My India Times

Summary

India and South Africa share a rich and historic cricketing rivalry, marked by significant milestones and thrilling encounters. This rivalry began in 1991 when India became the first nation to host South Africa for an official international series following the latter's readmission to global cricket after years of apartheid-induced isolation. The series, comprising three ODIs, saw India triumph 2-1. Beyond the series result, it symbolized South Africa's reemergence in the international cricket arena. Over the years, South Africa has evolved into one of the most formidable teams in world cricket. The 1990s witnessed sporadic clashes between the two sides, often limited to ICC events and multi-nation tournaments. However, the early 2000s ushered in a new era of bilateral series, with South Africa gaining prominence under the leadership of icons like Shaun Pollock and Graeme Smith. Their dominance during this period established the Proteas as a powerhouse in the sport. In ODIs, South Africa boasts an impressive record against India, winning 50 of their 90 head-to-head matches. Yet, India has had its share of iconic moments against the Proteas. In 2010, Sachin Tendulkar etched his name in the history books, becoming the first male cricketer to score a double-century in an ODI, a feat achieved against South Africa. Tendulkar remains the highest run-scorer in matches between the two sides, amassing 2001 runs in 57 games. Meanwhile, Shaun Pollock leads the wicket-taking charts with 48 wickets in 33 matches. Their encounters in the ICC Cricket World Cup have been equally compelling. South Africa has won three of the five matches against India in the tournament's history. However, India turned the tide in the last two editions, emerging victorious in 2015 and 2019, solidifying their status as one of the most consistent teams in modern-day cricket. From legendary individual performances to fiercely contested matches, the India-South Africa rivalry continues to captivate cricket fans worldwide, reflecting the evolution and enduring appeal of the sport.

India vs South Africa Match Results

Date	Format	Venue	India Runs	South Africa Runs	Winner	Result
November 18, 2024	ODI	Delhi	275/8	270/9	India	India won by 5 runs
October 8, 2024	T20I	Cape Town	160/7	162/4	South Africa	South Africa won by 6 wickets
September 25, 2024	Test	Johannesburg	350 & 250	450 & 150/3	South Africa	South Africa won by 7 wickets

India Clinches 28-Run Win Over South Africa in Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-up Match

India's women’s cricket team delivered a solid performance in their final warm-up match ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, defeating South Africa by 28 runs at the ICC Academy in Dubai, UAE. India posted a competitive total of 144/7 in their allotted 20 overs, which South Africa fell short of chasing, managing only 116/6 in response.

India's Batting Performance

South Africa's captain, Laura Wolvaardt, won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that seemed favorable as India lost two early wickets. The Indian side suffered a major blow as Shafali Verma was dismissed for a duck on just the second ball of the innings. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (10 off 11) followed soon after, caught at cover in the fourth over, leaving India in a tricky situation at 19/2.

However, a strong partnership between openers Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues helped stabilize the innings. The pair added 50 runs for the third wicket, taking India past the 50-run mark in the eighth over. Both players played some calculated shots, keeping the scoreboard ticking, but their partnership was broken in the ninth over. Smriti Mandhana (21 off 22) was dismissed in the deep by Nonkululeko Mlaba, while Jemimah Rodrigues (30 off 26) followed her shortly after, falling to Annerie Dercksen in a similar manner.

At 69/4 in the 11th over, India was in need of a recovery, and Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma provided just that. Ghosh, in particular, played a crucial knock, scoring 36 off 25 balls, and anchored the Indian innings in the latter stages. She was aggressive, hitting two sixes, the first of which came over deep square leg in the 14th over. The second came in the 16th over, clearing the long-on boundary, as India reached 100 runs.

Ghosh and Sharma added 77 runs in the final nine overs, with both players building a crucial partnership that propelled India to a competitive total. The 19th over saw them score 16 runs, which was the highest scoring over of the innings. Richa was eventually dismissed in the final over, having made an important contribution of 36 runs. Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten on 35 off 29 balls, ensuring India finished strong with a total of 144/7.

Despite a remarkable bowling performance from South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka, who took 5/25, India managed to post a total that would prove to be defendable on a pitch offering some assistance to the spinners.

South Africa's Response

Chasing a target of 145, South Africa's openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits started cautiously, aiming to preserve wickets in the early overs. They made a steady start, reaching 31/0 in the first six overs of the powerplay without losing any wickets. However, once the Indian spinners entered the attack, the game started to shift in India’s favor.

Asha Sobhana struck first for India, removing Tazmin Brits for 22 runs in the seventh over. Deepti Sharma followed up with the important wicket of Anneke Bosch (3 off 8) in the 10th over, further tightening India’s grip on the game. The Indian bowlers continued to create pressure, and Wolvaardt, South Africa’s top scorer, was dismissed for 29 (off 26 balls) in the 11th over by Shreyanka Patil, leaving South Africa at 56/3.

Chloe Tryon (24 off 20 balls) and Annerie Dercksen (21 off 16 balls) fought back for a while, but India’s spinners remained in control. With wickets falling at regular intervals, the required run rate kept climbing, and South Africa’s hopes of chasing down the target faded.

Deepti Sharma, Asha Sobhana, and Shreyanka Patil were key contributors in the middle overs, applying pressure and picking up wickets at crucial moments. Harmanpreet Kaur (1/2) and Shafali Verma (1/13) also contributed in the death overs, further dismantling South Africa’s chase. Despite some resistance from Tryon and Dercksen, the South African innings ultimately ended at 116/6 in their 20 overs, 28 runs short of the target.

Key Performances

For India, the standout performances came from Richa Ghosh, whose aggressive knock helped India recover from an early collapse, and Deepti Sharma, who remained unbeaten on 35, guiding India to a competitive total. Asha Sobhana (2/21) and Deepti Sharma (1/2) were the top wicket-takers for India, while Shreyanka Patil (1/21) and the death bowling from Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma ensured India finished the game strongly.

On the South African side, Ayabonga Khaka’s 5/25 was a remarkable individual effort, but the lack of substantial partnerships and consistent wickets in the middle overs prevented them from chasing down India’s target.

Conclusion

This 28-run win for India was a morale-boosting performance ahead of the start of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. India had already defeated the West Indies in their first warm-up match, and this victory against South Africa ensured they went into the World Cup with confidence. The Indian women’s team will now shift focus to their group-stage match against New Zealand on Friday in Group A, as they look to build on their strong preparation and aim for success in the tournament.

Brief Scores:
India 144/7 in 20 overs (Richa Ghosh 36, Deepti Sharma 35*; Ayabonga Khaka 5/25)
South Africa 116/6 in 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 29, Chloe Tryon 24; Asha Sobhana 2/21)
India won by 28 runs.

South Africa: A Nation That Never Won an ICC Trophy

South Africa has long been a cricketing powerhouse, boasting an impressive history filled with incredible players, memorable matches, and near victories. Despite being one of the most consistent and competitive teams in international cricket, the Proteas have a somewhat tragic distinction: they have never won an ICC (International Cricket Council) trophy. This lack of an ICC trophy is one of the most perplexing and heartbreaking narratives in the history of the sport, given their talent, skills, and near-misses on the world stage.

The Early Years: A Promising Start

South Africa's cricketing history began in the early 1900s, but their modern cricketing journey began after their return to international cricket in 1991, following the end of apartheid. Their re-entry into the global cricket arena was met with great excitement, as they boasted a team filled with seasoned players such as Allan Donald, Hansie Cronje, and Jonty Rhodes, among others. South Africa quickly established themselves as one of the top teams, consistently finishing in the upper echelons of the cricket world rankings.

However, despite this success, the ICC trophies continued to elude them. Their first major chance at winning a world title came in 1992 at the ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The team’s journey was impressive, but they were undone in a rain-affected semi-final against England, a moment that remains etched in the memories of South African cricket fans. This was just the beginning of a trend that would follow them throughout the years.

The 1999 World Cup: The Most Heartbreaking Moment

No discussion of South Africa’s near-misses in ICC tournaments would be complete without mentioning the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup. This tournament is widely regarded as the most painful chapter in South African cricket history. The Proteas were one of the pre-tournament favorites, and they reached the semi-finals, where they faced a star-studded team from the host nation, Australia.

The match ended in a dramatic tie, but it was the way South Africa was eliminated that remains etched in their cricketing psyche. In a rain-affected game, South Africa was left needing just one run from the final ball to advance to the final. However, a controversial decision involving a run out of the batsman, Lance Klusener, during the penultimate delivery cost them a place in the final. The heartbreak was further amplified by the realization that they had played some of the best cricket in the tournament, only to be eliminated in the most gut-wrenching manner.

The 2000s: Consistent Performances, Continued Disappointments

Throughout the 2000s, South Africa continued to field a competitive team, boasting stars like Graeme Smith, Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher, and Makhaya Ntini. In the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, South Africa were hosts, and expectations were sky-high. Yet, despite playing in familiar conditions, the team faltered in the knockout stages, again failing to win the coveted ICC trophy.

The 2007 ICC World Cup was another heartbreaker for South Africa. Despite being one of the strongest teams in the competition, they once again failed to live up to the expectations when they lost in the semi-finals to the eventual champions, Australia. In the following years, South Africa’s dominance in both Test and ODI cricket continued, but their inability to win the major ICC events remained a troubling theme.

The ICC Champions Trophy: A Similar Story

The ICC Champions Trophy, which is contested between the best teams from across the globe, has been another event where South Africa has consistently underperformed, despite fielding competitive squads. In 1998, they lost the final to the West Indies, and in 2009, they were eliminated in the semi-finals by a thrilling India team. While South Africa continued to dominate in bilateral series and ICC rankings, they fell short when it mattered most in ICC tournaments.

The T20 World Cup: Another Close Call

The ICC T20 World Cup has also been a tournament where South Africa has found themselves in contention but unable to claim the title. In the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007, South Africa's squad was filled with promising talent like Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers, and Makhaya Ntini. They reached the semi-finals but were outclassed by India, and their dream of a T20 World Cup was shattered.

The 2014 T20 World Cup saw South Africa once again fall short at the semi-finals stage, this time at the hands of Sri Lanka. The Proteas’ struggles in ICC tournaments have often raised questions about their ability to handle pressure in crucial moments, especially given their consistent performances in bilateral series and Test cricket.

The Mental Block and the Pressure of Expectations

Over the years, South Africa’s inability to win an ICC trophy has often been attributed to a mental block, particularly in high-pressure situations. Whether it’s been a rain-affected match, controversial umpiring decisions, or an inability to finish games, South Africa's cricket team has often found themselves on the wrong side of fate in these tournaments. The weight of expectations from their passionate fan base and the media has perhaps compounded the mental pressure, causing them to falter when the spotlight is brightest.

The Rise of New Hope

Despite the many setbacks, South African cricket remains one of the most competitive in the world. With the emergence of players like AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, and Kagiso Rabada, there is still hope that the Proteas can finally claim that elusive ICC trophy. The nation's cricketing future looks promising, and with the right mix of experience and youth, the dream of lifting an ICC trophy may one day become a reality.

In conclusion, South Africa’s journey in ICC tournaments is a story of what could have been. They have produced some of the finest cricketers in the world and played some of the best cricket ever seen in ICC tournaments. However, despite their consistent performances, the Proteas have been unable to break the jinx and win an ICC trophy. The story of South Africa’s near-misses in ICC events remains a source of heartbreak for their fans, but the hope for a future triumph persists. Until that day comes, South Africa’s quest for an ICC title remains one of the greatest untold stories of world cricket.

India vs South Africa T20 World Cup Final: A Thrilling Battle for Glory

The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final between India and South Africa was nothing short of a cricketing spectacle. Played at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29, 2024, this final kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. When the dust settled, India emerged victorious by a narrow 7-run margin, securing their second T20 World Cup title. After a 17-year wait, the Men in Blue proved their mettle once again in the shortest format of the game. Let’s take a closer look at how this captivating final unfolded and the key moments that led to India’s historic win.

India’s Batting: A Rollercoaster Start

Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, won the toss and opted to bat first. A bold choice, but with pressure mounting on the big stage, it was crucial for India to set a strong total. The Indian batting lineup, however, faced a turbulent start. The early loss of Shubman Gill and Hardik Pandya left India reeling at 28/2 within the first six overs. The decision to bat first now looked uncertain, and the pressure was on.

Enter Virat Kohli. Known for his ability to rise to the occasion, Kohli played a knock that epitomized composure and class. With India in a spot of bother, Kohli took charge, guiding his team with a brilliant 76 off 59 balls. His innings was a perfect mix of elegant drives and aggressive strokes, stabilizing India’s innings. But Kohli wasn’t alone in this battle. Axar Patel, the unsung hero, played a vital knock of 47 off 31 balls. Together, the pair added much-needed runs to the scoreboard, enabling India to finish at a respectable 162/6 after their 20 overs. While not a massive total, it was enough to put South Africa’s chase under pressure.

South Africa’s Chase: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

South Africa, needing 163 to win, knew they had a tough task ahead. The Proteas were off to a shaky start when Jasprit Bumrah struck early, sending Reeza Hendricks back to the pavilion in the second over. At 10/1, South Africa was already behind in the game. But, as always, the South African side is never one to give up easily.

Quinton de Kock, South Africa’s star batsman, played a crucial knock of 39 runs. Along with Tristan Stubbs, who contributed 31, the two looked to steady the innings. But with each passing over, India’s bowlers kept the pressure on. When Stubbs fell, South Africa was 80/3, and the required run rate started to climb.

Just when it seemed like South Africa might stumble under the pressure, Heinrich Klaasen stepped up. Klaasen’s fearless approach lit up the chase, and his blistering 52 off just 27 balls sent a clear signal that South Africa was not backing down. With Klaasen’s fiery batting, the Proteas started closing the gap, but they soon realized that chasing down 163 was going to be tougher than they had imagined.

Key Moments That Turned the Tide

The final stages of the match were filled with twists and turns, each moment more dramatic than the last. As the game entered its final overs, South Africa needed 16 runs from the last over to clinch victory. The excitement in the air was palpable, and every ball seemed to carry the weight of the World Cup.

But it was in this intense finale that India’s fielding and bowling shone brightest. One of the most memorable moments came when Suryakumar Yadav, with nerves of steel, took a jaw-dropping catch at the boundary to dismiss David Miller. Miller’s shot seemed destined for a six, but Yadav’s perfectly timed leap and flawless catch turned the game on its head. The crowd erupted as India’s hopes of victory skyrocketed.

Jasprit Bumrah, who had been a consistent force throughout the tournament, delivered an extraordinary 18th over. With the match hanging in the balance, Bumrah bowled two dots, took a wicket, and gave away only two runs. His clinical bowling put the pressure back on the South African batters, leaving them needing too many runs in the final over.

The Final Blow: India Clinches the Title

The last over saw South Africa fighting hard but eventually succumbing to India’s brilliance. Hardik Pandya, in a pressure-cooker situation, dismissed Miller, and the game was sealed. India won the 2024 T20 World Cup by 7 runs, sending their fans into a frenzy.

This victory wasn’t just about the runs on the board; it was about India’s resilience, the calmness under pressure, and the ability to perform when it mattered most. Virat Kohli’s leadership with the bat, Axar Patel’s crucial cameo, and Suryakumar Yadav’s match-winning catch were just a few of the standout moments that led India to glory. Jasprit Bumrah’s death-over brilliance and the fielding intensity throughout the game were key factors in ensuring that India crossed the finish line.

India’s Triumph: A New Chapter in T20 History

India’s win in the 2024 T20 World Cup is a testament to the team’s unity, hard work, and incredible talent. The victory marks India’s second T20 World Cup title, solidifying their position as one of the greatest teams in T20 cricket. South Africa fought valiantly, with Klaasen’s fireworks and de Kock’s composed innings, but it was India’s all-round performance that proved to be the difference.

This win will be remembered not only for the thrilling final but also for the way the team came together in the face of adversity. From Virat Kohli’s crucial knock to Suryakumar Yadav’s sensational fielding effort, every player contributed to this historic victory.

India has once again proven that when it comes to T20 cricket, they are a force to be reckoned with. The 2024 World Cup will go down as one of the most exciting tournaments in cricket history, with India’s victory etched forever in the annals of the sport.

My India Times News

India vs South Africa Cricket Matches