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The South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Stats represent one of the most competitive and historic rivalries in international cricket. South Africa and Australia have faced each other across Tests, ODIs and T20Is for decades, producing legendary matches, dramatic finishes, world-class individual performances and some of the most memorable contests in cricket history.
Australia have historically held the advantage in Test cricket and T20Is, while South Africa have a slight edge in the overall ODI head-to-head record. The rivalry has also produced famous World Cup encounters, including Australia’s dramatic victory over South Africa in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final.
The latest ODI series between the two sides took place in South Africa in September 2026. South Africa won the first two matches to take an unassailable 2-0 lead, while Australia won the rain-affected third ODI. South Africa therefore won the three-match ODI series 2-1.
The teams are now preparing for a three-match Test series beginning on 9 October 2026, with the matches forming part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
South Africa Vs Australia Head-to-Head Stats
The overall men’s international record shows how closely contested this rivalry has been across formats.
| Format | Matches | South Africa Wins | Australia Wins | Draw/Tie/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 102 | 27 | 54 | 21 Draws |
| ODIs | 115 | 58 | 53 | 3 Ties, 1 NR |
| T20Is | 29 | 9 | 19 | 1 Tie |
| Total | 246 | 94 | 126 | 25+ other results |
The Test figures include all completed matches before the October 2026 Test series. Australia have won 54 of the 102 Tests, while South Africa have won 27 and 21 have ended in draws.
In ODIs, South Africa have the advantage, winning 58 of the 115 meetings compared with Australia’s 53. Three ODIs have been tied and one has ended without a result.
In T20Is, Australia have won 19 of the 29 meetings, while South Africa have won nine and one has ended in a tie.
South Africa Vs Australia Test Stats
Test cricket is where the rivalry has developed its strongest historical identity.
South Africa and Australia have played 102 Test matches, with Australia winning 54 and South Africa winning 27. Another 21 matches have ended in draws.
| Test Record | South Africa | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 102 | 102 |
| Wins | 27 | 54 |
| Losses | 54 | 27 |
| Draws | 21 | 21 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
Australia’s Test dominance has been particularly strong across the history of the rivalry. However, South Africa have produced some extraordinary victories, including their famous wins in the 2018 home series.
Australia’s Historical Test Advantage
Australia’s 54 Test victories are double South Africa’s 27 wins. Their success has been built around generations of elite fast bowlers and batsmen.
Players such as Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Ricky Ponting, Steve Waugh, Matthew Hayden and later Steve Smith, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon have played important roles in Australia’s success.
South Africa have also produced legendary performers, including Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock, Hashim Amla and Kagiso Rabada.
Famous 2018 Test Series
The 2018 Test series in South Africa remains one of the most memorable chapters in the rivalry.
South Africa won the first Test in Durban by six wickets and followed it with a 322-run victory in Cape Town. Australia responded in Johannesburg, but South Africa won the fourth Test by 492 runs to take the series 3-1.
The Johannesburg victory was one of South Africa’s largest Test wins and demonstrated the strength of their bowling attack.
Australia later responded strongly in the 2022-23 series, winning the first two Tests in Brisbane and Melbourne before the Sydney Test ended in a draw. Australia won that series 2-0.
World Test Championship Rivalry
The rivalry has also become important in the ICC World Test Championship.
South Africa entered the 2025 World Test Championship Final as reigning champions, while Australia had previously won the inaugural WTC Final in 2023.
South Africa’s victory over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord’s was one of the most significant recent results between the teams. The match was played from 11 to 15 June 2025, with South Africa securing the title.
The 2026 Test series is therefore particularly important because both teams are competing for qualification for the next World Test Championship Final.
South Africa Vs Australia ODI Stats
The ODI rivalry is much more evenly balanced than the Test record.
South Africa and Australia have played 115 ODIs. South Africa have won 58, Australia have won 53, three matches have ended in ties and one has produced no result.
| ODI Record | South Africa | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 115 | 115 |
| Wins | 58 | 53 |
| Losses | 53 | 58 |
| Ties | 3 | 3 |
| No Results | 1 | 1 |
South Africa therefore hold a narrow five-match advantage in the overall ODI head-to-head record.
The rivalry has been particularly famous for World Cup matches, where Australia have often had the upper hand despite South Africa’s stronger overall ODI record.
2026 ODI Series – South Africa Win 2-1
The latest completed ODI series between the two teams took place in South Africa in September 2026.
South Africa won the first ODI in Durban by 67 runs after scoring 297/8 and dismissing Australia for 230. Matthew Breetzke scored a century for South Africa, while Keshav Maharaj took four wickets for 20 runs.
South Africa then won the second ODI by 32 runs. They scored 365/9 before restricting Australia to 333.
Australia won the third ODI, which was affected by rain, but South Africa had already secured the series with their two victories.
2026 ODI Series Results
| ODI | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st ODI | South Africa won by 67 runs |
| 2nd ODI | South Africa won by 32 runs |
| 3rd ODI | Australia won by 45 runs (DLS) |
| Series | South Africa won 2-1 |
The series was important preparation for both teams ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
South Africa Vs Australia T20I Stats
Australia have the advantage in the shortest international format.
The two teams have played 29 T20Is, with Australia winning 19 and South Africa winning nine. One match has ended in a tie.
| T20I Record | South Africa | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 29 | 29 |
| Wins | 9 | 19 |
| Losses | 19 | 9 |
| Ties | 1 | 1 |
| No Results | 0 | 0 |
Australia’s T20I advantage reflects their consistency in the format, although South Africa have produced several strong performances in ICC tournaments.
The most recent completed men’s T20I series between the teams was played in Australia in August 2025. Australia won the three-match series 3-0.
South Africa Vs Australia World Cup Stats
The ODI World Cup has produced some of the most dramatic matches in the history of this rivalry.
South Africa and Australia have met several times at the Cricket World Cup, with Australia famously winning the 1999 semi-final and the 2023 semi-final.
1999 World Cup Semi-final
The 1999 World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston remains one of cricket’s most famous matches.
South Africa and Australia tied the match on 213, but Australia advanced to the final because they had a superior net run rate from the Super Six stage.
The match is remembered particularly for the dramatic final over involving Lance Klusener and Allan Donald.
2023 World Cup Semi-final
The teams met again in the 2023 World Cup semi-final in Kolkata.
South Africa scored 212 runs, while Australia reached 215/7 to win by three wickets and qualify for the final.
Australia’s chase was under pressure for much of the match, but their middle order held firm. The result gave Australia another major World Cup victory over South Africa.
South Africa Vs Australia Recent ODI Results
The recent ODI record demonstrates just how competitive the rivalry has become.
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2023 World Cup | Australia won by 3 wickets |
| 2025 ODI 1 | South Africa won by 98 runs |
| 2025 ODI 2 | South Africa won by 84 runs |
| 2025 ODI 3 | Australia won by 276 runs |
| 2026 ODI 1 | South Africa won by 67 runs |
| 2026 ODI 2 | South Africa won by 32 runs |
| 2026 ODI 3 | Australia won by 45 runs (DLS) |
The 2025 series was also dramatic. South Africa won the first two ODIs convincingly before Australia produced a huge 276-run victory in the third match.
Biggest Recent ODI Performances
The South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Stats feature several remarkable individual performances.
In the first ODI of the 2026 series, Matthew Breetzke scored 112 runs as South Africa posted 297/8. Marco Jansen contributed 75, while Keshav Maharaj took 4/20 to help dismiss Australia for 230.
The second ODI saw South Africa score 365/9, while Australia managed 333. South Africa’s 32-run win secured the series.
The third ODI produced a very different result. Australia scored 322/9 and won the rain-affected match by 45 runs under the DLS method.
Key Players in South Africa Vs Australia Stats
The rivalry has featured many legendary cricketers.
Jacques Kallis is one of the most important South African players associated with the rivalry. His ability to contribute heavily with both bat and ball made him a key figure in Test and ODI contests.
Dale Steyn was another major South African weapon. His pace and ability to produce wickets with the new and old ball made him particularly dangerous against Australia’s strong batting line-ups.
Kagiso Rabada has continued that tradition in the modern era and remains one of South Africa’s leading Test bowlers. ICC noted that Rabada was among South Africa’s highest-ranked players ahead of the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
For Australia, Steve Smith has been one of the most important modern batters in the Test rivalry. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon have also played major roles in Australia’s recent Test success.
2026 Test Series – Upcoming Matches
The next major chapter in the South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Stats will come in the three-match Test series beginning in October 2026.
The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Australia currently lead the WTC standings, while South Africa are second.
| Test | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | 9–13 October 2026 | Durban |
| 2nd Test | 18–22 October 2026 | Gqeberha |
| 3rd Test | 27–31 October 2026 | Johannesburg |
The first Test is scheduled to begin at Kingsmead in Durban on 9 October. South Africa are the reigning World Test champions, while Australia are attempting to strengthen their position in the current WTC cycle.
As of 5 October 2026, these Test matches are upcoming and should not be counted as completed matches in the head-to-head statistics.
South Africa Vs Australia Stats Summary
The key numbers from the rivalry can be summarized as follows:
| Statistic | South Africa | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Test wins | 27 | 54 |
| ODI wins | 58 | 53 |
| T20I wins | 9 | 19 |
| Test draws | 21 | 21 |
| ODI ties | 3 | 3 |
| ODI no results | 1 | 1 |
| Overall Test advantage | — | Australia |
| Overall ODI advantage | South Africa | — |
| Overall T20I advantage | — | Australia |
These statistics show why South Africa vs Australia remains such an interesting rivalry. Australia have been substantially stronger in Test cricket and T20Is, while South Africa have a narrow advantage in ODIs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Tests have South Africa and Australia played?
South Africa and Australia have played 102 completed Test matches. Australia have won 54, South Africa have won 27 and 21 matches have ended in draws.
Who has won more Tests between South Africa and Australia?
Australia have won considerably more Tests. They have 54 victories compared with South Africa’s 27.
How many ODIs have South Africa and Australia played?
The teams have played 115 ODIs. South Africa have won 58 and Australia have won 53, while three matches have been tied and one has ended without a result.
Who has the better ODI record between South Africa and Australia?
South Africa currently have the better overall ODI head-to-head record, with 58 wins compared with Australia’s 53.
How many T20Is have South Africa and Australia played?
South Africa and Australia have played 29 men’s T20Is. Australia have won 19, South Africa have won nine and one match has ended in a tie.
Who won the 2026 ODI series between South Africa and Australia?
South Africa won the three-match ODI series 2-1. They won the first two matches before Australia won the rain-affected third ODI.
When is the next South Africa vs Australia Test match?
The first Test of the next series is scheduled for 9 October 2026 in Durban. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
Who won the 2023 World Cup semi-final between South Africa and Australia?
Australia defeated South Africa by three wickets in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final in Kolkata. South Africa scored 212 and Australia chased the target with 215/7.
Which team has the overall advantage between South Africa and Australia?
Australia have the stronger overall record when the three major men’s international formats are considered together. However, South Africa have the better ODI record, making the rivalry much closer in limited-overs cricket than the Test statistics suggest.
Conclusion
The South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Stats underline the depth and history of one of international cricket’s great rivalries.
Australia have dominated the Test record, winning 54 of the 102 completed matches compared with South Africa’s 27. In T20Is, Australia also lead 19-9, with one tie. South Africa, however, have the edge in ODIs, winning 58 of the 115 meetings compared with Australia’s 53.
Recent results have shown that South Africa are more than capable of challenging Australia. They won the 2026 ODI series 2-1 after victories in Durban and Johannesburg, while Australia responded with a win in the rain-affected third match.
The upcoming three-match Test series in October 2026 provides another major opportunity for both teams. South Africa enter the contest as reigning World Test champions, while Australia are currently leading the World Test Championship standings.
With legendary players, dramatic World Cup encounters and closely contested modern series, the South Africa vs Australia rivalry remains one of the most compelling matchups in international men’s cricket.
