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The South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team vs India Women’s National Cricket Team matches have developed into one of the most competitive rivalries in women’s international cricket. India and South Africa have met in Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is), with both teams producing memorable performances across bilateral series and major ICC tournaments.
India have historically held the advantage, particularly in Test and ODI cricket. However, South Africa have become increasingly competitive in T20I cricket and have produced several important victories against India in recent years.
The rivalry reached a major milestone in 2025 when India and South Africa met in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final. India won the final by 52 runs to claim their first Women’s Cricket World Cup title. Shafali Verma scored 87, while Deepti Sharma contributed 58 runs and took 5 wickets for 39 runs. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt scored 101 during the chase.
The teams then played a five-match T20I series in South Africa in April 2026. South Africa won four of the five matches, giving them a 4-1 series victory.
This article covers the history of South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team vs India Women’s National Cricket Team matches, head-to-head records, Test history, ODI results, T20I matches, World Cup encounters, famous performances, key players, recent results, and upcoming fixtures.
South Africa Women vs India Women Head-to-Head Record
India and South Africa have played 63 women’s internationals across the three major formats. The record includes three Tests, 35 ODIs, and 25 T20Is.
India have won all three Tests. In ODI cricket, India lead South Africa 21-13, with one match ending without a result. T20I cricket is considerably closer, with both teams having won 11 matches each.
| Format | Matches | India Women Wins | South Africa Women Wins | Other Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 35 | 21 | 13 | 1 NR |
| T20Is | 25 | 11 | 11 | 3 other results |
| Overall | 63 | 35 | 24+ | Other results |
The numbers demonstrate an interesting pattern. India have been the stronger side in Tests and ODIs, while T20I cricket has developed into an almost even contest.
Early History of South Africa Women vs India Women Matches
The rivalry between the two women’s teams developed as both nations became established forces in international women’s cricket.
India Women have a long history in international cricket and have traditionally produced technically strong batters and quality spin bowlers. South Africa Women developed into a major international side later, with a strong reputation for athletic fielding, pace bowling, powerful batting, and competitive limited-overs cricket.
Over the years, players such as Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma have been important figures for India.
South Africa have produced players including Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Dane van Niekerk, Shabnim Ismail, Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus, and Chloe Tryon.
The increasing quality of both squads has made South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team vs India Women’s National Cricket Team matches more competitive, especially in white-ball cricket.
South Africa Women vs India Women Test Match History
Test cricket has produced the clearest statistical advantage for India.
The teams have played three women’s Tests, and India have won all three. South Africa have yet to record a Test victory against India.
Women’s Test cricket between these sides has been relatively rare compared with their ODI and T20I meetings. This makes every Test particularly significant.
India’s experience in women’s Test cricket, combined with their strong batting depth and spin resources, has generally given them the advantage in the longer format.
South Africa Women vs India Women ODI Matches
ODI cricket has been an important part of the rivalry.
The teams have played 35 women’s ODIs, with India winning 21 and South Africa winning 13. One match ended without a result.
India’s advantage in the ODI record has been built over many years, but South Africa have repeatedly challenged them in major tournaments.
The ODI rivalry became particularly important during the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, when the two teams eventually met in the final.
2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup Group Match
India and South Africa met during the group stage of the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup on October 9.
South Africa won that match by three wickets. India scored 251, while South Africa chased the target successfully after scoring 252/7.
The victory gave South Africa important momentum during the tournament and demonstrated that they could defeat India in a major ICC competition.
The match was particularly significant because the same two teams would meet again in the tournament final several weeks later.
2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup Final
The biggest recent South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team vs India Women’s National Cricket Team match took place on November 2, 2025.
India hosted South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup final at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
India batted first and scored 298/7 from their 50 overs. Shafali Verma played a brilliant innings of 87 from 78 balls, while Deepti Sharma scored 58.
South Africa’s chase initially appeared possible. Captain Laura Wolvaardt scored an outstanding 101 and helped her team remain in contention.
However, India’s bowling attack changed the match. Deepti Sharma took 5/39, and South Africa were eventually bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.
India won by 52 runs and claimed their first-ever Women’s Cricket World Cup title.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| India Women | 298/7 | — |
| South Africa Women | 246 all out | India won by 52 runs |
| Player of the Match | Shafali Verma | 87 and 2/36 |
| Player of the Series | Deepti Sharma | 215 runs, 22 wickets |
The final became one of the most important matches in Indian women’s cricket history.
South Africa Women vs India Women T20I Matches
T20I cricket has produced a much closer rivalry.
The two teams have played 25 T20Is, with India and South Africa each winning 11. The remaining matches produced other results.
Unlike the Test record, where India have complete dominance, T20I cricket has provided South Africa with many opportunities to compete directly with India.
The teams have produced high-scoring games, close finishes, strong bowling performances, and several major tournament encounters.
2026 South Africa Women vs India Women T20I Series
The five-match T20I series in April 2026 was one of the most important recent bilateral contests.
South Africa won the first three matches before India avoided a clean sweep by winning the fourth. South Africa then won the fifth match to finish the series 4-1.
The results were:
| T20I | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | South Africa | 6 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | South Africa | 8 wickets |
| 3rd T20I | South Africa | 9 wickets |
| 4th T20I | India | 14 runs |
| 5th T20I | South Africa | 23 runs |
| Series | South Africa | 4-1 |
The first match in Durban saw India score 157/7 before South Africa reached 158/4 in 19.1 overs. Ayabonga Khaka played an important role with 3/16.
The second T20I was another strong South African performance. India made 147, while South Africa reached 148/2 in 17.1 overs to win by eight wickets.
The third match was even more dominant. India scored 192/4, but South Africa chased the target in only 16.3 overs, reaching 193/1 and winning by nine wickets.
India finally responded in the fourth T20I, scoring 185/5 and defeating South Africa by 14 runs.
South Africa then completed the series victory in the fifth match, winning by 23 runs after scoring 155/6.
2026 Women’s T20 World Cup Match
South Africa and India met again during the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on June 21.
India scored 158/7 after being asked to bat first. South Africa initially struggled during their chase and were 25/2 in the powerplay.
Marizanne Kapp then produced one of the outstanding performances of the tournament.
Kapp scored an unbeaten 81 from 45 balls and formed a 97-run partnership with Tazmin Brits. South Africa reached 161/4 in 19.1 overs and won by six wickets. Kapp also took 2/27 with the ball and was named Player of the Match.
| Team | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| India Women | 158/7 | — |
| South Africa Women | 161/4 | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| Top South African batter | Marizanne Kapp | 81* |
| Kapp’s bowling | 2/27 | Player of the Match |
The victory was particularly significant because it gave South Africa an important result against India during the World Cup.
Major World Cup Meetings
South Africa and India have met in several important Women’s World Cup matches.
The 2025 tournament was especially memorable because the teams faced each other twice. South Africa won the group-stage match, while India won the final.
The contrasting results showed how closely matched the teams could be in ODI cricket.
| Year | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Women’s World Cup group stage | South Africa won by 3 wickets |
| 2025 | Women’s World Cup final | India won by 52 runs |
| 2026 | Women’s T20 World Cup | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
The 2025 final remains the most important match between the teams because it decided the Women’s Cricket World Cup champion.
Famous South Africa Women vs India Women Matches
Several South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team vs India Women’s National Cricket Team matches stand out because of their importance or dramatic results.
The 2025 World Cup group match was important because South Africa successfully chased India’s 251.
The 2025 World Cup final was even more significant because India won their maiden world title.
The 2026 T20I series showed South Africa’s growing strength in the shortest format, with the Proteas winning four of five matches.
The 2026 T20 World Cup meeting was another major South African victory, with Marizanne Kapp dominating both with the bat and ball.
Key Players in South Africa Women vs India Women Matches
The rivalry has featured some of the biggest names in women’s cricket.
For India, Smriti Mandhana has been one of the team’s most important opening batters. Her ability to score quickly while maintaining a technically strong game makes her a major threat in every format.
Harmanpreet Kaur has also played a central role in India’s development. She became one of the most experienced players in women’s international cricket and played an important part in India’s rise before stepping down as captain in October 2026. Smriti Mandhana was subsequently appointed India’s new captain.
Shafali Verma has also produced match-winning performances, including her 87 in the 2025 World Cup final.
Deepti Sharma has been another major player. Her 58 runs and 5/39 in the 2025 final helped India win the World Cup.
South Africa have their own group of outstanding players.
Laura Wolvaardt is one of the most technically gifted batters in women’s cricket and scored 101 in the 2025 World Cup final.
Marizanne Kapp is an exceptional all-rounder who has repeatedly performed against India. Her unbeaten 81 and 2/27 in the 2026 T20 World Cup demonstrated her ability to change a match.
Shabnim Ismail has also been one of South Africa’s most dangerous fast bowlers.
Batting Battles
Batting has been one of the major attractions of the rivalry.
India have traditionally relied on players such as Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma and Harmanpreet Kaur to provide fast starts and build large totals.
South Africa have depended heavily on Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits and other powerful batters.
The 2025 World Cup final illustrated the quality of both batting line-ups. India scored 298/7, while Wolvaardt’s 101 gave South Africa hope during the chase.
The 2026 T20I series also produced several high-scoring matches, including South Africa’s successful chase of India’s 192/4 in Johannesburg.
Bowling Battles
Bowling has frequently determined the outcome of important matches between the teams.
India have developed a strong spin-bowling tradition, with Deepti Sharma among their most important all-round bowlers.
South Africa have traditionally possessed high-quality pace bowling, with Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka providing experience and variety.
The 2026 T20 World Cup match highlighted this contrast. South Africa’s Kapp and Ismail restricted India to 158/7 before Kapp produced a match-winning batting performance.
Home Advantage in South Africa Women vs India Women Matches
Conditions have played an important role in this rivalry.
India’s home pitches can provide assistance to spin bowlers, particularly in longer formats. South Africa’s home conditions generally offer more pace and bounce, which can benefit fast bowlers.
The 2026 T20I series in South Africa provided a strong example of home advantage. South Africa won four of five matches, including three consecutive victories to begin the series.
India’s victory in the 2025 World Cup final showed that they can also succeed against South Africa in high-pressure matches on Indian pitches.
Recent South Africa Women vs India Women Results
The recent head-to-head record has been highly competitive.
South Africa defeated India in the 2025 World Cup group stage, but India won the World Cup final.
South Africa then dominated the five-match T20I series in April 2026, winning 4-1.
South Africa also defeated India by six wickets in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.
| Year | Competition | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Tri-series | India |
| 2025 | Women’s World Cup group | South Africa |
| 2025 | Women’s World Cup final | India |
| 2026 | T20I series | South Africa 4-1 |
| 2026 | Women’s T20 World Cup | South Africa |
These results show that the rivalry has become increasingly competitive, especially in limited-overs cricket.
Upcoming South Africa Women vs India Women Matches
The next major bilateral assignment between the teams is scheduled for December 2026 in South Africa.
According to Cricket South Africa and the ICC, India will tour South Africa for three ODIs followed by a one-off Test. The ODI matches are scheduled for December 9, 12 and 15, while the Test is scheduled to begin on December 20 in Gqeberha.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | December 9, 2026 | Potchefstroom |
| 2nd ODI | December 12, 2026 | Bloemfontein |
| 3rd ODI | December 15, 2026 | Cape Town |
| One-off Test | December 20-23, 2026 | Gqeberha |
The series will be important for the ICC Women’s Championship cycle and will give both teams another opportunity to compete in ODI and Test cricket.
Why South Africa Women vs India Women Matches Are Popular
The rivalry has become increasingly popular because both teams have developed strong squads capable of producing high-quality cricket.
India have a huge cricket following and a deep talent pool. South Africa have built a competitive women’s team with world-class players and have reached major ICC finals.
The 2025 Women’s World Cup final significantly increased the profile of the rivalry. India won their first Women’s World Cup title, while South Africa reached the final after a strong tournament.
The 2026 T20I series and T20 World Cup match then demonstrated that South Africa could challenge India consistently in the shortest format.
Future of the Rivalry
The future of the South Africa Women vs India Women rivalry looks highly competitive.
India have continued to develop a strong pipeline of young players, while South Africa have established a talented core around Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp and other experienced players.
The upcoming December 2026 ODI series and one-off Test will be particularly interesting because the teams will return to longer formats after their recent T20-heavy rivalry.
The ODI contests should be especially competitive because India currently hold the historical advantage, while South Africa have demonstrated that they can defeat India in major tournament matches.
South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team vs India Women’s National Cricket Team Matches: Overall Summary
The overall head-to-head record favors India, but the gap has become much smaller in recent years.
| Category | India Women | South Africa Women |
|---|---|---|
| Test wins | 3 | 0 |
| ODI wins | 21 | 13 |
| T20I wins | 11 | 11 |
| 2025 World Cup group | Lost | Won |
| 2025 World Cup final | Won | Lost |
| 2026 T20I series | Lost 1-4 | Won 4-1 |
| 2026 T20 World Cup | Lost | Won |
India remain the historically stronger team across Tests and ODIs, while T20I cricket is effectively level on the overall record.
Conclusion
The history of South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team vs India Women’s National Cricket Team matches is becoming one of the most compelling rivalries in women’s international cricket.
India have the stronger overall record, winning all three Tests and leading the ODI head-to-head 21-13. T20I cricket is much closer, with both teams having won 11 matches in the overall record.
The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup produced two unforgettable meetings. South Africa won the group-stage encounter by three wickets, but India responded in the final by winning by 52 runs and claiming their first Women’s World Cup title.
South Africa then demonstrated their growing strength in T20 cricket by winning the 2026 bilateral series 4-1 and defeating India by six wickets in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.
With a three-match ODI series and one-off Test scheduled for December 2026, more important South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team vs India Women’s National Cricket Team matches are on the horizon.
FAQs
How many times have South Africa Women and India Women played each other?
South Africa Women and India Women have played 63 international matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. India have won 35, while South Africa have won 24, with the remaining matches producing other results.
Has South Africa Women ever beaten India Women in a Test match?
No. India have won all three Women’s Tests played between the two teams. South Africa are still searching for their first Test victory against India.
Who won the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup final between India and South Africa?
India won the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup final by 52 runs. India scored 298/7, while South Africa were bowled out for 246. Shafali Verma scored 87 and Deepti Sharma took 5/39.
Who won the 2026 South Africa Women vs India Women T20I series?
South Africa Women won the five-match 2026 T20I series 4-1. They won the first three matches, India won the fourth, and South Africa won the fifth.
When will South Africa Women and India Women play next?
The teams are scheduled to meet in South Africa in December 2026 for three ODIs beginning December 9, followed by a one-off Test beginning December 20 in Gqeberha.
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