India vs South Africa

This battle remains significant in that India were the first country to host South Africa for an official international series - consisting of three ODIs - since the latter's suspension from the sport following apartheid policy. India emerged 2-1 victors in the series but it also marked the beginning of South Africa's resurgence in global cricket. Today, the Proteas stand tall as one of the most formidable teams, boasting an array of exceptional players who have graced the sport over decades. Their encounters in the 1990s were rather sporadic, confined mostly to ICC competitions and intertwined with triangular and quadrangular tournaments. The turn of the century witnessed the bilateral tours gaining momentum, with Shaun Pollock, and then Graeme Smith's leadership propelling South Africa to one of the most-feared sides in world cricket. Remarkably, South Africa hold an impressive record against the two-time World Cup champions, securing victory in 50 out of 90 head-to-head ODI matches. Yet, one of India's most memorable moments in the format have also come against South Africa, when Sachin Tendulkar became the first men's cricketer to smash a double-century in an ODI in 2010. He is also the highest run-getter in matches between the two (2001 runs in 57 matches), but Pollock tops the wicket-taking charts (48 in 33 games). The World Cups have also witnessed South Africa clinching three out of five encounters but the past two editions in 2015 and 2019 saw India asserting their dominance.