Top 5 highest individual scores by South African batsmen in test cricket

Only one South African batsman has hit a triple century in test cricket.

South Africa‘s test cricket history dates back to 1889 when they played their first test match against England in Gqeberha. Their journey in their initial days was without any success as they had to wait until 1906 for their first victory, which came against England in Johannesburg.

South African conditions generally assist swing and seam movement, which pose immense challenge for the batsmen. In the longest format of the game, where patience and endurance reign supreme, South Africa have produced some of the best test batsmen who have thrived in difficult batting conditions, not only at home but also around the world.

Over the years, the Proteas batsmen have played a key role in their team’s success. Home to some of the best players of all time, South Africa have always fought fire with fire.

On that note, let’s take a look at the top five highest individual scores for South Africa in the oldest format.

Here are the top five individual scores by South African batsmen in test cricket

5. Gary Kirsten – 275 vs England, Durban, 1999

Gary Kirsten’s 275 is the highest test score by a South African batsman in South African soil. In a match-saving effort, Kirsten faced 642 balls, batting for over 14 hours in the second innings of the Durban test against England in 1999.

Batting first, England scored 366 runs to which South Africa replied with only 156. South Africa were then asked to bat again as England enforced the follow-on. But this time, the hosts were far better with the bat, as they forced a draw finishing their second innings at 572/7. Kirsten was named Player of the Match for his valiant effort.

4. Daryll Cullinan – 275* vs New Zealand, Auckland, 1999

Daryll Cullinan’s innings of 275* came against New Zealand in the Auckland test of the 1999 series. His marathon innings ensured that South Africa declared at 621/5, holding a dominant position in the game.

His 180-run partnership with Gary Kirsten led South Africa to a commanding position. In what ended as a drawn test, Daryll Cullinan was named the Player of the Match for his excellent double century.

3. Graeme Smith – 277 vs England, Birmingham, 2003

Legendary South African captain Graeme Smith played a captain’s knock against England in the Birmingham test of the 2003 series. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Smith tormented the English bowling with his marathon knock of 277.

His innings came at a healthy strike rate of 74.26. Smith was pivotal for South Africa in posting a first innings total of 594.

England fought back with the bat, scoring 408 runs in their first innings to head the game towards a draw. Smith was named Player of the Match for his scores of 277 and 85 runs.

2. AB de Villiers – 278* vs Pakistan, Abu Dhabi, 2010

Known for his fluent stroke-making, AB de Villers put up an exhibition of patience and endurance during the second test of the two-match test series against Pakistan in the UAE in 2010. Batting first on a batting paradise in Abu Dhabi, South Africa posted a massive total of 584/9.

De Villiers’ knock of 278* consisted of 23 fours and six sixes. The game ended in a boring draw with Pakistan finishing with a score of 153/3 while chasing 354. De Villers was named Player of the Match for his sensational knock in the first innings.

1. Hashim Amla – 311* vs England, The Oval, 2012

Hashim Amla holds the record for the highest individual score by a South African in test cricket, and he is the only test triple centurion for his country. Amla played a marathon innings of 311* against England at the Oval in 2012.

Amla’s triple century came in the first innings of the test at The Oval in 2012. His 311* helped South Africa post a giant total of 637/2. Amla combined with Kallis to form an unbeaten 377-run partnership for the third wicket.

Eventually, South Africa won the test by an innings and 12 runs and Amla was named Player of the Match.

(All stats updated till 20th October, 2024)

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