The rivalry between India and South Africa has produced some of the most iconic batting performances in ODI cricket. Fans across the world search for Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs because these matches often showcase unbelievable stroke play, batting brilliance, and game-changing knocks. This article highlights the Top 10 Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs, ranking them from 10 to 1. Each innings is explained in a long, engaging description along with a clean stats table. Through every section, we revisit moments that defined the phrase Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs, making this a complete and SEO-friendly breakdown.
Top 10 Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs
10. Gary Kirsten – 133 (2001)*
Gary Kirsten’s unbeaten 133 at Johannesburg is one of the most technically correct innings in the list of Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs. Playing against a competitive Indian attack, Kirsten showed remarkable patience, timing, and control. Unlike many explosive knocks on this list, his innings was built on discipline and rotation of strike. Kirsten absorbed early pressure, anchored the innings, and guided South Africa to a dominant position with his calm and composed approach.
His knock highlights how a batter can dominate without taking excessive risks. Kirsten’s partnership-building ability and knack for reading bowlers made this innings one of the most reliable performances in the history of Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Runs | 133* |
| Balls | 155 |
| 4s/6s | 13 / 0 |
| Team | South Africa |
| Opposition | India |
9. Graeme Smith – 134 (2005)*
Graeme Smith’s unbeaten 134 at Eden Gardens is another classic innings in the world of Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs. Known for his leadership and resilience, Smith produced a captain’s knock under challenging conditions. His ability to counter Indian spinners on a turning track made this innings even more special. Smith blended aggressive stroke play with disciplined defense, ensuring South Africa stayed ahead in the match.
This innings remains a prime example of how a top-order batter can dominate through sheer consistency and controlled aggression. Smith’s knock deservedly holds a strong place among the Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Runs | 134* |
| Balls | 124 |
| 4s/6s | 20 / 1 |
| Team | South Africa |
| Opposition | India |
8. Virat Kohli – 135 (2025)
Virat Kohli’s 135 in Ranchi remains one of his most modern and polished innings in the timeline of Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs. With outstanding shot selection and exceptional fitness, Kohli displayed complete command throughout his stay at the crease. His wide range of strokes—from cover drives to pick-up shots—kept South Africa under pressure.
This knock showcased why Kohli continues to be the backbone of India’s batting lineup, especially in high-pressure games. The innings added yet another memorable chapter to the list of Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Runs | 135 |
| Balls | 120 |
| 4s/6s | 11 / 7 |
| Team | India |
| Opposition | South Africa |
7. Quinton de Kock – 135 (2013)
Quinton de Kock’s 135 in Johannesburg is one of South Africa’s most dominant performances in the collection of Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs. De Kock attacked from the beginning, using his quick hands and natural timing to dismantle India’s bowling lineup. His clean hitting, especially through the off-side, made this innings a treat for fans.
His fearless striking at the top of the order allowed South Africa to build early momentum, showing why this knock remains a memorable entry in the Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Runs | 135 |
| Balls | 121 |
| 4s/6s | 18 / 3 |
| Team | South Africa |
| Opposition | India |
6. Shikhar Dhawan – 137 (2015)
Shikhar Dhawan’s 137 in the 2015 World Cup is one of the most impactful innings in the list of Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs. Playing on a big stage, Dhawan dominated the Proteas bowlers with aggressive strokes, clean hitting, and fearless intent. His flicks, cuts, and drives showed how well he understood the bounce and pace of the Melbourne pitch.
Dhawan’s knock played a massive role in helping India secure a strong position in the match. It is one of the most powerful examples of attacking batting in the Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Runs | 137 |
| Balls | 146 |
| 4s/6s | 16 / 2 |
| Team | India |
| Opposition | South Africa |
5. Virat Kohli – 138 (2015)
Another Kohli masterclass finds its place in the Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs. His 138 at Chennai demonstrated his ability to read the game better than most batters in the modern era. Kohli combined conventional shots with aggressive stroke play, keeping the scoreboard ticking while maintaining complete control.
This innings showed that Kohli is not just a great chaser but also a brilliant builder of innings. His dominance against both pacers and spinners made this one of the most admired knocks among the Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Runs | 138 |
| Balls | 140 |
| 4s/6s | 6 / 5 |
| Team | India |
| Opposition | South Africa |
4. Sourav Ganguly – 141 (2000)*
Sourav Ganguly’s unbeaten 141 in Nairobi remains one of the most graceful innings in the collection of Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs. Known as the God of the Off-Side, Ganguly played some trademark cover drives and lofted shots that defined his elegant yet aggressive style.
He carried the Indian innings from start to finish, proving his leadership and sheer class. This innings set a new standard for top-order batting and became one of the iconic knocks in the history of Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Runs | 141* |
| Balls | 142 |
| 4s/6s | 11 / 6 |
| Team | India |
| Opposition | South Africa |
3. Rohit Sharma – 150 (2015)
Rohit Sharma’s majestic 150 in Kanpur is easily one of the most visually stunning innings in the Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs archives. Rohit’s effortless timing, quick footwork, and ability to convert starts into big scores were on full display. He dismantled the bowlers with fluent drives, flicks, and sixes.
His calm temperament and classical stroke play made this innings unforgettable, adding yet another gem to the list of Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Runs | 150 |
| Balls | 133 |
| 4s/6s | 13 / 6 |
| Team | India |
| Opposition | South Africa |
2. Virat Kohli – 160 (2018)*
Kohli’s unbeaten 160 in Cape Town is among the most dominant innings in the history of Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs. He carried the bat, controlled the innings, and kept attacking the bowlers despite losing partners at the other end. His fitness and mental strength allowed him to continue striking hard even after long spells at the crease.
This knock is remembered for its authority, precision, and match-winning impact, placing it among the elite performances in Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Runs | 160* |
| Balls | 159 |
| 4s/6s | 12 / 2 |
| Team | India |
| Opposition | South Africa |
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 200 (2010)*
Sachin Tendulkar’s historic 200* in Gwalior stands proudly at No. 1 among the Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs. This was the first double century in the history of men’s ODI cricket. Sachin displayed supreme class, timing, and shot selection. His innings was a mix of elegance and aggression, with boundaries flowing from all parts of the ground.
This knock was not just a cricketing milestone; it was a moment that redefined limited-overs batting. Sachin’s double ton remains the most iconic entry in the Highest Scores in India vs South Africa ODIs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Runs | 200* |
| Balls | 147 |
| 4s/6s | 25 / 3 |
| Team | India |
| Opposition | South Africa |
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FAQ
Who has the highest individual score in India vs South Africa ODIs?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with his unbeaten 200* in 2010.
How many times has Virat Kohli scored 130+ vs South Africa?
Kohli has done it three times – 160*, 138, and 135.
Which South African player has the highest score against India?
Quinton de Kock leads with 135.
Has any player scored a double century in IND vs SA ODIs?
Yes, Sachin Tendulkar scored the first-ever men’s ODI double hundred in this rivalry.
Are these high scores mostly in India or South Africa?
They are spread across both countries, making the rivalry even more competitive.