India Women to make long-awaited Test return in South Africa after 24 years

India women’s cricket team will make their return to Test cricket in South Africa after 24 years, as they face the hosts in a one-off Test in Gqeberha on December 20. Cricket South Africa announced the full schedule for the India Women’s ODI and Test tour on Friday.

The last time India Women played a Test match in South Africa was in 2002, when they secured a 10-wicket victory at Boland Park in Paarl. This will also be the first time since 2026 that India Women will participate in three Test matches in a single calendar year.

India will kick off their tour with a warm-up match against South Africa Emerging, followed by a three-match ODI series from December 9 to 15. The series will then conclude with the one-off Test. The Indian women’s team is also set to return to South Africa in April for a five-match T20I series, part of their preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup.

In early 2027, Australia will travel to South Africa for a full multi-format series, including three T20Is, three ODIs, and a one-off Test. The T20Is will take place in Kimberley, Benoni, and East London, while the ODIs will be hosted in Gqeberha, Paarl, and Durban. The final ODI will also be part of the annual Black Day fixture.

“We are thrilled to welcome two of the world’s top teams, India and Australia, for what is sure to be an exciting home summer for the Proteas Women,” said CSA Chief Executive Officer Pholetsi Moseki.

“These tours will highlight the best of international women’s cricket and further boost the increasing fan support, as we continue to see larger crowds across the country attending matches to watch world-class players compete at our iconic venues,” Moseki added.

India Women recently completed a tour of Australia, where they were defeated 12-4 in the multi-format series. South Africa are currently in New Zealand, trailing 2-1 in their ongoing five-match series.

India Women’s Tour of South Africa (2026):