India currently lead the table with 14 points, while South Africa are No.2 with 12. However, the Proteas enjoy a better net run rate (+2.290) compared to India (+2.102), and the result of today’s game game will be crucial to who finishes on top. Both the teams will have one league match each left to play after this.
The South African batters have been plundering runs throughout the tournament, led by Quinton de Kock, who is the highest run-getter currently with 545 runs in seven matches, including four centuries. But the Indian bowlers, especially the pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, are on song and have taken the most wickets among all teams in the tournament so far.Expecting an exciting battle between bat and ball, here’s a look at some of the interesting stats and trivia from India vs South Africa in ODIs:
1. South Africa enjoy an impressive winning percentage (50.00) against India, winning 50 out of 90 ODIs played.India have won 37 while the remaining three could not produce results.
2. South Africa’s huge total of 438 for four at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on October 25, 2015, remains their highest against India in ODIs.
3. Eight times South Africa have recorded 400-plus totals – the most times by a team in ODIs, followed by India (six) and England (five).
4. Thirty one ODIs have been played by India against South Africa in India, winning 17 and losing 14 – winning % 54.84.
5. Bhuvneshwar Kumar had conceded 106 runs off ten overs, taking one wicket against South Africa at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Oct 25, 2015 – the worst ever by an Indian bowler in ODIs.
6. In the last ODI between the two teams at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi on February 22, 2022, South Africa got dismissed on 99 – their lowest ever against India. Just three times, they got dismissed for less than 99 in ODIs – 69 vs Australia at Sydney on Dec 14, 1993; 83 vs England at Nottingham on Aug 26, 2008, and 83 vs England at Manchester on July 22, 2022
7. Twenty sixes were hit by South African batsmen against India at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Oct 25, 2015, – their all-time record against any opponent.
8. South Africa’s winning margin of 214 runs at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on October 25, 2015, remains their biggest against India in ODIs
9. Quinton de Kock and Abraham de Villiers have managed six hundreds each for South Africa against India in ODIs. Only Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya has recorded more hundreds against India – 7. For the record, Ricky Ponting and Kumar Sangakkara have also six hundreds each to their credit against India.
10. AB de Villiers’ strike rate of 111.13 while aggregating 1357 (avg 48.46), in 32 innings, is the highest among the South Africans with 500-plus runs against India in ODIs.
11. Quinton de Kock is enjoying an impressive record against India, averaging 56.42 while amassing 1072 in 19 innings at a strike rate of 91.93 in ODIs.
12. Wayne Parnell earned a dubious distinction by conceding 95 runs, capturing two wickets in his ten-over spell in India’s total of 401 for three at Gwalior on February 24, 2010, the most by a South African bowler in an ODI against India.
13. Three hundreds were posted in a total of 438 for four vs India in Mumbai on Oct 25, 2015; Quinton de Kock 109, Faf du Plessis 133 (retired hurt) & AB de Villiers 119.
The above instance is the only one for any team against India.
14. Sachin Tendulkar, with 2,001 runs (avg 35.73), including five hundreds and eight fifties, in 57 innings is the top run-getter in ODIs involving India and South Africa.
15. Jacques Kallis, with 1535 runs (avg 61.40), including 2 hundreds and 11 fifties, in 34 innings, is the top run-getter for South Africa vs India in ODIs.
16. Shaun Pollock, with 48 wickets at 24.47 runs apiece in 33 matches, is the top wicket-taker for South Africa vs India in ODIs – his best being 5 for 37 at Centurion on Oct 10, 2001. He had also produced a four-wicket haul against India – 4 for 26 at Cape Town on November 26, 2006.
17. For India, Anil Kumble, with 46 wickets at 32.00 runs apiece in 40 matches, is the top wicket-taker vs South Africa in ODIs. His tally includes two four-wicket hauls.
18. Sunil Joshi’s career-best figures of 5 for 6 in the LG Cupat Nairobi on Sept 26, 1999, are the best for India vs South Africa
19. For South Africa, Allan Donald’s figures of 5 for 29 at Kolkata on Nov 10, 1991, are the best against India in ODIs. The said match was South Africa’s first one day international and the first ever game against India.
20. Sachin Tendulkar has appeared in 57 matches – the most on either side in ODIs. For South Africa, Jacques Kallis had appeared in 37 matches – the most by a South African playeer against India.
21. Hansie Cronje has the best record as captain – 17 wins, 6 losses and 1 NR in 24 matches – success % 73.91.
22. Two double-century stands have been recorded in ODIs involving India and South Africa. Gary Kirsten and Herschelle Gibbs put on 235 for the first wicket at Kochi on March 9, 2000. Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen had shared a partnership of 204 for the fourth wicket at Paarl on January 19, 2022.
23. Mark Boucher had effected 42 dismissals – 40 catches and 2 stumpings – in 33 matches, which is the most by a wicketkeeper on either side. MS Dhoni holds an Indian record with 41 dismissals – 30 catches and 11 stumpings in 37 matches.
(Stats: Rajesh Kumar)