Written By: Alex Maathai
Published: November 6, 2025

South Africa and Pakistan have a rich cricketing history. They have played many matches against each other in various formats. These encounters are often exciting, competitive, and filled with memorable moments that fans love.

Each team has its own strengths. South Africa is known for its strong pace attack, while Pakistan is recognized for its talented batting and spin options. This mix has led to intense and unpredictable matches over the years. 

This article will provide fans with a detailed look at the head-to-head record between South Africa and Pakistan. 

South Africa vs Pakistan – Head to Head Across Formats

Take a look at how the two teams have performed against each other in different formats,

One-Day Internationals

In ODIs, Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other 87 times in cricket history.

Matches87
South Africa won52
Pakistan won34
No result01
Head to Head Across Formats
Source: NDTV Sports

The Proteas have won 52 matches and comfortably hold the advantage over the Asian team.

Other Records in ODIs:

ParameterSouth AfricaPakistan
Highest total392/6355/4
Lowest total10189
Most runsAB de Villiers – 1423Mohammad Yousuf – 1116
Most wicketsM Ntini – 49Waqar Younis – 58
Highest individual scoreAB de Villiers – 128Fakhar Zaman – 193
Best bowling figureDale Steyn – 6/39Wasim Akram – 5/16
Most 100sHashim Amla – 3Saim Ayub – 2
Most 50sJacques Kallis – 12Mohammad Yousuf – 9

Twenty-20 Internationals

In the case of T20Is, South Africa and Pakistan are well balanced with 12 wins each in 24 matches.

Matches24
South Africa won12
Pakistan won12
No result00
Twenty-20 Internationals
Source: Hindustan Times

This balance promises highly competitive and thrilling contests, making their upcoming T20 clashes some of the most exciting matches for fans to watch.

Other Records in T20Is:

ParameterSouth AfricaPakistan
Highest total210/3206/5
Lowest total10098/9
Most runsReeza Hendricks – 424Babar Azam – 526
Most wicketsTabraiz Shamsi – 13Shaheen Afridi – 17
Highest individual scoreReeza Hendricks – 117Babar Azam – 122
Best bowling figureD Pretorius – 5/17Umar Gul – 5/6
Most 6sDavid Miller – 23Mohammad Rizwan – 17
Most 6s in an inningsReeza Hendricks – 10Mohammad Rizwan – 7

Test Matches

We have witnessed some extraordinary red-ball cricket matches between South Africa and Pakistan over the years, featuring close finishes and brilliant performances. 

30 Test matches have been played between these two nations, and here are the head-to-head stats,

Matches30
South Africa win17
Pakistan win6
Drawn7
Test Matches
Source: ESPNcricinfo

South Africa has a clear advantage in these matchups. Their games usually showcase strong batting performances and tough bowling attacks. This makes upcoming Test encounters very competitive and exciting for cricket fans.

Other Records in Test Matches:

ParameterSouth AfricaPakistan
Highest total620/7 dec478
Lowest total12449
Most runsJaques Kallis – 1564Younis Khan – 990
Most wicketsDale Steyn – 59Danish Kaneria – 36
Highest individual scoreAB de Villiers – 278*Khurram Manzoor – 146
Best bowling figureKyle Abbott – 7/29Mohammad Abbas – 6/54

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Conclusion: South Africa Leads Historically. T20Is Remain Closely Matched!

South Africa and Pakistan have developed an exciting cricket rivalry over the years. Their matches in ODIs, T20Is, and Test games have given fans thrilling moments, tight finishes, and memorable performances. Each format tells its own story, highlighting the different strengths of both teams.

Although South Africa leads in ODIs and Tests, T20Is are closely matched, which makes their shorter-format games especially thrilling. Fans can look forward to competitive matches, remarkable individual performances, and brilliant moments from both teams in the upcoming series.

This head-to-head record shows the rich history and competitiveness between these two cricketing giants. Every upcoming encounter promises action, strategy, and excitement, making it a must-watch for fans around the globe.

About the Author

Alex Maathai is a Cape Town-based cricket analyst and former club-level player. With deep knowledge of domestic structures and Proteas history, he provides context-rich insights that connect today’s matches to South Africa’s cricket legacy.

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