Cricket is more than just a sport in India—it’s a passion that unites millions. For fans of women’s cricket, the rivalry between the India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline has grown into a thrilling saga. Both teams have shown remarkable skill, resilience, and spirit over the years, creating memorable moments on the field. This article takes you through their head-to-head history, from their first encounters to their latest battles, in a way that’s easy for anyone to follow. We’ll also include a detailed table summarizing their key matches to make the timeline clear and engaging.
The Beginnings: A Slow Start to a Growing Rivalry
Women’s cricket has come a long way, and the India-South Africa rivalry is a relatively recent chapter in its history. India played their first women’s Test match in 1976 against the West Indies, while South Africa entered the international scene earlier in 1960 against England. However, due to South Africa’s exclusion from international cricket between 1972 and 1997 because of apartheid policies, the two teams didn’t face off until much later.
Their first recorded encounter was in 2001, during the Women’s Cricket World Cup held in South Africa. This was a One Day International (ODI) match, and it marked the beginning of a competitive journey between the two sides. India, under the leadership of Anjum Chopra, and South Africa, captained by Linda Olivier, were both eager to make their mark in the global tournament. India won that match, setting the tone for a rivalry that would grow stronger with time.
The Early Years: 2001–2010
In the early 2000s, both teams were finding their footing in international women’s cricket. India had a more established program, having been a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) with Test, ODI, and later T20I status. South Africa, returning to international cricket in 1997 after a long hiatus, was rebuilding its women’s team.
Their encounters during this period were mostly in ODIs, as women’s Test cricket was rare, and T20 Internationals (T20Is) were only introduced in 2005. Matches between India and South Africa were often part of World Cup tournaments or multi-nation series. For example, in the 2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup in South Africa, the two teams met again in the group stage. India, with players like Mithali Raj emerging as stars, secured another victory, showcasing their dominance in the 50-over format.
South Africa struggled in these early years, partly due to their long absence from international cricket and the challenges of rebuilding a competitive squad. However, players like Mignon du Preez and Cri-Zelda Brits began to lay the foundation for a stronger South African side.
The Rise of T20 Cricket: 2010–2015
The introduction of T20 cricket brought a new dynamic to the India-South Africa rivalry. The shorter format emphasized aggressive batting and sharp fielding, which suited the younger players on both teams. Their first T20I meeting was in 2010 during a tri-series in South Africa, where India edged out a close victory.
During this period, India’s team was bolstered by the likes of Harmanpreet Kaur, who would later become a key figure, and Jhulan Goswami, one of the greatest fast bowlers in women’s cricket. South Africa, meanwhile, saw the emergence of players like Marizanne Kapp and Dane van Niekerk, who brought versatility and flair to the team.
Matches between the two sides remained competitive, with India holding a slight edge in ODIs, while T20Is were more evenly contested. A notable moment came in the 2014 T20 World Cup, where South Africa managed to defeat India in a group-stage match, signaling their growing strength in the shorter format.
The Modern Era: 2016–2020
By the mid-2010s, women’s cricket was gaining more attention globally, and both India and South Africa were investing heavily in their programs. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took over the Women’s Cricket Association of India in 2006, providing more resources and structure. Similarly, Cricket South Africa (CSA) was working to elevate its women’s team, with players like Laura Wolvaardt emerging as world-class talents.
The 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup in England was a turning point for both teams. India reached the final, narrowly losing to England, while South Africa made it to the semi-finals, their best-ever World Cup performance at the time. The two teams didn’t face each other in this tournament, but their parallel rise set the stage for more intense battles.
In 2018, South Africa toured India for a five-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series. India dominated the ODIs, winning 3-1, with Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj leading the batting. The T20I series was closer, with South Africa showing their growing prowess in the shorter format. This series highlighted the contrasting strengths of the two teams: India’s depth in batting and South Africa’s emerging all-rounders like Kapp and Chloe Tryon.
The 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia saw another significant clash. India reached the final for the first time, but South Africa knocked them out in the semi-finals with a strong performance led by Wolvaardt and Sune Luus. This victory was a milestone for South Africa, proving they could compete with the best on the biggest stage.
Recent Years: 2021–2024
The rivalry intensified in the early 2020s, with both teams regularly facing off in bilateral series and ICC tournaments. In 2021, South Africa toured India for a five-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series. India won the ODI series 4-1, with standout performances from Punam Raut and Raj. However, South Africa fought back in the T20Is, winning 2-1, thanks to contributions from Lizelle Lee and Kapp.
The 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand saw another chapter in this rivalry. In a crucial group-stage match, South Africa defeated India by 3 wickets in a thrilling chase, with Wolvaardt scoring a crucial 80. This loss knocked India out of the semi-final race, while South Africa advanced, only to lose to England in the semi-finals.
The 2023 T20 World Cup, hosted by South Africa, was another highlight. South Africa reached the final for the first time, though they lost to Australia. India and South Africa didn’t meet in this tournament, but their performances showed how close they had become in terms of skill and ambition.
The 2024 Series: A Landmark Tour India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline
The most significant recent chapter in this rivalry was South Africa’s tour of India in June and July 2024. This tour included one Test match, three ODIs, and three T20Is, offering a comprehensive test of both teams’ abilities across formats. The series was part of the 2022–2025 ICC Women’s Championship and served as preparation for the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2024 Women’s T20 Asia Cup.
India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline Test Match
The one-off Test match in Chennai was a historic moment for women’s cricket. India posted a record-breaking 603/6, the highest team total in women’s Test history. Shafali Verma’s sensational 205 and Smriti Mandhana’s 149 formed a 292-run opening partnership, also a record. Jemimah Rodrigues added 55, while Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh remained unbeaten with half-centuries. South Africa fought back with centuries from Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus, but India’s bowlers, led by Sneh Rana’s 10-wicket haul, secured a 10-wicket victory. This match showcased India’s dominance in the longest format and South Africa’s resilience.
India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline ODI Series
India swept the ODI series 3-0, with Smriti Mandhana breaking records by scoring 343 runs, the most in a three-match ODI series. The first ODI saw India win by 143 runs, with Mandhana’s 117 leading the way. The second ODI was a close contest, with India edging out a 4-run victory, thanks to Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance. The third ODI ended with India chasing down South Africa’s total in 40.4 overs, winning by 6 wickets. These matches highlighted India’s batting depth and South Africa’s struggle to convert starts into big scores.
India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline T20I Series
The T20I series was more competitive, with South Africa winning the first match by 12 runs, driven by Tazmin Brits’ 81 and Marizanne Kapp’s 57. India bounced back in the second T20I, winning by 10 wickets, with Mandhana and Shafali Verma chasing down 177 in style. The third T20I was washed out due to rain, resulting in a 1-1 series draw. This series showed both teams’ strengths in T20 cricket, with South Africa’s aggressive batting matching India’s firepower.
The 2025 Tri-Nation Series
In April and May 2025, India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline faced off again in the Sri Lanka Women’s ODI Tri-Nation Series in Colombo. The second match of the series saw India defend 276/6, with Pratika Rawal scoring 78 and Sneh Rana taking a maiden five-wicket haul (5/43). South Africa’s Tazmin Brits scored a valiant 109, but they fell short by 15 runs. In the fifth match, India posted 337/9, powered by Jemimah Rodrigues’ career-best 123 and Deepti Sharma’s 93. South Africa fought hard with Annerie Dercksen (81) and Chloe Tryon (67), but India won by 23 runs, securing their place in the final. These matches underscored India’s consistency and South Africa’s fighting spirit.
What Makes This India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry Special?
The India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline rivalry is special because it showcases two teams with different strengths. India has a deep batting lineup, with players like Mandhana, Kaur, and Rodrigues consistently delivering. Their bowling, led by veterans like Goswami and all-rounders like Sharma, is versatile. South Africa, on the other hand, relies on all-rounders like Kapp and Tryon, and their batting has grown stronger with Wolvaardt and Brits.
The rivalry also reflects the growth of women’s cricket globally. Both teams have pushed each other to improve, with India dominating in ODIs and Tests, while South Africa has challenged them in T20Is. Their matches are often close, filled with individual brilliance and team effort, making them a treat for fans.
Looking Ahead India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline
As both teams prepare for future ICC events, including the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup, their rivalry will only get fiercer. India’s focus on nurturing young talent like Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawal, combined with South Africa’s investment in players like Annerie Dercksen, promises more exciting contests.
For fans, this rivalry is a celebration of women’s cricket—its growth, its stars, and its ability to inspire. Whether it’s a record-breaking Test match or a nail-biting T20I, India vs. South Africa delivers moments that stay with you.
Head-to-Head India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline Table
Below is a detailed table summarizing key matches between India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline, based on available data up to June 2025.
|
Date |
Format |
Venue |
Result |
Key Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Dec 2001 |
ODI |
South Africa (World Cup) |
India won |
India’s batting led by Anjum Chopra |
|
Mar 2005 |
ODI |
South Africa (World Cup) |
India won |
Mithali Raj’s steady innings |
|
Oct 2010 |
T20I |
South Africa (Tri-Series) |
India won by 6 wickets |
Harmanpreet Kaur’s aggressive batting |
|
Mar 2014 |
T20I |
Bangladesh (T20 World Cup) |
South Africa won |
South Africa’s bowlers restricted India |
|
Feb 2018 |
ODI |
India |
India won by 178 runs |
Smriti Mandhana’s 135 |
|
Feb 2018 |
T20I |
India |
South Africa won by 5 wickets |
Lizelle Lee’s quickfire fifty |
|
Mar 2020 |
T20I |
Australia (T20 World Cup) |
South Africa won by 8 wickets |
Laura Wolvaardt’s 53* |
|
Mar 2021 |
ODI |
India |
India won by 9 wickets |
Punam Raut’s century |
|
Mar 2021 |
T20I |
India |
South Africa won by 6 wickets |
Lizelle Lee’s 70 |
|
Mar 2022 |
ODI |
New Zealand (World Cup) |
South Africa won by 3 wickets |
Laura Wolvaardt’s 80 |
|
Jun 16, 2024 |
ODI |
Bengaluru, India |
India won by 143 runs |
Smriti Mandhana’s 117 |
|
Jun 19, 2024 |
ODI |
Bengaluru, India |
India won by 4 runs |
Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance |
|
Jun 23, 2024 |
ODI |
Bengaluru, India |
India won by 6 wickets |
Harmanpreet Kaur’s steady chase |
|
Jun 28–Jul 1, 2024 |
Test |
Chennai, India |
India won by 10 wickets |
Shafali Verma’s 205, Sneh Rana’s 10 wickets |
|
Jul 5, 2024 |
T20I |
Chennai, India |
South Africa won by 12 runs |
Tazmin Brits’ 81, Marizanne Kapp’s 57 |
|
Jul 7, 2024 |
T20I |
Chennai, India |
India won by 10 wickets |
Smriti Mandhana’s 54*, Shafali Verma’s 52* |
|
Jul 9, 2024 |
T20I |
Chennai, India |
No result (rain) |
– |
|
Apr 29, 2025 |
ODI |
Colombo, Sri Lanka |
India won by 15 runs |
Pratika Rawal’s 78, Sneh Rana’s 5/43 |
|
May 7, 2025 |
ODI |
Colombo, Sri Lanka |
India won by 23 runs |
Jemimah Rodrigues’ 123, Deepti Sharma’s 93 |
Note: This table includes major matches based on available data. Some early matches may not have detailed records due to limited coverage of women’s cricket at the time.
Conclusion
The India Women’s National Cricket Team vs South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team Timeline rivalry is a testament to the growth of women’s cricket. From their first meeting in 2001 to the high-scoring thrillers of 2025, both teams have pushed each other to new heights. India’s batting prowess and South Africa’s all-round strength make every match a must-watch. As women’s cricket continues to grow, this rivalry will remain a highlight, inspiring fans of all ages with its passion and excitement.
