South Africa destroyed the Indian batting line-up to claim victory by an inning and 32 runs in the South Africa vs India first Test, securing the victory in just three days. Kl Rahul's fighting century helped India put up a total of 245. The Proteas' bowling attack dismissed India for 131 in their second innings after South Africa had earlier scored 408 courtesy of Dean Elgar's magnificent knock of 185. The Proteas took a 163-run first-innings lead. Virat Kohli fought alone in the second inning and scored 76 but it wasn't enough. Debutant Nandre Burger took four wickets, Marco Jansen three, and Kagiso Rabada two in the second innings. South Africa cannot lose the series now and remain the only country where India have yet to win an away series.

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South Africa vs India 1st Test: What happened in the match?

1st Inning: India - 245; South Africa 408

After a rain-delayed start in the South Africa vs India 1st Test match, India got off to a disastrous start as they lost their top three inside just 24 runs in the first 12 overs. Kagiso Rabada dismissed Rohit Sharma on 5 to draw the first blood before debutant pacer Nandre Burger sent Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal in quick succession.

Jaiswal got off to a solid start in his first Test in South Africa but was dismissed on 17 while Gill continued his mediocre run overseas as he could only score 2 runs while batting at no.3. Then Kohli combined with Shreyas Iyer to put India's inning back on track with a 68-run stand for the 4th wicket.

The duo did get off to a shaky start, getting a lifeline each after dropped catches in consecutive overs but looked in control until lunch. However, Iyer and Kohli departed in quick succession post Lunch with Rabada dismissing both batters to leave India hanging on 107/5. Kohli departed after scoring 38, and Iyer was sent on 31 off 50 balls.

Rabada and debutant Burger dismantled the batting lineup of the visitors. Kagiso Rabada continued his lethal run after lunch. He dismissed Ashwin and Shardul Thakur to complete his five-wicket haul. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 70 at the end of Day 1. Rahul, who had hit a match-winning Test hundred in Centurion 2 years ago resumed his love affair with the SuperSport Park. The first day ended after 59 overs bowled with 208 runs on the scoreboard. Kl Rahul completed his century but the Proteas bowled out India on a low total of 245 right after the start of Day 2.

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The Indian Cricket Team haven't had a great second day of the South Africa vs India 1st Test match in Centurion. When bad light forced early stumps, South Africa had already taken an 11-run lead with five wickets remaining courtesy of Dean Elgar's beautiful unbeaten 140. The start of India's bowling was not bad as Mohammed Siraj dismissed Aiden Markram early.

But Dean Elgar and Tony de Zorzi constructed a good partnership as South Africa were looking comfortable and the score had reached 91/1 with Elgar completing his half-century.

South Africa's score was 256/5 -lead by 11 runs- with Elgar (140) and Marco Jansen (3) unbeaten at the crease during the time of Day 2 Stumps. India would now feel that they failed to solve the only riddle of the match and that was Dean Elger who played a magnificent inning in the last test series of his career.

The last session of the day started with the debutant David Bedingham scoring a half-century. However, Mohammed Siraj provided India with a much-needed breakthrough, breaking the solid partnership.

After the beginning of Day 3, Dean Elgar moved from 140 to 185 before he was dismissed 30 minutes before lunch. He and Marco Jansen constructed a 111-run partnership for the sixth wicket. The pair started the day with a positive approach and Jansen remained not out on 84, his highest test score. South Africa ended on 408, taking a lead of 163 runs.

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2nd Inning: India - 131; South Africa wins by an inning and 32 runs

It was a terrific bowling performance, from the first ball of India's second innings. Rabada bowled India's captain Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal then gifted Burger his wicket to depart for five. Shubman Gill scored 26 runs off 37 balls but was bowled by Jansen to leave India hanging at 62-3 at tea.

Virat Kohli proved his worth and fought hard but wickets continued to fall at the start of the last session with Shreyas Iyer returning to the dressing room for 6 and then Burger taking two wickets in as many balls. KL Rahul, who scored a century in the first inning, went cheaply as he edged to Markram and Ravichandran Ashwin departed for a duck.

David Bedingham then took a catch at gully to help Rabada getting the wicket of Shardul Thakur. Virat Kohli was the last out for 76 runs off 82 balls, brilliantly caught in the deep by Rabada to put an end to the contest. Only Kl Rahul's century, Bumrah's 4-wicket haul, and Virat Kohli's 76-run inning were the positives for India from the South Africa vs India 1st Test match. The Proteas dominated the match and emerged as the deserved winners.

Indian Captain Rohit Sharma after the loss in the 1st Test

"We were not good enough to win. Having put into bat, KL batted well to get us that score but then we didn't exploit the conditions with the ball and then again didn't show up today with the bat. If we have to win Test matches, we have to come together collectively and we didn't do that. Guys have come here before, we know what to expect and everyone has their own plan. Our batters were challenged and we didn't adapt well. This is a boundary-scoring ground, we saw them score many but we need to understand the opposition and their strengths as well. We didn't bat well in both innings, that's why we stand here. Not too many positives to finish the game within 3 days, but KL showed what we need to do on this sort of pitch. Our bowlers, a lot of these guys haven't been here before so I don't want to be too critical. Important for us to regroup, we go through these times as sportsmen and we need to be ready for the next Test now."

Dean Elgar after the victory and his special 185-run inning

"Pretty special knock. Sometimes what we want to do hasn't worked out as planned, but happy that it worked today. I think you need to keep things nice and simple, the game is already pretty complex. Focus on the ball, play nice and straight. Play late and be great. You got to ride the roller when it is in your favour. Good partnerships with Tony, and then Jansen should his talent as well. You need fast bowlers and a spinner potentially to take 20 wickets, that's how we win Test matches. KG was brilliant, but then Nadre showed why he has been such a shining light for South African cricket. First few days were overcast, and close to sellout. Crowds don't need much motivation to come out and watch their cricket or rugby in Pretoria. You can't win a 2 Test series if you don't win the first one, the Indians are difficult to beat. We'll have a few days out to relax and enjoy this. We were pretty clinical, our fielding wasn't the best and we didn't make it too easy for ourselves at times."

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is cricket’s global governing body, overseeing various prestigious tournaments. These include the ICC Cricket World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy, and the World Test Championship. The ICC tournaments are considered the most prestigious in cricket, and players strive to lift the trophies.

India have always had the services of the best players. And thanks to them, India have been a consistent force in world cricket. The same consistency is visible in the ICC tournaments. This has helped the Indian team win seven ICC trophies over the years. A few players have been part of several of these victorious campaigns.

Also Read: Most Centuries in World Cup History

So, let's take a look at the Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles.

Indian Cricketers with Most ICC Titles

6. Harbhajan Singh | 3 Titles

• 2002 Champions Trophy (shared with Sri Lanka)
• 2007 T20 World Cup
• 2011 Cricket World Cup

Having started his career in 1998, Harbhajan Singh is one of the few Indian cricketers to have won all three ICC white-ball titles. 

He was part of India's 2002 ICC Champions Trophy title-winning campaign, where they were joint winners with Sri Lanka. Five years later, he played a key role in India's triumph in the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup, in 2007. He was also a part of India's 2011 ODI World Cup winning squad.

5. Yuvraj Singh | 3 Titles

• 2002 Champions Trophy (shared with Sri Lanka)
• 2007 T20 World Cup
• 2011 Cricket World Cup

One of India's greatest all-rounders, Yuvraj Singh has also won all three ICC white-ball tournaments. He was part of the teams that won the 2002 Champions Trophy, 2007 T20 World Cup, and 2011 ODI World Cup.

In the 2011 ODI World Cup, Yuvraj was the Player of the Tournament for his stellar all-round performance. He made history in the 2007 T20I World Cup by hitting six sixes in an over against England.

4. Ravindra Jadeja | 3 Titles

• 2013 Champions Trophy
• 2024 T20 World Cup
• 2025 Champions Trophy

After India lifted the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, Ravindra Jadeja went level with Dhoni. The star all-rounder now has three ICC trophies.

Before the latest win, Jadeja was part of another Champions Trophy victory in 2013. He picked up the most wickets in that tournament to win the Golden Ball. Fast forward to 11 years, and Jadeja found himself in the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning squad. After this, he retired from T20I cricket.

3. MS Dhoni | 3 Titles

• 2007 T20 World Cup
• 2011 Cricket World Cup
• 2013 Champions Trophy

MS Dhoni was the first Indian player to win three ICC trophies. Interestingly, he won all three of them as skipper. Under Dhoni’s leadership, India had a successful run in limited-overs. And he showed a glimpse of his tactical acumen early in his captaincy stint.

Captain Cool guided a young team to the inaugural T20 World Cup victory in 2007. Then he followed it with the ODI World Cup triumph in 2011. And Dhoni completed the ICC ODI tournament trophy with the Champions Trophy win in 2013.

2. Rohit Sharma | 4 Titles

• 2007 T20 World Cup
• 2013 Champions Trophy
• 2024 T20 World Cup
• 2025 Champions Trophy

Rohit Sharma is level with Kohli when it comes to ICC trophy victories. The current Indian captain has won two of the four titles while leading the Indian team. Before that, he was part of the Indian team that won the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. 

Then, alongside Kohli, he took India to the Champions Trophy victory in 2013. Rohit repeated the feat in 2024 and 2025, but this time as a captain. He guided the Men in Blue to the T20 World Cup win in 2024, followed by the Champions Trophy triumph in 2025.

Also Read: Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar – Test Stats Compared: Can Root break Sachin's record

1. Virat Kohli | 4 Titles

• 2011 Cricket World Cup
• 2013 Champions Trophy
• 2024 T20 World Cup
• 2025 Champions Trophy

Virat Kohli has been a proven match-winner for India. And the same is true when it comes to ICC events. The top-order batter hardly fails to perform in these high-stakes tournaments. He has powered the team to many wins, including four ICC title victories.

Kohli managed to land his hands on an ICC trophy for the first time in 2011. He was part of the 2011 World Cup squad that defeated Sri Lanka in the final at home. Two years later, he was on the podium yet again as India won the Champions Trophy in England. But then Kohli had to endure a decade’s wait to add the third title. He helped India win the T20 World Cup in 2024 before clinching his fourth silverware in 2025 as India landed the Champions Trophy.

The ICC men’s ODI World Cup has witnessed some of the greatest batters exhibiting their best in the quest for world glory. The World Cup is watched by millions of viewers across the globe, all thanks to the incredibly entertaining cricket action.

World Cup allows players to display their talents to the fullest, but oftentimes, players perform at a whole other level. Teams have exceeded 400 runs on the scorecard, batsmen have hit double centuries, and bowlers have dismissed entire teams for double-digit totals.

The World Cup has seen its share of highs and lows, but today, we take a look at the individual record for most centuries. So, let's take a look at the batters with most centuries in World Cup history.

Also Read: Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century

Most Centuries in World Cup

6. Ricky Ponting | 5

Ricky Ponting also scored 5 centuries in World Cup history. In a glorious career spanning 46 World Cup matches between 1996 and 2011, he notched 1,743 runs.

His best score during this period was 140 not out. Under ponting's leadership, Australia bagged three World Cup titles.

5. Virat Kohli | 5

Virat Kohli has scored five centuries in World Cups across 36 innings. He played his first ever ODI World Cup in 2011 and has been a part of every squad that played the following World Cups.

In 2011, on his World Cup debut, Kohli scored a century. His next century came in 2015 against Pakistan. But it was in the 2023 World Cup that Kohli was at his absolute best, scoring three centuries. He is overall the second-highest run scorer in World Cups, with 1795 runs.

4. Kumar Sangakkara | 5

Kumar Sangakkara is the highest run-scorer for Sri Lanka in ODI cricket history. Not just that, he has also scored the most centuries by a Sri Lankan player at the World Cup.

In 37 World Cup matches, Sangakkara scored five centuries, which were a part of the 1532 runs he scored in World Cups at an average of 56.74.

3. Sachin Tendulkar | 6

There is nearly no World Cup batting record of which Sachin Tendulkar is not a part. Tendulkar, who played six World Cups in his career, smashed six centuries in 44 innings. Sachin is also the top run-scorer in World Cup history, having amassed 2278 runs in 45 matches.

2011, when India broke their 28-year losing streak, was Sachin’s last World Cup. He also holds the record for the most fifties in World Cup history, with a total of 15 of them.

2. David Warner | 6

Australia’s destructive opening batsman David Warner comes second on this list. Warner has played every World Cup starting from the 2015 edition, and has scored six centuries in 29 innings. Two of these centuries came in the 2023 World Cup in India.

Overall from 2015 to 2023, he has scored 1527 runs in 29 games. His top score is 178 runs which came in the 2015 World Cup clash against Afghanistan. 

Also Read: Most Test Wins by a Team since 2010

1. Rohit Sharma | 7

Indian cricket team skipper Rohit Sharma tops the list of most centuries in World Cup history. Rohit has scored a total of 7 centuries in World Cup history so far.

In a brilliant performance during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, Rohit Sharma shattered his 7th century against Afghanistan. Rohit has scored 1575 runs in 28 innings from 2015 to 2023, in which his best score has been 140 runs.

One is called the God of Cricket, and the other is perhaps the greatest test batter of his generation. Both Sachin Tendulkar and Joe Root have contributed to test cricket in their own way.

Since Root started his incredible run with the bat in 2021, everyone started the Joe Root vs Sachin Tendulkar comparison in test cricket. Some even suggested that the former English captain might even break Sachin Tendulkar's test record as well. 

Before India take on England in another mouthwatering five-test match series, we will try to analyse whose test career is better. Is it Joe Root or Sachin Tendulkar? Who is better in test cricket? 

Sachin Tendulkar in test cricket - in numbers

Even before we get into comparing the players, we need to get the numbers right. 

Sachin, the highest run-getter in test and international cricket, scored 15921 test runs in a record 200 test matches. The Indian legend averaged 53.78 and also scored 51 test tons, which is also a record. 

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Debuted at the age of 16, soon, Sachin soon became the then second youngest ever test centurion at the age of 17 years 107 days old. Sachin created that record when he smashed an unbeaten 119 against England in Manchester in 1990. 

He is still the youngest Indian to score an international ton. 

Other records Sachin has in his test career: 

• Most fours in test cricket (2058)
• Most fifties in test cricket (119)
• Fastest to 10000, 13000, 14000, 15000 test runs
• The only batter to surpass the mark of 14000 and 15000 test runs
• 3rd most test innings without a duck (91)
• 2nd most test hundreds in a calendar year (7 in 2010)

Read Also | The Most Memorable Test Centuries in Cricket History

Joe Root in test cricket - in numbers

Part of the modern fav-four in cricket, Joe Root debuted in 2012 against India and announced himself with a gritty 73 from 229 balls.

In his sixth test, he scored his first test hundred against New Zealand and then two tests later, he smashed a 180 against the Aussies at Lord's. 

With 13006, he is the fifth-highest run scorer in test cricket history. He is the highest international and test scorer for England. Moreover, he is also the batter with the most test tons and runs among active batters in world cricket. 

Root till now has played only 153 test matches and has a batting average of 50.80. Since the start of 2022, Root has scored 13 test tons, scoring 3475 runs at an average of 53.46. He is also the highest run scorer in World Test Championship history. 

Other records Root has in his test career:

• 3rd most test runs in a calendar year (1708, in 2021)
• 5th most test hundreds (36)
• 6th most test hundreds in a calendar year (6 in 2021)
• Most fifties in consecutive test matches (12)
• 4th most test fifties (101)

Root vs Sachin in Test Cricket: Comparison

Sachin currently has a lead over Joe Root in every aspect of numbers in test cricket. The master blaster has better records than Root in test cricket.

But to compare them, we will have to compare them with the current number of matches Root has played so far.

Sachin after 153 test matches 

Runs: 12152

Innings: 250

Average: 54.25

100s: 39

50s: 51

Highest: 248*

Sachin in wins after 153 tests: 

Won: 48 tests

Runs: 4011

Average: 62.67

100s: 13

50s: 16

Root after 153 test matches

Runs: 13006

Innings: 279

Average: 50.80

100s: 36

50s: 65

Highest: 262

Root in wins after 153 test matches:

Wins: 70 tests

Runs: 6999

Average: 64.21

100s: 25

50s: 28

So, if we compare Sachin's record to Joe Root's after 153 test matches, we can see that Root is leading the chart with more runs and more fifties. But, Sachin has a better batting average, more hundreds. 

However, in 153 test matches, Root won 70 test matches for England while Sachin had only won 48 test matches as a player. Although their batting averages in winning causes are nearly the same, Root has scored nearly 3000 more test runs on winning occasions for England. 

Bonus: Did you know who was ahead after 145 test matches each for Sachin and Root? 

Can Root catch Sachin in test cricket?

Although Joe Root has scored the most test runs if we compare their stats after 153 test matches, Sachin played nearly five years after playing his 153rd test match in 2008. 

Not only that, in those next 47 test matches he played for India, he scored 3769 runs at an average of 52.34 with 12 tons.

Root is currently 34, and can stretch his career for at least 4-5 years if he can stay fit. With the number of test matches England play every season, there is a certain possibility that Root can end up playing more than 200 test matches in his career. 

Even if he plays 47 more test matches and bats at least 75 innings, he would need 2915 test runs at an average of 38.87. 

With the current form Joe Root is in, this is quite possible for him to get. But, will he be able to keep the form like Sachin had done at the age of 35 and after? That's the question the World Cricket will be eyeing. 

Playing test matches is one thing but to win test matches is a whole other ball game as only the best teams are able to win and get better as a test match side. During the 140+ years of test cricket there have been around 2500+ test matches that have been played by the various teams playing and these teams strive to beat the other team in this match and win the series as a result. Winning a test match is the ultimate satisfaction for a team even now. So, let’s look at the statistics of Most Test Wins by a Team since 2010.

Also Read: Most Sixes in International Cricket History | Top 25 Batters

Most Test Wins by a Team since 2010

5. New Zealand | 52

The number 5 team in this list is the New Zealand team which has won 52 test matches since 2010 out of a total of 122 test matches played till now. They have lost 46 matches which is not a good record to have and hopefully the win loss difference decreases and they have a total of drawn test matches of 24 and going forward it can be said that their record will improve.

4. South Africa | 66

South Africa have one of the most impressive records in the test cricket as in the 127 test matches they have played in from 2010-2025 , they have been able to win 66 test matches and they have lost 39 matches against good teams as well and they also have drawn 22 test matches. South Africa was barred from cricket as well for a number of years and they were reinstated in 1993 again and their journey hasn’t looked back since.

3. India | 80

After Australia, the third team with most test match wins is the Indian team with 80 test match wins since 2010 in a total of 156 matches. They have also lost 48 matches which is not a good sign as well as they have 28 drawn matches throughout their journey from 2010 and the hope is this record gets better with time and they win more matches than they lose.

2. Australia | 84

Australia have played a total of 157 test matches since 2010 and they have won 84 matches and also lost 48 matches as a side and some of the losses were memorable. And Australia have drawn 25 matches and drawn test matches can be very entertaining as well. Australia will play more test matches as they go along over the years and they will reach 100 test wins really soon as well.

Also Read: Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

1. England | 90

England is the test team with the most number of wins in test matches since 2010. They are the only team who have played over a 190 test matches and they have won 90 matches whereas they have also lost 70 test matches as well which shows they are beaten a lot of times as well and the number of drawn test matches by England are at 31 and as they play along they will win more rest matches as well as lose matches as well.

In the thrilling world of international cricket, hitting sixes remains one of the most entertaining aspects of the game. Over the years, power-hitters have delighted fans by clearing boundaries with ease and rewriting records with their big-hitting skills.

Also Read: Fastest Indians to score 2000 test runs

Let's take a look at the batters with most sixes in international cricket history.

Most Sixes in International Cricket History

10. AB de Villiers | 328 Sixes

Former South African player AB de Villiers gets the 10th spot on this list. The former right-handed batsman slammed 328 sixes in international cricket. De Villiers shattered 64 sixes in Tests, 204 in ODIs, and 60 in the shortest format. During his career from 2004 to 2018, De Villiers was known as Mr. 360 due to his ability to smash sixes all over the ground.

9. Eoin Morgan | 346 Sixes

England’s limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan represented both Ireland and England. From 2006 to 2022, he hit 346 sixes in international cricket. The English player has slammed 6 sixes in Tests, 220 in ODIs, and 120 in T20Is. Morgan captained England to their first ICC Cricket World Cup win in 2019.

8. Sanath Jayasuriya | 352 Sixes

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Sanath Jayasurya grabs the 8th spot on this list. Jayasuriya, who played from 1989 to 2011, was widely popular for his ability to smash sixes. The former left-handed batsman slammed 352 sixes in international cricket during his active career. The former Sri Lanka opener smacked 59 sixes in Tests, 270 in ODIs, and 23 in T20Is. Jayasuriya retired in 2011 from international cricket.

7. MS Dhoni | 359 Sixes

Former Indian captain and wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni bags 7th spot in this list. Dhoni accounts for 359 sixes in international cricket. Dhoni, who played for India from 2004 to 2019, slammed 78 sixes in Tests and 229 in ODIs. The wicketkeeper-batsman slammed 52 sixes in the shortest format as well. His leadership and batting prowess led India to numerous victories, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

6. Jos Buttler | 369 Sixes

Jos Buttler, England's dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, has been a key player since his debut in 2011. By 2025, he amassed 369 sixes in international cricket. Buttler's innovative stroke play and aggressive batting have been instrumental in England's recent successes.

5. Martin Guptill | 383 Sixes

Martin Guptill, another prominent New Zealand batsman, has been a consistent performer since his debut in 2009. As of 2022, he has hit 383 sixes in international cricket. In Tests, the right-handed batsman has shattered 23 sixes. The opening batsman has also slammed 187 sixes in ODIs and 173 sixes in T20Is.

Also Read: England vs India Test series: 9 test matches India won so far on English soil

4. Brendon McCullum | 398 Sixes

Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum grabs the 4th spot in this list. The former right-handed batsman accounts for 398 sixes in international cricket. The former Kiwi opener slammed 107 sixes in Tests, 200 in ODIs, and 91 in T20Is. Mccullum played for New Zealand from 2002 to 2016.

3. Shahid Afridi | 476 Sixes

Shahid Afridi, affectionately known as "Boom Boom," was famous for his explosive batting style. Representing Pakistan from 1996 to 2018, Afridi hit 476 sixes in international cricket. The former Pakistan skipper accounts for 52 sixes in Tests, 351 in ODIs, and 73 in T20Is. Afridi retired from international cricket in 2018.

2. Chris Gayle | 553 Sixes

West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle steals the second spot in this list. Gayle, known as the "Universe Boss," is one of the most destructive batsmen in cricket history. Over his career spanning from 1999 to 2021, he amassed 553 sixes in international cricket. Gayle has slammed 98 sixes in Tests, 331 sixes in ODIs, and 124 sixes in T20Is.

1. Rohit Sharma | 637 Sixes

Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian cricket team in ODI formats, is renowned for his exceptional batting prowess. He holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket, with a total of 637 sixes across all formats. Notably, he also holds the record for the highest individual score in a One Day International (ODI) match, with 264 runs.

Also Read: Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

Here is the list of the top 25 players with the most sixes in international cricket: