The history and timeline of cricket matches between South Africa and England is one of the most fascinating narratives in global sport, having survived war, shifting formats and iconic sportsmen alike.
Warton XI held its inaugural tests against provincial and city teams from Cape Town, Kimberley, Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of South Africa National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline.
Here are the last five official international matches between South Africa and England across all formats, presented in a table:
Date | Format | Venue | Winner | Margin |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 Mar 2025 | ODI | National Stadium, Karachi | South Africa | 7 wickets (chasing 180) |
21 Jun 2024 | T20I | Darren Sammy Stadium, St. Lucia | South Africa | 7 runs |
21 Oct 2023 | ODI | (ICC World Cup) | South Africa | 229 runs |
1 Feb 2023 | ODI | Bloemfontein (2nd in series) | England | 59 runs |
29 Jan 2023 | ODI | Bloemfontein (1st in series) | South Africa | 5 wickets |
Timeline
The South Africa national cricket team and England cricket team competition has long been one of the most captivating stories in global cricket. Both sides have locked horns throughout all formats, producing unforgettable moments along the way. Their rivalry is an amazing story of fierce competition, dominance and man and woman performances alike – an utter delight to witness first-hand!
Over the history of Test matches, England and South Africa have faced off 156 times. Out of these encounters, England has won 66 games while South Africa won 35; 55 matches resulted in draws.
After South Africa were reinstated as Test nations by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 1991, they played their inaugural Test match since re-admission against West Indies at Bridgetown and lost by 52 runs in April 1992.
As South Africa developed as a cricket nation, many new cricketing icons emerged, such as Allan Donald, Hansie Cronje, Shaun Pollock and Jonty Rhodes. Through them all came South Africa’s unique style of play combining tradition with innovation.
As limited-overs cricket grew increasingly popular, so too did its rivalry between South African national cricket team and England cricket team. Their match in Johannesburg in 2009 proved an intense battle of both bat and bowl for supremacy – however in the end Brendon McCullum and Grant Elliott from South African batsmen proved victorious with both scoring 84 runs each to give South Africa their win.
Last time England and South Africa faced off in an ODI was September 8, 2024 at Newlands; South Africa prevailed by 19 runs. England won the toss and elected to bowl first; their bowlers limited South Africa to just 124 in their allotted 20 overs while Charlie Dean and Lauren Bell contributed five wickets between them for England during this match.
Historical Importance
South Africa and England’s longstanding cricket rivalry is steeped in history and tradition. From World Wars I and II, to changing formats and the perseverance of exceptional sportsmen – whether or not you love cricket itself it’s worth learning about this remarkable competition.
In 1889, South Africa hosted its inaugural official test match between England and South Africa – won by England after an intense and thrilling contest that many considered one of the finest ever seen before or since. This game helped establish cricket both nationally and internationally in South Africa; furthermore it saw first class domestic competitions like Currie Cup established as national championships later on.
South Africa had a poor initial record (winning only one match out of its initial eleven tests), but eventually began building a team capable of competing globally. Dudley Nourse and Hugh Tayfield played key roles in their reemergence; however, international tours resumed again only then did South Africa emerge as true contenders.
South Africa was soon competing with Australia and England, but due to the anti-apartheid movement’s tour ban of 1970 some of South Africa’s premier players like Graeme Pollock and Barry Richards had to play for other countries instead.
After years of exclusion from Test cricket competitions, South Africa returned in 1991 and have quickly climbed back up the rankings to become one of the premier teams worldwide. Their success is an indicator of the resilience and determination of South African people despite any odds against success.
South Africa today stands as an enviable and prosperous nation that has accomplished its goals of equality and freedom. This success can be traced to its diverse culture; cricket plays an instrumental role here. Cricket’s success serves as an encouragement to many South Africans from diverse backgrounds to pursue their own dreams while building a better future for themselves and their nation.
Cultural Background
South Africa and England share an intense rivalry when it comes to cricket, dating back over one hundred years to colonial history. More than just a sport, cricket represents both nations as cultural symbols with high drama matches known for awe-inspiring performances bringing nations together through sports bringing national pride.
Football has long been a tradition in South Africa, but only became increasingly popular after apartheid ended. Most players at first were white; now efforts are being made to include more black South Africans. South Africa’s national team, known as Proteas, are one of the premier teams worldwide.
South Africa held its inaugural international cricket match in 1888-89. Although not as powerful as Australia or England at first, South African became more competitive over time and in 1910-11 toured England and Australia where they were considered second best team. Here Herbie Taylor first made his mark and went on to become one of South Africa’s greatest ever batsmen of his era.
After decades of exclusion, the Proteas captured their inaugural major tournament since returning to ICC-regulated cricket in 1991 – an amazing victory that helped break free from their reputation of “chokers.”
Though they experienced early challenges at the 2024 tournament, South Africa made it all the way to the final. Although they lost to Australia, they managed to make an amazing comeback against them in their final match and break several records during it all.
The Proteas have faced off against England 71 times in One-Day International cricket matches; England won 30 while South Africa claimed 35 victories. These matches are always exhilarating and draw large audiences; they should not be missed by avid cricket fans! These encounters feature outstanding batting and bowling lineups from both sides as well as outstanding fielding abilities from each.
Evenly Contested
England and South Africa matches are often fiercely-contested affairs with neither team being consistently dominant. Both teams share a mutual admiration for one another’s abilities, leading to some of cricket’s most memorable moments between them. Each side consists of talented individuals that can win under any conditions – providing captivating matches!
Lord’s, the historic home of cricket, will provide an extra element of prestige and history to the match. England have won 26 ODI matches between them with South Africa winning five; two ended up without a result.
South Africa have long sought to end their unfortunate streak of not winning a major cricket tournament since readmission in 1992. They came agonizingly close in 1999 but Allan Donald’s misjudgment in the final against Australia ended their hopes and they did not reach the final. This match is of equal significance for them.
Recently, South Africa have made remarkable strides to become top contenders at major tournaments. This success can be attributed to a combination of young, talented players with hardworking coaching staffs that foster team culture promoting growth; producing some of the greatest batsmen worldwide as well as bowlers that combine aggression with technique in their attacks.
The Proteas cricket team are set to welcome England for three Test Match Series, three ODIs and a T20 series this winter. Travelers looking forward to this unique event can take advantage of this momentous occasion and explore South Africa’s vibrant culture in tandem with a coastal escape or safari adventure – Black Opal can create a personalized holiday package designed around this momentous occasion; just register your interest below and we’ll contact you as soon as tour details have been finalised. Our experts would be more than happy to help craft their ideal itinerary together!