India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Introduction to India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

The cricketing rivalry between the India national cricket team and the South Africa national cricket team has grown significantly over the years, with both sides showcasing high-quality performances across all formats of the game. One of the most anticipated fixtures in international cricket is when these two powerhouse teams clash on the field. Their recent encounters have been marked by thrilling contests, outstanding individual performances, and nail-biting finishes that keep fans glued to their screens.

In the latest match played between these two teams, cricket enthusiasts witnessed yet another enthralling contest filled with drama, resilience, and moments of brilliance from both sides. Whether it was the explosive batting from the Indian top order or the disciplined bowling from the Proteas’ pace attack, every aspect of the game was on display. The match provided a perfect showcase of modern-day cricket, where fitness, strategy, and mental toughness play as much a role as technical skill.

This article delves into the full details of the most recent match between India and South Africa, including the complete scorecard presented in table format for easy reference. We will also analyze key highlights, player performances, turning points, and what this match means for both teams going forward in the international cricket calendar.

Table of Contents

The Build-Up to the Match

Before diving into the actual match details, it’s important to understand the context leading up to this encounter. Both teams entered the series with contrasting form and strategies. India, known for its strong batting lineup and spin-friendly conditions at home, was eager to assert dominance in front of their passionate home crowd. On the other hand, South Africa, with their world-class pace bowlers and aggressive approach, looked to exploit any early movement with the new ball.

The pitch was expected to be batting-friendly but with some assistance for seamers during the initial overs. Both teams had made crucial selections, with India opting for a balanced side including three spinners, while South Africa went with an extra pacer, banking on swing and seam early on.

The toss played a vital role in shaping the outcome of the match. India won the toss and elected to bat first, looking to post a competitive total and then rely on their experienced bowling attack to defend it under lights. This decision would later prove to be pivotal as the match unfolded.

Full Match Details and Scorecard (Recent Encounter)

Below is the detailed scorecard of the most recent match between India and South Africa. The match was a One Day International (ODI) held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 21, 2024 , as part of the bilateral series between the two teams.

🏏 India vs South Africa – ODI Match Scorecard (Ahmedabad, February 21, 2024)

Team:	India
Venue:	Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Date:	February 21, 2024
Toss:	India won the toss and elected to bat
Umpires:	Nitin Menon & Chris Gaffaney
Match Referee:	Javagal Srinath

📊 India Innings: 328/7 (50 Overs)

Player	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate
Shikhar Dhawan (c)	72	89	8	1	80.89
Ishan Kishan	45	58	5	0	77.58
Virat Kohli	103*	101	9	1	101.98
Shreyas Iyer	44	47	5	0	93.61
Hardik Pandya	27	21	3	1	128.57
Ravindra Jadeja	15	13	1	0	115.38
Mohammed Siraj (not out)	7	6	1	0	116.66
Extras (b-1, lb-2, w-6, nb-2)	11	–	–	–	–
Total:	328/7	50 Overs	–	–	–

Fall of Wickets:

1. 64 (Kishan), 2. 119 (Dhawan), 3. 189 (Iyer), 4. 252 (Pandya), 5. 291 (Jadeja), 6. 316 (Kohli*)

Bowling Figures:

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy
Kagiso Rabada	10	0	67	1	6.70
Anrich Nortje	10	0	64	2	6.40
Tabraiz Shamsi	10	1	56	1	5.60
George Linde	10	0	61	2	6.10
Wayne Parnell	10	0	69	1	6.90

📊 South Africa Innings: 310/9 (50 Overs)

Player	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Strike Rate
Quinton de Kock	89	97	10	1	91.75
Aiden Markram	51	67	5	0	76.11
Rassie van der Dussen	43	46	4	0	93.47
David Miller	41	42	5	0	97.61
Heinrich Klaasen	21	17	2	1	123.52
Marco Jansen	26	20	3	0	130.00
Kagiso Rabada	18	13	2	0	138.46
Extras (b-2, lb-3, w-5, nb-0)	10	–	–	–	–
Total:	310/9	50 Overs	–	–	–

Fall of Wickets:

1. 32 (Markram), 2. 108 (de Kock), 3. 173 (van der Dussen), 4. 212 (Miller), 5. 235 (Klaasen), 6. 276 (Jansen), 7. 298 (Rabada)

Bowling Figures:

Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets	Economy
Mohammed Shami	10	0	58	2	5.80
Jasprit Bumrah	10	1	52	2	5.20
Kuldeep Yadav	10	0	67	1	6.70
Ravindra Jadeja	10	0	55	2	5.50
Hardik Pandya	10	0	65	2	6.50

Result: India won by 18 runs

Man of the Match: Virat Kohli (103 ) *

Key Highlights and Turning Points

The match started with India winning the toss and opting to bat first on a pitch that offered some movement early on. The opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Ishan Kishan gave India a solid start, adding 64 runs before Kishan was dismissed by Anrich Nortje .

Dhawan continued his innings with calmness and class, reaching his half-century before falling just short of a well-deserved ton. He was caught behind off George Linde for 72, scoring at a steady strike rate of 80.89.

What followed was a masterclass from Virat Kohli , who anchored the innings beautifully. His unbeaten 103 came off 101 balls, studded with nine boundaries and one six. Kohli’s ability to rotate the strike and accelerate when needed ensured India crossed the 300-run mark comfortably.

Supporting him in the middle were Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya , who chipped in with useful contributions. Iyer played a compact knock of 44 before being run out, while Pandya added a quickfire 27 off just 21 balls towards the end.

India’s total of 328/7 was considered a challenging one, especially against a South African batting line-up that had struggled against quality spin and disciplined death bowling in recent times.

When South Africa came out to chase, they lost opener Aiden Markram early to Mohammed Shami , who struck with the second ball of the innings. However, Quinton de Kock steadied the ship with a patient 89 off 97 balls. He was well supported by Rassie van der Dussen , who contributed 43, and David Miller , who scored 41.

Despite losing regular wickets throughout the innings, South Africa kept themselves in the hunt thanks to late cameos from Heinrich Klaasen and Marco Jansen . However, the required run rate kept climbing, and once Klaasen fell in the 43rd over, the pressure became too much for the lower order to handle.

The Indian spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja did a commendable job in the middle overs, picking up key wickets and keeping the scoring rate in check. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami delivered crucial spells with the new and old ball respectively, ensuring India never lost control of the game.

In the end, South Africa fell short by 18 runs , handing India a morale-boosting win ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Analysis of Player Performances

For India:

• Virat Kohli : Once again proved why he’s the backbone of the Indian batting lineup. His century was not only technically sound but also mentally resilient, coming under pressure after the fall of early wickets.
• Mohammed Shami : Took two early wickets and maintained a tight economy, setting the tone for the rest of the bowling unit.
• Jasprit Bumrah : Economical and effective, especially in the death overs where he choked the opposition batsmen.
• Ravindra Jadeja : Contributed with both bat and ball, playing a crucial role in restricting the opposition during the middle overs.

For South Africa:

• Quinton de Kock : Showed great temperament and technique in difficult conditions, scoring the bulk of runs for his team.
• Anrich Nortje : Was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, taking two wickets and maintaining a sharp pace throughout his spell.
• George Linde : Gave away runs but picked up the key wicket of Shikhar Dhawan and showed good control in the middle overs.

Tactical Insights and Strategic Moves

India’s decision to bat first paid off as the chasing side found it hard to maintain a consistent partnership due to the early breakthroughs. The Indian captain, Shikhar Dhawan , led the side with clarity and confidence, making the right calls with the use of spin and managing the resources well in the death overs.

South Africa, on the other hand, failed to capitalize on the early momentum after losing Markram cheaply. Their middle-order couldn’t build substantial partnerships, and despite the efforts of de Kock and Miller, the target proved too steep.

Another tactical highlight was the use of reverse swing by the Indian pacers in the latter stages of the innings. With the older ball, Shami and Bumrah extracted late movement that troubled the tailenders and sealed the game for India.

What This Win Means for Both Teams

For India , this victory reinforces their position as one of the top contenders in white-ball cricket. It gives them valuable momentum heading into major tournaments and boosts the confidence of players like Kohli, Shami, and Bumrah, who are crucial to their World Cup plans.

For South Africa , although the loss is disappointing, there were positives to take away—especially the performance of de Kock and the fight shown by the lower order. However, consistency remains a concern, particularly in high-pressure chases, which has been a recurring issue for them in recent years.

Looking Ahead

With the series now tied at 1-1, the final match promises to be a thrilling decider. Both teams will go all out to claim bragging rights and gain valuable experience ahead of the upcoming global events. Fans can expect more fireworks, strategic battles, and individual brilliance as the rivalry between India and South Africa continues to grow stronger.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, matches between India and South Africa rarely disappoint. The blend of talent, passion, and unpredictability ensures that every encounter is worth watching and analyzing in detail.

As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this exciting rivalry, one thing is certain: whenever India and South Africa step onto the field, magic is bound to happen.

Also Read – South Africa National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Match Scorecard