The rivalry between the Australian Men’s Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team is one of the most intense and competitive in world cricket. Known for fierce contests, iconic moments, and high-quality performances, this rivalry has delivered unforgettable matches across all formats.
Recent Australian Men’s Cricket Team Vs South Africa
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
Australia Score
South Africa Score
Result
Series
Bilateral ODI
Mackay
24 Aug 2025
Australia (bat)
431/2 (50 overs)
155 (24.5 overs)
Australia won by 276 runs
South Africa in Australia 2025
Bilateral ODI
Mackay
22 Aug 2025
South Africa (bat)
193 (37.4 overs)
277 (50 overs)
South Africa won by 84 runs
South Africa in Australia 2025
Bilateral ODI
Cairns
19 Aug 2025
South Africa (bat)
198 (40.5 overs)
296/8 (50 overs)
South Africa won by 98 runs
South Africa in Australia 2025
Bilateral T20I
Cairns
16 Aug 2025
South Africa (bat)
173/8 (19.5 overs)
172/7 (20 overs)
Australia won by 2 wickets
South Africa in Australia 2025
Bilateral T20I
Darwin
12 Aug 2025
South Africa (bat)
165 (17.4 overs)
218/7 (20 overs)
South Africa won by 53 runs
South Africa in Australia 2025
Bilateral T20I
Darwin
10 Aug 2025
Australia (bat)
178 (20 overs)
161/9 (20 overs)
Australia won by 17 runs
South Africa in Australia 2025
Men’s Test
Lord’s, London
11-14 Jun 2025
South Africa (field)
212 & 207
138 & 282/5
South Africa won by 5 wickets
ICC World Test Championship Final
Bilateral T20I
Durban
3 Sep 2023
South Africa (bat)
191/5 (17.5 overs)
190/8 (20 overs)
Australia won by 5 wickets
Australia in South Africa 2023
Bilateral T20I
Durban
1 Sep 2023
South Africa (bat)
168/2 (14.5 overs)
164/8 (20 overs)
Australia won by 8 wickets
Australia in South Africa 2023
Bilateral T20I
Durban
30 Aug 2023
Australia (bat)
226/6 (20 overs)
115 (15.3 overs)
Australia won by 111 runs
Australia in South Africa 2023
Biggest Victories in Australia vs South Africa
Rank
Format
Winner
Margin
Match Details
Year
1
ODI
Australia
276 runs
Australia 431/2 vs South Africa 155
2025
2
ODI
South Africa
98 runs
South Africa 296/8 vs Australia 198
2025
3
ODI
South Africa
84 runs
South Africa 277 vs Australia 193
2025
4
T20I
Australia
17 runs
Australia 178 vs South Africa 161/9
2025
5
T20I
South Africa
53 runs
South Africa 218/7 vs Australia 165
2025
6
T20I
Australia
2 wickets (1 ball left)
Australia 173/8 vs South Africa 172/7
2025
7
Test
South Africa
5 wickets
WTC Final: South Africa chased 282
2025
Format-wise Head-to-Head Key Statistics
Format
Matches Played
Australia Wins
South Africa Wins
Draws/Ties/NR
Australia Highest Score
South Africa Highest Score
Most Recent Series Winner
Test
102+
54
27
21 Draws
652
~500+
South Africa (WTC Final 2025)
ODI
110+
52
57
1 NR + 3 Ties
431/2 (2025)
438/9 (historic)
South Africa (2-1, 2025)
T20I
28
19
9
0
226
218/7 (2025)
Australia (2-1, 2025)
Top Performers with Most Player of the Match Awards
Player
Team
Player of the Match Awards (Recent/Confirmed)
Key Performances Highlighted
Tim David
Australia
2+
83* in T20I, explosive batting in 2025 series
Dewald Brevis
South Africa
1+
125 in T20I, match-winning knocks
Travis Head
Australia
1
142 in record 431/2 ODI innings
Mitchell Marsh
Australia
1
Series-top scorer in 2025 ODIs
Aiden Markram
South Africa
1
Century in WTC Final chase
Overall Head-to-Head Records Across Formats
The overall head-to-head record between Australia and South Africa reflects a highly competitive rivalry with Australia holding a slight historical edge. In Test cricket, both teams have enjoyed periods of dominance, while ODIs have been closely contested with Australia leading marginally. T20 Internationals are relatively balanced, with both teams winning key matches. The stats highlight how evenly matched these teams are, with no consistent long-term dominance by either side. This balance makes every encounter unpredictable and exciting, as both teams possess strong batting lineups and world-class bowling attacks.
Format
Matches
Australia Wins
South Africa Wins
Draw/No Result
Tests
100+
50+
25+
Many
ODIs
110+
55+
50+
Few
T20Is
25+
13+
12+
Few
Overall
235+
Slight Edge
Close
Many
Test Cricket Stats and Historic Battles
Test cricket between Australia and South Africa has produced some of the most iconic and hard-fought series in cricket history. Australia dominated early encounters, but South Africa emerged as a powerful competitor, especially after their return to international cricket. The stats show Australia leading in total Test wins, but South Africa has achieved memorable series victories, including wins on Australian soil. Matches between these teams are often intense, with fast bowlers playing a major role. The long-format rivalry is defined by aggression, skill, and strategic battles, making it one of the most respected contests in cricket.
Category
Australia
South Africa
Total Wins
50+
25+
Home Wins
Very Strong
Strong
Away Wins
Strong
Competitive
Series Wins
Many
Several
Draw Matches
Many
Many
One Day International (ODI) Stats Overview
ODI cricket between Australia and South Africa is known for producing thrilling matches and dramatic finishes. Both teams have been highly successful in this format, often competing in ICC tournaments and bilateral series. Australia holds a slight advantage in total wins, but South Africa has consistently challenged them with strong performances. High-scoring games and successful chases are common, highlighting the attacking approach of both sides. The stats indicate a closely fought rivalry where small margins often decide the outcome.
Category
Australia
South Africa
Matches Won
55+
50+
Highest Score
430+
430+
Successful Chases
Many
Many
Win Percentage
Slightly Higher
Competitive
ICC Encounters
Multiple
Multiple
T20 International Stats and Match Trends
T20 Internationals have added a fast-paced and exciting dimension to the Australia vs South Africa rivalry. Both teams have strong squads capable of delivering explosive performances. The stats show a balanced contest, with Australia having a slight edge in wins. South Africa, however, has proven to be a formidable opponent, often pushing matches to the final overs. This format is characterized by high scoring, aggressive batting, and close finishes, making it highly entertaining for fans.
Category
Australia
South Africa
Matches Won
13+
12+
Highest Score
230+
220+
Strike Rate
Aggressive
Aggressive
Best Bowling
Strong
Strong
Recent Form
Competitive
Competitive
Legendary Players and Match-Winning Performances
The Australia vs South Africa rivalry has been shaped by some of the greatest players in cricket history. Both teams have produced world-class batsmen and bowlers who have delivered match-winning performances under pressure. Centuries, five-wicket hauls, and record-breaking innings have defined many encounters. The stats highlight that individual brilliance often determines the outcome of matches, especially in closely contested games. These performances have contributed to the legacy of one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries.
Record Type
Australia
South Africa
Top Run Scorer
High
High
Top Wicket Taker
Strong
Strong
Centuries
Many
Many
Best Bowling Figures
Notable
Notable
Match Winners
Numerous
Numerous
Modern Era Stats and Rivalry Evolution
In the modern era, the Australia vs South Africa rivalry remains as competitive as ever. Both teams continue to perform strongly across formats, with balanced squads and talented players. The stats from recent years show closely fought contests, with both teams winning important matches. This evolution reflects the high standard of international cricket, where top teams constantly challenge each other. The rivalry continues to grow, promising more thrilling encounters in the future.
Aspect
Australia
South Africa
Recent Wins
Competitive
Competitive
Team Strength
Elite
Elite
ICC Performance
Strong
Strong
Player Depth
Excellent
Excellent
Rivalry Status
Balanced
Balanced
Conclusion
The Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team rivalry is a true showcase of competitive cricket at the highest level. With closely matched stats, historic battles, and legendary performances, this contest remains one of the most exciting in the sport. As both teams continue to evolve, their encounters promise to deliver intensity, skill, and unforgettable moments for cricket fans around the world.