The lND vs SA Test series is always a memorable experience for cricket lovers, witnessing intense competition and memorable performances.
Both teams have a rich history in Test cricket, which is reflected in some of their excellent bowling figures that have given a new dimension to the matches over the years.
These two nations’ test series will not only check the skills and strategies of both teams but will also add new chapters to their competitive legacy. This historic rivalry promises exciting Test cricket, especially with past bowling exploits that have set sky-high standards.
Reigning world Test champions South Africa are set to face India once again with a mix of experienced and new players, eager to conquer the challenging conditions of the subcontinent.
Currently, in November 2025, the South African team led by Temba Bavuma is touring India for a two-match Test series, playing its first match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Looking at the first day’s play, it seems that bowlers will dominate this series.
In this series, South Africa will see key bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen bowling lethally. A strong Indian team led by Shubman Gill will have both fast and spin options with bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja.
So let’s have a look at the top 5 best bowling figures in IND vs SA Test series history.
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Table of Contents
5. Allan Donald (7/84 at Gqeberha)
South African legend Allan Donald’s charismatic bowling performance came during India’s tour of South Africa in 1992. Allan Donald showcased his tremendous pace and aggression with his powerful bowling at South Africa’s home ground, Gqeberha.
In his 28 overs, including 4 maidens, Donald took 7/84 at an economy rate of 3 runs per over. Apart from this, he also took five wickets in the second innings of the same match, while in this entire series, he has taken 20 wickets.
His performance played a key role in South Africa’s victory against India in the 1992–93 series by 1-0.
| Stats | Overs | Runs | Wicket | Eco. | 5-fer |
| In Inning | 28 | 84 | 7 | 3 | 1 |
| In Series | 175 | 394 | 20 | 2.25 | 2 |
4. R Ashwin (7/66 at Nagpur)
Ravichandran Ashwin has been a constant threat to South Africa in India. His performance during South Africa’s 2015 tour of India, played in Nagpur, was particularly notable.
In which he gave away 66 runs in 29.5 overs with 7 maidens and took 7 important wickets at an economy of 2.21, which helped India to achieve a big win. Because of his excellent performance in this match, Ashwin earned a spot among the best bowling figures in IND vs SA Test series history.
Apart from this, Ashwin also took 5 wickets in the second innings. This series was memorable for him, and he took a total of 31 wickets, due to which India won this series 3-0. Ashwin’s skilful use of spin on Indian pitches has often tilted the balance in India’s favour.
| Stats | Overs | Runs | Wicket | Eco. | 5-fer |
| In Inning | 29.5 | 66 | 7 | 2.21 | 1 |
| In Series | 164.4 | 345 | 31 | 2.09 | 4 |
3. Shardul Thakur (7/61 at Johannesburg)
Shardul Thakur has also made a distinct identity in the Test team by batting and bowling brilliantly for the Indian team on many occasions.
He made headlines during India’s South Africa tour in 2022 by taking a career-best 7-wicket haul in the second Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. Thakur bowled 17.5 overs, including three maidens, and destroyed the South African batting order, conceding just 61 runs.
His effort was successful as India bowled out South Africa for 229, one of the best performances by an Indian bowler on foreign soil against the Proteas. However, India could not save the series and lost the series by 1-2, while Thakur took a total of 12 wickets in this test series.
| Stats | Overs | Runs | Wicket | Eco. | 5-fer |
| In Inning | 17.5 | 61 | 7 | 3.42 | 1 |
| In Series | 72.5 | 229 | 12 | 3.14 | 1 |
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2. Dale Steyn (7/51 at Nagpur)
In 2010, Dale Steyn’s brilliant bowling during the first Test in Nagpur during South Africa’s tour of India showcased his swing and accuracy.
In 16.4 overs, including 6 maidens, Steyn took 7 wickets for 51 runs at an impressive economy rate of 3.06. Apart from this, Steyn took a total of 11 wickets in this entire series, and this series remained a draw with 1-1.
But his lethal spells consistently troubled the Indian batsmen, proving why he is considered one of the best fast bowlers in Test cricket history.
| Stats | Overs | Runs | Wicket | Eco. | 5-fer |
| In Inning | 16.4 | 51 | 7 | 3.06 | 1 |
| In Series | 64 | 223 | 11 | 3.43 | 1 |
1. Lance Klusener (8/64 at Eden Gardens)
Lance Klusener’s brilliant bowling spell remains the best bowling figures in IND vs SA test series history. The South African team, which toured India in 1996, was playing the fourth innings of the second Test at Eden Gardens.
Klusener bowled 21.3 overs, including four maidens, conceding just 64 runs and taking eight wickets at an economy rate of 2.97. His impressive performance played a key role in South Africa’s impressive 329-run victory.
Apart from this, he took 10 wickets in this series against India. This spell will go down in history as a benchmark of fast bowling excellence against India on home soil.
| Stats | Overs | Runs | Wicket | Eco. | 5-fer |
| In Inning | 21.4 | 64 | 8 | 2.97 | 1 |
| In Series | 77.3 | 465 | 10 | 3.32 | 1 |
