The India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline needs no introduction as it is one of the most riveting and competitive rivalries in women’s international cricket. Both teams have evolved dramatically in terms of skill, competitiveness and global scope since their first meeting in 1997.
This includes key matches, momentous results, statistical records and memorable moments. This cross-continental rivalry spanned almost three decades, and this interested women’s cricket fans and followers can easily decipher how it blossomed. The timeline also illustrates the extent to which both sides have shaped each other, on and off the field.
Origins of the Rivalry
The South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team first played with the India Women’s National Cricket Team in an ODI on 22 December 1997. The match opened up a Timeline of competitive and balanced cricket between the two countries, which always promised entertainment in the days to come.
While neither team was a leading powerhouse of women’s cricket at this time, the debut fixture would help to build years of growth. The following matches were humble beginnings but they served something important to both teams.
Head-to-Head Record Overview
Before going through the timeline, let us take a glance at the head-to-head summary between India Women and South Africa Women in all formats — Test, ODI and T20 International:
| Format | Matches Played | India Won | South Africa Won | Tie / No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 35 | 21 | 13 | 1 |
| T20I | 19 | 10 | 6 | 3 |
The above data is indicative of the fact that India Women have had an edge over South Africa Women across format with Tests being a particular stronghold where India won all four games played so far. India’s biggest nemesis in limited-overs formats, though, has been South Africa.
Complete Timeline: Key Matches & Moments
Here’s looking at some key meetings and notable performances in the chronological timeline of India Women against South Africa Women:
1997 – First ODI Clash
- Date: 22 December 1997
- Format: ODI
- Venue: Patna, India
- Result: India won
- This was the first official international match between the two teams, laying the foundation for future rivalry and international cricket timeline.
2001–2005 – Early Competitions
- India maintained dominance in early ODI meetings, but South Africa registered important wins,* particularly in World Cup matches in South Africa.*
- In 2005, South Africa registered one of their first big championship wins against India in Pretoria.
2010 – First T20I Encounter
- Date: 24 November 2010
- Format: T20 International
- Venue: Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Result: South Africa won
- This was their first official T20I meeting, adding excitement to the rivalry in the shortest format of the game.
2014 & 2018 – Competitive Matches
- ODIs and T20Is in this period became fiercely fought contests, with both teams beating each other in various series and ICC events.
- South Africa’s bowling attack consistently troubled Indian batters, while India’s top players like Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana built strong innings.
2024 – Landmark Test Match & ODI Series
In June–July 2024, South Africa toured India for a historic full series with Test, ODI, and T20 matches.
Historic Test Match
- Venue: Chennai, India
- Highlights: India posted a record 603/6 — the highest team total in women’s Test cricket history. Shafali Verma scored 205 and Smriti Mandhana hit 149, adding 292 runs for the first wicket, a world record partnership.
ODI Series Highlights
- India won multiple ODI games by close margins, including thrillers where both sides scored over 320+ runs. Competitive performances made this series one of the best in the timeline’s history.
Iconic Matches and Records
Over 28 years of rivalry, several matches stand out for fans, records, and key achievements:
Highest Team Totals (ODI)
- India: 337/9 (Colombo, 2025) — one of the highest totals in ODI history.
- South Africa: Competitive totals over 300+ also marked strong performances.
Notable Individual Performances
- Smriti Mandhana, Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur for India have scored consistently high runs over the years.
- South Africa’s key batters like Laura Wolvaardt have also played major innings against India.
Great Bowling Records
- Standout bowling figures from both sides have swung matches, showcasing the depth of talent in both bowling units.
2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final – Defining Moment
The most significant chapter in the India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline came during the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup final:
- Date: 2 November 2025
- Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- Result: India won by 52 runs
- Match Facts: India batted first and scored 298/7. South Africa could only manage 246 in reply. India claimed its first Women’s World Cup title in history.
This match was historic for several reasons:
- It marked India Women’s maiden World Cup championship.
- It featured standout performances from players like Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma, and drew one of the largest crowds ever for a women’s match in India.
This final wasn’t just a one-off win but a defining moment in the timeline showing how far both teams have advanced.
Statistical Breakdown
Overall Head-to-Head Summary
| Category | India Women | South Africa Women |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches (All Formats) | 57+ | 57+ |
| Test Wins | 3 | 0 |
| ODI Wins | 21 | 13 |
| T20I Wins | 10 | 6 |
| (Numbers from official head-to-head records) |
Key Rivalry Stats
| Stat Type | India Women | South Africa Women |
|---|---|---|
| Highest ODI Score | 337/9 | — |
| Highest Test Total | 603/6 | — |
| Most Consistent Batters | Smriti Mandhana, Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur | Laura Wolvaardt |
| Best Bowlers | Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar | Ayabonga Khaka |
Evolution & Importance of the Timeline
The India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline is more than a list of matches; it tells a broader story:
- Growth of Women’s Cricket: Both teams have invested in youth development, coaching standards, and fitness programs, raising performance levels.
- Competitive Spirit: The rivalry is not one-sided. South Africa Women have consistently provided strong challenges, especially in limited overs.
- Historical Impact: The 2025 World Cup final highlighted how this timeline reflects women’s cricket stepping into the mainstream spotlight.
Future Outlook
As of 2025 and beyond:
- More series are planned between the two sides, including bilateral tours, world events, and T20 leagues.
- Young talent from both countries promises even more exciting matches in the future.
- With women’s cricket gaining global prominence, this timeline will continue to grow in importance and fan following.
Conclusion
The show on India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline is all-even richer with history, thrilling clashes, and unforgettable memory. From their first one-day (ODI) match in 1997 to the final of the 2025 World Cup, this rivalry is a snapshot of the development, passion and evolution of international women’s cricket.
With dominant performances, historic records and thrilling matches, both the teams have played a crucial role in making women’s cricket more appealing around the world. And so as the timeline marches on, we can look forward to many more chapters of astonishing competition.
FAQs
1. When did the India Women’s National Cricket Team first play against the South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team?
A. The India Women’s National Cricket Team first played against the South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team in an ODI match on 22 December 1997. This match marked the beginning of their international rivalry.
2. How many times have India Women and South Africa Women played against each other?
A. India Women and South Africa Women have played more than 50 international matches across Test, ODI, and T20I formats. The majority of these matches have been in One Day Internationals.
3. Who has won more matches in this rivalry?
A. India Women have won more matches overall compared to South Africa Women. India also holds a strong record in Test cricket, where they have won all encounters played between the two sides.
4. What was the most important match in the timeline?
A. One of the most important matches in the India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team timeline was the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final. India won the match and secured their first Women’s World Cup title.
5. Have India Women and South Africa Women played Test matches?
A. Yes, both teams have played Test matches against each other. India Women have won all the Test matches played between the two sides so far.
