Head-to-Head Records & Past ODI Clashes Between Australia and South Africa

There are very few rivalries in cricket that can boast both the historical significance and passion of Australia vs South Africa in ODIs. Some of the most memorable matches in the ODIs are thanks to these two giants, including the closest of finishes, stellar innings and high drama.

As the South Africa Tour of Australia 2025 comes to a close, fans will reflect on the literature of Australia vs. South Africa ODI history. If you're in Pakistan, you can watch all the live coverage available exclusively through tapmad.

Overall ODI Record

Since 1992, Australia and South Africa have played more than 110 ODIs, with Australia holding a very slim lead in the win-loss count. With Australia and South Africa both winning: 50+.

Series Highlights Over the Years

1999 World Cup Semi-Final: One of the greatest ODIs in cricket, South Africa tied the match in the chase of 213, but were out of the tournament on net run rate. While Lance Klusener's batting and Allan Donald's run-out are historical references, it was an outstanding match.

A thrilling match in Johannesburg! South Africa chased down 434 runs to make the highest ODI run chase. Herschelle Gibbs (175) and Graham Smith, were unbeatable. No one could believe, not even Ricky Ponting (164), how they lost. 

The 2016 series in South Africa was a clean sweep for the Proteas 5:0. The match winners were again obvious: Quinton de Kock, David Miller and Kagiso Rabada. 

The 2023 series in South Africa was another chapter in this ever-changing rivalry. After SA lost the first two games, they roared back to win the series 3:2. Heinrich Klaasen produced one of the great ODI innings against Australia, blasting 174 off 83 balls.

Top Run Scorers in the Rivalry

Ricky Ponting (Australia): He was a one-man wrecking crew for much of the 2000s, and was the single reason why Australia's batting leaders against South Africa were his name.

AB de Villiers (South Africa): He had over 50 against Australia, his box was checked when he scored a record 31-ball century against the Aussies in 2015.

Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa): He was a leading architect of the run chase in 2006.

David Warner (Australia): Modern-day powerhouse, with a consistent run against the Proteas.

Leading Wicket Takers

Shaun Pollock (South Africa): He spent years keeping Australia’s top order on their toes, with his accuracy

Brett Lee (Australia): By his pace and aggression, Lee was lethal when facing South Africa, particularly early in the 2000s.

Mitchell Johnson (Australia): Many a contest has been tipped instead of his left-arm pace

Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): The current spearhead, but ruled out of the 2025 series through injury.

ODI Rivalry in Australia

Australia was supposed to dominate in their conditions, and we have seen the likes of Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee and Mitchell Starc torment South African batters here. South Africa has been successful and they have achieved great wins and series wins against Australia in 2009 and 2016, with deep batting line-ups most of the time making a difference. 

ODI Rivalry in South Africa

In contrast to Australia, South Africa has generally dominated in South Africa, standing a good chance in batting wickets and their local pace conditions. Australia has memories of winning the famous series in 2002, and South Africa has memories of being unbeaten in 2016; they whitewashed Australia that year.

Broadcast & Streaming Info

Fans around the world can tune in through major broadcasters:

• Australia: Fox Sports, Kayo
   
• South Africa: SuperSport
   
• India: Star Sports, JioCinema
   
• USA: ESPN+, Willow TV
   
• Pakistan: Every ball of the Australia vs South Africa ODI record rivalry is live on tapmad.

Conclusion

From Edgbaston heartbreak to Johannesburg pyrotechnics, the Australia vs South Africa ODI record is the tale of the epic battle between two of cricket's greats, pushing one another to the limit. The 2025 series will simply be the next chapter in the stor,y full of world-class players, jaw-dropping finishes, and fierce competition. And for fans in Pakistan, tapmad is the home of the legendary rivalry.