025-26 Update
In 2025, Pakistan hosted South Africa for another two-Test series:
- 1st Test, Lahore (Oct 2025): Pakistan won by 93 runs
- 2nd Test, Rawalpindi (Oct 2025): South Africa won by 8 wickets
- Series result: 1-1 draw
There was also a bilateral ODI and T20I series on the subcontinent in late October-November 2025, with Pakistan edging the T20 series 2-1 and South Africa winning the ODI series 2-1 in a closely fought contest.
Conclusion
So there you have it — the complete South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline, spanning over 30 years, 148+ international matches, and enough twists to fill a cricket library. South Africa has historically dominated in Tests and ODIs, but T20I cricket has been a genuinely level playing field. Pakistan’s recent ODI exploits — including the stunning 2024 whitewash — show they are very much closing the gap.
What makes this rivalry so special is not just the stats. It’s the personalities — from Imran Khan and Allan Donald, to Shahid Afridi and AB de Villiers, to Babar Azam and Kagiso Rabada today. Every time these two teams meet, the South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team clash carries weight, history, and the promise of something memorable.
If you love cricket, you love this rivalry. Full stop.
? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. When did South Africa and Pakistan first play against each other?
The first match in the South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline was on March 8, 1992, in Brisbane, Australia, during the Benson & Hedges World Cup.
Q. Who has the better head-to-head record overall?
South Africa leads overall — 17 wins to 6 in Tests and 52 to 34 in ODIs. However, T20Is are level at 13 wins each (as of 2026).
Q. Has Pakistan ever whitewashed South Africa in an ODI series?
Yes! In December 2024, Pakistan made history by winning all three ODIs in South Africa — the first-ever ODI whitewash by Pakistan on South African soil.
Q. What is the most exciting match in the SA vs Pakistan T20 World Cup history?
The 2022 T20 World Cup group match in Sydney, where Pakistan won by 1 wicket off the last ball — including a controversial no-ball — is widely considered the most thrilling encounter.
Q. Where can I watch South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team matches live?
Depending on your region: SuperSport (SA), PTV Sports (Pakistan), Sky Sports (UK), Willow TV (USA), or ICC.tv for international fans.
Q. Who holds the record for most Test wickets between these two teams?
Dale Steyn holds the record with 49 Test wickets against Pakistan in this rivalry.
Q. Did South Africa win the ICC World Test Championship against Pakistan?
Yes. South Africa beat Pakistan in the 2024-25 Test series 2-0 to qualify for the World Test Championship Final, which they went on to win in 2025.
Q. What format has been most competitive between SA and Pakistan?
T20 Internationals — both teams are level at 13 wins apiece, making it the most competitive format in this rivalry.
Thank You For Reading! For More Cricket Stories, Check Our Previous Blog Here:
[ England Cricket Team Vs West Indies Cricket Team Timeline ]