Virat Kohli has enjoyed some of his finest T20I moments against South Africa. The Indian superstar has consistently delivered high-impact knocks, match-winning innings, and big-tournament performances. His record against the Proteas in this format highlights not only his class but also his ability to dominate one of the strongest bowling attacks in world cricket.
From early bilateral series to ICC tournaments and the high-pressure 2024 T20 World Cup Final in Barbados, Kohli has repeatedly stood up against South Africa in T20Is with fluent chases, controlled aggression, and smart strike rotation.
This article covers everything about Virat Kohli vs South Africa in T20Is – overall stats, match-by-match performances, top innings, consistency, and why he is so effective against the Proteas in this format.
Virat Kohli vs South Africa in T20Is – Full Record Overview
Although Kohli’s T20I battles vs South Africa are fewer compared to ODIs, his performances are impactful and often match-winning.
Kohli’s T20I Record vs South Africa (Overall)
| Stat Category | Performance |
|---|---|
| Innings Played | 13 |
| Runs Scored | 394 runs |
| Average | 39.40 |
| Strike Rate | 133.11 |
| Highest Score | 72 (2014 & 2019)* |
| Not-Outs | Multiple key innings |
Read more: Virat kohli ODI stats vs South Africa
Virat Kohli T20I vs South Africa – Performance Timeline
| Runs | Balls | SR | Venue | Date | How Out |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 19 | 147.37 | Moses Mabhida Stadium | 09 Jan 2011 | b Botha |
| — | — | — | Wanderers | 30 Mar 2012 | — |
| 2 | 6 | 33.33 | Premadasa Stadium | 02 Oct 2012 | c AB b Kallis |
| 72* | 44 | 163.64 | Dhaka | 04 Apr 2014 | not out |
| 43 | 27 | 159.26 | Dharamsala | 02 Oct 2015 | c Duminy b Abbott |
| 1 | 1 | 100.00 | Barabati Stadium | 05 Oct 2015 | run out |
| 26 | 20 | 130.00 | Wanderers | 18 Feb 2018 | lbw Shamsi |
| 1 | 5 | 20.00 | SuperSport Park | 21 Feb 2018 | c Klaasen b Dala |
| 72* | 52 | 138.46 | Mohali | 18 Sep 2019 | not out |
| 9 | 15 | 60.00 | Bengaluru | 22 Sep 2019 | c Phehlukwayo b Rabada |
| 3 | 9 | 33.33 | Greenfield Stadium | 28 Sep 2022 | c de Kock b Nortje |
| 49* | 28 | 175.00 | Guwahati | 02 Oct 2022 | not out |
| 12 | 11 | 109.09 | Perth Stadium | 30 Oct 2022 | c Rabada b Ngidi |
| 76 | 59 | 128.81 | Barbados | 29 Jun 2024 | c Rabada b Jansen |
Top Kohli T20I Innings vs South Africa
| Score | Venue | Year | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 off 44* | Dhaka (2014 World T20) | 163.64 SR | Match-winning |
| 43 off 27 | Dharamsala (2015) | 159.26 SR | Powerplay acceleration |
| 72 off 52* | Mohali (2019) | 138.46 SR | Classic chase |
| 76 off 59 | Barbados (2024) | 128.81 SR | World Cup knock |
Kohli’s T20I numbers vs South Africa show:
- Strong finishing ability in chases
- Excellent strike rotation in the middle overs
- Reliability against pace-dominated attacks in big tournaments and away conditions
Why Kohli Dominates South Africa in T20Is
World-class against pace and bounce
South Africa’s T20I attacks are usually built around high pace and steep bounce. Kohli’s solid technique, quick hands, and ability to play late allow him to handle bowlers like Rabada, Ngidi, Jansen and others with confidence.
Calm in big moments
Knocks like 72* in Dhaka (2014 WT20), 72* in Mohali (2019) and 76 in Barbados (2024 T20 World Cup Final) show how Kohli lifts his game against South Africa when the stakes are highest.
Perfect T20I anchor role
In most of these innings, Kohli has acted as the anchor – holding one end, changing gears when needed, and allowing aggressive stroke-makers around him to play freely. This balance makes him especially dangerous against South Africa in run chases.
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Final View – Virat Kohli vs South Africa in T20Is
Virat Kohli’s T20I record against South Africa is a mix of consistency, big-match temperament, and smart batting. With an average close to 40, a strike rate above 130, and multiple memorable innings in ICC tournaments and bilateral series, he remains one of the biggest threats to the Proteas in this format.
As India and South Africa meet more often in T20Is, especially in global events, Kohli’s numbers are likely to grow further – strengthening his status as one of the greatest T20I batters against South Africa.
