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The rivalry between the Pakistan national cricket team and the South Africa national cricket team is a masterclass in unpredictability and raw aggression. From Jonty Rhodes’ 1992 flying run-out to the spin-heavy “Spinroad” battles of 2026, every scorecard tells a story of flair meeting discipline. It is a clash where Pakistan’s “Cornered Tigers” spirit collides with the clinical “Proteas Fire,” creating a spectacle that transcends boundaries and keeps fans on the edge of their seats for generations.
Latest Matches: Pakistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | Score (Batting First) | Score (Batting Second) | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilateral ODI | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | Nov 8, 2025 | South Africa won, elected to bat | South Africa 143 (37.5/50) | Pakistan 144/3 (25.1/50) | Pakistan won by 7 wickets | South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 | Bilal Khan (PAK) – 4/28 |
| Bilateral ODI | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | Nov 6, 2025 | Pakistan won, elected to bat | Pakistan 269/9 (50/50) | South Africa 270/2 (40.1/50) | South Africa won by 8 wickets (59 balls remaining) | South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 | Quinton de Kock (SA) – 123 (119) |
| Bilateral ODI | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | Nov 4, 2025 | South Africa won, elected to bat | South Africa 263 (50/50) | Pakistan 264/8 (49.4/50) | Pakistan won by 2 wickets (2 balls remaining) | South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 | Haris Rauf (PAK) – 5/45 |
| Bilateral T20I | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | Nov 1, 2025 | South Africa won, elected to bat | South Africa 139/9 (20/20) | Pakistan 140/6 (19/20) | Pakistan won by 4 wickets (6 balls remaining) | South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 | Mohammad Rizwan (PAK) – 52* (42) |
| Bilateral T20I | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | Oct 29, 2025 | South Africa won, elected to bat | South Africa 164/8 (20/20) | Pakistan 165/1 (15.3/20) | Pakistan won by 9 wickets (27 balls remaining) | South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 | Babar Azam (PAK) – 89* (48) |
| Bilateral T20I | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | Oct 27, 2025 | Pakistan won, elected to field | South Africa 194/9 (20/20) | Pakistan 139 (18.1/20) | South Africa won by 55 runs | South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 | David Miller (SA) – 75 (38) |
| Bilateral Test | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | Oct 20-23, 2025 | Pakistan won, elected to bat | Pakistan 333 & 138 | South Africa 404 & 73/2 | South Africa won by 8 wickets | South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 | Kagiso Rabada (SA) – 6/78 |
| Bilateral Test | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | Oct 12-15, 2025 | Pakistan won, elected to bat | Pakistan 378 & 167 | South Africa 269 & 183 | Pakistan won by 93 runs | South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 | Noman Ali (PAK) – 12 wickets |
| Bilateral ODI | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | Dec 22, 2024 | Pakistan won, elected to bat | Pakistan 308/9 (47/47) | South Africa 271 (42/47) | Pakistan won by 36 runs (DLS method) | Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024/25 | Saim Ayub (PAK) – 101 (95) & 2/45 |
| Bilateral ODI | Newlands, Cape Town | Dec 19, 2024 | Pakistan won, elected to bat | Pakistan 329 (49.5/50) | South Africa 248 (43.1/50) | Pakistan won by 81 runs | Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024/25 | Kamran Ghulam (PAK) – 63 (32) |
| Bilateral ODI | Boland Park, Paarl | Dec 17, 2024 | South Africa won, elected to bat | South Africa 239/9 (50/50) | Pakistan 242/7 (49.3/50) | Pakistan won by 3 wickets (3 balls remaining) | Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024/25 | Shaheen Afridi (PAK) – 4/41 |
| Bilateral T20I | SuperSport Park, Centurion | Dec 13, 2024 | Pakistan won, elected to bat | Pakistan 206/5 (20/20) | South Africa 210/3 (19.3/20) | South Africa won by 7 wickets (3 balls remaining) | Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024/25 | Reeza Hendricks (SA) – 106* (62) |
| Bilateral T20I | Kingsmead, Durban | Dec 10, 2024 | South Africa won, elected to bat | South Africa 183/9 (20/20) | Pakistan 172/8 (20/20) | South Africa won by 11 runs | Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024/25 | George Linde (SA) – 4/21 |
| ICC Men’s ODI World Cup | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Oct 27, 2023 | Pakistan won, elected to bat | Pakistan 270 (46.4/50) | South Africa 271/9 (47.2/50) | South Africa won by 1 wicket (16 balls remaining) | ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 | Tabraiz Shamsi (SA) – 4/60 |
| ICC Men’s T20 World Cup | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney | Nov 3, 2022 | Pakistan won, elected to bat | Pakistan 185/9 (20/20) | South Africa 108/9 (14/14) | Pakistan won by 33 runs (DLS method) | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 | Shadab Khan (PAK) – 52 (22) & 2/16 |
Exciting Summary & Highlights
This rivalry is pure fire! Pakistan has been unstoppable lately, sweeping the 2024 ODI series in South Africa 3-0 (a historic whitewash on SA soil! 🇵🇰) and edging the 2025 T20I series 2-1 at home. The Tests were split 1-1, showing SA’s resilience in red-ball cricket. Overall, Pakistan leads the win tally 11-4 in these 15 games, with thrilling chases and bowling masterclasses.
Top Performances That Stole the Show:
- Batting Brilliance: Saim Ayub’s century (101) in the 3rd ODI (2024) turned the game with aggressive strokeplay. Babar Azam’s unbeaten 89 in the 2nd T20I (2025) was a captain’s knock!
- Bowling Magic: Noman Ali’s 12-wicket haul in the 1st Test (2025) was legendary, dismantling SA twice. Shaheen Afridi’s 4/41 in the 1st ODI (2024) set the tone for the whitewash.
- All-Round Heroics: Shadab Khan’s 52 & 2/16 in the 2022 T20 World Cup match was clutch under pressure.
- Closest Thriller: SA’s 1-wicket win in the 2023 ODI World Cup – edge-of-your-seat stuff!
The ODI Masters: A Chronicle of White-Ball Dominance
The 2024–2025 season will be remembered as the “Year of the Green Sweep.” For the first time in history, Pakistan achieved a 3-0 clean sweep against the Proteas on South African soil. Led by Mohammad Rizwan’s tactical brilliance and Saim Ayub’s back-to-back centuries, Pakistan dismantled the “Fortress South Africa.” However, the Proteas fired back in the 2025 Tri-Series in Karachi, where Matthew Breetzke’s 150 and Heinrich Klaasen’s late-over carnage reminded the world that the “Proteas Fire” is never truly extinguished. The aggression was at an all-time high, with Shaheen Afridi and Breetzke literally colliding mid-pitch in a heated exchange that required umpire intervention.
| # | Date | Venue | Toss & Decision | Score (1st Innings) | Score (2nd Innings) | Result & Margin | Why It Was Epic! / Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nov 8, 2025 | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | SA won, elected to bat | SA 143 (37.5/50) | PAK 144/3 (25.1/50) | Pakistan won by 7 wickets 🇵🇰 (easy chase!) | Bilal Khan’s 4/28 demolished SA early – series decider! |
| 2 | Nov 6, 2025 | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | PAK won, elected to bat | PAK 269/9 (50) | SA 270/2 (40.1/50) | South Africa won by 8 wickets 🇿🇦 (clinical!) | Quinton de Kock’s majestic 123* powered a dominant chase |
| 3 | Nov 4, 2025 | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | SA won, elected to bat | SA 263 (50) | PAK 264/8 (49.4/50) | Pakistan won by 2 wickets 🇵🇰 (nail-biter!) | Haris Rauf’s 5/45 + late fireworks – thriller finish! |
| 4 | Dec 22, 2024 | Wanderers, Johannesburg | PAK won, elected to bat | PAK 308/9 (47/47) | SA 271 (42/47) | Pakistan won by 36 runs (DLS) 🇵🇰 | Saim Ayub’s 101 + 2 wickets – sealed historic whitewash! |
| 5 | Dec 19, 2024 | Newlands, Cape Town | PAK won, elected to bat | PAK 329 (49.5/50) | SA 248 (43.1/50) | Pakistan won by 81 runs 🇵🇰 | Kamran Ghulam’s explosive 63(32) + solid bowling attack |
| 6 | Dec 17, 2024 | Boland Park, Paarl | SA won, elected to bat | SA 239/9 (50) | PAK 242/7 (49.3/50) | Pakistan won by 3 wickets 🇵🇰 (close chase!) | Shaheen Afridi’s clutch 4/41 – started the 3-0 sweep! |
| 7 | Oct 27, 2023 | MA Chidambaram, Chennai (WC) | PAK won, elected to bat | PAK 270 (46.4/50) | SA 271/9 (47.2/50) | South Africa won by 1 wicket 🇿🇦 (heart-stopper!) | Tabraiz Shamsi 4/60 – edge-of-seat World Cup classic! |
| 8 | Apr 4, 2021 | SuperSport Park, Centurion | PAK won, elected to field | SA 273/6 (50) | PAK 274/7 (50) | Pakistan won by 3 wickets 🇵🇰 | Babar Azam’s classy 103 – master chase under pressure! |
| 9 | Apr 2, 2021 | Wanderers, Johannesburg | (Series context) | (High-scoring affair) | (Pakistan strong chase) | Pakistan won (close) | Fakhar Zaman / Babar fireworks – part of 2-1 series win |
| 10 | Jan 19, 2019 | St George’s Park, Gqeberha | SA won, elected to bat | SA 187 (42.5/50) | PAK 190/3 (33.2/50) | Pakistan won by 7 wickets 🇵🇰 | Shaheen Afridi’s early burst – dominant away win! |
The Test Chronicles: Where Legends Are Forged in Red Ball
The Test rivalry has recently evolved from the lightning-fast decks of the 90s to the “Spinroads” of 2025–2026. This era belongs to the artisans of spin. In the October 2025 Test series, we witnessed a tactical masterpiece by the Pakistani veterans. Noman Ali, at the age of 39, dismantled the Proteas middle order with a relentless display of left-arm orthodox bowling, claiming a historic 10-wicket haul in Lahore.
The aggression in Tests is different; it is a slow-burn fire. You see it in the eyes of Kagiso Rabada as he stares down a set batsman after a 145kph bouncer, or in the defiant celebrations of South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy, who leveled the 2025 series with an 11-wicket masterpiece of his own. The fans are equally intense, famously cheering the dismissal of their own captain, Shan Masood, in Lahore—not out of spite, but out of a desperate, aggressive love for the next man in, Babar Azam.
| # | Date | Venue | Toss & Decision | 1st Innings Scores | 2nd Innings Scores | Result & Margin | Why It Was Epic! / Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oct 20-23, 2025 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | PAK won, elected to bat | PAK 333 & 138 | SA 404 & 73/2 (target 68) | South Africa won by 8 wickets 🇿🇦 (quick chase!) | Keshav Maharaj 7/102 + Senuran Muthusamy 89* – SA fought back brilliantly after trailing! |
| 2 | Oct 12-15, 2025 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | PAK won, elected to bat | PAK 378 & 167 | SA 269 & 183 (target 277) | Pakistan won by 93 runs 🇵🇰 | Noman Ali 10 wickets total (6/112 & 4/79) – spin wizard dismantled SA! Series leveler vibe. |
| 3 | Jan 3-6, 2025 | (2nd Test, PAK in SA) Cape Town / Centurion area | (SA dominant series) | (High SA totals) | (PAK collapsed) | South Africa won by big margin (10 wickets or innings) 🇿🇦 | SA’s pace attack crushed PAK – part of 2-0 home series win in 2024/25. |
| 4 | Dec 26-29, 2024 | (1st Test, PAK in SA) Centurion | SA won toss | SA big first innings | PAK follow-on | South Africa won comprehensively 🇿🇦 | Kagiso Rabada & co. – classic SA home dominance in red-ball. |
| 5 | Feb 3-6, 2021 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | SA won, elected to field | PAK 272 & 298 | SA 201 & 274 (target 370) | Pakistan won by 95 runs 🇵🇰 | Nauman Ali & Yasir Shah spin magic – historic home win after long wait! |
| 6 | Jan 26-29, 2021 | Karachi | PAK won, elected to bat | PAK 378 & 169/5d | SA 220 & 245 (target 328) | Pakistan won by 7 wickets 🇵🇰 | Babar Azam 100s, Fawad Alam – PAK whitewashed SA 2-0 at home! Epic series. |
| 7 | Jan 3-6, 2019 | (Centurion Test) | SA won toss | SA 223 & 248 | PAK 181 & 190 | South Africa won by 107 runs 🇿🇦 | Vernon Philander masterclass – SA fought back in tough conditions. |
| 8 | Dec 26-29, 2018 | (Centurion) | (High-scoring draw potential but SA edge) | (Competitive) | (SA chase) | South Africa won 🇿🇦 | Dean Elgar & co. – part of SA’s strong home record. |
| 9 | Oct 24-27, 2013 | Abu Dhabi (UAE) | PAK won toss | SA 249 & 232 | PAK 442 & 45/1 | Pakistan won by 7 wickets 🇵🇰 | Misbah-ul-Haq & Younis Khan – classic UAE spin win! |
| 10 | Oct 14-17, 2013 | Abu Dhabi | SA won toss | SA 249 & 232 | PAK 442 & (chase) | Pakistan won (close) | Saeed Ajmal’s doosra magic – part of 2-1 series win for PAK. |
The T20 Evolution: Power-Plays and World Records (2007 – 2026)
If Test cricket is a chess match, T20 is a street fight. From the first-ever T20 World Cup in 2007, where these two sides clashed in the group stages, the aggression has been relentless. The 2025/26 series in Pakistan was the ultimate evidence of this, featuring sold-out crowds in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The crowning moment of this era occurred on October 31, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium. Babar Azam, returning to the T20 side, reclaimed his throne by surpassing Rohit Sharma to become the all-time highest run-scorer in T20 International history. The crowd’s roar when he took that record-breaking single was deafening, a moment of pure fan emotion that transcended the match itself. Not to be outdone, young Saim Ayub unleashed a barrage of “no-look” sixes that signaled a new age of Pakistani aggression, while South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks and Donovan Ferreira fought back with clinical, high-strike-rate cameos.
| # | Date | Venue | Toss & Decision | Score (1st Innings) | Score (2nd Innings) | Result & Margin | Why It Was Epic! / Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nov 1, 2025 | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | SA won, elected to bat | SA 139/9 (20) | PAK 140/6 (19/20) | Pakistan won by 4 wickets 🇵🇰 (tight chase!) | Mohammad Rizwan’s cool 52* anchored the run-chase under lights! |
| 2 | Oct 29, 2025 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | SA won, elected to bat | SA 164/8 (20) | PAK 165/1 (15.3/20) | Pakistan won by 9 wickets 🇵🇰 (crushing!) | Babar Azam unbeaten 89* off 48 – absolute masterclass chase! |
| 3 | Oct 28, 2025 | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | PAK won, elected to field | SA 194/9 (20) | PAK 139 (18.1/20) | South Africa won by 55 runs 🇿🇦 | George Linde’s all-round show + SA’s big total – dominant start for visitors! |
| 4 | Dec 13, 2024 | SuperSport Park, Centurion | PAK won, elected to bat | PAK 206/5 (20) | SA 210/3 (19.3/20) | South Africa won by 7 wickets 🇿🇦 (with balls to spare!) | Reeza Hendricks’ explosive 106* powered a record chase – series clincher! |
| 5 | Dec 10, 2024 | Kingsmead, Durban | SA won, elected to bat | SA 183/9 (20) | PAK 172/8 (20) | South Africa won by 11 runs 🇿🇦 | George Linde 4/21 + SA’s late fight – defended a competitive total brilliantly! |
| 6 | Nov 3, 2022 | Sydney Cricket Ground (T20 WC) | PAK won, elected to bat | PAK 185/9 (20) | SA 108/9 (14/14, DLS) | Pakistan won by 33 runs (DLS) 🇵🇰 | Shadab Khan’s 52(22) + 2/16 – semi-final thriller that knocked SA out! |
| 7 | Apr 16, 2021 | Centurion | (High-scoring classic) | PAK 206/5 (20) | SA 210/3 (19.something) | South Africa won by 7 wickets 🇿🇦 | SA’s aggressive chase – part of a memorable series. |
| 8 | Apr 14, 2021 | Centurion | PAK won toss | SA 203/5 (20) | PAK 205/1 (19?) | Pakistan won by 9 wickets 🇵🇰 (clinical!) | Babar Azam & Mohammad Rizwan’s opening blitz – record chase vibes! |
| 9 | Apr 10, 2021 | Johannesburg | (Series opener) | (Competitive total) | (Close finish) | Pakistan won (narrow) | Fakhar Zaman fireworks – set the tone for PAK’s series fightback. |
| 10 | Feb 19, 2019 | (Earlier series match) | (Thrilling encounter) | (High pressure) | (PAK edge) | Pakistan won 🇵🇰 | Classic T20 drama – part of PAK’s strong record in chases. |
Epic T20I Rivalry Summary – Explosive & Unpredictable!
- Recent Momentum: In 2025 home series, Pakistan bounced back after losing the 1st T20I (55-run defeat) with back-to-back demolitions – 9-wkt & 4-wkt wins! But SA took the 2024 away series 2-0 (one abandoned), thanks to massive chases like Hendricks’ ton. Overall in last 10: Pakistan 5 wins | South Africa 5 wins – perfectly balanced fire!
- Most Thrilling Ones:
- 2022 T20 World Cup: Pakistan’s win knocked SA out – massive stakes!
- Dec 2024 Centurion: 416-run match with Hendricks’ 106* – T20 at its best.
- Oct 2025 Rawalpindi: Babar Azam’s 89* turned a game in 15.3 overs!
- Standout Stars
- Babar Azam – Consistent king with big fifties & tons in chases.
- Mohammad Rizwan – Anchor + finisher supreme.
- Reeza Hendricks & George Linde – SA’s recent heroes with bat/ball.
- Shadab Khan – All-round clutch in big moments.
The Dawn of a Global Grudge (1992 – 1994): The First Sparks
The rivalry began not with a roar, but with a flight. When South Africa returned to international cricket, their first major collision with Pakistan occurred during the 1992 World Cup. It was a rainy day in Brisbane, but the atmosphere was electric. Pakistan, led by the legendary Imran Khan, was a team of superstars, while South Africa was the disciplined newcomer hungry to prove their worth.
The moment that defined this era—and perhaps the history of the sport—was Jonty Rhodes’ legendary “flying” run-out of Inzamam-ul-Haq. As Inzamam hesitated, Rhodes didn’t just throw the ball; he became the ball, diving full length to shatter the stumps. It was the first sign that South Africa would bring a level of fielding aggression that Pakistan had never encountered.
| Date | Venue | Format | Winner | Key Performer | 🇵🇰 Score | 🇿🇦 Score |
| Mar 8, 1992 | Brisbane | ODI | 🇿🇦 South Africa | Jonty Rhodes (The Dive) | 173/8 | 211/7 |
| Jan 19, 1995 | Johannesburg | Test | 🇵🇰 Pakistan | Saleem Malik (99) | 183 & 242 | 155 & 183 |
| Feb 15, 1995 | Centurion | ODI | 🇿🇦 South Africa | Hansie Cronje (81) | 224/9 | 226/5 |
The Era of Fire and Ice: Pace, Reverse-Swing, and Sledging (1995 – 2003)
If the early 90s were the introduction, the turn of the millennium was the climax. This era featured four of the greatest fast bowlers to ever live: Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Allan Donald, and Shaun Pollock. The aggression was palpable. You could hear the ball thudding into the gloves and the verbal volleys being exchanged from the boundary ropes.
The psychological warfare peaked during the 1998 tour. South Africa, led by the stoic Hansie Cronje, believed they were invincible at home. But they hadn’t accounted for the “Rawalpindi Express.” Shoaib Akhtar, with his flowing hair and a run-up that started near the sightscreen, began clocking speeds that made even the bravest Proteas batsmen flinch.
The fans were a huge part of this aggression. In Karachi and Lahore, the “12th man” was the crowd—a deafening roar that greeted every wicket. In Johannesburg, the atmosphere was equally intense, with a partisan crowd pushing the Proteas to maintain their “fortress.”
| Match Event | Winner | Main Aggressor | Tactical Masterstroke | Final Scorecard Summary |
| 1998 Kingsmead Test 🇿🇦 | 🇵🇰 Pakistan | Shoaib Akhtar (Terrifying Pace) | Using Mushtaq Ahmed’s spin to exploit a dry patch. | 🇵🇰 259 & 226 |
| 1997 Wills Golden Jubilee 🇵🇰 | 🇿🇦 South Africa | Pat Symcox (Lower Order Power) | Promoting pinch hitters to disrupt Waqar’s rhythm. | 🇿🇦 195/3 |
| 2000 Sharjah Cup 🇦🇪 | 🇵🇰 Pakistan | Waqar Younis (Toe-Crushing Yorkers) | Reverse swing at the death to stifle Jonty Rhodes. | 🇵🇰 168/10 |
| 2002 Cape Town ODI 🇿🇦 | 🇿🇦 South Africa | Graeme Smith (Mental Toughness) | Attacking the spin of Saqlain Mushtaq early. | 🇿🇦 272/7 |
| 2003 WC Centurion 🇿🇦 | 🇿🇦 South Africa | Shaun Pollock (Pinpoint Accuracy) | Exploiting the morning moisture under lights. | 🇿🇦 273/7 |
The Middle Kingdoms (2004 – 2015): Spinning Webs and Choke-points
This was the era of the “Unplayables.” On one side, South Africa reached the pinnacle of Test cricket, becoming the undisputed #1 team in the world under Graeme Smith. On the other, Pakistan, led by the calm Misbah-ul-Haq, turned the UAE into a fortress where visitors came to suffer under the heat and the mystery of Saeed Ajmal.
The aggression shifted from the mouth to the mind. South Africa’s AB de Villiers began redefining what was possible with a bat, while Pakistan’s bowling attack developed the “Doosra”—a delivery that turned the other way and left even legends like Jacques Kallis scratching their heads.
One of the most intense fan moments occurred during the 2010 series. Pakistani fans, desperate for a win in their “home away from home,” watched in agony as Abdul Razzaq played a superhuman innings of 109 off 72 balls to snatch victory from the jaws of the Proteas. It remains one of the most celebrated nights in Pakistan’s ODI history.
| Year | Venue | Format | The Game-Changer | Aggression Level | Detailed Scorecard Insight |
| 2007 | Karachi | Test | 🇿🇦 Jacques Kallis (155*) | Cool & Clinical | SA’s 160-run win despite Younis Khan’s heroics. |
| 2010 | Abu Dhabi | ODI | 🇵🇰 Abdul Razzaq (109*) | Pure Fire | 🇵🇰 289/9 (Razzaq 10 sixes) vs 🇿🇦 288/8. |
| 2013 | Johannesburg | Test | 🇿🇦 Dale Steyn (6/8) | Lethal | Pakistan bowled out for 49—a historic low. |
| 2013 | Dubai | Test | 🇵🇰 Saeed Ajmal (6/115) | Wizardry | Pakistan won by 7 wickets; the spin trap worked. |
| 2015 | Auckland | WC | 🇵🇰 Sarfaraz Ahmed (49 & 6 catches) | Vocal & Sharp | Pakistan won by 29 runs (D/L) in a WC thriller. |
Modern Warfare (2016 – 2024): The T20 Revolution and Babar’s Rise
This period saw a changing of the guard. The grinding sessions of the past were replaced by “power-hitting” and “death-bowling” mastery. Babar Azam rose to become the anchor of the Pakistani ship, while South Africa unleashed a new wave of athletes like Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada who played cricket with a “take-no-prisoners” attitude.
The aggression during these years became more tactical. It was no longer just about fast bowling; it was about “slower-ball bouncers” and “concussion substitutes.” The fan rivalry reached a fever pitch on social media, especially during the 2021 Johannesburg “Pink ODI.” Fakhar Zaman played an innings for the ages, scoring 193. However, his dismissal became one of the most debated moments in cricket history. Quinton de Kock’s “fake fielding” gesture—pointing to the non-striker’s end to deceive Fakhar—led to a run-out that felt like a punch to the gut for Pakistani fans. The aggression in the post-match press conferences and on Twitter proved that the fire in this rivalry was burning hotter than ever.
| Year | Event | Winner | Hero of the Day | Aggression Point | Final Scorecard |
| 2019 | Centurion | 🇿🇦 South Africa | Quinton de Kock (94) | Wicket-keeper “Chirping” | 🇿🇦 190/3 vs 🇵🇰 181/10 |
| 2021 | Johannesburg | 🇿🇦 South Africa | Fakhar Zaman (193) | Fake Fielding Drama | 🇿🇦 341/6 vs 🇵🇰 324/9 |
| 2022 | Sydney (WC) | 🇵🇰 Pakistan | Shadab Khan (52 & 2/16) | Power-play Demolition | 🇵🇰 185/9 vs 🇿🇦 108/9 |
| 2023 | Chennai (WC) | 🇿🇦 South Africa | Aiden Markram (91) | One-Wicket Thriller | 🇵🇰 270 vs 🇿🇦 271/9 |
| 2024 | Johannesburg | 🇿🇦 South Africa | George Linde (45 & 3/35) | All-Round Dominance | 🇵🇰 280/8 vs 🇿🇦 281/5 |
The New Frontier (2025 – 2026): Spin Wizards and Young Guns
The 2025-26 series in Pakistan was a masterclass in drama. While the world focused on Babar Azam crossing the incredible 15,000 international runs milestone, it was the “Old Guard” and the “New Breed” together that stole the show. Noman Ali, at nearly 40 years old, proved that age is just a number by spinning a web around the Proteas, while young Saim Ayub showed the world that Pakistan’s batting future is in explosive hands.
The aggression reached a boiling point in the Test series, where South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy and Pakistan’s Noman Ali engaged in a “Spin-Off” for the ages. Every wicket was celebrated with a roar that echoed through the Gaddafi Stadium, as the two sides traded blows like heavyweights in a 12th round.
| Series Event | Final Result | Top Performer | Key Aggression Moment | Standout Stat |
| 1st Test (Lahore) | 🇵🇰 Pakistan Won | Noman Ali (10 Wickets) | Noman’s record-breaking 5th consecutive 5-for. | 🇵🇰 378 & 167 vs 🇿🇦 269 & 183 |
| 2nd Test (Pindi) | 🇿🇦 South Africa Won | Senuran Muthusamy (11 Wickets) | A masterclass in spin that leveled the series. | 🇿🇦 404 & 73/2 vs 🇵🇰 333 & 138 |
| T20I Series | 🇵🇰 Pakistan (2-1) | Faheem Ashraf (Series MVP) | Babar Azam becoming the all-time T20I run-scorer. | 🇵🇰 won the decider by 4 wickets. |
| ODI Series | 🇵🇰 Pakistan (2-1) | Quinton de Kock (Series MVP) | Saim Ayub’s maiden ton vs de Kock’s 123*. | 🇵🇰 won the final ODI by 7 wickets. |
Final Verdict: The Rivalry That Never Sleeps
As we look at the Pakistan national cricket team vs South Africa national cricket team match scorecard from 1992 to 2026, one thing is clear: this is cricket’s most balanced and explosive feud. Whether it is a Test match in the dust of Lahore or a T20 under the lights of Johannesburg, these two nations continue to redefine aggression and tactical brilliance. As new stars like Saim Ayub and Tony de Zorzi take center stage, the legacy of this great rivalry is in safe, albeit very fast, hands.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who has won more matches in the Pakistan vs South Africa rivalry? Historically, South Africa has a significant lead in Test and ODI formats, particularly in home conditions. However, Pakistan has dominated the T20I head-to-head records and has become increasingly competitive in white-ball cricket since 2021.
What is the highest individual score in a Pakistan vs South Africa ODI? The record is held by Fakhar Zaman, who scored a breathtaking 193 at the Wanderers in 2021. Despite his heroics, Pakistan narrowly lost the match, which became famous for the “fake fielding” controversy.
Which bowler has the most wickets in this rivalry? Legends like Shaun Pollock and Dale Steyn lead the charts for South Africa, while Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis remain the top wicket-takers for Pakistan. In the modern era, Kagiso Rabada and Shaheen Afridi are rapidly climbing the ranks.
Where was the most recent series played in 2025-26? The most recent all-format tour took place in Pakistan in late 2025. Matches were held in iconic venues including Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad, the latter of which hosted its first ODI in 17 years.
Has Pakistan ever won a Test series in South Africa? While Pakistan has won individual Test matches in South Africa (such as the 1998 Durban miracle), they are still chasing their first-ever away Test series win against the Proteas on South African soil.
