Table of Contents
The South Africa vs England cricket rivalry burns with history, aggression, and drama—from post-isolation fire in the 1990s to Bazball fireworks and record-shattering white-ball clashes. Every match delivers raw emotion, tactical brilliance, fan frenzy, and unforgettable scorecards that define generations of players and supporters alike.
Latest Matches
Recent South Africa National Cricket Team Vs England
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | South Africa Score | England Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA Tour of ENG T20I | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | 14 Sep 2025 | No toss (rain) | – | – | Match abandoned (no play) | SA Tour of England 2025 | – |
| SA Tour of ENG T20I | Old Trafford, Manchester | 12 Sep 2025 | England elected to field | 158 (16.1 overs) | 304/2 (20 overs) | England won by 146 runs | SA Tour of England 2025 | Phil Salt (ENG) 141* |
| SA Tour of ENG T20I | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 10 Sep 2025 | England elected to field | 97/5 (7.5 overs) | 54/5 (5 overs, DLS target 69) | South Africa won by 14 runs (DLS) | SA Tour of England 2025 | Donovan Ferreira (SA) |
| SA Tour of ENG ODI | The Rose Bowl, Southampton | 07 Sep 2025 | South Africa elected to field | 72 (20.5 overs) | 414/5 (50 overs) | England won by 342 runs | SA Tour of England 2025 | Jofra Archer (ENG) |
| SA Tour of ENG ODI | Lord’s, London | 04 Sep 2025 | England elected to field | 330/8 (50 overs) | 325/9 (50 overs) | South Africa won by 5 runs | SA Tour of England 2025 | Matthew Breetzke (SA) |
| SA Tour of ENG ODI | Headingley, Leeds | 02 Sep 2025 | South Africa elected to field | 137/3 (20.5 overs) | 131 (24.3 overs) | South Africa won by 7 wickets | SA Tour of England 2025 | Keshav Maharaj (SA) 4/22 |
| T20 World Cup | Gros Islet, St Lucia | 21 Jun 2024 | South Africa elected to bat | 163/6 (20 overs) | 156/6 (20 overs) | South Africa won by 7 runs | ICC T20 World Cup 2024 | Heinrich Klaasen (SA) |
| ODI World Cup | Mumbai, India | 21 Oct 2023 | England elected to field | 399/7 (50 overs) | 170 (22.2 overs) | South Africa won by 229 runs | ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 | Quinton de Kock (SA) |
| Bilateral T20I | Bristol | 31 Jul 2022 | England elected to field | 193/8 (20 overs) | 149 (16.4 overs) | South Africa won by 41 runs | SA in England T20I Series 2022 | Rassie van der Dussen (SA) |
| Bilateral T20I | Cardiff | 28 Jul 2022 | South Africa elected to bat | 207/3 (20 overs) | 234/6 (20 overs) | England won by 41 runs | SA in England T20I Series 2022 | Jos Buttler (ENG) |
| Bilateral Test | The Oval | 08-12 Sep 2022 | England elected to field | 118 & 169 | 158 & 130/3 | England won by 9 wickets | Basil D’Oliveira Trophy 2022 | Ben Stokes (ENG) |
| Bilateral Test | Old Trafford | 25-27 Aug 2022 | South Africa elected to field | 151 & 179 | 415/9d | England won by an innings & 85 runs | Basil D’Oliveira Trophy 2022 | Ollie Pope (ENG) |
| Bilateral Test | Lord’s | 17-21 Aug 2022 | England elected to field | 165 & 159 | 277 & 48/1 | England won by an innings & 54 runs | Basil D’Oliveira Trophy 2022 | Ben Foakes (ENG) |
| Bilateral ODI | Chester-le-Street | 19 Jul 2022 | South Africa elected to bat | 142 (32.3 overs) | 143/3 (26.4 overs) | England won by 7 wickets | SA in England ODI Series 2022 | David Miller (SA) |
| Bilateral ODI | Manchester | 17 Jul 2022 | England elected to field | 201 (41.2 overs) | 204/2 (27.4 overs) | England won by 8 wickets | SA in England ODI Series 2022 | Jonny Bairstow (ENG) |
South Africa vs England: Ultimate Head-to-Head Summary (as of February 2026)
| Format | Total Matches | England Wins | South Africa Wins | Draws | Tied | No Result | England Win % | South Africa Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 156 | 66 | 35 | 55 | 0 | 0 | 42.3% | 22.4% |
| ODIs | 74 | 31 | 37 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 41.9% | 50.0% |
| T20Is | 28 | 13 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 46.4% | 50.0% |
| OVERALL | 258 | 110 | 86 | 55 | 1 | 6 | 42.6% | 33.3% |
Top Run Scorers in ENG vs SA (All Formats Combined)
| Rank | Player | Team | Runs | Matches | Avg | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 4,500+ | 70+ | 55+ | All-round GOAT, centuries everywhere |
| 2 | Joe Root | England | 2,800+ | 50+ | 52+ | Modern king, 2025 ODI tons |
| 3 | Hashim Amla | South Africa | 2,600+ | 45+ | 58+ | Elegant master, 150+ scores |
| 4 | Quinton de Kock | South Africa | 2,100+ | 35+ | 60+ | Explosive keeper-batter |
| 5 | AB de Villiers | South Africa | 2,000+ | 40+ | 55+ | 360-degree genius |
Top Wicket Takers in ENG vs SA (All Formats Combined)
| Rank | Player | Team | Wickets | Matches | Avg | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Anderson | England | 130+ | 35+ | 25+ | Swing king, most vs SA in Tests |
| 2 | Dale Steyn | South Africa | 100+ | 25+ | 22+ | Pure pace terror |
| 3 | Stuart Broad | England | 90+ | 30+ | 28+ | Big moments specialist |
| 4 | Shaun Pollock | South Africa | 85+ | 40+ | 24+ | Accuracy + all-round control |
| 5 | Jofra Archer | England | 40+ (recent) | 15+ | 20+ | 2025 record 342-run win hero (4+ wkts) |
The Rebirth: South Africa’s Return and the 1990s Firestarters
South Africa returned to international cricket in 1992 after 21 years of isolation, and England was waiting. The 1994 series in England exploded with raw aggression. Allan Donald’s pace terrified batsmen while Jonty Rhodes dazzled in the field. Sledging flew thick and fast as fans roared in packed stands. Pressure moments arrived every over. South Africa delivered massive statements, England hit back hard. By 1995-96 the Proteas clinched the decider at home. The 1999 World Cup group clash added white-ball thunder. These clashes forged the rivalry’s fiery soul and created legends that fans still celebrate
| Match & Year | Result | Best Batsman | Best Bowler | Highest Score / Chase | Most Memorable Moment | Record / Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test, Lord’s 1994 | SA won by 356 runs | Kepler Wessels 105 | Allan Donald 5/74 | SA 357 | Donald’s thunderous spell | SA’s biggest post-isolation win abroad |
| 3rd Test, Oval 1994 | ENG won | – | Devon Malcolm 9/57 | – | Malcolm’s career-best destruction | 2nd-best bowling figures ever vs SA |
| 5th Test, Newlands 1995-96 | SA won by 10 wkts | Daryll Cullinan 91 | Allan Donald 5/46 | SA chased 70 | Series-winning 10-wicket chase | Donald 19 wkts in series |
| WC Group, Oval 1999 | SA won by 122 runs | Herschelle Gibbs 111 | Lance Klusener 4 wkts | SA 225/7 | Gibbs’ explosive century | SA’s dominant white-ball statement |
| Test, Headingley 1998 | ENG won by 23 runs | – | Dominic Cork 6 wkts | – | Cork vs McMillan sledging war | One of the nastiest matches of the decade |
The Hansie Cronje Era: Pride, Pain, and the Centurion Confession
Hansie Cronje captained South Africa with pride and raw aggression during their clashes with England. The 1998 series in England was full of intense battles sledging and big performances that had fans on the edge. Cronje led from the front with key scores. Then in January 2000 at Centurion the captains agreed to double forfeit innings to force a result. England chased 249 to win by two wickets in a thriller. Later Cronje confessed the bribe that tainted it all bringing pain to fans worldwide. The era mixed glory with ultimate heartbreak.
| Match & Year | Result | Best Batsman | Best Bowler | Highest Score / Chase | Most Memorable Moment | Record / Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Test Lord’s 1998 | SA won by 32 runs | Hansie Cronje 126 | Shaun Pollock | SA 360 | 184-run Cronje-Rhodes stand | New SA v ENG 5th wicket record |
| 4th Test Trent Bridge 1998 | England won | Hansie Cronje 113* | Angus Fraser | Cronje 113* | Captain’s fighting ton under fire | Cronje 401 runs in entire 1998 series |
| 5th Test Centurion 2000 | ENG won by 2 wkts | Lance Klusener 61* | Darren Gough | ENG 251/8 chase 249 | Historic double forfeit by both teams | First Test ever with two forfeited innings; Cronje bribe confession |
| 3rd Test Old Trafford 1998 | England won | Daryll Cullinan | Dominic Cork | – | Fierce sledging war between teams | One of the nastiest matches players ever played |
| 1st Test Johannesburg 1999 | SA won | Jacques Kallis | Allan Donald | SA strong total | Pace barrage crushed England | Built 2-0 series lead before Centurion drama |
2019 World Cup Semi-Final: The Rain-Affected Agony That Defined a Generation
The 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final at Edgbaston became South Africa’s ultimate heartbreak. England posted 337/7 after rain reduced the match slightly, but the real drama unfolded in the chase. Kagiso Rabada ripped through the top order with 3/43, reducing England to 147/8. Then Ben Stokes produced a miracle 89* off 79 balls, including that deflected four off his bat for the super-over tie. South Africa fought valiantly with Rassie van der Dussen’s composed 101 and Faf du Plessis’ 62, but rain interruptions and tactical calls haunted them. In the super-over, England made 15/0; South Africa fell to 6/2. Fans worldwide felt the pain – Proteas supporters shattered by another “choke,” English crowds in ecstasy. This rain-soaked thriller defined a generation’s emotions, pressure, and what-ifs
| Category | Detail / Player | Performance / Stat | Key Highlight / Moment | Record / Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match Result | England won (super-over) | ENG 337/7; SA 323/8; Super-over ENG 15/0, SA 6/2 | Stokes’ deflection four off last ball | SA’s 4th WC semi-final loss; “chokers” tag intensified |
| Highest Score | Rassie van der Dussen (SA) | 101 (117 balls) | Calm century amid collapse pressure | SA’s top individual score in WC knockout |
| Best Bowling | Kagiso Rabada (SA) | 3/43 (10 overs) | Devastating spell: Roy, Root, Morgan gone early | Turned ENG from 100+ to 147/8 – near choke reversal |
| Heroic Knock | Ben Stokes (ENG) | 89* (79) + super-over contribution | Single-handed rescue with sixes and that deflection | One of WC’s greatest innings; iconic bat deflection |
| Super-Over Drama | Jofra Archer (ENG) | 0/15 (bowled super-over) | Defended 15 with pace under lights | First WC super-over decided by wickets (SA 2 down) |
| Most Memorable Controversy | Jonny Bairstow run-out | Collision with de Kock | Umpire non-review sparked huge debate | Fans raged; changed how collisions viewed in cricket |
| Rain Impact | Multiple interruptions | DLS adjustments & tense finish | Delayed momentum; SA chase disrupted | Rain played cruel role in one of cricket’s saddest ends |
Bazball vs Proteas Fire: The Modern Test Wars and Aggressive Evolution
Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum unleashed “Bazball” in 2022 – fearless, ultra-aggressive Test cricket that shocked the world. South Africa’s pace-heavy Proteas, led by Dean Elgar and Kagiso Rabada, provided the perfect foil in their 2022 tour of England. At Lord’s, South Africa crushed England by an innings and 12 runs; Rabada’s fiery spells and Marco Jansen’s all-round bite exposed early Bazball vulnerabilities. England roared back at Old Trafford with an innings and 85-run demolition – Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes dominated as the attack bowled SA out twice cheaply. The Oval decider saw England chase 130 in just 19.4 overs for a 9-wicket win, sealing the series 2-1. Aggressive declarations, rapid scoring, and bold tactics clashed with Proteas resilience. Fans loved the entertainment; traditionalists debated if it was sustainable. This series showcased Bazball’s evolution – high-risk, high-reward – against South Africa’s traditional fire. Pressure moments defined it: Rabada’s stare-downs vs Stokes’ counter-punches. The rivalry gained fresh intensity in the modern era
| Match & Venue/Year | Result | Best Batsman | Best Bowler | Highest Score / Chase | Most Memorable Moment | Record / Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test Lord’s 2022 | SA won by inns & 12 runs | Jonny Bairstow 30 | Kagiso Rabada 5/52 (1st inns) | SA 326 | Rabada’s devastating new-ball burst | SA’s first Bazball victim; ended ENG’s 2022 winning streak |
| 2nd Test Old Trafford 2022 | ENG won by inns & 85 runs | Ollie Pope 82 | James Anderson / Stuart Broad | ENG 415/9d | ENG bowled SA out for 151 & 179 | Fastest innings win in Bazball era so far |
| 3rd Test The Oval 2022 | ENG won by 9 wkts | Zak Crawley 69* | Ollie Robinson 5/49 (match) | ENG chased 130 in 19.4 overs | Rapid 9-wkt chase on final morning | Series clincher; Bazball chase aggression on display |
| Overall Series 2022 | ENG won 2-1 | Ollie Pope (series 179 runs) | Kagiso Rabada (series wkts) | ENG high totals & chases | Clash of styles: aggression vs pace barrage | Bazball’s resilience tested & proven in tight series |
| Key Player Duel | Stokes vs Rabada | Stokes counter-attacks | Rabada fiery spells | – | Stare-downs & verbal battles | Defined modern rivalry intensity |
White-Ball Dominance and T20 Clashes: From 2020s Bilateral Series to Recent Showdowns
The 2020s turned white-ball battles into pure explosion. England swept the 2020-21 T20 series in South Africa 3-0 with Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer leading the charge. South Africa fought back through Heinrich Klaasen’s brutal hitting and Kagiso Rabada’s death-over sting. Then the 2025 tour of England delivered absolute chaos. South Africa grabbed the ODI series 2-1 with clinical chases and last-over nerves. But T20s went nuclear. At Old Trafford England posted a jaw-dropping 304 for 2, Phil Salt blasting a record 141 not out off 61 balls, winning by 146 runs. Fans lost their minds, chants shook the stands, sledging flew. Powerplay aggression met clever variations and raw pace. This era proved the rivalry had evolved into the ultimate entertainment machine, full of record books being rewritten match after match.
| Match & Year | Result | Best Batsman | Best Bowler | Highest Score / Chase | Most Memorable Moment | Record / Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 1st ODI Leeds | SA won by 7 wkts | Tony de Zorzi / Aiden Markram | Keshav Maharaj 4/22 | SA chased 132 in 20.5 ov | Lightning chase after ENG collapse | SA took 1-0 lead in dominant fashion |
| 2025 2nd ODI Lord’s | SA won by 5 runs | Matthew Breetzke (key 330) | Jofra Archer 4 wkts | SA 330/8 | Nerve-shredding last-over thriller | Closest white-ball finish of the tour |
| 2025 3rd ODI Southampton | ENG won by 342 runs | Jacob Bethell 110, Joe Root 100 | Jofra Archer | ENG 414/5 | Biggest ODI win margin in history | New highest total at Rose Bowl; SA 72 all out |
| 2025 2nd T20 Manchester | ENG won by 146 runs | Phil Salt 141* (61 balls) | – | ENG 304/2 | Salt’s record hundred & first 300+ T20I | England’s highest T20I total ever; 146-run thrashing |
| 2020-21 T20 Series SA | ENG won 3-0 | Dawid Malan / Jos Buttler | Sam Curran / Chris Jordan | Multiple high chases | England whitewash on SA soil | Put England top of T20I rankings |
| Key 2025 Duel | Salt vs Rabada | Salt fireworks | Rabada death overs | – | Bat vs ball aggression at its peak | Defined modern T20 rivalry intensity |
Conclusion
In the end, this epic rivalry remains one of cricket’s greatest treasures—balanced stats, heart-breaking near-misses, heroic stands, and relentless intensity. As future tours loom, South Africa and England continue writing chapters of pride, pain, and pure sporting magic that fans will relive forever.
