South Africa have lengthy been one of the crucial aggressive sides in ODI cricket. But, even the strongest groups endure days they’d reasonably overlook. Through the years, the Proteas have been on the receiving finish of some crushing defeats in opposition to heavyweights like Australia, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Their recent hammering at the hands of Australia on Sunday (August 24, 2025) now stands as their worst-ever ODI loss.
Right here’s a rundown of the 5 heaviest defeats in South Africa’s ODI historical past:
1. Australia beat South Africa by 276 runs – August 24, 2025
- Goal: 432
- Margin of defeat: 276 runs
- Venue: Mackay, Australia
Australia delivered a ruthless efficiency, smashing 432 earlier than dismantling South Africa for his or her biggest-ever defeat in ODIs. The 276-run loss has already gone down as one of many darkest days in Proteas historical past.
2. India beat South Africa by 243 runs – November 5, 2023
- Goal: 327
- Margin of defeat: 243 runs
- Venue: Kolkata, India
On the 2023 World Cup, South Africa had been blown away by India in entrance of a packed Eden Gardens. Bundled out cheaply whereas chasing 327, they suffered their heaviest ODI defeat again then.
3. Pakistan beat South Africa by 182 runs – December 11, 2002
- Goal: 336
- Margin of defeat: 182 runs
- Venue: Durban, South Africa
In a shock outcome at residence, South Africa’s famed batting lineup crumbled whereas chasing Pakistan’s 336, resulting in a crushing 182-run loss.
4. Sri Lanka beat South Africa by 180 runs – July 20, 2013
- Goal: 321
- Margin of defeat: 180 runs
- Venue: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Additionally READ: Fans react as Australia destroy South Africa by 276 runs in third ODI to avoid series whitewash
On a tricky tour of Sri Lanka, the Proteas had been outplayed within the opening ODI. Chasing 321, they had been bowled out for simply 140 handy the hosts an enormous win.
5. Sri Lanka beat South Africa by 178 runs – August 12, 2018
- Goal: 300
- Margin of defeat: 178 runs
- Venue: Dambulla, Sri Lanka
5 years later, historical past repeated itself. Chasing 300, South Africa’s batting folded as soon as once more in Sri Lanka, this time by 178 runs.
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