The cricketing rivalry between Pakistan and South Africa has produced memorable matches marked by strategic brilliance and intense competitions that captivate fans.
Since their initial showdown in 1994, these clashes have showcased the abilities of the teams across formats in ways that keep viewers on edge with each game.
Memorable performances in the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline come from both sides in games.
They have marked the Pakistan-South Africa rivalry, which has witnessed numerous unforgettable displays of skills. Each match between the teams contributes further to a storied legacy of cricketing brilliance, where victory alone does not suffice.
While South Africa threatens with its fearsome pace battery and fielding prowess, bringing unpredictability, Pakistan spins webs with reverse swing and a penchant for twisting outcomes in its favour.
Each format highlights unique attributes and amplifies excitement.
In Tests, Dale Steyn and Shaun Pollock often overpowered South Africa. At the same time, Shaheen Afridi helped Pakistan gain the upper hand on pace tracks.
T20Is proved an intense battle as both exploited explosive batting and cunning variations to seize wins.
Another notable shift in 2024 was Pakistan’s startling decision to remove Babar Azam from the squad, an audacious and stunning move, as selectors opted for a fresh strategy by entrusting Shan Masood with the captaincy.
Under Masood’s leadership, Pakistan travelled to England and impressively claimed a 3-2 series win, illustrating the team’s depth beyond the stars.
This success underscored Pakistan’s adaptability and wealth of talent, guiding a youthful team to triumph in challenging conditions and signalling a positive reconfiguration of strategic thinking.
Head-to-Head Stats in Pakistan vs South Africa Matches
Format | Matches Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | Draws | Notable Series/Matches |
Tests | 28 | 7 | 15 | 6 | 2021 Series in Pakistan (Pakistan won 2-0) |
ODIs | 83 | 30 | 52 | 0 | 2021 Series in South Africa (Pakistan won 2-1) |
T20Is | 22 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 2022 T20 World Cup (Pakistan won by 33 runs via DLS method) |
Highest Team Totals in Pakistan Team vs South Africa Stats
Tests
Team | Score | Overs | Run Rate | Innings | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
South Africa | 620/7d | 135.0 | 4.59 | 1 | Pakistan | Cape Town | 2 Jan 2003 |
South Africa | 584/9d | 153.0 | 3.81 | 1 | Pakistan | Abu Dhabi | 20 Nov 2010 |
South Africa | 517 | 163.1 | 3.16 | 2 | Pakistan | Dubai (DICS) | 23 Oct 2013 |
South Africa | 460 | 120.2 | 3.82 | 1 | Pakistan | Johannesburg | 19 Jan 1995 |
Pakistan | 456 | 162.5 | 2.80 | 1 | South Africa | Rawalpindi | 6 Oct 1997 |
ODIs
Team | Score | Overs | Run Rate | Innings | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
South Africa | 392/6 | 50.0 | 7.84 | 1 | Pakistan | Centurion | 4 Feb 2007 |
Pakistan | 351/4 | 50.0 | 7.02 | 1 | South Africa | Durban | 7 Feb 2007 |
South Africa | 343/5 | 50.0 | 6.86 | 1 | Pakistan | Johannesburg | 17 Mar 2013 |
South Africa | 341/6 | 50.0 | 6.82 | 1 | Pakistan | Johannesburg | 4 Apr 2021 |
Pakistan | 335/6 | 50.0 | 6.70 | 1 | South Africa | Gqeberha | 11 Dec 2002 |
T20Is
Team | Score | Overs | Run Rate | Innings | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
Pakistan | 205/1 | 18.0 | 11.38 | 2 | South Africa | Centurion | 14 Apr 2021 |
South Africa | 203/5 | 20.0 | 10.15 | 1 | Pakistan | Centurion | 14 Apr 2021 |
Pakistan | 195/7 | 20.0 | 9.75 | 1 | South Africa | Centurion | 3 Mar 2013 |
South Africa | 192/6 | 20.0 | 9.60 | 1 | Pakistan | Cape Town | 1 Feb 2019 |
Pakistan | 189/6 | 19.5 | 9.52 | 2 | South Africa | Johannesburg | 10 Apr 2021 |
Most Wickets by Bowlers
Tests
Player | Team | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | SR | 4W | 5W |
Dale Steyn | South Africa | 13 | 26 | 2648 | 1374 | 59 | 6/8 | 23.28 | 3.11 | 44.88 | 3 | 3 |
Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 12 | 22 | 2367 | 961 | 45 | 6/50 | 21.35 | 2.43 | 52.60 | 1 | 3 |
Makhaya Ntini | South Africa | 9 | 18 | 1859 | 987 | 41 | 6/59 | 24.07 | 3.18 | 45.34 | 3 | 2 |
Danish Kaneria | Pakistan | 7 | 14 | 2703 | 1096 | 36 | 5/46 | 30.44 | 2.43 | 75.08 | 2 | 1 |
Mushtaq Ahmed | Pakistan | 8 | 12 | 1823 | 865 | 29 | 6/78 | 29.82 | 2.84 | 62.86 | 2 | 1 |
ODIs
Player | Team | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | SR | 4W | 5W |
Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 32 | 32 | 1746 | 1444 | 58 | 5/25 | 24.89 | 4.96 | 30.10 | 3 | 2 |
Makhaya Ntini | South Africa | 25 | 25 | 1227 | 992 | 49 | 5/21 | 20.24 | 4.85 | 25.04 | 3 | 1 |
Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 36 | 36 | 2013 | 1232 | 49 | 5/23 | 25.14 | 3.67 | 41.08 | 1 | 1 |
Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 42 | 38 | 1522 | 1245 | 42 | 5/41 | 29.64 | 4.90 | 36.23 | – | 1 |
Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | 40 | 38 | 1922 | 1506 | 37 | 3/25 | 40.70 | 4.70 | 51.94 | – | – |
T20Is
Player | Team | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | SR | 4W | 5W |
Tabraiz Shamsi | South Africa | 11 | 11 | 258 | 302 | 13 | 4/25 | 23.23 | 7.02 | 19.84 | 1 | – |
Dale Steyn | South Africa | 7 | 7 | 156 | 153 | 12 | 3/15 | 12.75 | 5.88 | 13.00 | – | – |
Saeed Ajmal | Pakistan | 9 | 9 | 198 | 202 | 12 | 4/26 | 16.83 | 6.12 | 16.50 | 1 | – |
Beuran Hendricks | South Africa | 6 | 6 | 138 | 198 | 11 | 4/14 | 18.00 | 8.60 | 12.54 | 1 | – |
Hasan Ali | Pakistan | 7 | 7 | 156 | 242 | 10 | 3/40 | 24.20 | 9.30 | 15.60 | – | – |
Top Performers in the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline
The decades-long rivalry between Pakistan and South Africa has seen some truly magnificent performances that swayed crucial moments and enthralled spectators for years.
Across tests, ODIs, and T20s, certain standout players from both sides etched their names in history through spectacular batting displays, mesmeric bowling, and match-winning heroics time and time again.
Let us examine a select few top contributors who raised the bar with their performances.
Jacques Kallis – The All-Round Pillar
Jacques Kallis, one of South Africa’s premier all-round talents, dominated in matches against Pakistan. The towering all-rounder amassed 1,273 runs in 15 encounters, including five centuries, with a supreme best of a splendid 177.
His ability to anchor the innings while relentlessly racking up big scores placed relentless pressure on Pakistan’s attack. But Kallis’ impact stretched beyond just his batting; he was a more than useful bowler, too, lending valuable balance and depth to the Proteas.
His all-around contributions confirmed him as a pivotal player, especially in close contests where his experienced composure and skills counted most for the team.
Saeed Ajmal – The Spin Wizard
For Pakistan, Saeed Ajmal’s showings versus South Africa will be etched in people’s minds for eternity, particularly in the five-day format.
Equipped with his deceptive doosra that mystified batters, Ajmal troubled the Proteas, scalping 37 wickets in seven matches at a mean average of 25.81.
His finest figures of 6/96 exhibited his capacity to turn games single-handedly, especially on turning pitches.
Ajmal’s presence handed Pakistan a competitive advantage, as his spells frequently snapped up pivotal scalps that shifted momentum their way.
His artistry with the ball remains imprinted in minds for its pinpoint accuracy and cunning variations, so often dismantling South Africa’s batting order.
Hashim Amla – The Run Machine
Hashim Amla’s masterful performances against Pakistan were nothing short of remarkable. In Tests, the right-handed batsman amassed over a thousand runs, including a monumental double century that displayed his class and unflappable concentration at the crease.
In the ODI format, he was equally as dominant, racking up five centuries on his way to scoring nearly a thousand runs.
With technique and temperament befitting his status as one of the modern greats, Amla’s batting prowess constantly challenged the Pakistani attack.
His propensity for expansive, patient innings frequently provided South Africa with sturdy foundations at the top of the order.
Babar Azam – The Modern Master
In recent times, Babar Azam has solidified his place among Pakistan’s premier batsmen and most effective performers in clashes with South Africa, especially in limited-overs matches.
An unforgettable explosive hundred in a T20I underscored his ability to skillfully pace an innings superbly under pressure.
The steadiness of selection and polished shot-making are hallmarks of his game, while a capacity to accelerate makes him a tricky opponent.
Babar’s contributions have often helped Pakistan post competitive totals, and with displays ensuring he remains a prized asset when these sides meet, more high-quality innings can be expected.
Dale Steyn – The Fearsome Paceman
Over his storied career facing Pakistan, Steyn proved a formidable foe with his relentless accuracy and blinding pace. Across 15 gruelling Tests, the tireless South African delivered mammoth performances.
Whether unleashing thunderbolts that raced toward the batsmen or swinging the ball both ways with laser-like precision, Steyn’s mettle made him nearly impossible to score from.
Time and time again, the indomitable fast bowler’s astonishing displays set the tone; with relentless chase after chase, Steyn reduced Pakistan’s batting to ruins through his ferocity.
Whether the game hung in the balance or victory was within grasp, Steyn delivered time and again with his unmatched energy and ever-changing guile.
Mohammad Rizwan – The Game-Changer
Mohammad Rizwan’s scintillating form in T20 cricket of late has lit up scores for Pakistan against the West Indies with flair and finesse. From the keeper’s spot, the batsman accelerates attacks, making him a pivotal piece in the shortest format.
Partnering superbly with Babar Azam at the top of the order, Pakistan’s opening combination has looked immovable, challenging bowlers from the outset.
Rizwan’s grit and guile as a big hitter have made him a match-winner, intensifying the heated rivalry between the sides.
Through memorable performances in tight, thrilling clashes, these stalwarts have enthralled fans and helped forge the rivalry’s rich legacy.
With each series comes the opportunity to inspire both teams to reach new heights. Supporters anticipate further magic from these greats that serve to strengthen the classic rivalry even more through their competitiveness.
Most Hundreds by Batsmen in Pakistan Team vs South Africa Stats
Tests
Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Team | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
BM McMillan | 113 | 180 | 15 | – | 62.77 | South Africa | Pakistan | Johannesburg | 19 Jan 1995 |
Ali Naqvi | 115 | 270 | 14 | – | 42.59 | Pakistan | South Africa | Rawalpindi | 6 Oct 1997 |
Azhar Mahmood | 128* | 267 | 11 | 1 | 47.94 | Pakistan | South Africa | Rawalpindi | 6 Oct 1997 |
Gary Kirsten | 100* | 208 | 15 | – | 48.07 | South Africa | Pakistan | Faisalabad | 24 Oct 1997 |
Pat Symcox | 108 | 157 | 17 | – | 68.78 | South Africa | Pakistan | Johannesburg | 14 Feb 1998 |
ODIs
Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Team | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
Javed Miandad | 107 | 144 | 9 | 2 | 74.30 | Pakistan | South Africa | East London | 15 Feb 1993 |
Ijaz Ahmed | 110 | 110 | 13 | 1 | 100.00 | Pakistan | South Africa | Rawalpindi | 20 Oct 1994 |
Ijaz Ahmed | 114* | 90 | 17 | 3 | 126.66 | Pakistan | South Africa | Durban | 17 Dec 1994 |
MJR Rindel | 106 | 139 | 9 | – | 76.25 | South Africa | Pakistan | Johannesburg | 12 Jan 1995 |
Aamer Sohail | 111 | 139 | 8 | – | 79.85 | Pakistan | South Africa | Karachi | 29 Feb 1996 |
T20Is
Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate | Team | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
Mohammad Rizwan | 104* | 64 | 6 | 7 | 162.50 | Pakistan | South Africa | Lahore | 11 Feb 2021 |
Babar Azam | 122 | 59 | 15 | 4 | 206.77 | Pakistan | South Africa | Centurion | 14 Apr 2021 |
Conclusion
The storied rivalry between Pakistan and South Africa has yielded many unforgettable clashes across eras. From closely contested epic Tests characterized by artful spin and brave batting stands lasting hours to pulse-quickening limited-overs showdowns punctuated by fleeting moments of individual brilliance, each encounter layers fresh intricacy upon their enduring competition.
Both nations have probed each other’s resolve ceaselessly beneath the glare of stadium lights on cricket’s biggest platforms, attacking with breathtaking speed and good plans.
From Babar Azam’s grit to Dale Steyn’s artistry, bowlers from both sides have cemented their names in history with game-changing performances that pushed boundaries.
While triumphs swapped places through the decades, an enduring spirit united them. One of perseverance no matter the odds, sportsmanship irrespective of the result, and an intensity to match and surpass the opposition.
This renowned pairing remains as they have always been, testing one another still.
South Africa’s hopes were dashed yet again at the semi-final stage of the T20 World Cup, bringing more gloom to their history in tournaments where pressure can overwhelm them.
Despite flashes of individual magic, familiar questions resurfaced about delivering under extreme scrutiny.
Empathising with such heartbreak from experience, Pakistan redoubled its focus on continual betterment ahead of future assignments.
It was sensitive to the narrow margins between glory and sorrow at the highest level of sports, where small mistakes make the difference.
As the future continues unfolding, generations of great talent will emerge to sustain this riveting rivalry with unforgettable moments that will live long in memory.
With each side’s relentless pursuit of glory, the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline cricketing dynamic ensures a place amongst the game’s most enduring narratives, which will be debated and savoured for many more decades to come.
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