A decade of dominance: List of highest team totals for IND vs SA in ODIs

Shreyasi

South Africa recorded 438/4 against India [Source: AFP Photos]South Africa recorded 438/4 against India [Source: AFP Photos]

After the humiliating 0-2 loss in the Test series, the Indian cricket team is ready to take on South Africa in a three-match One Day International (ODI) series starting on November 30.

Both teams will have a completely different setup for the limited-overs game. The visitors will be full of confidence after their convincing Test series win. They also have the upper hand over India in ODIs with a 51-40 record.

Over the years, matches between India and South Africa have produced some remarkable ODI totals, highlighting the competitive nature and batting prowess displayed by the players. However, the top 5 ODI totals between these two nations were recorded at least a decade ago.

5) India 331/7 – Sophia Gardens, Cardiff – 6th June 2013

It was the first match of the 2013 Champions Trophy in England, which India went on to win under MS Dhoni. This match marked the beginning of Rohit Sharma's regular stint as an opener for India, and he started his new role with a strong 65-run knock. Dhawan racked up 114 and added 127 with Rohit at the top.

Ravindra Jadeja’s 29-ball 47 at the death was instrumental for India crossing the 330 mark. South Africa tried hard with fifties from Ryan McLaren, AB de Villiers, and Robin Peterson, but fell 26 runs short.

4) South Africa 358/4 - New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg – 5th December 2013

South Africa took their revenge within six months, amassing a massive 358/4 in the very first ODI of India’s tour to South Africa. Young Quinton de Kock scored a stellar 135 off 121 deliveries and went on to notch three back-to-back centuries in the series. Indian bowlers failed to derail his aggressive batting, and it was Virat Kohli who took his wicket eventually in the 42nd over.

However, the damage was done. The final touch came from AB de Villiers and JP Duminy. Their 105-run partnership off just 46 balls saw South Africa cruise beyond 350. The hosts won the match by 141 runs.

3) South Africa 365/2 – Motera, Ahmedabad – 27th February 2010

South Africa delivered an utterly dominating performance, powered by at least fifties from their four batters. They had a great start with openers Loots Bosman (68) and Hasim Amla (87) adding 113 runs in 15.4 overs. Following Bosman’s dismissal, Jacques Kallis joined Amla, and their partnership took the score to 192.

AB de Villiers was introduced, and his 59-ball 102, along with Kallis’ 104, took South Africa to a substantial total of 365/2. India responded with resistance, thanks to a fifty from Kohli. But the hosts eventually fell short of 90 runs.

2) India 401/3 - Captain Roop Singh Stadium, Gwalior – 24th February 2010

That match was notable for being India’s only 400-plus score against South Africa. It was especially memorable for Sachin Tendulkar, who became the first male cricketer to break the 200-run barrier in ODIs. Tendulkar remained unbeaten on 200 with 25 boundaries and 3 sixes.

India’s formidable total was further supported by fifties from Dinesh Karthik and MS Dhoni. Their contributions ensured India maintained momentum throughout the innings, building a challenging target for South Africa. The hosts responded with a century from de Villiers, but without substantial support from the other end, South Africa were bowled out for 248 in the 43rd over.

1) South Africa 438/4 – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai – 25th October 2015

The list is topped by the gigantic score put up by South Africa, studded with a hundred from AB de Villiers in 2015. With the series level on 2-2, the South African batters went on a rampage on a batting wicket, with three of their players reaching the three-digit mark.

Quinton de Kock scored 109 as an opener, followed by 133 by Faf du Plessis and a 61-ball 119 by de Villiers. Indian bowlers looked hapless, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceding 106 runs in his 10 overs. Indian batters also surrendered meekly and were all out in the 36th over with a score of 224, losing the match by 214 runs.