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The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team stats provide a fascinating look at one of southern Africa’s long-running international cricket rivalries. South Africa have generally dominated the head-to-head record across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, while Zimbabwe have had relatively fewer victories against their regional neighbours.
The two teams have met in all three major men’s international formats. Their rivalry includes World Cup matches, bilateral series, Test cricket and recent T20I encounters. South Africa’s stronger record is particularly clear in Tests and ODIs, although Zimbabwe have produced competitive performances at different points in the rivalry.
This article covers Zimbabwe vs South Africa head-to-head statistics, Test records, ODI records, T20I records, recent matches, major wins, team records and important players.
Contents Overview
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa Head-to-Head Stats
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa Test Stats
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa ODI Stats
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa T20I Stats
- Recent Zimbabwe vs South Africa Matches
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa 2025 Test Series
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa 2026 T20I Matches
- Biggest Wins in the Rivalry
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa Team Records
- Key Players in Zimbabwe vs South Africa Stats
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa Stats Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Zimbabwe vs South Africa Head-to-Head Stats
South Africa have a clear advantage in the overall head-to-head record. In Tests, South Africa have won 10 of the 11 completed matches in the rivalry, with one draw and no Zimbabwe victory. In ODIs, South Africa have won 38 of 41 matches, while Zimbabwe have won only two and one match ended without a result.
The T20I rivalry has also strongly favoured South Africa. Recent records show South Africa unbeaten against Zimbabwe, with the Proteas winning the vast majority of completed matches.
| Format | Matches | South Africa Wins | Zimbabwe Wins | Draw/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 11 | 10 | 0 | 1 Draw |
| ODIs | 41 | 38 | 2 | 1 NR |
| T20Is | 13 | 11 | 0 | 2 NR |
| Total | 65 | 59 | 2 | 4 |
The figures demonstrate how strongly South Africa have controlled this rivalry. Zimbabwe’s two ODI victories are their only wins against South Africa in the three men’s international formats.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa Test Stats
The Test rivalry began in the 1990s and has overwhelmingly favoured South Africa. Across 11 Tests, South Africa have recorded 10 victories, while Zimbabwe have not yet registered a Test win against the Proteas. One match ended in a draw.
The most recent Test series took place in Zimbabwe in 2025. South Africa won both matches convincingly.
| Test Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Tests played | 11 |
| South Africa wins | 10 |
| Zimbabwe wins | 0 |
| Draws | 1 |
| South Africa’s highest total | 626/5 declared |
| Zimbabwe’s lowest total | 54 |
| Biggest South Africa win | Innings and 236 runs |
South Africa’s 626/5 declared in the 2025 second Test is among the biggest totals in this rivalry. Zimbabwe’s lowest all-out Test score against South Africa is 54.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa ODI Stats
The ODI head-to-head record is similarly one-sided. Zimbabwe and South Africa have played 41 ODIs, with South Africa winning 38 and Zimbabwe winning two. One match produced no result.
| ODI Statistic | Zimbabwe | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 41 | 41 |
| Wins | 2 | 38 |
| Losses | 38 | 2 |
| No result | 1 | 1 |
| Home wins | 1 | 19 |
| Away wins | 1 | 13 |
| Neutral wins | 0 | 6 |
South Africa’s dominance has been particularly strong in recent ODI meetings. The last three recorded ODIs, played in 2018, were all won by South Africa.
Recent Zimbabwe vs South Africa ODI Results
The most recent ODI series between the sides was played in 2018. South Africa won all three matches.
| Date | Match Result |
|---|---|
| 30 September 2018 | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| 3 October 2018 | South Africa won by 120 runs |
| 6 October 2018 | South Africa won by 4 wickets |
The second ODI was particularly one-sided. Zimbabwe were dismissed for 78, while South Africa reached 198, winning by 120 runs. In the third ODI, Zimbabwe scored 228 before South Africa chased the target with four wickets remaining.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa T20I Stats
The T20I rivalry has become more active in recent years, especially with meetings in 2025 and 2026. South Africa remain unbeaten against Zimbabwe in men’s T20Is.
Current records show 13 meetings, with South Africa winning 11 and two matches producing no result or abandoned outcomes. Zimbabwe have not yet defeated South Africa in a men’s T20I.
| T20I Statistic | Zimbabwe | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 13 | 13 |
| Wins | 0 | 11 |
| Losses | 11 | 0 |
| No result/abandoned | 2 | 2 |
| T20I winning percentage | 0% | 100% in completed matches |
The recent T20I meetings have further strengthened South Africa’s advantage.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa 2025 T20I Results
Zimbabwe hosted South Africa in a T20I series in July 2025. South Africa won both completed matches.
On 14 July 2025, South Africa defeated Zimbabwe by five wickets. Two days later, South Africa won again, this time by seven wickets.
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| 14 July 2025 | South Africa won by 5 wickets |
| 20 July 2025 | South Africa won by 7 wickets |
These results showed South Africa’s ability to control run chases against Zimbabwe in the shortest format.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa 2026 T20I Results
The teams met several times during 2026, producing a series of convincing South African victories.
On 29 August 2026, South Africa chased Zimbabwe’s 144/8 by reaching 146/3 and winning by seven wickets. South Africa then won by 43 runs on 1 September and by 48 runs on 6 September.
| Date | Zimbabwe | South Africa | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Aug 2026 | 144/8 | 146/3 | South Africa won by 7 wickets |
| 1 Sep 2026 | 142 | 185/7 | South Africa won by 43 runs |
| 6 Sep 2026 | 157 | 205/5 | South Africa won by 48 runs |
The 6 September match produced South Africa’s highest T20I total against Zimbabwe in the available recent record, with 205/5.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa at the T20 World Cup
The two teams have also met in ICC T20 World Cup competition. One notable encounter came during the 2022 tournament, when rain affected the match and it ended without a result.
In the 2026 T20 World Cup, South Africa defeated Zimbabwe by five wickets on 1 March. Zimbabwe scored 153/7, while South Africa reached 154/5.
This match was important because it continued South Africa’s unbeaten record against Zimbabwe in men’s T20I cricket.
Biggest Wins in Zimbabwe vs South Africa Matches
South Africa have recorded several very large victories over Zimbabwe, particularly in Test cricket.
One of the most significant results came in July 2025, when South Africa defeated Zimbabwe by an innings and 236 runs. Earlier in the same series, South Africa won the first Test by 328 runs.
| Match Format | Winning Team | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Test, 2025 | South Africa | Innings and 236 runs |
| Test, 2025 | South Africa | 328 runs |
| Test, 2017 | South Africa | Innings and 120 runs |
| ODI, 2018 | South Africa | 120 runs |
| T20I, 2026 | South Africa | 48 runs |
| T20I, 2026 | South Africa | 43 runs |
These results highlight the difference between the teams, especially when South Africa’s batting depth and bowling attack are operating at full strength.
Zimbabwe’s Biggest Wins Against South Africa
Zimbabwe have recorded only two men’s international victories against South Africa in the three major formats covered by the current head-to-head records. Both came in ODIs.
This makes every Zimbabwe victory against South Africa particularly significant. The rarity of these wins also demonstrates the scale of South Africa’s dominance in the rivalry.
Zimbabwe have been competitive in individual matches, but converting those performances into victories has historically been difficult.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa Team Records
The Test statistics provide some of the clearest examples of South Africa’s dominance.
South Africa’s highest Test score against Zimbabwe is 626/5 declared, achieved during the 2025 Test series. Zimbabwe’s lowest all-out score against South Africa is 54.
Important Team Records
| Record | Team | Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Test total | South Africa | 626/5d |
| Lowest Test total | Zimbabwe | 54 |
| Biggest Test win | South Africa | Innings & 236 runs |
| Biggest Test win by runs | South Africa | 328 runs |
| Highest recent T20I total | South Africa | 205/5 |
| Most ODI wins | South Africa | 38 |
These records illustrate why South Africa have such a strong overall statistical advantage.
Key Players in Zimbabwe vs South Africa Stats
Several famous players have contributed to the history of this rivalry.
For South Africa, legendary cricketers such as Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, Herschelle Gibbs and Imran Tahir have produced notable performances against Zimbabwe. Available statistical records list Kallis as South Africa’s leading Test run-scorer in this rivalry and Pollock as a leading Test wicket-taker.
For Zimbabwe, Andy Flower, Brendan Taylor, Heath Streak and Prosper Utseya are among the players associated with some of the team’s strongest performances against South Africa.
The rivalry has therefore featured some of the most respected cricketers from both countries.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa Stats Comparison
| Category | Zimbabwe | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Test wins | 0 | 10 |
| ODI wins | 2 | 38 |
| T20I wins | 0 | 11 |
| Overall major-format wins | 2 | 59 |
| ODI head-to-head advantage | — | Strong |
| Test head-to-head advantage | — | Strong |
| T20I head-to-head advantage | — | Strong |
South Africa’s statistical advantage is substantial across every major men’s international format. Zimbabwe’s two ODI victories remain important highlights, but South Africa have controlled the overall rivalry.
Why Zimbabwe vs South Africa Stats Matter
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team stats are useful for understanding the historical strength of both sides.
For South Africa, the numbers demonstrate consistency across generations. From Test cricket to limited-overs cricket, the Proteas have generally been able to dominate Zimbabwe through strong batting, fast bowling, spin and greater depth.
For Zimbabwe, the statistics show why victories over South Africa are particularly valuable. A Zimbabwe win against the Proteas is statistically uncommon, making those performances important moments in the country’s cricket history.
The rivalry also offers useful context when comparing the teams in ICC competitions. Recent T20I meetings have given Zimbabwe more opportunities to challenge South Africa, although the Proteas continue to hold the advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zimbabwe vs South Africa Stats
How many Tests have Zimbabwe and South Africa played?
Zimbabwe and South Africa have played 11 men’s Test matches. South Africa have won 10, Zimbabwe have won none and one match ended in a draw.
How many ODIs have Zimbabwe and South Africa played?
The teams have played 41 men’s ODIs. South Africa have won 38, Zimbabwe have won two and one match ended without a result.
Has Zimbabwe ever beaten South Africa in a Test match?
No. Zimbabwe have not yet won a men’s Test against South Africa. South Africa have won 10 of the 11 Tests, with one draw.
Has Zimbabwe ever beaten South Africa in T20I cricket?
Zimbabwe have not recorded a men’s T20I victory over South Africa. The current record shows South Africa unbeaten, with 11 wins and two matches ending without a result or being abandoned.
Who has the better overall record between Zimbabwe and South Africa?
South Africa have the much better overall record. They have dominated the Test, ODI and T20I head-to-head statistics, while Zimbabwe’s two ODI victories account for their only wins in these three men’s international formats.
Conclusion
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team stats show a clear historical advantage for South Africa. The Proteas have dominated the Test rivalry, winning 10 of 11 matches, while their ODI record stands at 38 wins from 41 meetings. In T20Is, South Africa remain unbeaten against Zimbabwe in the men’s game.
Zimbabwe’s two ODI victories remain important achievements in the rivalry, but South Africa’s consistency across formats has made them the dominant team. Recent Test and T20I results have continued that trend, with South Africa producing convincing victories in both formats.
As both teams continue to develop, future Zimbabwe vs South Africa matches will provide opportunities for Zimbabwe to challenge the Proteas and create new moments in this long-running southern African cricket rivalry.
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