Table of Contents
The West Indies Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline covers more than three decades of international cricket between two of the world’s most recognizable teams. Their rivalry began in the early 1990s after South Africa returned to international cricket and has since developed across Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is).
The first official meeting came at the 1992 Cricket World Cup, when South Africa defeated West Indies by 64 runs in Christchurch. Their first Test followed later that year in Barbados, where West Indies won by 52 runs.
Over the years, South Africa have generally enjoyed the stronger record in Test and ODI cricket, while the T20I rivalry has become remarkably competitive. By February 2026, the teams had played 30 men’s T20Is, with 15 wins apiece.
The rivalry has produced major World Cup matches, memorable Test series, high-scoring T20Is and several outstanding individual performances.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: Quick Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| First ODI | 5 March 1992 |
| First Test | 18 April 1992 |
| First T20I | 11 September 2007 |
| First ODI venue | Lancaster Park, Christchurch |
| First Test venue | Kensington Oval, Barbados |
| First T20I venue | Johannesburg |
| Test meetings | 34 |
| South Africa Test wins | 23 |
| West Indies Test wins | 3 |
| Test draws | 8 |
| T20I meetings through Feb 2026 | 30 |
| South Africa T20I wins | 15 |
| West Indies T20I wins | 15 |
| Latest T20I | 26 February 2026 |
| Latest result | South Africa won by 9 wickets |
The Test record strongly favours South Africa, while the T20I record was perfectly balanced at 15-15 after their February 2026 meeting.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 1992
5 March 1992 – First ODI
The international rivalry began during the 1992 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand.
South Africa batted first at Lancaster Park in Christchurch and scored 200/8 from their 50 overs. West Indies were then bowled out for 136, giving South Africa a 64-run victory.
This match was historically important because it was South Africa’s first ODI against West Indies after their return to international cricket.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 200/8 | Won |
| West Indies | 136 | Lost by 64 runs |
18 April 1992 – First Test
The first Test between the teams was played at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.
West Indies scored 262 and 283, while South Africa made 345 and 148. West Indies successfully defended their target and won by 52 runs.
This remains one of the most important early chapters in the rivalry because it gave West Indies a victory in the first Test between the sides.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 1998–99
South Africa’s first major Test dominance
The teams did not play another Test series until South Africa hosted West Indies in 1998–99.
South Africa won all five Tests in the series, completing a 5-0 series sweep.
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st Test, Johannesburg | South Africa won by 4 wickets |
| 2nd Test, Port Elizabeth | South Africa won by 178 runs |
| 3rd Test, Durban | South Africa won by 9 wickets |
| 4th Test, Cape Town | South Africa won by 149 runs |
| 5th Test, Centurion | South Africa won by 351 runs |
The final Test was particularly dominant, with South Africa winning by 351 runs. The series established South Africa as the stronger side in the early Test rivalry.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2000–01
West Indies hosted South Africa for a five-Test series during the 2000–01 season.
South Africa won two Tests, West Indies won one and two matches were drawn. It was an improvement for West Indies compared with their 5-0 defeat in South Africa.
The series demonstrated that West Indies could compete more strongly on home conditions, although South Africa still retained the overall advantage.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2003–04
South Africa hosted West Indies for a four-Test series in 2003–04.
South Africa won 3-0, while one match ended in a draw.
The series also produced one of South Africa’s highest Test totals against West Indies. South Africa made 658/9 declared at Kingsmead in Durban, which remains the highest team total in the Test head-to-head record.
The same series featured huge batting partnerships, including a 301-run opening partnership between Graeme Smith and Herschelle Gibbs.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2005
West Indies hosted South Africa for four Tests in 2005.
South Africa won two matches and two Tests were drawn. West Indies were unable to win a Test in the series.
This continued South Africa’s strong record in the longer format.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2007–08
The teams met in another Test series in South Africa during the 2007–08 season.
South Africa won the three-match series 2-1.
This was notable because West Indies finally recorded another Test victory against South Africa after a long period without success.
The series also came during a period when South Africa were becoming one of the leading Test teams in world cricket.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2007 – First T20I
11 September 2007 – First T20I
The teams entered the shortest international format during the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 period.
South Africa won the first men’s T20I between the sides in Johannesburg. South Africa scored 208/2, while West Indies finished on 120/9.
The match introduced a completely different style of rivalry, with aggressive batting and short-format specialists becoming increasingly important.
According to the ACS record, this match was the first of the 30 men’s T20Is eventually played between the teams.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2010
The teams played three Tests in the Caribbean.
South Africa won two matches and the other ended in a draw.
The series continued South Africa’s strong Test record, although West Indies remained capable of producing competitive performances on home soil.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2014–15
South Africa hosted West Indies for a three-Test series.
South Africa won 2-0, with one match drawn.
The series included some major individual batting performances. Hashim Amla scored 208, while Amla and AB de Villiers shared a 308-run fourth-wicket partnership at Centurion.
These performances remain part of the major statistical records in the Test rivalry.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2015 T20I
The T20I rivalry produced one of South Africa’s most memorable individual performances when Faf du Plessis scored 119 against West Indies at Johannesburg.
South Africa’s total reached 231/7, one of the highest scores in the early history of the T20I rivalry.
The match demonstrated how quickly the rivalry had developed into a high-scoring T20 contest.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2021
West Indies hosted South Africa for two Tests.
South Africa won both matches.
The series was part of the World Test Championship era and further extended South Africa’s advantage in Test cricket.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2022–23
South Africa hosted West Indies for two Tests.
South Africa won both matches, continuing their dominance in the longer format.
The series also produced one of South Africa’s lowest team totals against West Indies, with the Proteas dismissed for 116 at Centurion.
The teams also played T20Is during this period, with the short-format rivalry becoming increasingly competitive.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2023 ODI Series
The teams played a three-match ODI series in South Africa in March 2023.
South Africa won the series 2-1.
The third ODI at Potchefstroom was the latest ODI listed in the established historical record, with South Africa winning by four wickets.
The ODI rivalry has historically been dominated by South Africa. Across the established record, South Africa have won considerably more ODIs than West Indies.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2024
The 2024 season was particularly busy because the teams played both Tests and T20Is.
2024 Test Series
West Indies hosted South Africa for two Tests.
South Africa won the series 1-0, while the second Test ended in a draw. The series was played in August 2024 as part of the World Test Championship cycle.
2024 T20I Series
The teams also met in a three-match T20I series in the Caribbean.
The T20I meetings were important preparation for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, where the teams later faced each other in the Super Eight stage. Cricket West Indies had scheduled three T20Is in May and another three in August as part of the 2024 international programme.
2024 T20 World Cup
One of the most memorable recent matches came at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
West Indies scored 135/8, while South Africa chased the revised target and reached it with five balls remaining. South Africa won by three wickets in a tense Super Eight match and secured their place in the semi-finals.
The result was especially painful for the hosts because West Indies were eliminated from the tournament despite a strong campaign.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2026
The rivalry continued with a three-match T20I series in South Africa in January 2026.
Cricket South Africa originally announced a five-match series but later reduced it to three matches because of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup schedule.
27 January 2026 – South Africa won by 9 wickets
West Indies scored 173/7 at Paarl.
South Africa chased the target successfully, reaching 176/1 in 17.5 overs and winning by nine wickets.
29 January 2026 – South Africa won by 7 wickets
West Indies produced an improved batting performance, scoring 221/4 at Centurion.
South Africa responded with 225/3 in 17.3 overs, completing a seven-wicket victory with 15 balls remaining.
31 January 2026 – West Indies won by 6 runs
The third T20I was shortened to 10 overs per side.
West Indies scored 114/3, while South Africa reached 118/6. However, the DLS target was 125, meaning West Indies won by six runs.
The result gave South Africa a 2-1 series victory.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: 2026 T20 World Cup
26 February 2026 – South Africa won by 9 wickets
The teams met again at the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
South Africa produced a commanding performance and defeated West Indies by nine wickets. The result strengthened South Africa’s position in the tournament and added another major World Cup chapter to the rivalry.
The match was the latest men’s T20I between the two sides in the historical record. After it, the overall T20I record stood at 30 matches, with 15 wins each.
West Indies Vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry has produced very different records depending on the format.
| Format | Matches | South Africa Wins | West Indies Wins | Draw/Tie/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 34 | 23 | 3 | 8 draws |
| T20Is | 30 | 15 | 15 | 0 |
| ODIs | 64+ | 45 | 15+ | 4+ |
| Total | 128+ | 83+ | 33+ | 12+ |
The Test and T20I figures are supported by the latest ACS records. The ODI total varies between historical databases because some records include matches differently; the established ACS-style record should be checked against the specific statistical database being used before publishing an exact all-format total.
West Indies Vs South Africa Test Timeline
| Season | Matches | Series Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1991/92 | 1 | West Indies 1-0 |
| 1998/99 | 5 | South Africa 5-0 |
| 2000/01 | 5 | South Africa 2-1, 2 draws |
| 2003/04 | 4 | South Africa 3-0, 1 draw |
| 2005 | 4 | South Africa 2-0, 2 draws |
| 2007/08 | 3 | South Africa 2-1 |
| 2010 | 3 | South Africa 2-0, 1 draw |
| 2014/15 | 3 | South Africa 2-0, 1 draw |
| 2021 | 2 | South Africa 2-0 |
| 2022/23 | 2 | South Africa 2-0 |
| 2024 | 2 | South Africa 1-0, 1 draw |
Across 34 Tests, South Africa have won 23, West Indies have won three and eight have been drawn.
West Indies Vs South Africa T20I Timeline
T20I cricket has produced a much closer contest.
| Period | Major Development |
|---|---|
| 2007 | First T20I |
| 2010 | Regular bilateral T20I meetings began |
| 2014–15 | High-scoring matches became common |
| 2022–23 | South Africa recorded 259/4, their highest T20I total against West Indies |
| 2024 | Teams met in the T20 World Cup Super Eight |
| 2026 | South Africa won bilateral series 2-1 |
| 2026 | South Africa won World Cup meeting by 9 wickets |
| Feb 2026 | T20I head-to-head reached 15-15 |
The ACS record lists 30 men’s T20Is, with each side winning 15. South Africa’s highest total is 259/4, scored in 2023.
West Indies Vs South Africa ODI Timeline
The ODI rivalry began at the 1992 World Cup.
South Africa have generally dominated the format. The teams have met in World Cups, Champions Trophy competitions and bilateral ODI series.
Their first ODI was the 1992 World Cup match in Christchurch, while their historical record includes major tournament meetings such as the Champions Trophy encounters in 1998, 2002, 2004 and 2006.
The 2004 and 2006 Champions Trophy matches were particularly notable because West Indies defeated South Africa in both tournaments.
Biggest West Indies Vs South Africa Records
South Africa’s highest Test total
South Africa’s highest Test score against West Indies is 658/9 declared, made at Kingsmead in Durban in 2003–04.
South Africa’s biggest Test individual score
Hashim Amla scored 208 against West Indies in the 2014–15 series.
South Africa’s best Test bowling
Makhaya Ntini took 7/37 in an innings and 13/132 in the match against West Indies in 2004–05.
South Africa’s highest T20I total
South Africa scored 259/4 against West Indies in Centurion in March 2023.
Faf du Plessis’ T20I record
Faf du Plessis scored 119 against West Indies in Johannesburg in January 2015.
Key Players in the West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline
Brian Lara and West Indies greats
The early years of the rivalry came during the later stages of West Indies’ great cricketing tradition. Players from the Caribbean continued to provide major individual performances despite South Africa becoming increasingly dominant in international cricket.
Graeme Smith
Smith was an important figure during South Africa’s rise in Test cricket. His opening partnership with Herschelle Gibbs reached 301 against West Indies in 2003–04.
Hashim Amla
Amla was one of South Africa’s most successful batsmen against West Indies. His 208 in 2014–15 remains one of the standout individual innings in the Test rivalry.
Faf du Plessis
Du Plessis produced the highest individual T20I score in the rivalry with his 119 in 2015.
Shimron Hetmyer
Hetmyer was one of West Indies’ leading run-scorers during the 2026 T20I series in South Africa, finishing the three-match tour with 171 runs and a highest score of 75.
Important Venues in the West Indies Vs South Africa Rivalry
| Venue | Country | Notable Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Kensington Oval | Barbados | First Test in 1992 |
| Lancaster Park | New Zealand | First ODI in 1992 |
| Wanderers Stadium | South Africa | First T20I in 2007 |
| Kingsmead | South Africa | South Africa’s 658/9 declared |
| Centurion | South Africa | High-scoring Test and T20I matches |
| Queen’s Park Oval | Trinidad | Major Test venue |
| Brian Lara Cricket Academy | Trinidad | Recent T20I venue |
| Sir Vivian Richards Stadium | Antigua | 2024 T20 World Cup meeting |
| Sabina Park | Jamaica | Recent bilateral T20Is |
The rivalry has therefore been played across the Caribbean, South Africa, New Zealand and other international venues.
West Indies Vs South Africa Timeline: Major Milestones
| Year | Major Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1992 | First ODI at the World Cup |
| 1992 | First Test in Barbados |
| 1998–99 | South Africa won a five-Test series 5-0 |
| 2003–04 | South Africa made 658/9 declared |
| 2004 | West Indies beat South Africa in Champions Trophy |
| 2006 | West Indies beat South Africa again in Champions Trophy |
| 2007 | First T20I |
| 2015 | Faf du Plessis scored 119 in T20I |
| 2023 | South Africa made 259/4 in T20I |
| 2024 | South Africa beat West Indies in T20 World Cup Super Eight |
| 2026 | South Africa won T20I series 2-1 |
| 2026 | South Africa beat West Indies in T20 World Cup |
| 2026 | T20I head-to-head reached 15-15 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did West Indies and South Africa first play cricket against each other?
West Indies and South Africa first met in an official men’s ODI at the 1992 Cricket World Cup in Christchurch. South Africa won by 64 runs.
When was the first Test between West Indies and South Africa?
The first Test was played in April 1992 at Kensington Oval in Barbados. West Indies won by 52 runs.
When did West Indies and South Africa first play a T20I?
Their first men’s T20I took place on 11 September 2007 in Johannesburg. South Africa won the match.
Who has won more Tests between West Indies and South Africa?
South Africa have the clear advantage. They have won 23 of the 34 Tests, while West Indies have won three and eight have been drawn.
Who has won more T20Is between West Indies and South Africa?
As of the end of February 2026, the T20I rivalry is perfectly level. Both South Africa and West Indies have won 15 of their 30 meetings.
Who won the latest West Indies vs South Africa T20I?
South Africa won the latest meeting by nine wickets on 26 February 2026 during the Men’s T20 World Cup.
What is South Africa’s highest Test score against West Indies?
South Africa’s highest Test total against West Indies is 658/9 declared, scored at Kingsmead in Durban during the 2003–04 series.
What is South Africa’s highest T20I score against West Indies?
South Africa scored 259/4 at Centurion in March 2023, their highest T20I total against West Indies.
What was the result of the 2024 T20 World Cup match between West Indies and South Africa?
South Africa defeated West Indies by three wickets in the Super Eight stage and qualified for the semi-finals.
Conclusion
The West Indies Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline is a rivalry built around contrasting histories and changing fortunes.
The first meeting came at the 1992 World Cup, followed shortly afterward by West Indies’ victory in the first Test in Barbados. South Africa subsequently established a strong advantage in Test cricket, including a 5-0 series victory in 1998–99. Across 34 Tests, South Africa have won 23, compared with three West Indies victories and eight draws.
The limited-overs rivalry has been more competitive. South Africa have historically dominated the ODI record, but West Indies have produced memorable tournament victories, including Champions Trophy wins in 2004 and 2006.
T20 cricket has produced the closest contest of all. By February 2026, the two teams had played 30 men’s T20Is, with South Africa and West Indies each winning 15.
The 2026 T20I series and subsequent T20 World Cup meeting added another chapter, with South Africa winning the bilateral series 2-1 before also defeating West Indies in the World Cup.
From the great Test battles of the 1990s and 2000s to modern T20 encounters, the West Indies Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline continues to represent an important rivalry in international cricket.
