The rivalry between South Africa and Sri Lanka is more than about victories and defeats, from early intense matches to recent cliffhangers. It celebrates the competition’s finest moments, showcasing perseverance, strategy, and individual brilliance. In South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline across formats, fans worldwide anticipate an intense clash, hoping to witness history unfold and nail-biting finishes.
Once focused solely on tests, South Africa seeks supremacy in all formats. Their tireless preparation forged a global reputation as a united force.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka flourished under Sanath Jayasuriya’s guidance; his leadership style suits their style of play. Particularly in ODIs, Sri Lanka battled top teams like India, displaying commendable consistency.
Their brave tactics and performance gave them the ambition to rise in the cricket world rankings.
In the Test arena, South Africa’s drive to achieve status motivated an intensely contested match against Sri Lanka. Inspired by such high stakes, both presented contrasting yet compelling styles.
While South Africa was intimidated by pace, Sri Lanka spun a web with spinners like Muttiah Muralitharan and strategic batting. These divergent approaches led to many entertaining and thrilling test matches.
Nail-biting run chases and impactful spells across formats each hold memorable matches. The rivalry has marked itself in cricket’s rich history and is sure to deliver more magical moments for fans worldwide in the future.
Head-to-Head Summary of South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline
The head-to-head encounters between South Africa and Sri Lanka have featured fiercely competitive battles across all formats for decades.
South Africa has prevailed most often in Tests, with triumphs regularly achieved by substantial margins.
However, Sri Lanka has demonstrated their grit through notable away wins, such as an 8-wicket victory against Proteas that highlighted their versatility.
ODIs have contained dramatic swings between the sides, with both achieving notable accomplishments.
South Africa’s 102-run win in Durban exemplified their powerful batting, while Sri Lanka’s recent successes in Colombo underscored their ability to challenge South African bowling through strategic gameplay.Â
In T20Is, South Africa has held the upper hand, generally winning recent matches, though the occasional Sri Lankan triumph injects unpredictability into this high-energy format.
Overall, each result shows the fiercely competitive spirit defining this storied rivalry.
Tests
Team | Span | Matches | Won | Lost | Draw | Tied | NR | W/L | %W | %L | %D | % |
South Africa | 1993-2021 | 31 | 16 | 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1.777 | 51.61 | 29.03 | 19.35 | 64 |
Sri Lanka | 1993-2021 | 31 | 9 | 16 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0.562 | 29.03 | 51.61 | 19.35 | 36 |
ODIs
Team | Span | Matches | Won | Lost | Draw | Tied | NR | W/L | %W | %L | %D | % |
South Africa | 1992-2023 | 81 | 46 | 33 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.393 | 56.79 | 40.74 | 0.00 | 58.12 |
Sri Lanka | 1992-2023 | 81 | 33 | 46 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0.717 | 40.74 | 56.79 | 0.00 | 41.87 |
T20Is
Team | Span | Matches | Won | Lost | Draw | Tied | NR | W/L | %W | %L | %D | % |
South Africa | 2012-2024 | 18 | 12 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2.4 | 66.66 | 27.77 | 0.00 | 69.44 |
Sri Lanka | 2012-2024 | 18 | 5 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0.416 | 27.77 | 66.66 | 0.00 | 30.55 |
South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Match Stats
Cricket’s original rivals have swung back and forth over the eras, a pendulum moving to be sure because of different characteristics between the sides and their styles.
At other times, the battering depth and ammunition of a destructive South Africa proved too heavy on the scales, unleashing savage assaults. Â
But Sri Lanka has also enjoyed glorious successes with deception and cheap scalps—especially at home on carpeted turners, choking opponents.
T20 encounters may bring the utmost unpredictability, with each side exploiting entertaining sessions and adventurous shots to captivate crowds on the highest levels.
This rich history also highlights each team’s competitive spirit, showcased by decades of brilliant displays of skills, adaptation and passion across formats.
Tests
Team 1 | Team 2 | Winner | Margin | Ground | Match Date |
South Africa | Sri Lanka | South Africa | 10 wickets | Johannesburg | Jan 3-5, 2021 |
South Africa | Sri Lanka | South Africa | inns & 45 runs | Centurion | Dec 26-29, 2020 |
South Africa | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | 8 wickets | Gqeberha | Feb 21-23, 2019 |
South Africa | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | 1 wicket | Durban | Feb 13-16, 2019 |
Sri Lanka | South Africa | Sri Lanka | 199 runs | Colombo (SSC) | Jul 20-23, 2018 |
ODIs
Team 1 | Team 2 | Winner | Margin | Ground | Match Date |
South Africa | Sri Lanka | South Africa | 102 runs | Delhi | Oct 7, 2023 |
Sri Lanka | South Africa | Sri Lanka | 78 runs | Colombo (RPS) | Sep 7, 2021 |
Sri Lanka | South Africa | South Africa | 67 runs | Colombo (RPS) | Sep 4, 2021 |
Sri Lanka | South Africa | Sri Lanka | 14 runs | Colombo (RPS) | Sep 2, 2021 |
South Africa | Sri Lanka | South Africa | 9 wickets | Chester-le-Street | Jun 28, 2019 |
T20Is
Team 1 | Team 2 | Winner | Margin | Ground | Match Date |
South Africa | Sri Lanka | South Africa | 6 wickets | New York | Jun 3, 2024 |
South Africa | Sri Lanka | South Africa | 4 wickets | Sharjah | Oct 30, 2021 |
Sri Lanka | South Africa | South Africa | 10 wickets | Colombo (RPS) | Sep 14, 2021 |
Sri Lanka | South Africa | South Africa | 9 wickets | Colombo (RPS) | Sep 12, 2021 |
Sri Lanka | South Africa | South Africa | 28 runs | Colombo (RPS) | Sep 10, 2021 |
Highest Totals in South Africa vs Sri Lanka Matches
If some bowlers reigned supreme success via precision, the battle also pushed leading batters to unprecedented heights of excellence. Good batters like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara saw South African testing assault through a few more innings of his head, giving them runs.Â
Proteas faced a barrier against spin as it took them ages to disentangle from Muralitharan’s web of deception.
While Sangakkara in ODIs thrilled fans with elegant strokes and a composed demeanour at the wickets, he would often propel Sri Lanka to victory through measured destruction.
His quick hands and feet dazzled crowds with his wide range of improvised strokes.
Tests
Team | Score | Overs | RR | Inns | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
Sri Lanka | 756/5d | 185.1 | 4.08 | 2 | v South Africa | Colombo (SSC) | Jul 27, 2006 |
South Africa | 621 | 142.1 | 4.36 | 2 | v Sri Lanka | Centurion | Dec 26, 2020 |
South Africa | 580/4d | 139.0 | 4.17 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Cape Town | Jan 3, 2012 |
Sri Lanka | 522 | 150.4 | 3.46 | 1 | v South Africa | Galle | Jul 20, 2000 |
South Africa | 504/7d | 158.2 | 3.18 | 2 | v Sri Lanka | Cape Town | Jan 2, 2001 |
ODIs
Team | Score | Overs | RR | Inns | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
South Africa | 428/5 | 50.0 | 8.56 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Delhi | Oct 7, 2023 |
South Africa | 384/6 | 50.0 | 7.68 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Centurion | Feb 10, 2017 |
South Africa | 367/5 | 50.0 | 7.34 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Cape Town | Feb 7, 2017 |
South Africa | 363/7 | 50.0 | 7.26 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Pallekele | Aug 5, 2018 |
South Africa | 339/5 | 50.0 | 6.78 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Hambantota | Jul 12, 2014 |
T20Is
Team | Score | Overs | RR | Inns | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
South Africa | 198/2 | 20.0 | 9.90 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Johannesburg | Mar 24, 2019 |
South Africa | 180/3 | 20.0 | 9.00 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Centurion | Mar 22, 2019 |
Sri Lanka | 170/5 | 19.5 | 8.57 | 2 | v South Africa | Cape Town | Jan 25, 2017 |
South Africa | 169/5 | 20.0 | 8.45 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Cape Town | Jan 25, 2017 |
Sri Lanka | 165/7 | 20.0 | 8.25 | 1 | v South Africa | Chattogram | Mar 22, 2014 |
South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Match Runs Stats
Sangakkara’s elegant touch and de Kock’s aggressive instincts have repeatedly set and surpassed daunting targets, commonly settling tight finishes.
De Kock’s flare in T20s adds an exciting edge in the shortest format, where every run in high-scoring contests holds vital importance to outcomes.
Throughout competitions, these magnificent batting exploits thrill spectators and shift match momentum within the closely fought rivalry built on strong foundations from both sides.
Test matches have delivered nail-biting conclusions, too, including Sri Lanka’s memorable rearguard led by Kusal Mendis’ debut double century.Â
T20s also entertain with thrilling findings, such as South Africa’s Super Over triumph guided by David Miller’s undefeated half-century.
Whether amassing or chasing significant totals, the productivity and drama from these batting stalwarts ensure this rivalry continues serving up pulse-pounding moments resonating throughout the cricket world.
Tests
Player | Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 0 | 4s | 6s |
DPMD Jayawardene (SL) | 2000-2014 | 17 | 32 | 1 | 1782 | 374 | 57.48 | 3377 | 52.76 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 214 | 12 |
KC Sangakkara (SL) | 2000-2014 | 17 | 32 | 0 | 1534 | 287 | 47.93 | 2714 | 56.52 | 3 | 7 | 2 | 208 | 4 |
DJ Cullinan (SA) | 1993-2001 | 11 | 19 | 2 | 917 | 114* | 53.94 | 1846 | 49.67 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 111 | 10 |
JH Kallis (SA) | 1998-2012 | 15 | 25 | 2 | 894 | 224 | 38.86 | 2021 | 44.23 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 104 | 5 |
F du Plessis (SA) | 2014-2021 | 11 | 19 | 2 | 874 | 199 | 51.41 | 1572 | 55.59 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 96 | 3 |
ODIs
Player | Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 0 | 4s | 6s |
KC Sangakkara (SL) | 2000-2015 | 44 | 43 | 4 | 1789 | 169 | 45.87 | 2185 | 81.87 | 2 | 13 | 2 | 177 | 14 |
JH Kallis (SA) | 1998-2014 | 36 | 36 | 5 | 1434 | 113* | 46.25 | 1921 | 74.64 | 3 | 10 | 3 | 94 | 29 |
Q de Kock (SA) | 2013-2023 | 25 | 25 | 1 | 1219 | 128 | 50.79 | 1167 | 104.45 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 163 | 16 |
F du Plessis (SA) | 2012-2019 | 26 | 26 | 4 | 1166 | 185 | 53.00 | 1257 | 92.76 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 110 | 12 |
MS Atapattu (SL) | 1997-2006 | 34 | 34 | 4 | 1164 | 124 | 38.80 | 1643 | 70.84 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 116 | 1 |
T20Is
Player | Span | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 0 | 4s | 6s |
RR Hendricks (SA) | 2017-2024 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 326 | 66 | 36.22 | 261 | 124.90 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 36 | 5 |
Q de Kock (SA) | 2013-2024 | 12 | 12 | 2 | 292 | 59* | 29.20 | 264 | 110.60 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 38 | 3 |
JP Duminy (SA) | 2012-2019 | 9 | 9 | 4 | 262 | 51* | 52.40 | 190 | 137.89 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 18 | 11 |
DA Miller (SA) | 2013-2024 | 15 | 12 | 3 | 251 | 41 | 27.88 | 179 | 140.22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 10 |
LD Chandimal (SL) | 2013-2021 | 11 | 11 | 3 | 197 | 66* | 24.62 | 196 | 100.51 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 4 |
Most Wickets in South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Matches
In the South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline, the bowlers have frequently altered the course of contests, leaving their marks regardless of format.
In five-day matches, Muttiah Muralitharan’s extraordinary abilities with spin allowed him to terrorise opposition batters, claiming over a hundred dismissals with terrifying efficiency.Â
South Africa’s Shaun Pollock and Dale Steyn also dominated. They were renowned for their relentless pace and always challenged Sri Lanka’s top batting order.
Whether skating a delivery along the surface or unleashing a rapid bouncer, they were the masters of their skills.
Tests
Player | Span | Mat | Inns | Balls | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w |
M Muralidaran (SL) | 1993-2006 | 15 | 27 | 5908 | 984.4 | 221 | 2311 | 104 | 7/84 | 22.22 | 2.34 | 56.80 | 5 | 11 |
SM Pollock (SA) | 1998-2006 | 13 | 24 | 2481 | 413.3 | 120 | 1072 | 48 | 6/30 | 22.33 | 2.59 | 51.68 | 3 | 1 |
HMRKB Herath (SL) | 2004-2018 | 11 | 19 | 2901 | 483.3 | 118 | 1188 | 43 | 6/98 | 27.62 | 2.45 | 67.46 | 2 | 3 |
DW Steyn (SA) | 2006-2019 | 11 | 21 | 2095 | 349.1 | 59 | 1196 | 43 | 5/54 | 27.81 | 3.42 | 48.72 | 3 | 3 |
VD Philander (SA) | 2011-2019 | 9 | 18 | 1457 | 242.5 | 63 | 685 | 39 | 5/45 | 17.56 | 2.82 | 37.35 | 1 | 3 |
ODIs
Player | Span | Mat | Inns | Balls | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w |
SM Pollock (SA) | 1997-2007 | 35 | 35 | 1914 | 319.0 | 27 | 1219 | 51 | 4/18 | 23.90 | 3.82 | 37.52 | 2 | 0 |
M Muralidaran (SL) | 1993-2009 | 32 | 32 | 1767 | 294.3 | 12 | 1144 | 49 | 5/44 | 23.34 | 3.88 | 36.06 | 1 | 1 |
WPUJC Vaas (SL) | 1994-2007 | 34 | 34 | 1653 | 275.3 | 26 | 1120 | 40 | 4/33 | 28.00 | 4.06 | 41.32 | 1 | 0 |
SL Malinga (SL) | 2004-2019 | 24 | 24 | 1140 | 190.0 | 5 | 1097 | 37 | 5/54 | 29.64 | 5.77 | 30.81 | 3 | 1 |
Imran Tahir (SA) | 2014-2019 | 15 | 15 | 816 | 136.0 | 7 | 532 | 33 | 4/26 | 16.12 | 3.91 | 24.72 | 2 | 0 |
T20Is
Player | Span | Mat | Inns | Balls | Overs | Mdns | Runs | Wkts | BBI | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w |
Imran Tahir (SA) | 2013-2019 | 9 | 9 | 204 | 34.0 | 0 | 183 | 14 | 3/18 | 13.07 | 5.38 | 14.57 | 0 | 0 |
T Shamsi (SA) | 2018-2021 | 7 | 7 | 156 | 26.0 | 1 | 146 | 11 | 3/17 | 13.27 | 5.61 | 14.18 | 0 | 0 |
KMDN Kulasekara (SL) | 2012-2017 | 7 | 7 | 126 | 21.0 | 0 | 158 | 10 | 2/10 | 15.80 | 7.52 | 12.60 | 0 | 0 |
PADLR Sandakan (SL) | 2017-2018 | 3 | 3 | 72 | 12.0 | 1 | 65 | 8 | 4/23 | 8.12 | 5.41 | 9.00 | 1 | 0 |
A Nortje (SA) | 2021-2024 | 4 | 4 | 84 | 14.0 | 0 | 71 | 8 | 4/7 | 8.87 | 5.07 | 10.50 | 1 | 0 |
Conclusion
The team’s aspirations to constantly overcome each other provoked spirited tests of will, whether within the constraints of test matches or the adrenaline of limited-overs showdowns.
Runs and wickets switched momentum temporarily in each encounter, and only an unyielding attitude and refusal to back down under pressure ensured eventual victory for the matches.
Spectacles showcasing the teams’ relentlessness to snatch glory from the jaws of defeat have burnished their rivalry as one uniquely rich in the cricket world.
The future of this clash is sure to provide repeat showings of classics under coaches like Sanath Jayasuriya and Rob Walter.
ODIs and T20s blissfully pump up hearts with nail-biting finishes and match-changing spells. While both squads sharpen their methods to maximise opportunities for success, the rivalry propels forward with their respective reputations.
As records fall and players carve their names in history with good performances.Â
With new opportunities to contribute to the rich history of this rivalry just around the corner, the hope is that future series will set cricketing hearts racing.
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