Let’s be real — when Zimbabwe and South Africa step onto the cricket field, it’s not just a game. It’s an African derby. It’s bragging rights. It’s two nations that share a continent but stand worlds apart in their cricketing journeys. The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard has told many stories over the decades — some heartbreaking, some inspiring, and a few downright dramatic.
South Africa? A powerhouse. A team that demolished reigning champions India by 76 runs at the 2026 T20 World Cup before even breaking a sweat. Zimbabwe? The underdogs with fire in their belly, a Sikandar Raza pulling off a jaw-dropping 73 off 43 in Delhi even in a losing cause. That’s the magic of this rivalry.
So whether you’re here for the latest Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, the head-to-head history, or you just want to know who the top players are — you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.
The Story So Far: Zimbabwe Vs South Africa Through the Ages
This rivalry kicked off in 1992 at the Cricket World Cup in Canberra, Australia — South Africa’s very first World Cup appearance after their readmission to international cricket. They beat Zimbabwe by 7 wickets. And honestly, that set the tone for the next three decades.
South Africa has consistently been the stronger side. But Zimbabwe has never been a pushover — especially in their golden era of the late 1990s. At the 1999 ODI World Cup, Zimbabwe beat South Africa in the league stage, one of the biggest upsets of that tournament. If you’re a Zim fan, that win still gives you goosebumps.
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team story is one of David vs. Goliath, with David occasionally landing a stunner.
Key Players and Memorable Performances (Era-Wise Till 2026)
1990s – Zimbabwe’s Golden Era
| Player | Team | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Andy Flower | Zimbabwe | ODI & Test runs machine; rated world’s best keeper-bat |
| Grant Flower | Zimbabwe | 201* vs SA in Harare, 2001 Test |
| Heath Streak | Zimbabwe | Best pace bowler; tormented SA batting |
| Gary Kirsten | South Africa | Reliable opener vs ZIM |
| Jonty Rhodes | South Africa | Fielding genius; clutch performances |
| Allan Donald | South Africa | Lethal pacer vs ZIM batters |
2000s – South Africa Dominance Deepens
| Player | Team | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Graeme Smith | South Africa | Captained dominant SA sides vs ZIM |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | All-round brilliance in Tests |
| Tatenda Taibu | Zimbabwe | Youngest Test captain (20 yrs); kept ZIM afloat |
| Brendan Taylor | Zimbabwe | 171 vs SA in ODI; consistent ODI performer |
| AB de Villiers | South Africa | Dazzling strokeplay in ODIs |
2010s–2026 – The T20 Era and Sikandar Raza’s Rise
| Player | Team | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Sikandar Raza | Zimbabwe | 73 (43) & 3/29 in T20 WC 2026 Super 8 vs SA |
| Craig Ervine | Zimbabwe | ZIM captain; steady left-hander |
| Ryan Burl | Zimbabwe | Leg-spin menace in T20s |
| Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | Premier pacer; key SA weapon |
| Aiden Markram | South Africa | 82* off 46 vs WI; SA captain in T20 WC 2026 |
| Lungi Ngidi | South Africa | SA’s all-time leading T20I wicket-taker (90 wickets) |
| Quinton de Kock | South Africa | Explosive opener; anchor in chases |
Expert Opinion: Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle has noted that “Zimbabwe’s cricketing spirit is unbroken. In tight formats like T20, players like Sikandar Raza make them competitive against any team.” That’s not flattery — it’s fact backed by a 73-run knock at the 2026 World Cup Super 8s.
ICC Matches Between Zimbabwe and South Africa
ODI ICC World Cup
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard at ODI World Cups has been a recurring chapter since 1992.
| Year | Venue | Winner | Margin | ZIM Score | SA Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Canberra, Australia | South Africa | 7 wickets | 163/9 (50 ov) | 164/3 (46.4 ov) |
| 1996 | Rawalpindi, Pakistan | South Africa | 19 runs | 168/9 (50 ov) | 187/8 (50 ov) |
| 1999 | Chelmsford, England | Zimbabwe | 48 runs | 233/6 (50 ov) | 185 (47.2 ov) |
| 2003 | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | South Africa | 10 wickets | 65 (24.1 ov) | 68/0 (17.1 ov) |
| 2007 | Did not meet | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2011 | Did not meet | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2015 | ZIM did not qualify | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2019 | ZIM did not qualify | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2023 | ZIM did not qualify | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Summary: South Africa leads ODI World Cup meetings 3–1.
ICC T20 World Cup
| Year | Venue | Winner | Margin | ZIM Score | SA Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 (Oct 24) | Hobart, Australia | No Result | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2026 (Mar 1) | New Delhi, India | South Africa | 5 wickets (13b rem) | 153/7 (20 ov) | 154/5 (17.5 ov) |
Summary: South Africa leads T20 World Cup meetings 1–0 (1 NR).
ICC Champions Trophy
Zimbabwe has not qualified for or featured in Champions Trophy editions since their Test suspension period (2004–2011), and the revised Champions Trophy format from 2017 excluded them. Therefore, no direct Zimbabwe vs South Africa Champions Trophy matches have been played.
| Year | Tournament | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1998–2004 | Champions Trophy editions | ZIM participated but no direct ZIM vs SA meeting recorded |
| 2017 | Champions Trophy | ZIM not qualified |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy | ZIM not qualified |
Zimbabwe Vs South Africa Head to Head in Tests
| Match | Venue | Date | Result | ZIM Scores | SA Scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Only Test | Harare, Zimbabwe | Oct 1995 | SA won by 7 wkts | 170 & 283 | 346 & 108/3 |
| 1st Test | Bloemfontein, SA | Oct–Nov 1999 | SA won by inns & 13 runs | 192 & 212 | 417 |
| 2nd Test | Harare, Zimbabwe | Nov 1999 | SA won by inns & 219 runs | 102 & 141 | 462/9d |
| 1st Test | Harare, Zimbabwe | Sep 2001 | SA won by 9 wkts | 286 & 391 | 600/3d & 79/1 |
| 2nd Test | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | Sep 2001 | Draw | 419/9d & 96/3 | 519/8d |
| 1st Test | Cape Town, SA | Mar 2005 | SA won by inns & 21 runs | 54 & 265 | 340/3d |
| 2nd Test | Centurion, SA | Mar 2005 | SA won by inns & 62 runs | 268 & 181 | 511/8d |
| 1st Test | Harare, Zimbabwe | Aug 2014 | SA won by 9 wkts | 287 & 181 | 441 & 29/1 |
| 2nd Test | Harare, Zimbabwe | Aug 2014 | SA won by 10 wkts | 326 & 119 | 539/8d & /0 |
Overall Test Record:
- Tests Played: 9
- South Africa Wins: 8
- Zimbabwe Wins: 0
- Draws: 1
Zimbabwe Vs South Africa Head to Head in ODIs
| Season | Total Matches | SA Wins | ZIM Wins | N/R | First Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall (All ODIs) | 41 | 38 | 2 | 1 | 10 Mar 1992 |
Notable ODI Results:
| Date | Venue | Winner | ZIM Score | SA Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Mar 1992 | Canberra, Australia | South Africa | 163/9 | 164/3 | 7 wkts |
| 25 Feb 1996 | Rawalpindi, Pakistan | South Africa | 168/9 | 187/8 | 19 runs |
| 12 Feb 1999 | Chelmsford, England | Zimbabwe | 233/6 | 185 | 48 runs |
| 24 Jan 2003 | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | South Africa | 65 | 68/0 | 10 wkts |
| 26 Sep 2006 | Ahmedabad, India (CT) | South Africa | 195 | 199/4 | 6 wkts |
| 6 Oct 2018 | Paarl, South Africa | South Africa | 117 | 118/6 | 4 wkts |
ODI Summary:
- SA have dominated with 38 wins from 41 matches
- Zimbabwe’s 2 wins include the legendary 1999 WC upset
- Highest SA ODI score vs ZIM: 418/5 (Ahmedabad, 2006)
- Highest ZIM ODI score vs SA: 259/9 (various)
Zimbabwe Vs South Africa Head to Head in T20Is
| Date | Venue | Winner | ZIM Score | SA Score | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Oct 2010 | Bloemfontein, SA | South Africa | 154/7 | 157/3 | 7 wkts |
| 21 Sep 2012 | Johannesburg, SA | South Africa | 101/7 | 102/0 | 10 wkts |
| 29 Nov 2014 | Harare, Zimbabwe | South Africa | 146/9 | 147/4 | 6 wkts |
| 17 Jan 2015 | Harare, Zimbabwe | South Africa | 164/8 | 165/4 | 6 wkts |
| 7 Oct 2016 | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe | South Africa | 118/9 | 122/3 | 7 wkts |
| 24 Oct 2022 | Hobart, Australia | No Result | N/A | N/A | Rain |
| 20 Jul 2025 | Harare Sports Club | South Africa | 186/7 | 187/3 | 7 wkts |
| 1 Mar 2026 | New Delhi, India (T20 WC) | South Africa | 153/7 | 154/5 | 5 wkts |
T20I Summary:
- Total T20I Matches: 8
- South Africa Wins: 7
- Zimbabwe Wins: 0
- No Results: 1
- Highest T20I Score (SA): 194/6
- Highest T20I Score (ZIM): 186/7
- Top Run-Scorer (all T20Is): JP Duminy (SA) – 164 runs
- Top Wicket-Taker (all T20Is): Lungi Ngidi (SA) – 7 wickets
The 2026 T20 World Cup Scorecard: A Deep Dive
The most recent — and probably most watched — Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard came on March 1, 2026, in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 8s Group 1 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
Match Details:
- Match: 51st Match, Super Eights, Group 1 (Day/Night)
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, India
- Date: March 1, 2026
- Toss: Zimbabwe elected to bat first
- Result: South Africa won by 5 wickets (with 13 balls remaining)
- Player of the Match: Sikandar Raza (ZIM) — 73 (43) & 3/29
- Cricinfo MVP: Sikandar Raza — 98.16 pts
- T20I Match No.: 3749
- Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena, Richard Illingworth
- TV Umpire: Jayaraman Madanagopal
Zimbabwe Innings (20 overs): 153/7
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Musakanda | Out | 14 | 14 | 1 | 0 |
| WN Madhevere | Out | 15 | 18 | 1 | 0 |
| D Myers | Out | 6 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Sikandar Raza (c) | Out | 73 | 43 | 5 | 5 |
| RP Burl | Out | 10 | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| C Shumba | Out | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| C Madande† | Not Out | 26 | 19 | 1 | 1 |
| WP Masakadza | Not Out | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Extras | (lb 1, w 1) | 2 | — | — | — |
| Total | 7 wkts (20 ov) | 153 | — | — | — |
SA Bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K Maphaka | 4 | 0 | 21 | 2 |
| L Ngidi | 4 | 0 | 32 | 1 |
| C Bosch | 4 | 0 | 40 | 2 |
| K Rabada | 4 | 0 | 30 | 1 |
| GF Linde | 4 | 0 | 28 | 1 |
South Africa Innings (17.5 overs): 154/5
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q de Kock† | Out | 31 | 22 | 4 | 1 |
| R Rickelton | Out | 31 | 21 | 3 | 1 |
| AK Markram (c) | Out | 23 | 20 | 2 | 1 |
| D Miller | Out | 18 | 16 | 1 | 1 |
| H Klaasen | Out | 21 | 14 | 2 | 1 |
| T Stubbs | Not Out | 18 | 17 | 1 | 0 |
| GF Linde | Not Out | 30 | 22 | 3 | 1 |
| Extras | (w 2, lb 1) | 3 | — | — | — |
| Total | 5 wkts (17.5 ov) | 154 | — | — | — |
ZIM Bowling:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WP Masakadza | 4 | 0 | 38 | 1 |
| TL Chatara | 3 | 0 | 28 | 1 |
| Sikandar Raza | 4 | 0 | 29 | 3 |
| RP Burl | 3.5 | 0 | 36 | 0 |
| B Evans | 3 | 0 | 22 | 0 |
Note: Sikandar Raza was a one-man army. He top-scored for Zimbabwe with 73 off 43 AND claimed 3/29 with the ball. He still won Player of the Match in a LOSING team. That’s how good he was.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa Records (Test)
| Category | Record | Team | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highest Innings Total | 600/3d | South Africa | Zimbabwe | Harare | 2001 |
| Lowest Innings Total | 54 | Zimbabwe | South Africa | Cape Town | 2005 |
| Highest Individual Score | 201* | Grant Flower | South Africa | Harare | 2001 |
| Best Bowling Innings | 8/71 | Makhaya Ntini | Zimbabwe | Harare | 2001 |
| Highest Partnership | 368 (2nd wkt) | Graeme Smith & Herschelle Gibbs | Zimbabwe | Harare | 2001 |
Lowest Totals in an Innings (ZIM vs SA)
| Score | Team | Format | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | Zimbabwe | Test | Cape Town | 2005 |
| 65 | Zimbabwe | ODI | Bulawayo | 2003 |
| 101/7 | Zimbabwe | T20I | Johannesburg | 2012 |
| 102 | Zimbabwe | Test | Harare | 1999 |
| 117 | Zimbabwe | ODI | Paarl | 2018 |
Greatest Wins (ZIM vs SA All Formats)
| Format | Winner | Margin | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | South Africa | 10 wickets | Bulawayo | 2003 |
| Test | South Africa | Inns & 219 runs | Harare | 1999 |
| T20I | South Africa | 10 wickets | Johannesburg | 2012 |
| ODI (ZIM win) | Zimbabwe | 48 runs | Chelmsford (WC 1999) | 1999 |
| T20I (Best ZIM result) | South Africa | 5 wickets | New Delhi (T20 WC 2026) | 2026 |
Zimbabwe vs South Africa Timeline
| Year | Key Event |
|---|---|
| 1992 | First-ever meeting – SA wins by 7 wkts in World Cup (Canberra) |
| 1995 | First Test match – SA wins by 7 wkts in Harare |
| 1999 | Zimbabwe’s famous 48-run WC upset over SA (Chelmsford) |
| 1999 | SA whitewash ZIM 2-0 in Test series |
| 2001 | SA posts 600/3d in Harare Test; wins series 1-0 |
| 2003 | SA bowls ZIM out for 65 in WC; wins by 10 wkts (Bulawayo) |
| 2004 | Zimbabwe’s voluntary suspension from Test cricket begins |
| 2005 | Last Test before suspension – SA wins both Tests |
| 2010 | First T20I ever between the two teams – SA wins |
| 2014 | First Tests post-ZIM suspension – SA wins both |
| 2018 | Last ODI between both teams (till 2026) – SA wins |
| 2022 | T20 WC – No Result (Hobart) |
| 2025 | T20I series in Harare – SA wins |
| 2026 | T20 WC Super 8 (New Delhi) – SA wins by 5 wkts; Raza stars |
Where To Watch Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team
This is one question every fan Googles at 2 AM! For the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team clashes:
- India: JioHotstar (app/website) & Star Sports Network
- South Africa: SuperSport channels
- Zimbabwe: ZBC (Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation)
- Global: ICC’s official YouTube channel often streams highlights
- International Fans: Check ESPN Cricket or Cricbuzz for live scores
For ICC events specifically, broadcasting rights vary by region — always check the ICC official website for your country’s official broadcaster.
Read Also: Afghanistan National Cricket Team Vs United Arab Emirates National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Stats Summary
Here’s the big picture — the complete Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Stats across all formats:
| Format | Matches | SA Wins | ZIM Wins | Draws/NR | SA Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 88.9% |
| ODIs | 41 | 38 | 2 | 1 | 92.7% |
| T20Is | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 87.5% |
| Total | 58 | 53 | 2 | 3 | 91.4% |
Conclusion
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard across all formats tells a very clear story: South Africa is the dominant force, winning over 91% of their combined matches. But what makes this rivalry special is not just the numbers — it’s the moments.
The 1999 WC upset. Sikandar Raza’s breathtaking all-round show at the T20 WC 2026 in New Delhi. Andy Flower defying odds for years. Grant Flower’s double century. These are the reasons cricket fans keep watching.
South Africa has the pedigree, the firepower, and the results. But Zimbabwe? Zimbabwe has the heart. And in cricket, that heart has a way of making headlines when you least expect it.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup to be jointly hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, the next chapter of this rivalry is about to get very interesting. Don’t blink.
? FAQs: Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team
Q1. Who leads the all-time head-to-head between Zimbabwe and South Africa in cricket?
South Africa leads decisively — 53 wins from 58 matches across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Q2. Has Zimbabwe ever beaten South Africa in cricket?
Yes! Zimbabwe’s most iconic win came in the 1999 ODI World Cup at Chelmsford, England — a stunning 48-run upset.
Q3. What was the scorecard of the latest ZIM vs SA T20 World Cup 2026 match?
South Africa won by 5 wickets (with 13 balls remaining). Zimbabwe scored 153/7; SA chased it in 17.5 overs with 154/5. Sikandar Raza was Player of the Match despite being on the losing side.
Q4. Who is the top wicket-taker for South Africa in T20Is vs Zimbabwe?
Lungi Ngidi leads with 7 wickets. He also became SA’s all-time leading T20I wicket-taker (90 wickets) during the 2026 T20 WC.
Q5. Where can I watch Zimbabwe vs South Africa matches live?
In India: JioHotstar and Star Sports. In South Africa: SuperSport. Globally, check ICC’s official website (icc-cricket.com) for your region’s broadcaster.
Q6. What is South Africa’s highest score vs Zimbabwe in T20Is?
South Africa’s highest T20I score against Zimbabwe is 194/6 in 20 overs.
Q7. Which format has Zimbabwe been most competitive in against South Africa?
Surprisingly, ODIs — Zimbabwe has 2 wins, both in the ODI format. In Tests and T20Is, they are yet to win.
Q8. Who has scored the most runs in SA vs ZIM T20Is?
JP Duminy (SA) tops the list with 164 runs from 3 innings at an average of 54.67.
