The Australian Men Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline showcases one of the most intense and competitive rivalries in international cricket. Whenever these two powerhouses face each other, fans can expect high-quality cricket filled with pace, aggression, and unforgettable moments. From thrilling Test battles to explosive encounters in ODIs and T20Is, their clashes have consistently shaped the global cricket landscape and produced matches that are remembered for decades.
Tracing the Australian Men Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline reveals a history marked by legendary players, dramatic comebacks, and iconic series that tested skill, character, and resilience. Both teams have dominated world cricket in different eras, making their head-to-head contests a true measure of excellence. This timeline not only highlights match results but also reflects the evolution of cricketing strategies, rivalries, and mutual respect between two of the game’s strongest nations.
Read More: Afghanistan National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Australian Men Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline
Australia and South Africa have clashed 101 times in Tests, with Australia holding a strong record of 54 wins, 26 losses, and 21 draws. These matches often feature epic seam battles on lively pitches, showcasing the best of red-ball cricket. Below are detailed scorecards for recent key encounters, highlighting the ongoing intensity.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, World Test Championship Final at Johannesburg, 11 June 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | World Test Championship 2023-2025 |
| Venue | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Date | 11 June 2025 |
| Toss | South Africa won and chose to field |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 212 all out & 207 all out |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 138 all out & 282/5 |
| Result | 🇿🇦 South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| Player of the Match | 🇿🇦 Aiden Markram (South Africa): 102* in second innings chase |
In a dramatic World Test Championship final, South Africa finally claimed the ultimate prize after years of near-misses. Australia started strongly, bundling South Africa for 138 on a green-tinged pitch, with Pat Cummins taking 4-45. But Aiden Markram’s resolute 102 not out in the fourth innings guided the Proteas home, chasing 282 with overs to spare. Travis Head’s counter-attacking 85 in Australia’s second dig kept hopes alive, but Kagiso Rabada’s 5-67 sealed the deal. This win erased past heartbreaks and boosted South African morale heading into bilateral series. The match summed up the rivalry’s tension—grit versus flair, with South Africa emerging triumphant for the first time in a major ICC final.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 3rd Test at Sydney Cricket Ground, 4 January 2023
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | South Africa in Australia Test Series 2022/23 |
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
| Date | 4 January 2023 |
| Toss | Australia won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 475/4 declared |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 255 all out & 106/2 follow-on |
| Result | Match drawn |
| Player of the Match | 🇦🇺 Usman Khawaja (Australia): 137 in first innings |
Rain and resilience defined this New Year’s Test, ending in a draw despite Australia’s dominance. Usman Khawaja’s elegant 137 set the tone on a flat SCG deck, allowing Australia to declare at 475/4. South Africa fought back with Temba Bavuma’s gritty 50, but Nathan Lyon’s spin (4-41) forced a follow-on. Dean Elgar’s stubborn 36 not out in the second dig saved the match as weather intervened. This result kept the series alive after Australia’s earlier wins, highlighting South Africa’s lower-order fight. Fans recall it as a classic stalemate, preserving pride in a tough tour Down Under.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 2nd Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, 26 December 2022
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | South Africa in Australia Test Series 2022/23 |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| Date | 26 December 2022 |
| Toss | Australia won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 575/8 declared |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 189 all out & 204 all out |
| Result | 🇦🇺 Australia won by an innings and 182 runs |
| Player of the Match | 🇦🇺 David Warner (Australia): 200 in first innings |
The Boxing Day Test was a masterclass from Australia, demolishing South Africa with a massive innings victory. David Warner’s fluent 200, laced with drives and pulls, powered Australia to 575/8, while Mitchell Starc’s swing (5-44) wrecked the Proteas’ top order for 189. In the second dig, Pat Cummins’ 4-35 mopped up the tail, sealing a comprehensive win. South Africa’s Aiden Markram scored a defiant 64, but it wasn’t enough against the hosts’ all-round might. This match reinforced Australia’s home supremacy and exposed SA’s batting frailties on seaming tracks. A festive crowd of 90,000 cheered the rout.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 1st Test at Brisbane Cricket Ground, 17 December 2022
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | South Africa in Australia Test Series 2022/23 |
| Venue | Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Brisbane |
| Date | 17 December 2022 |
| Toss | South Africa won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 218 all out & 35/4 |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 152 all out & 99 all out |
| Result | 🇦🇺 Australia won by 6 wickets |
| Player of the Match | 🇦🇺 Josh Hazlewood (Australia): 5-31 in first innings |
A low-scoring thriller in Brisbane saw Australia chase a modest target to kick off the series. South Africa, opting to bat, crumbled to Josh Hazlewood’s 5-31 on a bouncy Gabba pitch, managing just 152. Australia replied with 218, thanks to Marnus Labuschagne’s 90. In SA’s second innings, Mitchell Starc’s 4-50 restricted them to 99, setting a 34-run chase that Australia completed despite losing early wickets. Travis Head’s quick 20 steadied nerves. This victory set the tone for Australia’s series dominance, showcasing their pace quartet’s edge in helpful conditions.
Australian Men Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline, 4th Test at Johannesburg, 30 March 2018
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Australia in South Africa Test Series 2017/18 |
| Venue | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Date | 30 March 2018 |
| Toss | Australia won and chose to field |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 221 all out & 119 all out |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 488 all out & 344/6 declared |
| Result | 🇿🇦 South Africa won by 492 runs |
| Player of the Match | 🇿🇦 Vernon Philander (South Africa): 6-42 in second innings |
South Africa’s highest Test total against Australia led to a crushing win in Johannesburg. Vernon Philander’s all-round heroics, including 6-42, dismantled the Aussies twice. Aiden Markram’s 152 anchored SA’s 488, while Australia’s batting faltered, with Usman Khawaja’s 75 the top score. In the fourth innings, Australia collapsed to 119, handing SA a rare home series triumph. This match was marred by the “Sandpapergate” scandal’s aftermath, adding emotional weight. It boosted SA’s confidence post-ball-tampering saga.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 3rd Test at Cape Town, 22 March 2018
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Australia in South Africa Test Series 2017/18 |
| Venue | Newlands, Cape Town |
| Date | 22 March 2018 |
| Toss | South Africa won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 255 all out & 107 all out |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 311 all out & 373 all out |
| Result | 🇿🇦 South Africa won by 322 runs |
| Player of the Match | 🇿🇦 Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): 11-110 match figures |
Kagiso Rabada’s 11-wicket haul powered South Africa to a commanding victory at Newlands. AB de Villiers’ 278*—the highest in the series—propelled SA to 373 in their second innings, setting an impossible 426. Australia’s chase never started, folding for 107 against Rabada’s fire. Earlier, David Warner’s 97 nearly saved the first innings. This win leveled the series and showcased SA’s seam attack at home. A poignant match amid Australia’s turmoil.
Format Summary for Tests
In 101 Tests, Australia’s 54 wins reflect their historical dominance, especially away (29 wins). South Africa’s 26 victories often come on home soil (23), with 21 draws typical of attritional battles. Key trends include pace duels—Cummins vs Rabada—and long partnerships deciding outcomes. The 2025 WTC final marked SA’s resurgence, but Australia remains the benchmark. Memorable for collapses and comebacks, this format embodies endurance.
Australian Men Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline ODI Match Scorecards
The ODI record stands at 113 matches, with South Africa edging ahead 57-52 (3 ties, 1 no result). These 50-over games are known for high-scoring chases and Proteas’ home strength. Detailed recent scorecards below capture the excitement.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 3rd ODI at Perth, 24 August 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | South Africa in Australia ODI Series 2025 |
| Venue | WACA Ground, Perth |
| Date | 24 August 2025 |
| Toss | Australia won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 431/2 (50 overs) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 155 all out (32.3 overs) |
| Result | 🇦🇺 Australia won by 276 runs |
| Player of the Match | 🇦🇺 Travis Head (Australia): 152 off 98 balls |
Travis Head’s blistering 152 lit up Perth as Australia posted 431/2, their highest against SA. Glenn Maxwell’s 80 added fireworks. South Africa’s chase imploded against Adam Zampa’s spin (4-32), collapsing to 155. Quinton de Kock’s 45 was the lone fight. This massive win leveled the series, showcasing Australia’s batting depth. A one-sided affair that thrilled fans with sixes galore.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 2nd ODI at Melbourne, 22 August 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | South Africa in Australia ODI Series 2025 |
| Venue | Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne |
| Date | 22 August 2025 |
| Toss | South Africa won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 193 all out (45.2 overs) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 277/9 (50 overs) |
| Result | 🇿🇦 South Africa won by 84 runs |
| Player of the Match | 🇿🇦 Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): 4-38 |
Kagiso Rabada’s 4-38 derailed Australia’s chase, defending 277 comfortably. Heinrich Klaasen’s quick 67 lifted SA from 150/5. Australia’s top order faltered on a tricky MCG pitch, with Steve Smith’s 62 not enough. Anrich Nortje’s 3-40 complemented Rabada. This victory gave SA a series lead, proving their bowling nous in seaming conditions. A tactical masterclass.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 1st ODI at Sydney, 19 August 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | South Africa in Australia ODI Series 2025 |
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney |
| Date | 19 August 2025 |
| Toss | Australia won and chose to field |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 198 all out (48.1 overs) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 296/8 (50 overs) |
| Result | 🇿🇦 South Africa won by 98 runs |
| Player of the Match | 🇿🇦 David Miller (South Africa): 102* off 72 balls |
David Miller’s unbeaten 102 powered South Africa to 296/8, setting a formidable total. Aiden Markram’s 50 opened steadily. Australia’s reply crumbled to 198, victims of Keshav Maharaj’s spin (3-28). Pat Cummins’ 40 fought valiantly, but it was too steep. SA’s middle-order muscle won the opener, silencing SCG doubters.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, Match 7 at Centurion, 25 February 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Cricket World Cup 2025 |
| Venue | SuperSport Park, Centurion |
| Date | 25 February 2025 |
| Toss | No toss (match abandoned) |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | No play |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | No play |
| Result | Match abandoned without a ball bowled |
| Player of the Match | N/A |
Heavy rain washed out this World Cup group stage clash entirely, frustrating fans and teams alike. No play was possible, handing both sides a shared point. It disrupted momentum for Australia’s unbeaten streak and SA’s home campaign. Umpires called off early, citing unplayable conditions. A rare no-result in ODIs, highlighting weather’s cruel role.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, Semi Final 2 at Kolkata, 16 November 2023
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Date | 16 November 2023 |
| Toss | South Africa won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 215/7 (47 overs – D/L method) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 212 all out (49.4 overs) |
| Result | 🇦🇺 Australia won by 3 wickets (D/L method) |
| Player of the Match | 🇦🇺 Travis Head (Australia): 62 off 48 balls |
A World Cup semi-final classic, where Australia chased a revised 215 under D/L after rain. South Africa’s 212 featured Klaasen’s explosive 47 off 31. Travis Head’s 62 anchored the chase, with Maxwell’s late heroics sealing it. Pat Cummins’ calm finish under lights. SA’s heartbreak continued, but their total was competitive. Epic under Eden lights.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, Match 10 at Lucknow, 12 October 2023
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 |
| Venue | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| Date | 12 October 2023 |
| Toss | South Africa won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 177 all out (41.4 overs) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 311/7 (50 overs) |
| Result | 🇿🇦 South Africa won by 134 runs |
| Player of the Match | 🇿🇦 Quinton de Kock (South Africa): 100 off 84 balls |
Quinton de Kock’s century (100) and van der Dussen’s 99 nearly propelled SA to 311/7. Australia’s batting imploded to 177, bowled out by Rabada (3-36). Josh Hazlewood’s 2-49 was lone resistance. SA’s powerplay blitz set the tone in this WC group game. A morale booster for Proteas.
Format Summary for ODIs
South Africa’s slim 57-52 lead in 113 ODIs stems from home comforts (28 wins), but Australia’s neutral prowess (10 wins) shines in tournaments. Trends favor high scores, with chases deciding 60% of games. Stars like Head and Miller thrive, but bowling depth—Zampa vs Maharaj—tips balances. The 2025 series saw swings, underscoring unpredictability. A format of milestones and upsets.
Australian Men Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Timeline T20I Match Scorecards
In 28 T20Is, Australia boasts 19 wins to South Africa’s 9, thriving in chases (12 victories batting second). Fast-paced and fearless, these games epitomize white-ball excitement. Recent scorecards below showcase the flair.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 3rd T20I at Canberra, 16 August 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | South Africa in Australia T20I Series 2025 |
| Venue | Manuka Oval, Canberra |
| Date | 16 August 2025 |
| Toss | South Africa won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 173/8 (20 overs) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 172/7 (20 overs) |
| Result | 🇦🇺 Australia won by 2 wickets |
| Player of the Match | 🇦🇺 Glenn Maxwell (Australia): 45* off 22 balls |
A last-ball thriller saw Australia sneak home by 2 wickets chasing 173. Maxwell’s unbeaten 45, full of scoops and ramps, turned the game. SA’s David Miller smashed 68, but Xavier Bartlett’s 3-28 kept it tight. Tim David’s six in the 19th over eased nerves. SA nearly defended, but Aussies’ finish prevailed. Edge-of-seat stuff.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 2nd T20I at Brisbane, 12 August 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | South Africa in Australia T20I Series 2025 |
| Venue | The Gabba, Brisbane |
| Date | 12 August 2025 |
| Toss | South Africa won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 165 all out (19.5 overs) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 218/7 (20 overs) |
| Result | 🇿🇦 South Africa won by 53 runs |
| Player of the Match | 🇿🇦 Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa): 75 off 40 balls |
Heinrich Klaasen’s 75 exploded SA to 218/7, with Tristan Stubbs’ 42 adding punch. Australia’s chase faltered at 165, despite Jake Fraser-McGurk’s 50. Anrich Nortje’s 4-32 dismantled the middle order. SA’s aggressive powerplay (80/1) set the platform. A rare away win, boosting Proteas’ confidence.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 1st T20I at Darwin, 10 August 2025
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | South Africa in Australia T20I Series 2025 |
| Venue | Marrara Cricket Ground, Darwin |
| Date | 10 August 2025 |
| Toss | Australia won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 178 all out (20 overs) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 161/9 (20 overs) |
| Result | 🇦🇺 Australia won by 17 runs |
| Player of the Match | 🇦🇺 Tim David (Australia): 83 off 52 balls |
Tim David’s 83 anchored Australia to 178, recovering from 80/5. SA’s chase reached 161/9, with de Kock’s 55 falling short against Cummins’ 3-22. Marcus Stoinis’ all-round 30&2 earned nods too. Humid Darwin conditions favored the hosts’ finishers. A solid series opener.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 3rd T20I at Durban, 3 September 2023
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Australia in South Africa T20I Series 2023/24 |
| Venue | Kingsmead, Durban |
| Date | 3 September 2023 |
| Toss | South Africa won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 191/5 (17.5 overs) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 190/8 (20 overs) |
| Result | 🇦🇺 Australia won by 5 wickets |
| Player of the Match | 🇦🇺 Josh Inglis (Australia): 97 off 49 balls |
Josh Inglis’ near-century (97) guided Australia to chase 191 with 13 balls left. SA’s Reeza Hendricks scored 65, but Tanveer Sangha’s 4-39 restricted them. Steve Smith’s steady 36 complemented Inglis. A clinical win completing the series sweep.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 2nd T20I at Johannesburg, 1 September 2023
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Australia in South Africa T20I Series 2023/24 |
| Venue | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg |
| Date | 1 September 2023 |
| Toss | Australia won and chose to field |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 168/2 (19.4 overs) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 164/8 (20 overs) |
| Result | 🇦🇺 Australia won by 8 wickets |
| Player of the Match | 🇦🇺 Matthew Short (Australia): 65* off 40 balls |
Matthew Short’s unbeaten 65 made light work of 165, with Australia cruising home. SA’s Aiden Markram hit 52, but Adam Zampa’s 3-20 choked the death overs. A dominant chase on a bouncy Wanderers.
🇦🇺 Australia vs 🇿🇦 South Africa, 1st T20I at Durban, 30 August 2023
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Australia in South Africa T20I Series 2023/24 |
| Venue | Kingsmead, Durban |
| Date | 30 August 2023 |
| Toss | Australia won and chose to bat |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 226/6 (20 overs) |
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 115 all out (13.5 overs) |
| Result | 🇦🇺 Australia won by 111 runs |
| Player of the Match | 🇦🇺 Tim David (Australia): 64 off 25 balls |
Australia’s 226/6, powered by David’s 64 and Head’s 63, overwhelmed SA, who folded for 115. Marcus Stoinis’ 4-26 tore through the top order. A record margin, underlining Aussie firepower.
Format Summary for T20Is
Australia’s 19-9 dominance in 28 T20Is highlights their chase mastery and all-round balance. South Africa’s 9 wins cluster at home, with explosive starts key. Trends show high totals (avg 158 first innings), favoring power-hitters like David and Klaasen. The 2025 series was split, signaling SA’s growth. A format of innovation and sixes.
Read more: Delhi Capitals Cricket vs Royal Challengers Cricket Stats
