Home » England vs South Africa Head To Head Records (Updated 2026)
Written By: Ben Crawley
Published: February 2, 2026

The ENG vs SA Records showcase one of cricket’s oldest and most competitive rivalries. These two teams have battled across all formats since the late 1800s, creating a rich history filled with thrilling encounters. England’s experience and South Africa’s aggressive style make every match between them a must-watch event.

South Africa’s powerful batting lineup and sharp bowling skills have made them serious contenders against England. Both teams bring their best game whenever they meet, whether in Test matches, ODIs, or T20Is. This article explores the ENG vs SA Records, covering key matches, results, and standout performances between these two sides.

England vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record

England and South Africa share a long history that dates back to 1889. They regularly face each other in bilateral series and major ICC tournaments. Here is a quick look at their overall head-to-head record across all formats:

FormatTotal MatchesEngland WonSouth Africa WonDrawTiedNo Result
Tests15666355500
ODIs743137015
T20Is281314001
Overall258110865516

England holds a strong advantage in Test cricket, winning 66 matches compared to South Africa’s 35. However, South Africa leads in limited-overs formats, showing their strength in white-ball cricket.

England vs South Africa Head-to-Head In Tests

Total MatchesEngland WonSouth Africa WonDrawTiedNo Result
15666355500

England and South Africa started playing Test cricket in 1889, making this one of the oldest rivalries in the game. In 156 matches, England has won 66 times while South Africa has claimed 35 victories. The remaining 55 matches ended in draws.

England vs South Africa Head-to-Head In Tests
Source: ESPN Cricinfo

England’s win percentage stands at 42.30%, while South Africa’s sits at 22.43%. The win-loss ratio favors England at 1.885 compared to South Africa’s 0.530. England’s dominance in Test cricket stems from their home experience and their ability to adapt to different conditions over the years.

England vs South Africa Head-to-Head In ODIs

Total MatchesEngland WonSouth Africa WonDrawTiedNo Result
743137015

In One-Day Internationals, the picture looks quite different. Since their first ODI meeting in 1992, these teams have played 74 matches. South Africa leads with 37 wins, while England has 31. One match ended in a tie, and five had no result due to weather or other factors.

England vs South Africa Head-to-Head In ODIs
Source: ESPN Cricinfo

South Africa boasts a win percentage of 54.34%, while England trails at 45.65%. The Proteas have shown clinical performances under pressure, especially during ICC World Cup encounters. Their batting depth and bowling variety have helped them edge ahead in this format.

England vs South Africa Head-to-Head In T20Is

Total MatchesEngland WonSouth Africa WonDrawTiedNo Result
281314001

The T20 format has seen the closest battles between these teams. Since 2007, they have played 28 T20 Internationals. South Africa narrowly leads with 14 wins, compared to England’s 13, while one match ended in a draw.

England vs South Africa Head-to-Head In T20Is
Source: ESPN Cricinfo

South Africa’s win percentage reaches 51.85%, just ahead of England’s 48.14%. These tight margins show how evenly matched both teams are in the shortest format. Every T20 match between them promises entertainment and nail-biting finishes.

Memorable Matches Between England and South Africa

Despite their long rivalry, matches between England and South Africa have always attracted fans worldwide. Here are some standout games from their history.

1. England vs South Africa – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (The Oval)

England started their home World Cup campaign against South Africa in London. The hosts posted a strong total and then restricted South Africa with disciplined bowling. Ben Stokes delivered an outstanding all-round performance. England won comfortably, setting the tone for their eventual World Cup triumph.

2. England vs South Africa – T20 World Cup 2016 (Mumbai)

This group-stage encounter saw both teams fighting for survival in the tournament. England’s batters came out firing and posted an imposing total. South Africa’s chase fell short despite some brave efforts. England won by a convincing margin and advanced further in the competition.

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Conclusion: ENG vs SA Records Show Balanced Rivalry

England and South Africa share a fascinating rivalry in international cricket. England dominates Test cricket with their longer history and home advantage, while South Africa excels in limited-overs formats. Their T20 record remains almost identical, highlighting how competitive these teams are.

As both nations continue producing talented cricketers, fans can expect more exciting matches between these two sides in the future.

About the Author

Hey, I am a cricket writer based in London with over 7 years of experience covering everything from county championships to international showdowns. I bring a sharp eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, highlighting England’s rising stars and memorable match moments. At DurhamCricket, I deliver weekly coverage that's honest, insightful, and easy to follow—perfect for fans who live and breathe the game.

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