The South Africa national cricket team vs India national cricket team series from December 10, 2023, to January 07, 2024, featured an intense battle across three formats: 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20s. The series captivated cricket fans worldwide, offering a mix of thrilling finishes, standout performances, and unforgettable moments. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the tour, including detailed match results, venue information, player statistics, and significant highlights.
South Africa vs India T20I Series: Full Schedule and Results
1. Dec 10, Sun: 1st T20I – Kingsmead, Durban (Match Abandoned Without Toss)
The first T20I at Kingsmead, Durban ended in disappointment as rain played spoilsport, leading to the match being abandoned without a toss. Both teams were eager to start the series on a high note, but the weather had other plans.
- Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
- Scheduled Time: 6:00 PM IST | 02:00 PM GMT | 04:00 PM Local
- Result: Match abandoned without toss
2. Dec 12, Tue: 2nd T20I – St George’s Park, Gqeberha (South Africa Won by 5 Wickets, DLS Method)
South Africa secured a crucial win in the second T20I at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, chasing down the revised target of 155 runs with five wickets in hand. The DLS method came into play due to a brief rain interruption.
- Venue: St George’s Park, Gqeberha
- Result: South Africa won by 5 wickets (DLS Method)
- Key Player: Rassie van der Dussen (62 off 48 balls)
3. Dec 14, Thu: 3rd T20I – New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (India Won by 106 Runs)
India bounced back strongly in the final T20I at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, securing a commanding victory by 106 runs. Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive century and a disciplined bowling effort helped India level the T20I series 1-1.
- Venue: New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
- Result: India won by 106 runs
- Key Player: Suryakumar Yadav (102 off 55 balls)
| T20I Series Result | 1-1 (1 Match Abandoned) |
South Africa vs India ODI Series: Full Schedule and Results
1. Dec 17, Sun: 1st ODI – New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (India Won by 8 Wickets)
India carried their momentum into the ODI series, comfortably chasing down South Africa’s target of 241 runs in the first ODI at New Wanderers Stadium. Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 123 guided India to victory with eight wickets to spare.
- Venue: New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
- Result: India won by 8 wickets
- Key Player: Shubman Gill (123* off 132 balls)
2. Dec 19, Tue: 2nd ODI – St George’s Park, Gqeberha (South Africa Won by 8 Wickets)
South Africa responded with a dominant performance in the second ODI at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, leveling the series 1-1. Aiden Markram’s all-round performance played a crucial role in their victory.
- Venue: St George’s Park, Gqeberha
- Result: South Africa won by 8 wickets
- Key Player: Aiden Markram (82* off 97 balls, 2 wickets)
3. Dec 21, Thu: 3rd ODI – Boland Park, Paarl (India Won by 78 Runs)
In the series decider at Boland Park, Paarl, India emerged victorious by 78 runs, securing a 2-1 win in the ODI series. KL Rahul’s century and a strong bowling performance led by Mohammed Siraj helped India clinch the series.
- Venue: Boland Park, Paarl
- Result: India won by 78 runs
- Key Player: KL Rahul (112 off 126 balls)
| ODI Series Result | India won 2-1 |
South Africa vs India Test Series: Full Schedule and Results
1. Dec 26, Tue – Dec 30, Sat: 1st Test – SuperSport Park, Centurion (South Africa Won by an Innings and 32 Runs)
The first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion saw South Africa dominate from the start, thanks to Kagiso Rabada’s fiery pace and Temba Bavuma’s composed century. India struggled to counter the hosts and suffered a heavy defeat.
- Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion
- Result: South Africa won by an innings and 32 runs
- Key Player: Kagiso Rabada (9 wickets in the match)
2. Jan 03, Wed – Jan 07, Sun: 2nd Test – Newlands, Cape Town (India Won by 7 Wickets)
India made a remarkable comeback in the second Test at Newlands, Cape Town, chasing down a challenging target of 275 runs to secure a series-leveling victory. Virat Kohli’s captaincy and Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance with the ball were instrumental.
- Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
- Result: India won by 7 wickets
- Key Player: Jasprit Bumrah (7 wickets in the match)
| Test Series Result | 1-1 |
Player Performances and Statistics
Player | Format | Runs | Wickets |
---|---|---|---|
Suryakumar Yadav | T20I | 152 | 0 |
Rassie van der Dussen | T20I | 123 | 0 |
Shubman Gill | ODI | 223 | 0 |
Aiden Markram | ODI | 152 | 4 |
KL Rahul | ODI | 198 | 0 |
Temba Bavuma | Test | 211 | 0 |
Virat Kohli | Test | 178 | 0 |
Kagiso Rabada | Test | 45 | 13 |
Jasprit Bumrah | Test | 15 | 12 |
Venues and Conditions: Key Insights
Kingsmead, Durban
- Known for assisting fast bowlers due to its green top.
- Weather can be unpredictable, as seen in the abandoned 1st T20I.
St George’s Park, Gqeberha
- Offers a balanced surface with moderate pace and bounce.
- Spinners tend to come into play in the middle overs.
New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
- A batting paradise with high-scoring matches.
- Seamers benefit from the pace and bounce.
Boland Park, Paarl
- Traditionally favors spin bowlers, especially in the second innings.
- Hot and dry conditions can be a factor.
SuperSport Park, Centurion
- Renowned for its pace and bounce, making it a fast-bowler’s haven.
- Early morning sessions are crucial for seamers.
Newlands, Cape Town
- One of the most picturesque venues, with a pitch favoring seamers and spinners alike.
- Second innings often sees variable bounce.
Key Moments and Takeaways from the Series
- Weather Impact: The series started with a washout in Durban, highlighting the unpredictability of South African weather.
- India’s Comeback: After losing the first Test by a significant margin, India’s resilience in Cape Town was commendable.
- Emerging Players: Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav showcased their potential, solidifying their spots in India’s lineup.
- Rabada’s Dominance: Kagiso Rabada proved why he is one of the best pacers, leading South Africa’s bowling attack effectively.
- Captaincy Decisions: Both captains, Virat Kohli and Temba Bavuma, made crucial strategic decisions that influenced match outcomes.
Conclusion
The South Africa national cricket team vs India national cricket team series (Dec 10 – Jan 07) was a captivating cricketing spectacle. With both teams showcasing their strengths across formats, the series ended with a shared result in Tests, India dominating the ODIs, and the T20I series finishing in a draw. Fans were treated to high-quality cricket, and the tour provided plenty of moments to cherish for both South African and Indian supporters.
FAQs
1. What was the overall result of the South Africa vs India series?
- The series ended with both teams showcasing competitive performances across all formats:
- T20I Series: Drawn 1-1 (1 match abandoned).
- ODI Series: India won 2-1.
- Test Series: Drawn 1-1.
2. Who were the top performers in the series?
- T20I:
- Suryakumar Yadav (India) – 152 runs in 2 matches.
- Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa) – 123 runs.
- ODI:
- Shubman Gill (India) – 223 runs.
- Aiden Markram (South Africa) – 152 runs and 4 wickets.
- Test:
- Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – 13 wickets.
- Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 12 wickets.
3. Which player scored the most runs in the series?
- Shubman Gill (India) scored the most runs in the ODI series with 223 runs, while Suryakumar Yadav led in the T20Is with 152 runs. Temba Bavuma (South Africa) was the highest run-scorer for his team in the Test series with 211 runs.
4. Where were the matches played during the series?
The series was played across multiple iconic venues in South Africa:
- T20I: Kingsmead (Durban), St George’s Park (Gqeberha), and New Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg).
- ODI: New Wanderers Stadium (Johannesburg), St George’s Park (Gqeberha), and Boland Park (Paarl).
- Test: SuperSport Park (Centurion) and Newlands (Cape Town).
5. Who were the captains of the South Africa and India teams?
- South Africa: Temba Bavuma led the team in both Tests and ODIs, while Aiden Markram captained in the T20Is.
- India: Virat Kohli captained the Test team, KL Rahul led in the ODIs, and Hardik Pandya was the T20I captain.