In test cricket, achieving the highest test scores is a true mark of a team’s strength and skill. This long game spans over five days and requires patience, clever planning, and the ability to play for extended periods. Teams that can bat for a long time often put up huge scores, which give them an upper hand, especially as the pitch becomes more difficult to play on later in the match.
South Africa (SA) has produced some of the best batters in the game, known for staying at the crease and making big runs. Let’s look at the top five highest scores South Africa has made in test cricket.
Here are the top five highest scores South Africa has made in test cricket
5. 627/7d vs England, 2016 (Cape Town)
In this exciting match in 2016, England scored 629/6 after winning the toss and choosing to bat first. South Africa answered with a score of 627/7 declared, thanks to Hashim Amla’s big score of 201. Temba Bavuma also scored 102, and Faf du Plessis (88) and AB de Villiers (86) gave important support. The match ended in a draw, and Ben Stokes was named Player of the Match for his stunning 258 runs for England.
4. 637/2d vs England, 2012 (The Oval)
In 2012 at The Oval, England scored 385 in their first innings. SA team replied with a huge 637/2 declared. Hashim Amla made South Africa’s only triple century, scoring 311*. Jacques Kallis (182*) and Graeme Smith (131) also contributed big runs. South Africa won the match by an innings and 12 runs, and Amla was named Player of the Match.
3. 651 vs Australia, 2009 (Cape Town)
In 2009, SA played Australia and scored 651 after Australia was bowled out for just 209. AB de Villiers was the top scorer with 163 runs. South Africa won the match by an innings and 20 runs, with Paul Harris taking nine wickets in the game. He was named Player of the Match for his great bowling.
2. 658/9d vs West Indies, 2003 (Durban)
In Durban in 2003, SA scored 658/9 declared against the West Indies. Jacques Kallis was the top scorer with 177 runs. South Africa took a big lead of 394 runs and bowled out the West Indies for 329, winning the match by an innings and 65 runs. Kallis was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
1. 682/6d vs England, 2003 (Lord’s)
South Africa’s highest test score was made at Lord’s in 2003. After England scored only 173 in their first innings, South Africa replied with 682/6 declared. Graeme Smith made 259 runs and Gary Kirsten added 108. SA won the match by an innings and 92 runs, with Smith being named Player of the Match.
These big scores show how strong South Africa’s batters can be, giving their bowlers a good chance to win matches as the pitch becomes harder to play on. These top scores highlight the team’s strength, patience, and skill in test cricket.
Also Read: Top 5 Test Batsmen From South Africa With The Most Runs
