South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team stats include one of the fiercest rivalries in international cricket. The two nations have long been regarded as among the greatest cricketing nations in the world, with a plethora of memorable encounters across Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Over the years, this rivalry has witnessed it all – from Australia’s stranglehold in the late 90s and early naughties to South Africa’s historic series victories in Australia and, of course, that iconic 438-run chase in Johannesburg to every duel since contributing anew story to the saga. We know the contests for aggressive fast bowling, world-class batting and high-pressure ICC tournament showdowns.
Here is the full stats of the South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team, T20 head-to-head records, top players for both teams, Highest scores, and Historic matches.
South Africa vs Australia Head-to-Head Record (All Formats)
Australia and South Africa have faced each other in every format of international cricket for more than a century.
| Format | Matches | Australia Won | South Africa Won | Draw/Tie/NR |
| Test | 101 | 54 | 26 | 21 Draws |
| ODI | 110 | 51 | 55 | 1 Tie / 3 NR |
| T20I | 26 | 17 | 9 | 0 |
| Total | 237 | 122 | 90 | 25 |
Head-to-Head Summary
- Australia leads the Test rivalry.
- South Africa holds a narrow lead in ODI cricket.
- Australia dominates T20 Internationals.
- The rivalry has produced several ICC knockout classics.
South Africa vs Australia Test Stats
The Test rivalry began in 1902 and has featured many legendary cricketers including Don Bradman, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, Dale Steyn, Pat Cummins, and Steve Smith.
Test Head-to-Head Record
| Statistic | Record |
| Matches Played | 101 |
| Australia Wins | 54 |
| South Africa Wins | 26 |
| Draws | 21 |
| First Test | 1902 |
| Latest Test Series | ICC World Test Championship Era |
Australia remains the more successful side in Test cricket, although South Africa has achieved famous away series victories in Australia.
South Africa vs Australia ODI Stats
ODI cricket between these teams has produced some of the greatest matches in history.
ODI Head-to-Head
| Statistic | Record |
| Matches | 110 |
| Australia Wins | 51 |
| South Africa Wins | 55 |
| Tie | 1 |
| No Result | 3 |
South Africa holds a slight advantage in ODI victories despite Australia’s success in ICC World Cups.
South Africa vs Australia T20I Stats
The T20 rivalry has been more balanced in recent years, although Australia has maintained an overall lead.
| Statistic | Record |
| Matches | 26 |
| Australia Wins | 17 |
| South Africa Wins | 9 |
Australia’s powerful batting lineup has often given them the edge in the shortest format.
Overall Team Records
Both teams have produced massive totals across all formats.
| Record | Australia | South Africa |
| Highest Test Score | 652/7d | 651 |
| Highest ODI Score | 434/4 | 438/9 |
| Highest T20I Score | 226/6 | 227/9 |
| Lowest ODI Score | 93 | 69 |
South Africa vs Australia Test Series Results (Recent)
| Season | Host | Winner |
| 2018 | South Africa | South Africa (3–1) |
| 2022–23 | Australia | Australia (2–0) |
| WTC Final 2025 | Neutral | Australia |
Australia has remained one of South Africa’s toughest opponents in modern Test cricket.
South Africa vs Australia ODI World Cup Record
The rivalry becomes even more exciting during ICC Cricket World Cups.
| Tournament | Winner |
| 1999 Semi-final | Australia (Tie, advanced) |
| 2007 Super Eight | Australia |
| 2019 League Stage | South Africa |
| 2023 Semi-final | Australia |
Australia has enjoyed greater success in ICC knockout matches despite South Africa’s stronger overall ODI head-to-head record.
Highest Team Totals
Test Cricket
| Team | Score | Venue |
| Australia | 652/7d | Johannesburg |
| South Africa | 651 | Durban |
ODI Cricket
The ODI rivalry has witnessed some of the biggest totals ever scored.
| Team | Score | Venue |
| South Africa | 438/9 | Johannesburg |
| Australia | 434/4 | Johannesburg |
The famous 438 chase remains one of the greatest ODI matches ever played.
T20 Internationals
| Team | Highest Score |
| South Africa | 227/9 |
| Australia | 226/6 |
Highest Individual Scores
Several legendary batters have dominated this rivalry.
| Player | Team | Highest Score | Format |
| Matthew Hayden | Australia | 186 | ODI |
| Herschelle Gibbs | South Africa | 175 | ODI |
| Graeme Smith | South Africa | 154 | Test |
| Steve Smith | Australia | 141 | Test |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 106 | ODI |
Most Runs in South Africa vs Australia Matches
| Player | Team | Runs |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 3,000+ |
| Ricky Ponting | Australia | 3,000+ |
| Graeme Smith | South Africa | 2,800+ |
| Steve Smith | Australia | 2,000+ |
| Michael Clarke | Australia | 2,000+ |
Leading Wicket-Takers
Fast bowlers have dominated this rivalry for decades.
| Player | Team | Wickets |
| Dale Steyn | South Africa | 90+ |
| Glenn McGrath | Australia | 80+ |
| Allan Donald | South Africa | 70+ |
| Pat Cummins | Australia | 60+ |
| Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 60+ |
Memorable Match: The Greatest ODI Ever (2006)
The 5th ODI at Johannesburg is widely regarded as the greatest One-Day International ever played.
Match Summary
| Team | Score |
| Australia | 434/4 |
| South Africa | 438/9 |
Match Highlights
- Australia became the first team to score over 400 in ODIs.
- Ricky Ponting smashed a brilliant 164.
- Herschelle Gibbs responded with an incredible 175.
- Mark Boucher hit the winning runs with one wicket remaining.
- South Africa successfully chased the highest ODI total in history at the times
Memorable ICC Match: 1999 World Cup Semi-final
One of cricket’s most dramatic matches ended in a tie.
| Team | Score |
| Australia | 213 |
| South Africa | 213 |
Australia advanced to the final because they had finished higher in the Super Six standings, making it one of the most heartbreaking moments in South African cricket history.
Team Comparison
| Category | Australia | South Africa |
| ICC World Cups | 6 | 0 |
| Champions Trophy | 2 | 1 |
| World Test Championship | 2 | 0 |
| Test Head-to-Head Leader | ✅ | |
| ODI Head-to-Head Leader | ✅ | |
| T20 Head-to-Head Leader | ✅ |
Why This Rivalry Is So Special
Several factors make Australia vs South Africa one of cricket’s greatest rivalries:
- Elite fast bowling attacks.
- Aggressive and competitive cricket.
- Historic Test series.
- Legendary ODI encounters.
- Memorable ICC knockout matches.
- High-quality batting from both sides.
- Consistent battles between the world’s top-ranked teams.
Interesting Facts
- The chase of 438 runs made by South Africa is among the biggest ODI wins in cricket history
- Australia has also won more Test matches against South Africa than any other opponent bar England.
- That World Cup semi-final in 1999 is the only tied World Cup knockout between these teams.
- Neither side has held back when the other is in sight, with both teams having scored more than 400 runs against the other in ODIs.
- The rivalry has produced some of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history, including Hall of Famers Dale Steyn, Allan Donald, Glenn McGrath, Shaun Pollock and all three aforementioned modern-day greats: Mitchell Johnson and Pat Cummins.
FAQs about South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Stats
1. Who leads the South Africa vs Australia Test head-to-head?
Australia leads the Test rivalry with 54 wins, while South Africa has won 26 Tests, with 21 ending in draws.
2. Which team leads the ODI head-to-head?
South Africa holds a narrow lead in ODIs with 55 victories, compared to Australia’s 51.
3. What is the highest ODI score between South Africa and Australia?
South Africa’s 438/9 against Australia’s 434/4 in Johannesburg (2006) remains the highest successful ODI chase between the teams.
4. Which team has won more T20Is?
Australia leads the T20I rivalry with 17 wins, while South Africa has won 9 matches.
5. What is the most famous South Africa vs Australia match?
The 438-run chase in Johannesburg (2006) is widely considered the greatest ODI match ever played, while the 1999 World Cup semi-final is remembered as one of the most dramatic games in cricket history.
Conclusion
The South Africa National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team stats show one of the fiercest and most amazing rivalries in cricket history. Australia is a powerhouse in Test cricket and T20Is, while South Africa holds the edge over ODIs, albeit by not much. Whether it was that unimaginable 438-run chase or the historic semi-final at the World Cup in 1999, this rivalry has produced many unforgettable moments. Neither side’s production of world-class players shows signs of letting up, so there should be plenty more glorious moments in a great cricketing rivalry and future clashes to write new entries into its annals.

