A five-match T20 International (T20I) series between India Women and South Africa Women has been officially confirmed, with the two sides set to face each other from 17 to 27 April 2026. The series will be played across three venues in South Africa, Durban, Johannesburg and Benoni, and will form an important part of both teams’ preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.
The series will open with back-to-back matches at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on 17 and 19 April. The action will then move to the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, which will host the third and fourth T20Is on 22 and 25 April. The tour will conclude with the fifth and final match at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on 27 April. The spread of venues is expected to provide varied conditions, offering both teams valuable exposure ahead of the global tournament.
For South Africa, this series will serve as their final official assignment before the T20 World Cup, which begins on 12 June. India will also see the tour as a key opportunity to fine-tune combinations and assess players in overseas conditions. At the World Cup, both teams have been drawn in Group 1 alongside Australia, Pakistan and two teams from the qualifiers, adding extra relevance to this bilateral contest.
India and South Africa have developed a closely contested rivalry in women’s T20 cricket over the years. In T20 Internationals, India have held a slight advantage in the overall head-to-head record, but several matches between the sides have gone down to the wire. Recent series have reflected the competitiveness between the teams, with both sides trading wins and producing high-quality performances with bat and ball.
In recent encounters, batting has often set the tone. South Africa recorded one of their highest T20I totals against India in 2024 with a score of 189 for 4, while India responded in the same series with commanding victories, including a comprehensive 10-wicket win in a low-scoring chase. Individual performances have also stood out, with consistent contributions from established players on both sides helping shape the contests.
Beyond bilateral results, meetings between India and South Africa have carried added significance in global tournaments, further strengthening the rivalry. With both teams expected to be strong contenders at the upcoming World Cup, the April series offers a chance to measure progress and momentum against a familiar opponent.
With five matches scheduled in just over ten days, the series promises an intense and closely fought contest. As both teams look ahead to the challenges of the Women’s T20 World Cup, this India tour of South Africa is set to be a timely and important chapter in their respective preparations.
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