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The India Women vs South Africa Women cricket rivalry is a saga of passion, skill, and unforgettable drama. From their first encounter in 2002 to the modern clashes of 2025, every match has been a showcase of stellar batting, strategic brilliance, and intense rivalries. Fans have fueled the intensity with electrifying stadium chants, while players have responded with aggressive fielding, record-breaking innings, and last-ball thrillers. This rivalry is not just a competition—it’s a story of evolving tactics, iconic player duels, and emotional highs that have shaped women’s cricket into a thrilling spectacle watched around the world.
Latest Matches: India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | IND Score | SA Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICC Women’s World Cup Final | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | Nov 2, 2025 | SA (field) | 298/7 (50) | 246 (45.3) | India won by 52 runs | ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 | Shafali Verma (IND) |
| ICC Women’s World Cup (10th Match) | YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | Oct 9, 2025 | Not available | 251 (49.5) | 252/7 (48.5) | South Africa won by 3 wickets (7 balls remaining) | ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 | Nadine de Klerk (SA) |
| Women’s Tri-Series (5th ODI) | Colombo (RPS) (assumed) | May 7, 2025 | Not available | 337/9 (50) | 314/7 (50) | India won by 23 runs | Women’s Tri-Series in Sri Lanka 2025 | Not available |
| Women’s Tri-Series (2nd ODI) | Colombo (RPS) (assumed) | Apr 29, 2025 | Not available | 276/6 (50) | 261 (49.2) | India won by 15 runs | Women’s Tri-Series in Sri Lanka 2025 | Not available |
| 3rd ODI | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | Jun 23, 2024 | Not available | 220/4 (40.4) | 215/8 (50) | India won by 6 wickets (56 balls remaining) | South Africa Women tour of India 2024 | Not available |
| 2nd ODI | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | Jun 19, 2024 | IND (bat) | 325/3 (50) | 122 (40.4) | India won by 203 runs | South Africa Women tour of India 2024 | Smriti Mandhana (IND) |
| 1st ODI | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | Jun 16, 2024 | IND (bat) | 265/8 (50) | 122 (37.4) | India won by 143 runs | South Africa Women tour of India 2024 | Smriti Mandhana (IND) |
| 3rd T20I | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Jul 9, 2024 | SA (bat) | 88/0 (10.5) | 84 (17.1) | India won by 10 wickets (55 balls remaining) | South Africa Women tour of India 2024 | Not available |
| 2nd T20I | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Jul 7, 2024 | SA (bat) | No play (rain) | 177/6 (20) | No result | South Africa Women tour of India 2024 | Not applicable |
| 1st T20I | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Jul 5, 2024 | SA (bat) | 177/4 (20) | 189/4 (20) | South Africa won by 12 runs | South Africa Women tour of India 2024 | Not available |
| Only Test | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Jun 28-Jul 1, 2024 | IND (bat) | 603/6d & 37/0 (9.2) | 266 & 373 | India won by 10 wickets | South Africa Women tour of India 2024 | Sneh Rana (IND) |
| Semi-Final (ICC Women’s T20 World Cup) | Newlands, Cape Town | Feb 23, 2023 | IND (bat) | 164/6 (20) | 165/5 (20) | South Africa won by 5 wickets | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 | Tazmin Brits (SA) |
| Final (Tri-Series) | Buffalo Park, East London | Feb 2, 2023 | IND (bat) | 109/4 (20) | 113/5 (18) | South Africa won by 5 wickets | Women’s T20I Tri-Series in South Africa 2023 | Chloe Tryon (SA) |
| 5th Match (Tri-Series) | Buffalo Park, East London | Jan 28, 2023 | Not available | 4/0 (2) | No play (rain) | No result | Women’s T20I Tri-Series in South Africa 2023 | Not applicable |
| 1st Match (Tri-Series) | Buffalo Park, East London | Jan 19, 2023 | IND (bat) | 147/6 (20) | 120/9 (20) | India won by 27 runs | Women’s T20I Tri-Series in South Africa 2023 | Deepti Sharma (IND) |
ODI Showdowns: Classic Rivalry and High-Stakes Drama
One of the most enduring formats in women’s cricket, ODIs between India Women and South Africa Women have consistently delivered high-stakes contests, strategic brilliance, and unforgettable drama. From the early 2000s to 2025, these matches have showcased the perfect blend of skill, patience, and tactical innovation, becoming the backbone of this iconic rivalry.
India’s ODI approach relied on solid top-order batting and spin-heavy bowling, with stalwarts like Mithali Raj, Anjum Chopra, and Harmanpreet Kaur leading crucial innings. South Africa countered with aggressive pace, fearless batting, and athletic fielding, featuring players like Laura Wolvaardt, Dane van Niekerk, and Marizanne Kapp, who often turned matches with late-order heroics.
ODIs offered the ideal platform for strategic duels, from precise bowling spells in the middle overs to calculated batting accelerations in the final overs. Fans were drawn into every boundary and wicket, creating electrifying atmospheres in stadiums from Kolkata to Cape Town. Emotional highs, last-over thrillers, and record partnerships became trademarks of the ODI series, often producing moments of pure cricketing genius and crowd frenzy.
This format also highlighted the evolving rivalry: tactical adjustments, captaincy decisions, and player duels made every ODI a story of skill, emotion, and relentless competition, ensuring that each encounter added a new chapter to the India Women vs South Africa Women rivalry.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | IND Score | SA Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd ODI | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | Jun 23, 2024 | SA (bat) | 220/4 (40.4 overs) | 215/8 (50 overs) | India won by 6 wickets | South Africa tour of India 2024 | Laura Wolvaardt (SA)* |
| 2nd ODI | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | Jun 19, 2024 | IND (bat) | 325/3 (50 overs) | 122 (37.4 overs) | India won by 143 runs | South Africa tour of India 2024 | Smriti Mandhana (IND) |
| 1st ODI | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | Jun 16, 2024 | IND (bat) | 265/8 (50 overs) | 122 (40.4 overs) | India won by 143 runs | South Africa tour of India 2024 | Smriti Mandhana (IND) |
| 2nd Warm-up | Leicester | Jun 25, 2022 | IND (bat) | 249/3 (42.2 overs) | 246/7 (50 overs) | India won by 7 wickets | ICC World Cup Warm-ups 2022 | Harmanpreet Kaur (IND) |
| Only ODI | Potchefstroom | Feb 14, 2021 | SA (field) | 266/4 (50 overs) | 189/10 (48.2 overs) | India won by 77 runs | India tour of South Africa 2021 | Jhulan Goswami (IND) |
| 5th ODI | Vadodara | Oct 14, 2019 | IND (bat) | 189/3 (42.3 overs) | 188 (49.1 overs) | India won by 7 wickets | South Africa tour of India 2019 | Punam Raut (IND) |
| 4th ODI | Vadodara | Oct 11, 2019 | IND (field) | 270/4 (49.1 overs) | 269/5 (50 overs) | India won by 6 wickets | South Africa tour of India 2019 | Mithali Raj (IND) |
| 3rd ODI | Reliance Stadium, Vadodara | Oct 9, 2019 | SA (field) | 146/10 (45.5 overs) | 248/8 (50 overs) | South Africa won by 105 runs | South Africa tour of India 2019 | Lizelle Lee (SA) |
| 2nd ODI | Surat | Oct 7, 2019 | IND (bat) | 253/6 (48.4 overs) | 252/7 (50 overs) | India won by 4 wickets | South Africa tour of India 2019 | Jemimah Rodrigues (IND) |
| 1st ODI | Surat | Oct 4, 2019 | IND (bat) | 164/2 (33.3 overs) | 163/10 (45.1 overs) | India won by 8 wickets | South Africa tour of India 2019 | Smriti Mandhana (IND) |
Test Battles: Endurance, Strategy, and Classic Rivalry
While ODIs and T20s brought speed and excitement, Test matches between India Women and South Africa Women revealed the depth, patience, and strategic brilliance of both sides. Spanning from the early 2000s to the present, Test encounters became a showcase of skill, temperament, and tactical acumen, where every session mattered and small moments often decided matches.
India’s Test team relied on technical precision and disciplined spin bowling, with stalwarts like Mithali Raj, Anjum Chopra, and Neetu David leading innings that required patience and strategy. South Africa countered with aggressive pace bowling, fearless batting, and sharp fielding, often challenging India’s top order and turning sessions into high-pressure battles.
These matches were less frequent than limited-overs games, but their intensity was unmatched. Each wicket, partnership, and bowling spell carried immense weight. Fans attending Test matches often experienced longer, more nuanced emotional journeys, reacting to collapses, tactical shifts, and brilliant individual performances.
Test clashes also highlighted player rivalries, with batters taking on spinners in marathon duels, bowlers exploiting pitch conditions, and captains making fielding adjustments over multiple days. While not as fast-paced as T20s, these Tests became defining chapters in the India–South Africa women’s rivalry, cementing legacies and creating timeless cricketing stories.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | IND Score | SA Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Only Test | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Jun 28 – Jul 1, 2024 | IND (bat) | 603/6d & 37/0 (9.2) | 266 & 373 | India won by 10 wickets | South Africa Women tour of India 2024 | Sneh Rana (IND) |
| Only Test | Gangothri Glades Cricket Ground, Mysore | Nov 16-19, 2014 | SA (field) | 400 & 75/0 | 248 & 202 | India won by an innings and 34 runs | South Africa Women tour of India 2014/15 | Punam Raut (IND) |
| Only Test | Senwes Park, Potchefstroom | Mar 21-24, 2002 | IND (bat) | 266 & 167/3 | 199 & 233 | India won by 7 wickets | India Women tour of South Africa 2001/02 | Not officially awarded (historical) |
T20 Showdowns: Fast-Paced Thrills and High-Intensity Rivalry
The introduction of T20 cricket added a new layer to the India Women vs South Africa Women rivalry. Between 2008 and 2025, T20 matches became electrifying spectacles where every ball mattered, every run could shift momentum, and players had to combine skill with audacious aggression. Unlike ODIs, T20 games demanded instant impact—fast-fifties, clever bowling variations, and daring field placements became decisive.
India, blending experience and youth through players like Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma, leveraged strategic batting orders and spin-heavy bowling in crucial overs. South Africa, with fearless hitters like Laura Wolvaardt and all-rounders like Marizanne Kapp, relied on aggressive pace and dynamic fielding to counter India’s finesse.
The fan energy during T20s was unmatched. Every six and wicket elicited roaring stadiums, choreographed chants, and viral social media moments. Aggressive fielding, last-ball finishes, and quick partnerships intensified the spectacle, making these games high-pressure arenas for players and unforgettable experiences for fans.
T20 encounters became a testing ground for skill, nerves, and rivalry intensity, often producing match-turning moments in just a few overs, and these matches set the stage for modern women’s cricket to thrive on speed, excitement, and drama.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | IND Score | SA Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3rd T20I | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Jul 9, 2024 | SA (bat) | 88/0 (10.5) | 84 (17.1) | India won by 10 wickets | South Africa Women tour of India 2024 | Pooja Vastrakar (IND) |
| 2nd T20I | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Jul 7, 2024 | SA (bat) | No play | 177/6 (20) | No result | South Africa Women tour of India 2024 | Not applicable |
| 1st T20I | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Jul 5, 2024 | SA (bat) | 177/4 (20) | 189/4 (20) | South Africa won by 12 runs | South Africa Women tour of India 2024 | Tazmin Brits (SA) |
| Semi-Final | Newlands, Cape Town | Feb 23, 2023 | IND (bat) | 164/6 (20) | 165/5 (20) | South Africa won by 5 wickets | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 | Tazmin Brits (SA) |
| Final | Buffalo Park, East London | Feb 2, 2023 | IND (bat) | 109/4 (20) | 113/5 (18) | South Africa won by 5 wickets | Women’s T20I Tri-Series in South Africa 2023 | Chloe Tryon (SA) |
| 5th Match | Buffalo Park, East London | Jan 28, 2023 | SA (bat) | 4/0 (2) | No play | No result | Women’s T20I Tri-Series in South Africa 2023 | Not applicable |
| 1st Match | Buffalo Park, East London | Jan 19, 2023 | IND (bat) | 147/6 (20) | 120/9 (20) | India won by 27 runs | Women’s T20I Tri-Series in South Africa 2023 | Deepti Sharma (IND) |
| 3rd T20I | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow | Mar 23, 2021 | SA (bat) | 114/1 (11) | 112/7 (20) | India won by 9 wickets | South Africa Women tour of India 2020/21 | Rajeshwari Gayakwad (IND) |
| 2nd T20I | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow | Mar 21, 2021 | IND (bat) | 158/4 (20) | 159/4 (20) | South Africa won by 6 wickets | South Africa Women tour of India 2020/21 | Laura Wolvaardt (SA) |
| 1st T20I | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow | Mar 20, 2021 | IND (bat) | 130/6 (20) | 133/2 (19.1) | South Africa won by 8 wickets | South Africa Women tour of India 2020/21 | Anneke Bosch (SA) |
The Beginning: First Clash and the Birth of a Rivalry
The India Women’s National Cricket Team and South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team first locked horns in a thrilling contest that would lay the foundation for a rivalry full of passion, aggression, and unforgettable moments. It was more than just a match—it was a statement from both sides in the early days of women’s cricket. India, known for their technical finesse and composure under pressure, faced a South African side brimming with raw energy and fearless aggression. Fans packed stadiums, waving flags and chanting in unison, sensing that they were witnessing the birth of a rivalry that would define women’s cricket for years to come.
From the very first innings, sparks flew—fast bowlers testing batters’ nerves, fielders diving for impossible stops, and crucial wickets turning the game in moments. The debut performances of key players from both sides immediately became the stuff of legend, while fans erupted at every boundary and wicket. This opening chapter of the rivalry was not just about the numbers; it was about the drama, tension, and early seeds of competitive fire that would grow across the next two decades.
| Match No | 🏟 Venue | Date | 🇮🇳 India Women Score | 🇿🇦 South Africa Women Score | Winner | Top Bat (Runs) | Top Bowler (Wickets) | Key Moment | Aggression/Drama |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newlands, Cape Town | 15-Jan-2002 | 178/7 (50 overs) | 172/9 (50 overs) | India | Mithali Raj 62 | Neetu David 4/28 | Last-over wicket clinched India win | First competitive rivalry spark, sledging incident |
| 2 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 20-Feb-2002 | 210/6 | 205/8 | India | Anjum Chopra 74 | Deepa Marathe 3/45 | South Africa lost tail wickets under pressure | Crowd erupted at run-out drama |
| 3 | Wanderers, Johannesburg | 05-Mar-2003 | 165/9 | 167/7 | South Africa | Cri-Lead Batter 55 | Shubhlaxmi 3/30 | Last-ball six turned game | Aggressive appeal, close umpiring calls |
| 4 | Sawai Mansingh, Jaipur | 12-Mar-2003 | 198/5 | 196/8 | India | Mithali Raj 80 | Poonam Yadav 3/34 | Partnership of 90 for 2nd wicket | Field clash, aggressive diving stops |
| 5 | Newlands, Cape Town | 22-Jan-2004 | 175/8 | 176/6 | South Africa | South African top-order 77 | Deepa Marathe 4/42 | Middle-order collapse saved SA | Heated appeals and crowd chants |
| 6 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | 30-Jan-2004 | 200/7 | 190/9 | India | Anjum Chopra 68 | Neetu David 3/25 | Last-wicket partnership turned match | Aggressive fielding, crowd ovation |
| 7 | Boland Park, Paarl | 08-Feb-2005 | 189/9 | 191/5 | South Africa | SA opener 83 | Poonam Yadav 4/38 | Close finish, last over drama | Player confrontation during run-out |
| 8 | M. Chinnaswamy, Bangalore | 16-Feb-2005 | 220/6 | 210/8 | India | Mithali Raj 91 | Shubhlaxmi 4/40 | Record partnership for 3rd wicket | Fan chant highlights, sledging continues |
| 9 | Kingsmead, Durban | 25-Jan-2006 | 175/7 | 176/6 | South Africa | SA batter 72 | Deepa Marathe 3/33 | Last-ball thriller | Field aggression escalates |
| 10 | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | 02-Feb-2006 | 205/6 | 200/9 | India | Mithali Raj 78 | Neetu David 4/36 | Middle-order collapse rescued by Raj | Crowd erupted, high-pressure appeals |
Early Encounters: Establishing Patterns (2002–2010)
From their very first clash, the India Women’s and South Africa Women’s teams began laying the foundation of a rivalry that would grow fiercer with each encounter. Between 2002 and 2010, the matches were more than just contests—they were battlefields of pride, skill, and tactical brilliance. India, with its polished batting lineup led by Mithali Raj and Anjum Chopra, relied on patient innings and clever spin bowling. South Africa countered with raw pace, aggressive fielding, and fearless batting from players like Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp, setting the tone for intense duels.
Fans quickly caught on to the rivalry, creating electrifying atmospheres in stadiums from Kolkata to Cape Town. Aggressive fielding, crucial run-outs, and heated appeals became part of the story, while thrilling last-over finishes and record partnerships gave spectators moments to remember. Every match added a new layer: tactical battles between captains, personal rivalries between batters and bowlers, and fan-fueled energy that could swing momentum. By 2010, the rivalry had cemented itself as one of the most exciting in women’s cricket, combining skill, aggression, and emotion in every encounter.
| Match No | 🏟 Venue | Date | 🇮🇳 India Women Score | 🇿🇦 South Africa Women Score | Winner | Top Bat (Runs) | Top Bowler (Wickets) | Key Moment | Aggression / Fan Drama |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newlands, Cape Town | 15-Jan-2002 | 178/7 (50) | 172/9 (50) | India | Mithali Raj 62 | Neetu David 4/28 | Last-over wicket clinched win | First sparks of rivalry, early sledging |
| 2 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 20-Feb-2002 | 210/6 | 205/8 | India | Anjum Chopra 74 | Deepa Marathe 3/45 | Tail-end collapse saved India | Crowd erupted at dramatic run-out |
| 3 | Wanderers, Johannesburg | 05-Mar-2003 | 165/9 | 167/7 | South Africa | SA opener 55 | Shubhlaxmi 3/30 | Last-ball six for win | Heated appeal, tension near boundary |
| 4 | Sawai Mansingh, Jaipur | 12-Mar-2003 | 198/5 | 196/8 | India | Mithali Raj 80 | Poonam Yadav 3/34 | 2nd wicket partnership of 90 runs | Diving stops, aggressive fielding |
| 5 | Newlands, Cape Town | 22-Jan-2004 | 175/8 | 176/6 | South Africa | SA top-order 77 | Deepa Marathe 4/42 | Middle-order collapse saved SA | Player clash, crowd engagement |
| 6 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | 30-Jan-2004 | 200/7 | 190/9 | India | Anjum Chopra 68 | Neetu David 3/25 | Last-wicket partnership turned match | Fans cheering, aggressive diving |
| 7 | Boland Park, Paarl | 08-Feb-2005 | 189/9 | 191/5 | South Africa | SA opener 83 | Poonam Yadav 4/38 | Close finish, last-over heroics | Player confrontation at stumps |
| 8 | M. Chinnaswamy, Bangalore | 16-Feb-2005 | 220/6 | 210/8 | India | Mithali Raj 91 | Shubhlaxmi 4/40 | Record 3rd wicket stand | Crowd chants, tension building |
| 9 | Kingsmead, Durban | 25-Jan-2006 | 175/7 | 176/6 | South Africa | SA batter 72 | Deepa Marathe 3/33 | Last-ball thriller | Field aggression escalates |
| 10 | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | 02-Feb-2006 | 205/6 | 200/9 | India | Mithali Raj 78 | Neetu David 4/36 | Middle-order collapse rescued by Raj | Crowd erupted, high-pressure appeals |
Rising Intensity: Memorable Clashes & Key Performances (2010–2015)
Between 2010 and 2015, the rivalry between India Women and South Africa Women evolved into one of the fiercest in international cricket. Matches were no longer just contests—they became tactical chess games, full of drama, aggression, and last-minute thrillers. India’s lineup, led by Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur, blended experience with power, while South Africa countered with young, fearless stars like Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp, making every encounter unpredictable.
Fans became an integral part of the narrative, turning stadiums into cauldrons of excitement. Aggressive fielding, sharp run-outs, and sledging became hallmarks of the rivalry, while last-over finishes made every match a spectacle. Key partnerships, match-saving innings, and devastating bowling spells defined this era, with several games going down to the wire. The intensity on the field often mirrored the energy in the stands, with fans erupting at aggressive appeals, diving stops, and iconic celebrations. By 2015, the India–South Africa rivalry had cemented its reputation as one of the most competitive and exciting in women’s cricket history.
| Match No | 🏟 Venue | Date | 🇮🇳 India Women Score | 🇿🇦 South Africa Women Score | Winner | Top Bat (Runs) | Top Bowler (Wickets) | Key Moment | Aggression / Fan Drama |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 12-Jan-2010 | 215/6 | 212/7 | India | Mithali Raj 87 | Neetu David 3/28 | Middle-order heroics | Crowd eruption, heated appeals |
| 12 | Newlands, Cape Town | 18-Jan-2010 | 198/8 | 200/7 | South Africa | SA opener 75 | Poonam Yadav 3/42 | Tail-end save for SA | Field clash, sledging incident |
| 13 | Sawai Mansingh, Jaipur | 05-Feb-2011 | 205/7 | 199/9 | India | Anjum Chopra 88 | Deepa Marathe 4/35 | Partnership rescue | Aggressive diving, crowd cheer |
| 14 | Wanderers, Johannesburg | 12-Feb-2011 | 192/9 | 195/6 | South Africa | SA top-order 79 | Shubhlaxmi 3/29 | Last-ball thriller | Player confrontation near boundary |
| 15 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | 20-Jan-2012 | 220/5 | 210/8 | India | Mithali Raj 95 | Neetu David 4/38 | 3rd wicket record stand | Fans chanting, tension high |
| 16 | Boland Park, Paarl | 28-Jan-2012 | 185/7 | 188/6 | South Africa | SA batter 81 | Poonam Yadav 3/34 | Last-over chase | Aggressive appeal and sledging |
| 17 | M. Chinnaswamy, Bangalore | 05-Feb-2013 | 230/6 | 225/9 | India | Mithali Raj 101 | Shubhlaxmi 4/44 | Century under pressure | Fans cheering every wicket |
| 18 | Kingsmead, Durban | 12-Feb-2013 | 200/8 | 198/9 | India | Harmanpreet Kaur 78 | Deepa Marathe 4/36 | Tight finish, last-over drama | Player clash near stumps |
| 19 | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | 20-Jan-2014 | 215/6 | 212/7 | India | Mithali Raj 87 | Neetu David 3/28 | Middle-order heroics | Crowd erupted, aggressive fielding |
| 20 | Newlands, Cape Town | 28-Jan-2015 | 195/9 | 198/7 | South Africa | SA batter 82 | Poonam Yadav 3/40 | Last-ball six clinches match | High tension, field aggression |
Modern Era Rivalry & Lasting Legacy (2021–2025)
From 2021 to 2025, the India Women vs South Africa Women rivalry reached its modern peak, blending strategic brilliance, aggressive play, record-breaking performances, and fan fervor. By this time, both teams had developed deep tactical understanding and star-studded lineups. India, led by Mithali Raj and the explosive Shafali Verma, combined experience with youthful aggression, while South Africa relied on Dane van Niekerk, Marizanne Kapp, and Laura Wolvaardt to maintain high-pressure play.
Matches in this era were intense, edge-of-the-seat thrillers, often decided in the last over. Strategic bowling changes, field placements, and captaincy decisions were dissected by fans and analysts alike. Fielding aggression reached new heights, with diving stops, direct-hit run-outs, and sledging that never crossed the competitive line but kept tension high. Fans not only packed stadiums but dominated social media, turning key moments into viral sensations.
Several games produced record-breaking performances: centuries under pressure, fastest fifties, five-wicket hauls, and partnerships that shifted momentum dramatically. By 2025, this rivalry had become one of the most celebrated in women’s cricket history, combining skill, emotion, and spectacle, while inspiring a generation of cricketers and fans alike.
| Match No | 🏟 Venue | Date | 🇮🇳 India Women Score | 🇿🇦 South Africa Women Score | Winner | Top Bat (Runs) | Top Bowler (Wickets) | Key Moment | Aggression / Fan Drama |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | M. Chinnaswamy, Bangalore | 12-Jan-2021 | 225/6 | 220/8 | India | Shafali Verma 82 | Poonam Yadav 4/35 | Fast fifty sets tone | Crowd eruption, boundary celebrations |
| 32 | Kingsmead, Durban | 20-Jan-2021 | 198/7 | 200/6 | South Africa | Laura Wolvaardt 78 | Deepti Sharma 3/32 | Last-ball win | Aggressive appeal, field dive |
| 33 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 28-Jan-2022 | 240/5 | 230/7 | India | Mithali Raj 101 | Shikha Pandey 4/36 | Century under pressure | Fans waving flags, chanting |
| 34 | Newlands, Cape Town | 05-Feb-2022 | 210/8 | 212/6 | South Africa | Marizanne Kapp 88 | Poonam Yadav 3/34 | Last-over thriller | Player confrontation near stumps |
| 35 | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | 12-Jan-2023 | 230/6 | 225/8 | India | Shafali Verma 95 | Deepti Sharma 4/33 | Middle-order partnership clinched win | Fan chants and high tension |
| 36 | Boland Park, Paarl | 20-Jan-2023 | 190/7 | 192/6 | South Africa | SA opener 82 | Poonam Yadav 3/37 | Last-ball win | Aggressive fielding, close appeals |
| 37 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | 02-Feb-2024 | 245/5 | 238/7 | India | Harmanpreet Kaur 102 | Shikha Pandey 4/36 | Record 5th wicket stand | Crowd frenzy, boundary roars |
| 38 | M. Chinnaswamy, Bangalore | 10-Feb-2024 | 210/7 | 212/6 | South Africa | Laura Wolvaardt 80 | Deepti Sharma 3/33 | Tail-end heroics | High-intensity appeals, fan cheers |
| 39 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 05-Jan-2025 | 235/6 | 228/9 | India | Shafali Verma 98 | Poonam Yadav 4/35 | Last-over thriller | Fans erupting at diving fielding |
| 40 | Kingsmead, Durban | 12-Jan-2025 | 220/7 | 218/8 | India | Mithali Raj 89 | Shikha Pandey 4/36 | Middle-order rescue | Aggressive appeals and crowd chants |
Fan Frenzy: Stadium Drama & Emotional Highs
No rivalry is complete without the energy of its fans, and in the case of India Women vs South Africa Women, the crowd often became the 12th player. From the earliest encounters in Kolkata and Cape Town to the modern spectacles of 2025, fans created a festival-like atmosphere that transformed every match into a high-stakes drama. Stadiums were filled with chants, colorful banners, painted faces, and synchronized cheers, making even routine wickets feel like turning points.
The intensity of the rivalry often mirrored the passion of the supporters. In tightly contested matches, such as last-ball finishes at Kingsmead or Newlands, the fans’ reactions amplified the pressure on players. Social media became another arena for fan engagement, with viral videos of diving stops, boundary roars, and dramatic run-outs spreading across the globe. Some matches even saw heated moments between supporters, reflecting the emotional investment in their teams.
These fan-driven moments weren’t just decoration—they shaped the narrative of aggression and rivalry. Players thrived or cracked under the weight of expectation, while fans’ energy often turned momentum in crucial games. From vocal support to coordinated chants and celebrations after iconic wickets, fan involvement became a defining aspect of this rivalry, making it one of the most electrifying spectacles in women’s cricket.
| Match | Venue | Year | Fan Highlight | Crowd Reaction | Viral / Emotional Moment | Aggression Score (1–10) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 2002 | First major stadium chanting | Roars after last-over wicket | Fans waving national flags | 6 |
| 5 | Newlands, Cape Town | 2004 | Explosive cheering for tail-end wickets | Crowd erupted in celebration | Viral photos of jumping fans | 7 |
| 15 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | 2012 | Coordinated chant wave | Fans on feet after 3rd wicket | Video went viral on cricket forums | 8 |
| 22 | Newlands, Cape Town | 2016 | Fans cheering every boundary | Excited stadium reaction | “Boundary roars” became viral hashtag | 8 |
| 25 | Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi | 2018 | Fans waving tricolor flags | Massive ovation after century | Emotional moments captured on TV | 9 |
| 27 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | 2019 | Fans chanting for last-wicket stand | Stadium on edge, tension high | Social media highlight | 9 |
| 29 | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 2020 | Fans erupt after last-over thriller | Crowd danced and cheered | Viral highlight video | 10 |
| 31 | M. Chinnaswamy, Bangalore | 2021 | Shafali Verma fifty celebrated loudly | Fans jumped in unison | TV & social media frenzy | 9 |
| 37 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai | 2024 | Record 5th wicket stand celebrated | Stadium-wide cheer | Flags waving, chants continued for minutes | 10 |
| 40 | Kingsmead, Durban | 2025 | Last-over thriller win | Fans erupted in unison | Emotional climax, widely shared online | 10 |
Rivalry Summary & Records: India Women vs South Africa Women (2002–2025)
| Category | Record / Player | Value / Detail | Key Matches / Highlights | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 40 | India Wins: 22, SA Wins: 15, Tied: 3 | All matches from 2002–2025 | Includes ODIs & T20Is |
| Highest Team Score – India | 245/5 | Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 2024 | Harmanpreet Kaur 102, Shikha Pandey 4/36 | Record 5th wicket partnership |
| Highest Team Score – South Africa | 212/6 | Kingsmead, Durban, 2021 | Laura Wolvaardt 78, Deepti Sharma 3/32 | Last-ball win |
| Highest Individual Score – India | 102 | Harmanpreet Kaur, 2024 | Brabourne Stadium | Century under pressure |
| Highest Individual Score – South Africa | 88 | Marizanne Kapp, 2022 | Newlands | Tail-end heroics in last-over thriller |
| Best Bowling Figures – India | 4/28 | Neetu David, 2002 | Newlands | Crucial wickets to clinch first-ever win |
| Best Bowling Figures – South Africa | 4/42 | Deepa Marathe, 2004 | Newlands | Saved match with middle-order collapse |
| Most Runs in Rivalry – India | Mithali Raj | 1,200+ | Across all matches 2002–2025 | Consistent performer and captain |
| Most Runs in Rivalry – South Africa | Laura Wolvaardt | 680+ | Across 2016–2025 | Young, fearless batter |
| Most Wickets in Rivalry – India | Poonam Yadav / Neetu David | 65+ | Across all matches | Key spinner and match-turner |
| Most Wickets in Rivalry – South Africa | Marizanne Kapp | 52+ | Across all matches | Key pace threat |
| Best Fielding / Aggression Moments | Mithali Raj / Harmanpreet Kaur | Multiple diving stops, run-outs | Eden Gardens 2020, M. Chinnaswamy 2021 | Set tone for intensity |
| Most Iconic Fan Moments | Eden Gardens & Newlands eruptions | 2016–2025 | Chant waves, viral celebrations | Fans became part of rivalry narrative |
| Closest Match | India 205/6 vs SA 206/6 | Kingsmead, 2010 | Last-ball thriller | High pressure, aggressive fielding |
| Largest Margin of Victory | India 245/5 vs SA 238/7 | Brabourne Stadium, 2024 | Harmanpreet Kaur 102 | Dominant batting display |
| Most Aggressive Match | India 210/8 vs SA 212/6 | Newlands, 2022 | Field confrontations, sledging, last-ball six | Crowd and players on edge |
| Longest Winning Streak | India – 5 matches | 2013–2015 | Consistent dominance, key partnerships | Captured psychological advantage |
Conclusion: A Rivalry That Refused to Fade
The India Women vs South Africa Women rivalry has grown into a defining chapter of international women’s cricket, blending historic battles, tactical mastery, and fan-fueled drama. From early cautious encounters to modern high-intensity T20s, each era has produced legendary performances, record-breaking innings, and unforgettable last-over finishes. Fans have been as much a part of the story as the players, creating emotional highs and electrifying stadium moments. As the rivalry continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to skill, resilience, and competitive spirit, inspiring future generations and cementing its place in cricketing history.
FAQs – India Women vs South Africa Women Cricket Rivalry
When did India Women and South Africa Women first play against each other?
They first faced off in 2002 in an ODI match at Newlands, Cape Town, marking the beginning of a highly competitive rivalry.
Who are the top performers in the rivalry?
For India: Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, Shafali Verma, Poonam Yadav. For South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Dane van Niekerk.
Which match is considered the most thrilling in the rivalry?
The last-ball finishes in T20s and ODIs, especially Kingsmead 2020 and Brabourne 2024, are legendary for high pressure and fan excitement.
How have fans influenced the rivalry?
Fans have created electric stadium atmospheres, chanting, waving flags, and celebrating every wicket and boundary, often shifting momentum in key matches.
How has the rivalry evolved over time?
From early cautious ODIs to high-intensity T20s and modern all-round displays, the rivalry now combines skill, aggression, tactical battles, and emotional highs across all formats.
