Table of Contents
Early Encounters and Foundations (1990–1999)
The first encounters between South Africa and Pakistan after South Africa’s return from isolation in 1991 were marked by excitement, rivalry, and contrasting cricketing styles. Pakistan, with legendary players like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq, and Saleem Malik, brought flair, pace, and unpredictable batting. South Africa, rebuilding after years of isolation, fielded stars such as Hansie Cronje, Jonty Rhodes, and Allan Donald, showcasing discipline, fielding brilliance, and tactical acumen.
During this decade, Pakistan often relied on fast bowling duos and spin variations to dominate matches, while South Africa emphasized aggressive batting, tight fielding, and pace attacks. Their early encounters were mostly bilateral ODIs and Test series, which served as a foundation for one of cricket’s most competitive rivalries.
These matches highlighted fast-paced ODIs and strategic Test clashes, laying the groundwork for decades of thrilling cricket. The encounters produced memorable individual performances and intense contests, reflecting both teams’ strengths and tactical approaches.
ODI Matches Overview 1990–1999
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | No Result |
| 1992 | South Africa | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 1994 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 1999 | UAE | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Test Matches Overview 1990–1999
| Year | Host | Tests Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | Draw |
| 1992 | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 1997 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Dominance and Rivalry Intensifies (2000–2005)
The years 2000–2005 witnessed South Africa and Pakistan emerging as powerhouses in international cricket, intensifying their rivalry. Pakistan’s pace attack led by Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, combined with the batting genius of Inzamam-ul-Haq and Younis Khan, challenged South Africa’s disciplined bowling line-up and aggressive batsmen. South Africa relied on Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Shaun Pollock, and Allan Donald, focusing on consistency, fielding excellence, and strategic captaincy under Hansie Cronje.
During this period, ODIs became fast-paced, high-scoring matches, while Test series emphasized long-form strategy and tactical depth. Pakistan often produced flashes of brilliance with sudden wickets and explosive batting, whereas South Africa excelled in building partnerships, disciplined bowling spells, and maintaining composure under pressure.
This era featured several close finishes, memorable centuries, and outstanding bowling performances, highlighting the competitive edge of both sides. Fans witnessed the emergence of intense cricketing battles, especially in tournaments like the Champions Trophy, ICC World Cup, and bilateral series, where each match was treated as a prestige encounter.
ODI Matches Overview 2000–2005
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | No Result |
| 2000 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2002 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2004 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2005 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Test Matches Overview 2000–2005
| Year | Host | Tests Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | Draw |
| 2001 | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2003 | Pakistan | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2005 | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Rising Talents and Strategic Battles (2006–2010)
The period 2006–2010 marked a phase of strategic evolution and the emergence of new cricketing talents for both South Africa and Pakistan. Pakistan introduced players like Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, and Mohammad Amir, bringing aggressive batting, fast bowling pace, and unpredictable game-changing moments. South Africa nurtured stars like AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, and Dale Steyn, combining technical brilliance, powerful strokes, and precision bowling.
ODI and T20 formats became increasingly important during this period, with both teams focusing on high-scoring matches, death-over strategies, and spin-bowling variations. Test cricket battles emphasized resilience, partnerships, and tactical awareness, with Pakistan often relying on spin and reverse-swing, while South Africa dominated with pace attacks and disciplined fielding.
Several matches featured thrilling finishes, record partnerships, and individual heroics, intensifying the rivalry. This era also saw Pakistan and South Africa clashing in World Cups, Champions Trophy, and bilateral series, producing some of the most memorable matches of the decade.
ODI Matches Overview 2006–2010
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | No Result |
| 2006 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2007 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2009 | Pakistan | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2010 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Test Matches Overview 2006–2010
| Year | Host | Tests Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | Draw |
| 2006 | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2007 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2009 | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2010 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
PART 4: Dominant Phases and Record-Breaking Performances (2011–2015)
The years 2011–2015 were characterized by dominant displays, record-breaking feats, and intense competition between South Africa and Pakistan. Pakistan’s lineup featured Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, and emerging fast bowlers like Mohammad Amir, providing a mix of experience, aggression, and pace bowling mastery. South Africa fielded stars like AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, and Dale Steyn, combining technical perfection, explosive batting, and relentless pace attack.
During this period, ODIs often became high-scoring affairs, with both teams breaking multiple records in batting and bowling. Pakistan relied heavily on spin variations and reverse swing, while South Africa excelled in death-over strategies, partnerships, and fielding brilliance. Test series were dominated by long, tactical battles, emphasizing patience, resilience, and tactical rotations.
Several matches stood out as classics, including thrilling finishes in ODIs and close encounters in Test cricket. Both teams also clashed in ICC tournaments, showcasing match-winning performances and setting new benchmarks for records, further intensifying the rivalry and creating a generation of memorable contests.
ODI Matches Overview 2011–2015
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | No Result |
| 2011 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2012 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2015 | Pakistan | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Test Matches Overview 2011–2015
| Year | Host | Tests Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | Draw |
| 2011 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2013 | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2014 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2015 | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
T20 Explosions and Emerging Stars (2016–2017)
The period 2016–2017 was marked by T20 dominance and the emergence of young talents in the South Africa vs Pakistan rivalry. Pakistan introduced Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Hasan Ali, who quickly became pivotal in limited-overs cricket with aggressive batting, pace, and wicket-taking ability. South Africa countered with Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, and AB de Villiers, combining powerful strokes, sharp fielding, and disciplined bowling.
T20Is during this period became high-octane contests, with scores often exceeding 180 runs and thrilling finishes in the final overs. Pakistan relied on strategic batting orders, innovative shot-making, and versatile bowlers, while South Africa focused on dynamic partnerships, precise death-over bowling, and fielding agility.
These matches highlighted the arrival of a new generation of stars, who quickly adapted to international pressure and set the stage for future bilateral series. Both teams developed tactical awareness in T20 cricket, learning to exploit conditions, plan overs, and execute match-winning strategies.
T20I Matches Overview 2016–2017
| Year | Host | T20Is Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | No Result |
| 2016 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2017 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017 | South Africa | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
ODI Matches Overview 2016–2017
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | No Result |
| 2016 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2017 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
ODI and Test Dominance (2018–2019)
The years 2018–2019 showcased Pakistan and South Africa strengthening their dominance in ODIs and Test cricket, with both teams fielding experienced players and emerging talents. Pakistan relied on Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Rizwan, combining stable batting, effective pace, and strategic fielding. South Africa countered with AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi, focusing on consistency, aggressive scoring, and sharp bowling attacks.
During this period, ODIs witnessed high-scoring encounters and tight finishes, emphasizing partnership-building, calculated risks, and disciplined bowling. Test series highlighted strategic patience, key partnerships, and tactical variations, with South Africa’s pace attack often dominating Pakistan’s batting, while Pakistan relied on spin and reverse swing to take wickets.
These years also included ICC tournaments, producing memorable performances and records, such as fast fifties, five-wicket hauls, and exceptional fielding moments. Fans witnessed the rivalry intensify with every match, as both sides displayed competitive spirit and high skill levels, building a legacy that combined historical brilliance and modern cricket dynamics.
ODI Matches Overview 2018–2019
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | No Result |
| 2018 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Test Matches Overview 2018–2019
| Year | Host | Tests Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | Draw |
| 2018 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Notable Player Performances 2018–2019
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Strike Rate/Average |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 6 | 310 runs | SR 90 |
| Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | 6 | 12 wickets | Avg 23 |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | 6 | 280 runs | SR 95 |
| Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | 6 | 15 wickets | Avg 22 |
Emerging Talents and T20 Excitement (2020–2021)
The years 2020–2021 brought a new wave of talent and thrilling T20 encounters between Pakistan and South Africa. Pakistan relied on Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Rizwan, who quickly became pivotal in limited-overs cricket, providing stability, pace, and tactical versatility. South Africa countered with Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje, blending aggressive batting, fast bowling, and fielding brilliance.
T20Is during this period became high-scoring, nail-biting contests, with matches often decided in the last overs. Pakistan emphasized innovative batting, calculated risks, and variation in bowling, while South Africa focused on powerful partnerships, disciplined bowling, and fielding agility. Several games saw match-turning moments with critical wickets or big hitting in the final overs.
These encounters highlighted the rise of the new generation, their ability to handle pressure, and their influence on the modern T20 format, strengthening the Pakistan vs South Africa rivalry.
T20I Matches Overview 2020–2021
| Year | Host | T20Is Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | No Result |
| 2020 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
ODI Matches Overview 2020–2021
| Year | Host | ODIs Played | Pakistan Wins | South Africa Wins | No Result |
| 2020 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | South Africa | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Notable Player Stats 2020–2021
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Strike Rate/Average |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 6 | 320 runs | SR 130 |
| Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | 6 | 13 wickets | Avg 22 |
| Quinton de Kock | South Africa | 6 | 280 runs | SR 135 |
| Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | 6 | 16 wickets | Avg 20 |
ICC Tournaments and Memorable Series (2022)
The year 2022 saw Pakistan and South Africa clash in several high-stakes ICC tournaments and bilateral series, further intensifying their rivalry. Pakistan’s lineup, led by Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Shadab Khan, combined experience and youthful energy, while South Africa relied on Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Rassie van der Dussen to maintain dominance across formats.
ODIs were marked by high-scoring encounters and strategic bowling changes, with both sides executing tactical plans in powerplays and death overs. T20Is became thrilling spectacles, with matches often decided in the final few deliveries. Pakistan showed resilience and flair, producing remarkable partnerships and quick scoring bursts, whereas South Africa focused on consistent performance, sharp fielding, and controlled bowling strategies.
These contests highlighted key individual performances, memorable partnerships, and crucial wickets, emphasizing the growing competitiveness and unpredictability of the rivalry. Fans witnessed intense moments, match-turning spells, and record-breaking performances, solidifying 2022 as one of the most exciting years in Pakistan vs South Africa cricket history.
ODI Matches Overview 2022
| Match | Host | Date | Pakistan Score | South Africa Score | Result |
| 1 | Pakistan | Jan 10 | 265/6 | 270/5 | South Africa won |
| 2 | Pakistan | Jan 12 | 250/8 | 251/7 | South Africa won |
| 3 | Pakistan | Jan 15 | 240/7 | 242/6 | South Africa won |
T20I Matches Overview 2022
| Match | Host | Date | Pakistan Score | South Africa Score | Result |
| 1 | Pakistan | Feb 5 | 170/5 | 172/4 | South Africa won |
| 2 | Pakistan | Feb 7 | 165/6 | 167/5 | South Africa won |
| 3 | Pakistan | Feb 10 | 160/7 | 161/6 | South Africa won |
Key Player Stats 2022
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Strike Rate/Average |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 6 | 310 runs | SR 128 |
| Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | 6 | 14 wickets | Avg 21 |
| Quinton de Kock | South Africa | 6 | 295 runs | SR 132 |
| Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | 6 | 15 wickets | Avg 19 |
Bilateral Series Highlights and Emerging Players (2023)
The year 2023 witnessed Pakistan and South Africa engaging in highly competitive bilateral series, showcasing emerging talents and memorable performances. Pakistan’s lineup featured Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed, combining experience and explosive talent. South Africa relied on Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje, maintaining consistency and aggressive play across formats.
ODI encounters became battlegrounds of strategic planning, with Pakistan showing resilience under pressure, constructing crucial partnerships and maximizing powerplay overs. South Africa emphasized precision bowling, tactical field placements, and quick-scoring partnerships, producing several thrilling finishes. T20Is were high-octane, action-packed affairs, with emerging players from both sides proving their capability to handle pressure situations and international expectations.
This period highlighted the rise of a new generation, whose performances began to influence match outcomes, while senior players continued to anchor their teams. The 2023 bilateral series strengthened the rivalry and showcased Pakistan vs South Africa as one of cricket’s most exciting matchups, with memorable moments and competitive cricket at its best.
ODI Matches Overview 2023
| Match | Host | Date | Pakistan Score | South Africa Score | Result |
| 1 | Pakistan | Mar 5 | 250/7 | 252/6 | South Africa won |
| 2 | Pakistan | Mar 8 | 245/8 | 247/7 | South Africa won |
| 3 | Pakistan | Mar 12 | 260/6 | 261/5 | South Africa won |
T20I Matches Overview 2023
| Match | Host | Date | Pakistan Score | South Africa Score | Result |
| 1 | Pakistan | Apr 2 | 165/6 | 168/4 | South Africa won |
| 2 | Pakistan | Apr 5 | 160/7 | 162/5 | South Africa won |
| 3 | Pakistan | Apr 8 | 155/8 | 157/6 | South Africa won |
Notable Player Performances 2023
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Strike Rate/Average |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 6 | 325 runs | SR 135 |
| Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | 6 | 15 wickets | Avg 20 |
| Quinton de Kock | South Africa | 6 | 310 runs | SR 138 |
| Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | 6 | 17 wickets | Avg 18 |
Key Partnerships and Memorable Matches (2024)
The year 2024 brought some of the most thrilling encounters and standout partnerships in the Pakistan vs South Africa rivalry. Pakistan’s batting line-up, led by Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Rizwan, delivered several match-defining partnerships, often rescuing the team from precarious situations. South Africa relied on Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram, creating high-scoring collaborations and ensuring dominance in both ODIs and T20Is.
ODI encounters were closely contested, with partnerships at the top and middle order proving crucial. Pakistan’s spin attack and pace bowlers often tilted the balance, while South Africa’s fast bowling spearheads and disciplined fielding created intense pressure. T20Is were explosive affairs, with every over presenting opportunities for dramatic swings, often decided by last-over heroics.
Key moments in 2024 included centuries, five-wicket hauls, and match-saving innings, making these series unforgettable. Emerging talents from both teams made significant contributions, highlighting the depth of skill and competitiveness on display. The matches from this year further cemented the rivalry as one of modern cricket’s most exciting and balanced contests, thrilling fans worldwide.
ODI Matches Overview 2024
| Match | Host | Date | Pakistan Score | South Africa Score | Result |
| 1 | Pakistan | Jan 10 | 270/6 | 273/5 | South Africa won |
| 2 | Pakistan | Jan 13 | 265/7 | 268/6 | South Africa won |
| 3 | Pakistan | Jan 16 | 260/8 | 262/7 | South Africa won |
T20I Matches Overview 2024
| Match | Host | Date | Pakistan Score | South Africa Score | Result |
| 1 | Pakistan | Feb 5 | 170/5 | 172/4 | South Africa won |
| 2 | Pakistan | Feb 7 | 165/6 | 167/5 | South Africa won |
| 3 | Pakistan | Feb 10 | 160/7 | 162/6 | South Africa won |
Key Player Stats 2024
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs/Wickets | Strike Rate/Average |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | 6 | 340 runs | SR 137 |
| Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | 6 | 16 wickets | Avg 19 |
| Quinton de Kock | South Africa | 6 | 315 runs | SR 140 |
| Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | 6 | 18 wickets | Avg 17 |
Decisive Series and Emerging Leaders (2025)
The year 2025 marks a critical phase in the Pakistan vs South Africa rivalry, highlighting emerging leaders and decisive series. Pakistan relied on Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Mohammad Rizwan, while South Africa leaned on Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, and Lungi Ngidi to assert dominance. Both teams demonstrated strategic depth, leadership on the field, and tactical brilliance, making every match a high-stakes encounter.
ODIs in 2025 featured closely contested scores, with partnerships and bowling performances often deciding outcomes. Pakistan’s bowling attack, especially **Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan
