Ranking the best ODIs between India and Australia to date
What's the story
As two-time champions, India continue their journey in the ICC World Cup 2019, they would be up against title holders Australia on Sunday. With a rich history of rivalry between these two nations, India would be looking to inflict Australia with their first loss of the tournament. As things would get intense, let us have a look at their top ODI clashes to date.
Desert Storm
Sachin Tendulkar terrorizes Australia in Sharjah
Every Indian cricket fan remembers this match. As India were vying for a spot in the final of the Coca-Cola Cup in Sharjah, they were up against Australia. With a target of 285 to chase, India had to score at least 254 to qualify. However, a rain-interruption brought the required qualifying target down to 237, as Sachin Tendulkar's 131-ball 143 sealed India's final spot.
2007-08 Tour
India's historic ODI series win in Australia
Before 2008, India had won only one ODI series, in Australia. The win had come in 1985. However, in 2008, India stomped their authority in CB Series by winning the first final. The second final saw Tendulkar score 91, allowing India to post 258/9. In reply, Australia fought back, while Irfan Pathan defended 13 runs in the final over to hand India the trophy.
Hyderabad
India fall three short of a historic run chase
Locked at 2-2, both teams were vying for a lead in Hyderabad. Shaun Marsh's 112 helped Australia posted 350/4. India were off to a flying start, but then they lost a couple of wickets. However, Tendulkar played one of the greatest ODI innings (175) to almost chase the total. Unfortunately, his wicket in 48th over changed the match as India lost by three runs.
2011 CWC quarters
India knock out the defending champions
One of the memorable wins for India against Australia came during the quarters of the ICC World Cup 2011 in Ahmedabad. Following a century from Ricky Ponting, Australia posted an average total of 260. Australia bowled well, as the match hung in balance with India at 187/5. It was the pair of Raina and Yuvraj Singh, who then ensured that they steer India home.
Nagpur 2013
India script another historic chase at Nagpur
Both these teams have been involved in high-scoring encounters. The final ODI in 2013 at Nagpur saw India determined to level the series 2-2. Australia scored another monstrous total of 350 on a flat Nagpur wicket, courtesy George Bailey's 156. In reply, it was Virat Kohli, who held his nerves to score a 66-ball 115 to ensure India's second historic chase of the series.