South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Matches: History, Results & Records

The South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team matches have produced one of the most fascinating rivalries in international cricket. The two teams have faced each other in Tests, One-Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals, with South Africa holding a strong historical advantage in Test and ODI cricket while Pakistan have enjoyed considerable success in T20 cricket.

Their rivalry began in the 1990s after South Africa returned to international cricket. Since then, the teams have played memorable Test series, dramatic ODI matches and important ICC tournament games. South Africa have traditionally been particularly strong at home, while Pakistan have often challenged them successfully on slower Asian pitches.

The rivalry has continued to evolve in recent years. Pakistan defeated South Africa 2-0 in their 2021 Test series in Pakistan, while South Africa won the 2024-25 Test series 2-0 at home. In 2025, the two teams met in Tests, T20Is and ODIs in Pakistan, with the Test and white-ball series producing highly competitive results.

South Africa vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record

The overall head-to-head record shows South Africa’s historical strength against Pakistan, particularly in Test and ODI cricket.

According to the Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians, the teams had played 32 Tests through October 2025, with South Africa winning 18, Pakistan winning seven and seven ending in draws.

In ODI cricket, South Africa and Pakistan had played 90 matches through November 2025. South Africa won 53, Pakistan won 36 and one match ended without a result.

The T20I rivalry is much more evenly balanced. Through November 2025, the teams had played 27 T20Is, with Pakistan winning 14 and South Africa winning 13. Two matches were abandoned.

These figures demonstrate the contrasting nature of the rivalry. South Africa have historically dominated the longer formats, while Pakistan have a narrow advantage in T20Is.

South Africa vs Pakistan Matches List

The following table highlights some of the most important recent South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team matches.

The 2025-26 tour was particularly important because it included two Tests, three T20Is and three ODIs. Pakistan won the T20I series 2-1 and ODI series 2-1, while the Test series finished 1-1.

Test History Between South Africa and Pakistan

South Africa have historically held the upper hand in Test cricket against Pakistan.

The teams first met in Test cricket in January 1995. Since then, South Africa have won many of the series played in South Africa, while Pakistan have generally been more competitive in home conditions.

As of October 2025, the teams had played 32 Tests. South Africa had won 18, Pakistan seven and seven Tests had ended in draws.

One of Pakistan’s most impressive periods came in the 2020-21 home series. Pakistan defeated South Africa 2-0, winning the first Test in Karachi by seven wickets and the second Test in Rawalpindi by 95 runs.

South Africa subsequently regained control of the rivalry by winning their 2024-25 home series 2-0.

South Africa’s 2024-25 Test Series Win

South Africa defeated Pakistan in both Tests during their 2024-25 home series.

The first Test at Centurion was an extremely close contest. South Africa won by only two wickets after chasing a relatively modest target in the final stages.

The second Test at Newlands was more one-sided. South Africa produced a huge first-innings total of 615 and eventually won by 10 wickets. Pakistan were bowled out for 194 and 478, while South Africa completed the chase without losing a wicket.

The two-match series therefore ended 2-0 in South Africa’s favor.

Pakistan vs South Africa Test Series in 2025

The rivalry changed again when South Africa toured Pakistan in October 2025.

Pakistan won the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore by 93 runs. Pakistan scored 378 in their first innings and then defended successfully after South Africa were restricted to 269.

The second Test at Rawalpindi went South Africa’s way. Pakistan made 333 in the first innings, while South Africa responded with 404. Pakistan were then bowled out for 138 in the second innings.

South Africa needed only 68 runs and completed the chase in 12.3 overs to win by eight wickets. Simon Harmer was the star of the final innings, taking 6/50.

The Test series consequently ended 1-1.

Pakistan’s Historic 2021 Test Series Win

One of the most significant periods in the rivalry came in 2021 when South Africa toured Pakistan.

Pakistan won the first Test in Karachi by seven wickets. Their bowlers kept South Africa under pressure, while Pakistan successfully completed the chase.

The second Test at Rawalpindi was even more impressive. Pakistan won by 95 runs to complete a 2-0 series sweep.

This was a major achievement because South Africa had historically been difficult to defeat in Test cricket.

ODI Rivalry Between Pakistan and South Africa

The ODI rivalry has been dominated historically by South Africa.

Through November 2025, South Africa had won 53 of 90 ODI meetings compared with Pakistan’s 36, with one no-result.

However, Pakistan have produced several important ODI victories over South Africa in recent years.

Pakistan defeated South Africa 2-1 during their December 2024 ODI series. Pakistan won the first match by three wickets, the second by 81 runs and the third by 36 runs under the DLS method.

Pakistan then defeated South Africa again in the 2025 ODI Tri-Series in Karachi. In the final league match on February 12, Pakistan chased South Africa’s 352/5 and reached 355/4 with six wickets remaining.

Pakistan vs South Africa ODI Series in 2025

The teams played another three-match ODI series in Faisalabad in November 2025.

Pakistan won the first match by two wickets after successfully chasing South Africa’s 263. South Africa responded in the second ODI, chasing 270 with eight wickets remaining.

Pakistan then dominated the third ODI. South Africa were bowled out for 143, and Pakistan reached 144/3 in only 25.1 overs to win by seven wickets.

Pakistan therefore won the series 2-1.

The series demonstrated how competitive the two sides can be in modern ODI cricket.

T20I History Between South Africa and Pakistan

The T20I rivalry is considerably more balanced than the Test and ODI contests.

According to ACS records through November 2025, Pakistan had won 14 of the 27 T20Is against South Africa, while South Africa had won 13. Two matches were abandoned.

Pakistan have traditionally benefited from strong batting and spin options in T20 cricket, while South Africa have relied heavily on explosive top-order batting and high-quality fast bowling.

The rivalry has included several close matches, including the 2021 T20I series in South Africa and the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup meeting.

South Africa vs Pakistan T20I Series in 2025

The three-match T20I series in October and November 2025 was won by Pakistan 2-1.

South Africa won the opening match in Rawalpindi by 55 runs. Reeza Hendricks scored 60 from 40 balls and Corbin Bosch took 4/14 as South Africa posted 194/9 before dismissing Pakistan for 139.

Pakistan responded emphatically in the second T20I, winning by nine wickets. The hosts chased South Africa’s 110 in only 13.1 overs.

The third T20I became the series decider. South Africa scored 139/9, while Babar Azam produced an unbeaten-style composed performance of 68 from 47 balls to guide Pakistan to 140/6 in 19 overs. Pakistan won by four wickets and secured the series 2-1.

Famous South Africa vs Pakistan Matches

The rivalry has produced several memorable matches across formats.

One of the most dramatic Test contests occurred in Centurion in December 2024. South Africa won by only two wickets after a tense chase.

The 2025 ODI Tri-Series match in Karachi was another outstanding contest. South Africa scored 352/5, but Pakistan chased the target with six wickets remaining. Salman Ali Agha scored 134 from 103 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan made 122 not out.

The 2025 second Test in Rawalpindi also deserves recognition. South Africa recovered from their first-Test defeat to win by eight wickets, with Simon Harmer taking 6/50.

Biggest Wins in South Africa vs Pakistan Matches

Both teams have recorded major victories against each other.

The 2025 results demonstrate that both teams remain capable of producing large victories, particularly when their bowling attacks dominate.

Key Players in South Africa vs Pakistan Matches

The rivalry has featured many world-class cricketers.

For South Africa, players such as Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram have played major roles.

Pakistan have produced equally influential players including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

In recent matches, Babar Azam remained particularly important for Pakistan. His 68 in the 2025 deciding T20I helped Pakistan secure the series. Salman Ali Agha’s 134 against South Africa in February 2025 was another outstanding performance.

Batting Records in the Rivalry

The South Africa vs Pakistan rivalry has produced outstanding batting performances in all three formats.

In ODI cricket, Pakistan’s 355/4 in Karachi in February 2025 remains one of their highest totals against South Africa. Salman Ali Agha scored 134 while Mohammad Rizwan contributed 122. Pakistan completed the chase with six wickets remaining.

South Africa have also produced huge ODI totals against Pakistan, particularly when their top order has been able to bat deep into the innings.

In T20I cricket, South Africa’s 210/3 against Pakistan in December 2024 was a major batting performance, with Reeza Hendricks scoring 117.

Bowling Battles Between South Africa and Pakistan

Bowling has always been a defining feature of South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team matches.

South Africa have traditionally possessed some of the world’s fastest bowlers. Dale Steyn, Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock, Kagiso Rabada and others have made South Africa particularly dangerous in Test cricket.

Pakistan have countered with their own famous fast-bowling tradition, including Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Spin has also played an increasingly important role, especially in Pakistan. Simon Harmer’s 6/50 in the second Test of the 2025 series demonstrated how effective spin could be on Pakistani pitches.

Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed also made a major impact in the third ODI in November 2025, taking four wickets as South Africa were dismissed for 143.

South Africa vs Pakistan at ICC Tournaments

South Africa and Pakistan have met several times at major ICC events.

Their T20 World Cup encounters have often been particularly competitive. Pakistan defeated South Africa by 33 runs in the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup after scoring 185/9 and restricting South Africa to 108/9 in a rain-affected match.

ICC tournaments have also produced important ODI meetings, with both teams regularly competing for qualification and knockout-stage positions.

The teams did not meet each other in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. South Africa reached the semi-final, where New Zealand defeated them by nine wickets, while Pakistan’s Super Eight campaign included matches against New Zealand, England and Sri Lanka.

South Africa vs Pakistan Home Advantage

Home conditions have historically influenced this rivalry.

South Africa’s fast, bouncy pitches have often favored their pace attack. Pakistan’s pitches traditionally offer more assistance to spin and reverse swing, making home conditions valuable for the hosts.

The 2025 Test series illustrated this contrast. Pakistan won the first Test in Lahore, where their bowlers exploited the conditions effectively. South Africa responded in Rawalpindi, where Simon Harmer’s spin proved decisive.

In limited-overs cricket, the difference is smaller because modern teams have greater adaptability and specialized T20 and ODI squads.

South Africa vs Pakistan Important Statistics

The historical statistics show South Africa’s overall advantage, but Pakistan’s recent home success has narrowed the gap considerably.

Why the South Africa vs Pakistan Rivalry Matters

The rivalry is important because it combines South Africa’s strong cricketing tradition with Pakistan’s unpredictable and highly talented style.

South Africa have generally relied on disciplined fast bowling, powerful batting and athletic fielding. Pakistan have historically been known for producing exceptional fast bowlers, inventive batters and match-winning individual performances.

This contrast often creates unpredictable matches. A Test can be decided by a spell of fast bowling, while a T20I can change within a few overs because of aggressive batting.

The rivalry also gives players from both countries the opportunity to perform against high-quality international opposition.

Future of South Africa vs Pakistan Matches

The rivalry should remain important in the international cricket calendar.

Both teams continue to compete in ICC events and bilateral series across all three formats. Pakistan’s growing depth in white-ball cricket and South Africa’s strong fast-bowling resources should ensure that future encounters remain competitive.

The 2025 tour was particularly valuable because the teams played eight matches across Tests, T20Is and ODIs. Pakistan won the T20I and ODI series, while the Test series ended 1-1.

Future ICC tournaments could provide additional high-pressure encounters, especially if both sides progress to the knockout stages.

Final Thoughts

The South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team matches have created a long and memorable international cricket rivalry.

South Africa have the stronger historical record in Test and ODI cricket, with 18 Test wins from 32 matches and 53 ODI victories from 90 meetings through the latest available 2025 records. Pakistan, however, hold a narrow T20I advantage with 14 wins to South Africa’s 13.

Recent results show that the rivalry is becoming increasingly competitive. Pakistan defeated South Africa in the 2025 T20I and ODI series, while the Test series ended 1-1. The 2025 ODI series featured an outstanding 355/4 chase by Pakistan, while Simon Harmer’s six-wicket haul helped South Africa level the Test series in Rawalpindi.

With talented players on both sides and regular appearances in major ICC competitions, future South Africa vs Pakistan matches should continue to attract cricket fans around the world.

1. How many times have South Africa and Pakistan played Test matches?
South Africa and Pakistan had played 32 Test matches through October 2025. South Africa won 18, Pakistan won seven and seven matches ended in draws.

2. Who has the better ODI record between South Africa and Pakistan?
South Africa have the better historical ODI record. Through November 2025, they had won 53 of the 90 ODI meetings, while Pakistan had won 36, with one match ending without a result.

3. Who won the 2025 South Africa vs Pakistan T20I series?
Pakistan won the three-match T20I series 2-1. South Africa won the opening match by 55 runs, while Pakistan won the second by nine wickets and the third by four wickets.

4. Who won the 2025 South Africa vs Pakistan ODI series?
Pakistan won the three-match ODI series 2-1. Pakistan won the first match by two wickets, South Africa won the second by eight wickets and Pakistan won the third by seven wickets.

5. What was the result of the 2025 South Africa vs Pakistan Test series?
The two-match Test series ended 1-1. Pakistan won the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs, while South Africa won the second Test in Rawalpindi by eight wickets.