The much-anticipated Australia tour of South Africa 2026 is set to begin on September 24, with the two heavyweight teams facing off in a three-match ODI series. The opening contest will take place at Kingsmead in Durban before the sides turn their attention to the longer format.
Matches between South Africa and Australia have regularly produced extraordinary batting displays, with several elite batters leaving their mark on this rivalry. From record-breaking chases to extraordinary power-hitting exhibitions, the ODI meetings between the Proteas and the Baggy Greens have witnessed some unforgettable individual performances. As the latest series approaches, here is a look at some highest individual scores recorded in South Africa vs Australia ODIs.
5 highest individual scores in South Africa vs Australia ODI series
1. Quinton de Kock (SA)
Quinton de Kock occupies the top position after producing a spectacular 178 against Australia at SuperSport Park in Centurion in September 2016.
The South African opener took the attack apart with an aggressive display of stroke-making, combining timing with remarkable power. His innings contained 16 fours and 11 sixes, leaving the Australian bowlers under constant pressure.
De Kock’s explosive contribution provided South Africa with a huge platform and remains the highest individual score by a batter in an ODI between the two nations.
2. Herschelle Gibbs (SA)
Herschelle Gibbs produced one of the most memorable ODI innings of all time during the legendary encounter at the Wanderers in Johannesburg in March 2006.
Chasing Australia’s mammoth 434, Gibbs played a pivotal role in South Africa’s historic pursuit. He scored 175 from 142 deliveries, striking 21 fours and seven sixes during a sensational innings.
Despite facing physical discomfort and fatigue during the chase, Gibbs continued to attack and helped keep South Africa on course for one of the most remarkable victories in ODI history.
3. Heinrich Klaasen (SA)
Heinrich Klaasen‘s brutal assault on the Australian bowling attack at Centurion in September 2023 ranks among the most destructive innings in this rivalry.
The South African middle-order batter smashed 174 runs from only 114 balls, combining clean hitting with exceptional control. His innings featured 13 fours and 13 sixes as he repeatedly found the boundary against both pace and spin.
Klaasen’s remarkable strike rate and sustained aggression transformed the innings and highlighted the extraordinary power-hitting capabilities of modern ODI batters.
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4. David Warner (AUS)
David Warner is the only Australian batter to feature in the top five, thanks to his outstanding 173 against South Africa in Cape Town in October 2016.
The left-handed opener delivered a powerful performance at the top of the order, combining his trademark attacking approach with the concentration required to construct a huge individual score.
Warner’s innings featured 24 boundaries and showcased his ability to dominate opposition bowling while maintaining his intensity over a prolonged period. His century remains one of the standout individual efforts by an Australian batter in ODI cricket against South Africa.
5. Ricky Ponting (AUS)
Ricky Ponting completes the list with his magnificent 164 during the famous 438 match at the Wanderers in Johannesburg in March 2006. After Australia elected to bat first, Ponting led from the front and produced a superb captain’s innings. He accumulated his runs through a combination of powerful strokes, precise placement and controlled aggression, hitting 13 fours and nine sixes.
His knock helped Australia reach the enormous total of 434/4, a score that appeared virtually insurmountable at the time. However, South Africa produced an extraordinary response and completed the highest successful ODI chase then recorded. Ponting’s innings ultimately came in a losing cause, but his 164 remains an iconic contribution to one of the greatest matches in ODI history.
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