South Africa and Pakistan share an enduring cricketing rivalry that is filled with thrilling matches, memorable moments, and incredible fast bowling performances. Their matches often turn dramatic late in an over with last-over finishes or sudden comebacks, creating unforgettable cricketing memories for both sides.
So far they have met 24 times in T20I cricket, each team winning 12 matches each. Let’s take a look back at some of the greatest matches from this incredible rivalry in the pakistan national cricket team vs south africa national cricket team timeline.
| Date | Format | Venue | Result | Match Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 12, 2025 | ODI | Karachi, Pakistan | Pakistan won by 6 wickets | South Africa scored 352/5; Pakistan chased down the target with 355/4. (myKhel) |
| Dec 22, 2024 | ODI | Lahore, Pakistan | Pakistan won by 36 runs (DLS) | South Africa posted 271; Pakistan reached 308/9 in 48.1 overs. (myKhel) |
| Dec 19, 2024 | ODI | Lahore, Pakistan | Pakistan won by 81 runs | South Africa made 248; Pakistan achieved 329 in 47.5 overs. (myKhel) |
| Dec 17, 2024 | ODI | Lahore, Pakistan | Pakistan won by 3 wickets | South Africa scored 239/9; Pakistan reached 242/7. (myKhel) |
| Oct 27, 2023 | ODI | Lahore, Pakistan | South Africa won by 1 wicket | South Africa chased down 271/9 with 272/9. (myKhel) |
History of the rivalry
Though not as longstanding, Pakistan vs South Africa remains one of the most exciting cricketing contests worldwide. Since first meeting in 1992 shortly after South Africa reemerged after apartheid isolation, their matches have always delivered memorable moments and dramatic finishes; whether an explosive innings from one batsman, wicket-taking bowlers taking wickets with every delivery or last ball run victories have characterized this contest in all formats of cricketing competitions.
Over time, both teams have played 87 ODI matches between them, with Pakistan winning 34 and South Africa 52. But when it comes to Test match competitions between these nations, South Africa holds a decisive edge; these 30 Tests have seen 17 South African victories while 12 went the other way for Pakistan.
T20Is have provided more evenly balanced results between Pakistan and South Africa; each has played 24 in total, with Pakistan winning 12 of them and South Africa 8 (the inaugural match was at the Wanderers in 2007 where Pakistan prevailed by 10 wickets). Since then both teams have displayed remarkable batting and bowling performances which have made for exciting encounters between teams in this format.
At Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Dubai for the 1999-2000 Coca-Cola Cup matchups, Pakistan defeated South Africa thanks to their bowlers who limited them to 247 runs over 50 overs and three wickets each from Imran Nazir, Shahid Afridi and Waqar Younis who contributed three wickets each towards helping Pakistan claim victory.
At the 1996-1997 KCA Centenary Tournament finals in Nairobi, two teams met. The Proteas emerged victorious thanks to an outstanding innings from Brian McMillan (113 in first innings); Jonty Rhodes and Gary Kirsten scored half-centuries to help secure their win. Despite losing five wickets early on in their innings, Shaheens still managed to finish off victory within 39 overs, earning first place overall in tournament.
The first match
Pakistan-South Africa rivalry is one of the most intense and memorable in cricket. Both teams are famous for their potency bowling attacks and have produced memorable moments throughout history – from World Cup matches to bilateral series; matches between these teams always offer something exciting and unpredictable! As each side has gained experience through time, their squads have also evolved – further adding excitement for fans of both sides in this intense and unforgettable rivalry.
South Africa defeated Pakistan by 324 runs at Johannesburg’s Wanderers Stadium during their inaugural Test match, marking their first triumph against them and setting up future dominance by South Africa over time. Since then however, rivalry between both teams has become even – each side winning games while simultaneously drawing others.
Though Pakistan has frequently fallen short in bilateral series, they have demonstrated a remarkable ability to win major events. With a potent bowling attack capable of countering South Africa’s batting strength with some clever tactics and some uncompromising batsmen like Younis Khan and Jacques Kallis seizing opportunities in international tournaments – Pakistan have shown remarkable resilience when faced with bigger competition.
The 2024 home and away series between Pakistan and South Africa was one of the most eagerly anticipated contests of that year. While the ODI series ended up as a draw, Test series proved much closer; Pakistan managed to triumph despite missing Younis Khan thanks to their bowlers and some strong bating by Jacques Kallis.
At SuperSport Park in Centurion, the final game of the series featured an unforgettable finish. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma maintained a steady approach until Mohammad Abbas struck again – first taking out Markram in his penultimate over, before also picking off Bavuma to give Shaheens another edge. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen then added some crucial boundaries late on, reducing their target to 49 and setting up an exciting finish.
The first ODI match
South Africa and Pakistan cricket teams share one of the fiercest rivalries in international cricket, known for their exceptional batting and bowling talents and exciting matches that often turn dramatic with last-over finishers or unexpected comebacks that never fail to excite and entertain their audiences. They boast a longstanding history of fiercely contested matches across bilateral series as well as global tournaments.
In 1996, both teams met for their inaugural One-Day International (ODI). At that time, ODIs were still relatively new. Unlike Test matches, however, ODIs were limited to 50 overs per side with five competent bowlers allowed per team lineup; when tossing takes place the captain who wins decides whether his side bats or fields first.
Pakistan scored 221 runs in 49 overs, prompting South Africa to respond with an excellent innings of 255. AB de Villiers led his side with an unbeaten century off just 87 balls; he was supported by Jacques Kallis and Robin Peterson who all chipped in.
Pakistan’s bowling was below par, allowing South Africa to build up a large lead against them before Green Caps bowlers managed to limit Proteas run-scoring opportunities and allow Pakistan only three wickets wins to earn victory.
Since that point, both teams have played 141 ODIs between them; South Africa has won 52 and Pakistan 34 respectively – South Africa having the better winning record among these formats and also taking several T20I wins against Pakistan.
The first Test match
South Africa and Pakistan have enjoyed an intense rivalry for decades, creating exciting moments during each match that have created excitement among fans and helped cement an intense rivalry. From Tests, ODIs, or 2023 World Cup matches; each clash has produced action-packed battles packed with memorable moments – giving audiences a glimpse into two of the most beloved sports around today.
Pakistan was granted Test match status on July 28, 1952 at Lord’s Cricket Ground during a meeting of the Imperial Cricket Conference under Abdul Hafeez Kardar’s captaincy and began international cricket play on January 1955 against East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
In their inaugural match between two teams, the Shaheens defeated Proteas by 16 runs with Duckworth-Lewis method. Imran Nazir, Shahid Afridi and Inzamam-ul-Haq were top batsmen for Shaheens while Waqar Younis earned Player of Match recognition for his excellent bowling efforts.
This was one of the most thrilling and historic matches in the rivalry’s long history, featuring some of the finest cricket players such as Hansie Cronje, Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis. Both sides produced some remarkable performances.
When the two teams next met it was during the 1999-2000 Coca-Cola Cup series – another pivotal match. Pakistan took an early advantage but ultimately fell to India. This match proved thrilling – one that is widely considered among one of the greatest cricketing contests ever!
At the 2023 World Cup, both Pakistan and India clashed in the second round. Pakistan beat South Africa, but ultimately lost in a semifinal against India – this match being famous for its last-over thriller and superb batting by both teams.
Pakistan and South Africa have enjoyed an enduring and intense rivalry throughout cricket history, producing some of its most memorable games. Both teams have battled hard for victory but remain close competitors; fuelling their rivalry further by their shared passion for cricket as well as potency bowling attacks with multiple fast and spin bowlers on either team.
