When it comes to cricket rivalries, India vs Australia in ODIs is one of the fiercest and most respected in the world. Over the years, the Ind vs Aus ODI clashes have given fans countless goosebump moments — from Sachin’s magical “Desert Storm” to Kohli’s chase-masterclass innings, and from Ponting’s dominance to Starc’s fiery spells. This rivalry is not just about runs and wickets; it’s about passion, pride, and performance under pressure.
Ind vs Aus ODI Rivalry: Best Innings, Records & Top Players Over the Years
Head-to-Head Record
The India vs Australia ODI rivalry began in 1980, and since then, both teams have faced each other in over 150 ODIs.
| Record Type | India | Australia | Tied/No Result |
| Matches Played | 150+ | 150+ | 10+ |
| Wins | 58+ | 83+ | 10+ |
| Highest Total | 383/6 (Ind) | 389/4 (Aus) | — |
| Lowest Total | 63 (Ind) | 101 (Aus) | — |
Australia holds a slight upper hand in overall victories, but India’s recent dominance at home has balanced the equation in the last decade.
Top Players Who Defined the Rivalry
1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)
The “Master Blaster” has scored more than 3,000 ODI runs against Australia, including some of the most memorable centuries in cricket history. His back-to-back hundreds in the 1998 Sharjah Cup remain iconic.
Highlight Innings: 143 (“Desert Storm”) vs Australia, Sharjah 1998
2. Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Ponting’s aggressive batting and leadership made him one of India’s toughest opponents. His century in the 2003 World Cup Final remains unforgettable — it crushed India’s dreams that night.
Highlight Innings: 140*(128) vs India, Johannesburg, 2003 World Cup Final
3. Virat Kohli (India)
The modern-day chase master. Kohli’s ability to pace an ODI innings, especially against Australia’s strong bowling, has made him a true successor to Tendulkar’s legacy.
Highlight Innings: 115*(66) vs Australia, Nagpur 2013
4. Glenn Maxwell (Australia)
Known for his explosive batting, Maxwell has changed games in a few overs. His fearless stroke play has often stunned Indian bowlers.
Highlight Innings: 96(83) vs India, 2019 Bengaluru ODI
5. MS Dhoni (India)
The calm finisher, captain cool, and tactical genius. Dhoni’s match-winning innings and smart captaincy played a key role in India’s ODI success against Australia.
Highlight Moment: Dhoni’s 113*(125) in Chennai, 2013 — carried India to a respectable total.
Iconic India vs Australia ODI Matches
1. Sharjah 1998 — The “Desert Storm”
Sachin Tendulkar’s stunning 143 against a world-class Aussie attack not only led India to the final but also became one of cricket’s most iconic innings.
2. 2003 World Cup Final — Australia Crushes India’s Dream
Ricky Ponting’s 140* off 128 balls gave Australia a commanding total of 359/2. India lost early wickets and never recovered, marking one of the most emotional defeats in Indian cricket.
3. 2019 Bengaluru ODI — Kohli & Rohit’s Chase
In a must-win match, Rohit Sharma (119) and Virat Kohli (89) guided India to chase 287 with ease, showcasing India’s new batting power.
4. 2023 World Cup Final — Australia’s Historic Win in Ahmedabad
Despite a strong Indian campaign, Australia, led by Travis Head’s brilliant century, lifted the 2023 ODI World Cup trophy, silencing a 1,30,000-strong home crowd.
Recent Form and Modern Era Rivalry
In recent years, the Ind vs Aus ODI rivalry has become even more competitive. India’s rise in home conditions, led by bowlers like Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav, has balanced Australia’s pace power of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
With young stars like Shubman Gill and Cameron Green emerging, the future of this rivalry looks even more thrilling.
Interesting Facts & Records
- Sachin Tendulkar has the most centuries (9) in Ind vs Aus ODIs.
- Brett Lee has taken 55 wickets, the most by any bowler in this rivalry.
- India and Australia have met 12 times in ICC ODI tournaments, with Australia leading narrowly.
- The highest successful chase between these two teams is 359/6 by India (Jaipur 2013).
What Makes the Rivalry Special
- Intensity: Both teams play with aggression and emotion.
- Quality: World-class players on both sides across generations.
- Respect: Despite the heated moments, there’s immense mutual respect.
The Ind vs Aus ODI rivalry represents the best of modern cricket — skill, passion, and sportsmanship.
FAQs about Ind vs Aus ODI-
Q1. How many ODIs have India and Australia played against each other?
They’ve played over 150 ODIs since 1980, with Australia leading the head-to-head record.
Q2. Who is the highest run-scorer in Ind vs Aus ODIs?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with over 3,000 runs against Australia.
Q3. Who has taken the most wickets in India vs Australia ODIs?
Brett Lee leads with 55 wickets, followed by Mitchell Starc and Kapil Dev.
Q4. What was the most iconic India vs Australia ODI match?
The 1998 Sharjah “Desert Storm” match remains the most iconic.
The Ind vs Aus ODI rivalry is not just a cricket contest — it’s a clash of legends, emotions, and generations. From Tendulkar’s magic to Kohli’s consistency and Ponting’s dominance to Maxwell’s power, every era has added new stories to this fierce battle.
Whether it’s a World Cup final or a bilateral series, when India faces Australia, fans know — it’s going to be epic.
Because entertainment never stops! CelebsAdda brings you fast, reliable, and spicy updates from the world of cinema, television, and celebrity culture anytime, anywhere.