Australia National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Stats: Head-to-Head Records
The Australia national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team stats reveal one of international cricket’s most competitive rivalries. Australia have historically dominated the Test and T20I records, while South Africa hold an advantage in One Day Internationals.
The two teams have produced unforgettable matches, including South Africa’s record-breaking ODI chase in 2006, the tied 1999 World Cup semi-final and the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
Their latest meetings in 2026 added another chapter to the rivalry, with South Africa winning the three-match ODI series 2–1. Here is a format-by-format breakdown of their head-to-head records, recent results and memorable achievements.
Australia vs South Africa Head-to-Head Stats
The following table summarises the teams’ historical records across the three major men’s international formats. Test figures are based on completed matches before the October 2026 Test series, while ODI and T20I figures include the available records through the latest completed matches.
| Format | Matches | Australia Wins | South Africa Wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 101 before the 2026 series | 54 | 26 |
| ODIs | 115 | 53 | 58 |
| T20Is | 28 | 19 | 9 |
Important: Test cricket has also produced 21 draws in the 101 completed matches listed before the 2026 series. In ODIs, three matches were tied and one ended without a result. The Test figures will change once the ongoing 2026 series produces completed results.
Australia National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Test Stats
Australia have the stronger historical record in Test cricket against South Africa. Before the October 2026 series, the teams had played 101 Tests, with Australia winning 54 and South Africa winning 26.
Another 21 matches ended in draws. These figures demonstrate Australia’s long-standing success in the longest format, although South Africa have also achieved important series victories, including on Australian soil.
| Test Record | Australia | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Matches played | 101 | 101 |
| Matches won | 54 | 26 |
| Matches lost | 26 | 54 |
| Draws | 21 | 21 |
Notable Australia vs South Africa Test Records
- Australia’s historical advantage: Australia have won more than twice as many Tests as South Africa in the pre-2026-series record.
- South Africa’s 2018 victory: South Africa defeated Australia by 492 runs in Johannesburg in March 2018.
- 2022–23 Australian series: Australia won the three-Test home series 2–0, with the final match drawn.
- 2025 World Test Championship Final: South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets at Lord’s to win the title.
Australia vs South Africa Test Series in October 2026
The teams are scheduled to play three Tests in South Africa in October 2026. The venues are Kingsmead in Durban, St George’s Park in Gqeberha and Newlands in Cape Town.
The opening match began on October 9 at Kingsmead. Since the series is in progress, the historical Test figures above should not be presented as the final head-to-head record after the series.
Australia National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team ODI Stats
South Africa lead Australia in the overall ODI head-to-head record. Across 115 matches in the available record, South Africa have won 58 games, while Australia have won 53.
Three matches ended in ties, and one produced no result. Their ODI rivalry is particularly notable for high-scoring games, World Cup knockouts and several dramatic run chases.
| ODI Record | Australia | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Matches played | 115 | 115 |
| Matches won | 53 | 58 |
| Matches lost | 58 | 53 |
| Ties | 3 | 3 |
| No results | 1 | 1 |
Famous Australia vs South Africa ODI Records
1. South Africa’s Record Chase in 2006
On March 12, 2006, Australia scored 434/4 in Johannesburg. South Africa responded with 438/9, winning by one wicket with one ball remaining.
Herschelle Gibbs scored 175, while Mark Boucher helped complete the chase. The match became one of the most celebrated contests in ODI history.
2. The 1999 World Cup Semi-Final
Australia and South Africa finished level on 213 in their 1999 Cricket World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston. Australia advanced to the final because of the result of their earlier Super Six meeting.
The tied match remains one of the most memorable knockout encounters in cricket.
3. The 2023 World Cup Semi-Final
Australia defeated South Africa by three wickets in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final in Kolkata. South Africa scored 212, and Australia completed the chase with three wickets remaining.
Australia vs South Africa ODI Series 2026
South Africa won the three-match ODI series in September 2026 by a margin of 2–1.
| Match | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | September 24, 2026 | South Africa won by 67 runs |
| 2nd ODI | September 27, 2026 | South Africa won by 32 runs |
| 3rd ODI | September 30, 2026 | Australia won by 45 runs (DLS method) |
South Africa secured the series by winning the first two matches. Australia avoided a clean sweep with a victory in the final ODI under the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method.
Australia National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team T20I Stats
Australia have a clear advantage in men’s T20 International cricket. The teams have played 28 T20Is, with Australia winning 19 and South Africa winning nine.
Unlike their ODI rivalry, where South Africa hold the advantage, Australia’s T20I record reflects their consistent success in the shortest international format.
| T20I Record | Australia | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Matches played | 28 | 28 |
| Matches won | 19 | 9 |
| Matches lost | 9 | 19 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
| No results | 0 | 0 |
Recent Australia vs South Africa T20I Series
Australia won their most recent three-match bilateral T20I series against South Africa in August 2025 by 2–1.
| Match | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | August 10, 2025 | Australia won by 17 runs |
| 2nd T20I | August 12, 2025 | South Africa won by 53 runs |
| 3rd T20I | August 16, 2025 | Australia won by 2 wickets |
The series demonstrated South Africa’s ability to challenge Australia, but the Australians ultimately secured the series with a victory in the final match.
Australia vs South Africa Recent Match Results
The following results highlight important recent meetings between the two teams across different formats.
| Year | Format | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ODI | South Africa won by 67 runs |
| 2026 | ODI | South Africa won by 32 runs |
| 2026 | ODI | Australia won by 45 runs (DLS) |
| 2025 | Test | South Africa won the WTC Final by 5 wickets |
| 2025 | T20I | Australia won the series 2–1 |
| 2023 | ODI | Australia won the World Cup semi-final by 3 wickets |
| 2022–23 | Test | Australia won the series 2–0 |
These results show that neither side dominates every format. South Africa have achieved major ODI successes, while Australia retain a strong overall Test and T20I record.
Australia vs South Africa Highest Scores and Memorable Performances
The rivalry has featured some of the most remarkable team totals in international cricket.
Highest-Profile ODI Team Totals
The Johannesburg ODI in 2006 remains the defining high-scoring match between the teams. Australia’s 434/4 was an extraordinary total, but South Africa surpassed it with 438/9.
That successful chase changed expectations about what was possible in ODI cricket and remains a major highlight in any discussion of Australia vs South Africa stats.
Biggest Test Victory by Runs
South Africa defeated Australia by 492 runs in Johannesburg in March 2018. The result stands among the most emphatic victories in their Test rivalry.
Memorable World Cup Encounters
The tied 1999 semi-final and Australia’s three-wicket victory in the 2023 semi-final underline how often these teams have met in high-pressure ODI matches.
The 2006 run chase, meanwhile, remains a defining example of South Africa’s batting strength against Australia.
Australia vs South Africa Stats: Which Team Has the Better Record?
The answer depends on the format.
- Test cricket: Australia have the stronger historical record, with 54 wins compared with South Africa’s 26 before the October 2026 series.
- ODI cricket: South Africa lead, with 58 wins compared with Australia’s 53 in the available 115-match record.
- T20I cricket: Australia lead, with 19 wins from 28 matches.
- Recent ODI series: South Africa won the September 2026 series 2–1.
- World Test Championship: South Africa won the 2025 final by five wickets.
The numbers reflect two teams with different strengths across formats. Australia’s historical Test and T20I advantages contrast with South Africa’s overall ODI lead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more matches between Australia and South Africa?
The answer varies by format. Australia have won more Tests and T20Is in the available historical records, while South Africa have won more ODIs.
How many Test matches have Australia and South Africa played?
Before the October 2026 Test series, the teams had completed 101 Test matches. Australia had won 54, South Africa 26, and 21 matches ended in draws.
Who leads the Australia vs South Africa ODI head-to-head record?
South Africa lead the available ODI record with 58 wins, compared with Australia’s 53, from 115 matches. Three matches were tied, and one ended without a result.
Who has won more T20Is between Australia and South Africa?
Australia lead the men’s T20I head-to-head record with 19 wins from 28 matches. South Africa have won nine.
Who won the Australia vs South Africa ODI series in 2026?
South Africa won the three-match ODI series 2–1 in September 2026. They won the first two matches before Australia claimed the third by 45 runs under the DLS method.
What was the famous Australia vs South Africa match in 2006?
South Africa defeated Australia by one wicket after chasing 435 in Johannesburg. South Africa scored 438/9, making the match one of the most famous ODIs ever played.
Final Word
The Australia national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team stats show a rivalry with no single winner across all formats. Australia have a substantial advantage in Tests and T20Is, while South Africa lead in ODIs.
Their record-breaking matches, World Cup drama and recent series results continue to make this one of international cricket’s most compelling rivalries. The October 2026 Test series will provide the next opportunity to update their long-standing head-to-head record.
For the match-by-match history, read our Australia National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline article. It covers the rivalry’s major milestones and memorable encounters.
For readers following the ongoing Test series, our Kingsmead Stadium Pitch Report article provides additional ground information for the opening match in Durban.
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