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The India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team rivalry has become an important part of international women’s cricket. Both teams feature talented batters, skilled bowlers and experienced all-rounders who can change the result of a match. Their contests across Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) have produced impressive individual performances and memorable team victories.
India have historically performed strongly against South Africa in ODI and Test cricket. South Africa, however, have become increasingly competitive in T20Is, where their power-hitting and pace attack have helped them challenge India.
The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup final was a major moment in this rivalry, as India defeated South Africa by 52 runs to win their first Women’s ODI World Cup title. South Africa responded strongly in the April 2026 T20I series, winning four of the five matches.
India Women vs South Africa Women Head-to-Head Record
India and South Africa have played international matches against each other since the late 1990s. Their rivalry includes three Tests, 35 ODIs and 25 T20Is through the 2026 season.
| Format | Matches | India wins | South Africa wins | Draws | No results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 35 | 21 | 13 | 0 | 1 |
| T20Is | 25 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 63 | 35 | 24 | 0 | 4 |
India have the stronger overall record, particularly in Test and ODI cricket. South Africa have matched India in T20Is, with both teams recording 11 victories in the format.
The figures reflect completed international results through 2026. Head-to-head totals may vary between statistical databases if they use different cut-off dates or include different categories of matches.
India Women vs South Africa Women Match Results
The teams have met in bilateral series, international tournaments and major ICC competitions. Their recent meetings have demonstrated how quickly momentum can shift between the sides.
| Date | Competition or match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 28 June 2024 | One-off Test, Chennai | India won by 10 wickets |
| 29 April 2025 | ODI, Sri Lanka tri-series | India won by 15 runs |
| 7 May 2025 | ODI, Sri Lanka tri-series | India won by 23 runs |
| 9 October 2025 | ODI, India | South Africa won by 3 wickets |
| 2 November 2025 | Women’s ODI World Cup final | India won by 52 runs |
| 17 April 2026 | 1st T20I, Durban | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| 19 April 2026 | 2nd T20I, Durban | South Africa won by 8 wickets |
| 22 April 2026 | 3rd T20I, Johannesburg | South Africa won by 9 wickets |
| 25 April 2026 | 4th T20I, Johannesburg | India won by 14 runs |
| 27 April 2026 | 5th T20I, Benoni | South Africa won by 23 runs |
These results illustrate the contrasting fortunes of the teams. India have produced important wins in major ODI competitions, while South Africa’s strong run in April 2026 demonstrated their ability to dominate a T20I series on home soil.
India Women vs South Africa Women in Test Matches
Test cricket has produced some of India’s most dominant performances against South Africa. India have won all three women’s Tests played between the sides through 2026.
| Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| March 2002 | Paarl, South Africa | India won by 10 wickets |
| November 2014 | Mysore, India | India won by an innings and 34 runs |
| June 2024 | Chennai, India | India won by 10 wickets |
The 2024 Test in Chennai was particularly memorable because of India’s remarkable batting and bowling performances. India scored 603/6 declared in their first innings, their highest total in women’s Test cricket at the time. South Africa replied with 266 in their first innings and 373 in their second, but India completed the victory by 10 wickets.
Shafali Verma scored 205 runs, while Smriti Mandhana made 149. Their opening partnership gave India a commanding position. Sneh Rana also delivered an outstanding bowling performance, taking eight wickets in South Africa’s first innings and finishing with 10 wickets in the match.
The 2014 Test was another significant contest. India won by an innings and 34 runs, with substantial contributions from Thirush Kamini and Punam Raut.
India’s record in this format reflects their ability to build large totals and apply sustained bowling pressure over multiple days.
India Women vs South Africa Women ODI Matches
ODI cricket has been the most successful format for India in this rivalry. Across 35 matches through 2025, India have won 21 games, compared with 13 victories for South Africa, with one match ending without a result.
Both teams have produced important performances in bilateral series and global tournaments.
India’s ODI World Cup Final Victory in 2025
One of the most important matches between these teams took place on 2 November 2025, when India faced South Africa in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final in Navi Mumbai.
India batted first and scored 298/7 in 50 overs. South Africa were dismissed for 246 in 45.3 overs, giving India a 52-run victory and their first Women’s ODI World Cup title.
The result was significant for Indian women’s cricket and demonstrated the team’s ability to perform under pressure in a major final. South Africa had also enjoyed an impressive tournament, making the final a landmark occasion for both sides.
High-Scoring ODI Contests
India and South Africa have also played several high-scoring ODIs. India’s highest ODI total against South Africa in the available head-to-head records is 337/9, made during the 2025 Sri Lanka tri-series.
South Africa have shown their batting strength as well, recording totals above 300 against India. These matches demonstrate the importance of partnerships, strike rotation and effective finishing in the 50-over format.
India’s ODI advantage has come from a combination of experienced batting, spin options and the ability to defend competitive totals. South Africa have remained dangerous, particularly when their top order establishes a strong foundation.
India Women vs South Africa Women T20I Matches
T20I cricket is the most evenly balanced format in the rivalry. Through April 2026, both teams had recorded 11 wins each from 25 matches, with three games ending without a result.
The format has featured aggressive batting, rapid chases and important performances from all-rounders.
April 2026 T20I Series in South Africa
South Africa hosted India for a five-match T20I series from 17 to 27 April 2026. The home side won the series 4–1.
| Match | India score | South Africa score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 157/7 | 158/4 | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | 147 all out | 148/2 | South Africa won by 8 wickets |
| 3rd T20I | 192/4 | 193/1 | South Africa won by 9 wickets |
| 4th T20I | 185/5 | 171/9 | India won by 14 runs |
| 5th T20I | 132/8 | 155/6 | South Africa won by 23 runs |
South Africa won the first three matches, securing the series before the final two games. India responded with a victory in the fourth T20I, but South Africa finished the series with another win in Benoni.
Laura Wolvaardt was the standout batter of the series, scoring 330 runs across five matches. Her consistency at the top of the order helped South Africa chase targets and post competitive totals.
For India, Harmanpreet Kaur scored 169 runs and Shafali Verma made 168. Deepti Sharma led India’s wicket-taking figures with seven wickets, demonstrating her value as an all-rounder.
The series highlighted South Africa’s ability to chase quickly, particularly in the second and third matches. India showed their potential in the fourth game but could not maintain that momentum across the full series.
Highest Team Scores in India Women vs South Africa Women Matches
Both teams have produced strong batting performances in this rivalry.
| Record | Team score | Format |
|---|---|---|
| India’s highest Test total | 603/6 declared | Test |
| South Africa’s highest Test innings | 373 | Test |
| India’s highest ODI total | 337/9 | ODI |
| South Africa’s highest ODI total | 321/6 | ODI |
| India’s high T20I total | 192/4 | T20I |
| South Africa’s high T20I total | 193/1 | T20I |
India’s 603/6 declared against South Africa in Chennai in June 2024 remains a landmark Test score. The innings featured major contributions from Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana.
In T20I cricket, India’s 192/4 in April 2026 was not enough to win. South Africa chased the target with nine wickets remaining, showing how powerful their batting could be when the opening partnership succeeded.
High totals do not always guarantee victory in limited-overs cricket. Teams must also control the opposition’s scoring rate, take wickets at key moments and execute their plans in the closing overs.
Leading Players in India Women vs South Africa Women Matches
Several players have shaped this rivalry through their batting, bowling and all-round performances.
Key Indian Players
Smriti Mandhana: An influential left-handed batter, Mandhana has produced important ODI and Test innings against South Africa. Her 149 in the 2024 Chennai Test was one of the major contributions to India’s record total.
Shafali Verma: Verma’s aggressive batting can change the pace of a match quickly. Her 205 in the 2024 Test demonstrated that she can also build a long innings in the longest format.
Harmanpreet Kaur: India’s experienced captain and middle-order batter, Harmanpreet has played important roles in both bilateral matches and international tournaments.
Deepti Sharma: Deepti offers India valuable balance through her batting and off-spin bowling. Her seven wickets in the April 2026 T20I series made her India’s leading wicket-taker in that contest.
Sneh Rana: Rana’s performance in the 2024 Chennai Test was exceptional. Her 10 wickets in the match helped India secure a dominant victory.
Key South African Players
Laura Wolvaardt: The South African captain has been one of her team’s most important batters. Her 330 runs in the April 2026 T20I series demonstrated her consistency and ability to anchor an innings.
Marizanne Kapp: Kapp is an experienced all-rounder who can influence matches with both bat and ball. Her pace bowling and middle-order batting make her an important option for South Africa.
Sune Luus: Luus provides batting experience and flexibility. She was among South Africa’s leading run-scorers in the 2026 T20I series, finishing with 197 runs.
Nonkululeko Mlaba: Mlaba is a left-arm spinner who can provide control and take wickets in the middle overs. She took six wickets during the April 2026 T20I series.
Tumi Sekhukhune: Sekhukhune has provided South Africa with a useful pace-bowling option. Her wicket-taking contributions helped the team maintain pressure during the 2026 series.
What Makes This Rivalry Competitive?
Several factors explain why India Women vs South Africa Women matches remain interesting across formats.
- Different strengths in different formats: India have historically performed better in Tests and ODIs, while T20Is have been more evenly balanced.
- Strong batting line-ups: Mandhana, Verma and Harmanpreet provide India with experience and aggression. Wolvaardt and Luus have been important contributors for South Africa.
- All-rounder influence: Players such as Deepti Sharma and Marizanne Kapp offer valuable contributions in multiple disciplines.
- Changing conditions: Matches in India and South Africa can require different bowling strategies, especially because of differences in pitch behaviour and pace.
- Tournament pressure: The 2025 World Cup final showed how important mental strength and execution can be in a high-stakes match.
These factors mean that past results provide useful context but cannot determine the outcome of future games. Team selection, player form, conditions and match strategy all remain important.
Conclusion
The India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team matches rivalry features a strong Indian record in Tests and ODIs, alongside a closely contested T20I history. India’s 52-run victory in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup final was a defining moment, while South Africa’s 4–1 T20I series win in April 2026 demonstrated their growing strength in the shortest international format.
Players such as Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana have made important contributions for India. Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus and Nonkululeko Mlaba have been key figures for South Africa.
With both teams possessing quality batters, bowlers and all-rounders, future matches are likely to remain competitive and offer further memorable performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who has won more matches between India Women and South Africa Women?
India lead the overall head-to-head record through 2026, with 35 wins compared with South Africa’s 24 across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
2. How many ODI matches have India Women and South Africa Women played?
The teams have played 35 ODIs through 2025. India have won 21 matches, South Africa have won 13, and one match ended without a result.
3. Who won the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup final between India and South Africa?
India won the final by 52 runs on 2 November 2025. India scored 298/7, while South Africa were dismissed for 246.
4. Who won the India Women vs South Africa Women T20I series in April 2026?
South Africa won the five-match T20I series 4–1. India won the fourth match, while South Africa won the other four.
5. Who was the leading run-scorer in the April 2026 T20I series?
Laura Wolvaardt led the series with 330 runs in five matches. Harmanpreet Kaur was India’s leading run-scorer with 169 runs.