Australia and South Africa continue to add new chapters to their fierce cricket rivalry with every series they play. In 2025, the two sides locked horns in both white-ball formats, producing contests that lived up to the history between them. Australia edged past South Africa 2-1 in a thrilling T20I series, with Glenn Maxwell and Tim David standing out as match-winners. The series had everything — close finishes, power-hitting, and momentum swings that kept fans hooked until the last ball.
The battle then shifted to ODIs, where South Africa struck first with a commanding 98-run victory in Cairns. Aiden Markram’s classy 82 and Keshav Maharaj’s career-best 5/33 underlined South Africa’s depth in both batting and bowling. Although Mitchell Marsh fought hard with a gritty 88, Australia’s chase fell short as they were bowled out for 198.
These recent matches show how closely contested this rivalry remains. From nerve-wracking T20 deciders to high-intensity ODIs, Australia vs South Africa continues to deliver some of cricket’s most dramatic moments — a tradition that stretches back more than a century.
Here we are sharing detailed information regarding Australia National Cricket Team vs South Africa Cricket Team Timeline – Head to Head, Stats & Records, Historic Highlights so that you can relive the unforgettable past encounters and also keep track of their latest battles.
AUS vs SA Head-to-Head Record (as of 2025)
| Format | Matches | Australia Wins | South Africa Wins | Draw/Tie/NR | Notable Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 101 | 54 | 26 | 21 draws | Australia dominated early; SA’s 1st series win in Australia came in 2008–09. |
| ODIs | 111 | 51 | 56 | 1 NR, 3 ties | South Africa slightly ahead; includes iconic 1999 WC semi-final tie. |
| T20Is | 28 | 19 | 9 | – | Australia leads but contests often close and high-scoring. |
Key Records & Highlights
- Test Matches
- Australia leads comfortably with 54 wins to 26.
- Only 2 neutral Tests – at Lord’s & Manchester during 1912 Triangular Tournament.
- South Africa’s first Test series win in Australia came in 2008–09, after nearly a century of trying.
- Historic chase: 414/4 at Perth in 2008 – the second-highest successful chase in Test history.
- ODI Matches
- South Africa holds a narrow lead (56-51).
- The rivalry includes 3 tied ODIs, most famously the 1999 World Cup semi-final – remembered as one of cricket’s greatest matches.
- “438 Game” in 2006, Johannesburg – South Africa chased down 434/4 (Australia) with 438/9, the first-ever 400+ chase in ODIs and still one of the greatest ODIs ever played.
- T20 Internationals
- Australia leads 19-9 in T20Is.
- Matches often showcase explosive batting and highlight-reel moments.
- Legendary Players in the Rivalry
- Batting icons: Ricky Ponting, AB de Villiers, Steve Smith, Jacques Kallis.
- Bowling greats: Shane Warne, Dale Steyn, Glenn McGrath, Allan Donald.
- Many career-defining innings and spells have come in Australia vs South Africa clashes.
Australia vs South Africa Timeline of Key Encounters & Historic Moments
1990s – A New Era
- 1994: South Africa’s first Test tour to Australia after readmission → drew series 1–1. Famous 5-run win at Sydney (Fanie de Villiers heroics).
- 1999 World Cup:
- Super Six: Steve Waugh’s 120* after Herschelle Gibbs’ famous dropped catch.
- Semi-final: Epic tie at Edgbaston → Australia went through, South Africa heartbroken.
2000s – Record-Breaking Battles
- 2006 (Johannesburg): The “438 Game” → Australia scored 434/4, South Africa chased 438/9 to win by 1 wicket. Regarded as the greatest ODI ever.
- 2008–09: South Africa’s first Test series win in Australia, including a record chase of 414/4 at Perth. Ended Australia’s long home dominance.
2010s – Fierce & Controversial Rivalry
- 2012–13: South Africa won a Test series 1–0 in Australia → became No.1 Test team.
- 2014: Australia bounced back, won 2–1 in South Africa (Graeme Smith retired in this series).
- 2018: South Africa won 3–1 at home, but series remembered for Sandpaper scandal (ball-tampering). Smith, Warner banned for 1 year.
2020s – ICC Stage & Big Finals
- 2023 ODI World Cup (India):
- Group stage: SA beat AUS by 134 runs (De Kock century).
- Semi-final: Australia chased 213, won by 3 wickets → SA knocked out again. Australia went on to win the World Cup.
- 2023 T20I Series: Australia clean swept 3–0 in South Africa.
- 2025 WTC Final (Lord’s): South Africa beat Australia by 5 wickets, won their first ICC trophy (Rabada, Maharaj starred; Bavuma match-winning 50*).
- 2025 ODI Series (Ongoing): South Africa won 1st ODI in Cairns by 98 runs (Keshav Maharaj 5/33). Series still underway.
Australia National Cricket Team vs South Africa Cricket Team Players (2025)
| Category | 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇿🇦 South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Captains | Pat Cummins (ODI & Test) Mitchell Marsh (T20I) | Temba Bavuma (ODI & Test) Aiden Markram (T20I) |
| Key Batsmen | Travis Head David Warner Mitchell Marsh Tim David Marnus Labuschagne Steve Smith | Temba Bavuma Aiden Markram Matthew Breetzke Dewald Brevis Reeza Hendricks Rassie van der Dussen David Miller |
| Wicketkeepers | Josh Inglis Alex Carey | Heinrich Klaasen Quinton de Kock |
| All-rounders | Glenn Maxwell Marcus Stoinis Cameron Green Sean Abbott | Marco Jansen Wiaan Mulder Prenelan Subrayen |
| Bowlers | Pat Cummins Josh Hazlewood Mitchell Starc Adam Zampa Nathan Ellis Spencer Johnson Matthew Kuhnemann | Keshav Maharaj Kwena Maphaka Lizaad Williams Tabraiz Shamsi Lungi Ngidi Kagiso Rabada (injured – ankle) |
Following the Rivalry Today – Broadcast and Live Streaming
Fans around the world never want to miss an Australia vs South Africa clash, and the ongoing 2025 ODI series is no exception. Here’s how you can follow the action live:
- India: Live telecast on Star Sports Network, with streaming on Disney+ Hotstar (JioHotstar) app and website.
- South Africa: Matches shown on SuperSport, with live streaming available on the DStv app.
- Australia: Coverage on Fox Cricket, with online streaming through Kayo Sports.
- Global Coverage: Major ICC events like World Cups and Test Championship Finals are broadcast worldwide, ensuring fans everywhere can witness this legendary rivalry.
The Australia–South Africa cricket rivalry is one of the most gripping stories in world cricket. Spanning more than a century, it has seen phases of dominance, balance, heartbreak, and glory. From the early Test battles of 1912 to the record-shattering ODI chases, and from the 1999 World Cup tie to the 2025 WTC Final at Lord’s, every era has delivered moments that cricket fans will never forget.
What makes this rivalry special is not just the numbers — Australia leading in Tests, South Africa holding their own in ODIs, and Australia ahead in T20Is — but the drama and intensity on the field. Tied matches, unbelievable chases, standout centuries, fiery bowling spells, and even controversies have all added layers to this contest.
With both nations consistently among the world’s best, every Australia vs South Africa clash feels like a blockbuster, carrying global attention and massive stakes. As the rivalry enters new chapters with fresh faces and changing dynamics, one thing is certain: this cricketing saga will remain a source of thrill, pride, and passion for generations to come.
