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As the Indian cricket team arrives Down Under, the anticipation for the next chapter in this historic India vs Australia ODI rivalry is immense. The clashes between the Men in Blue and the Aussies have consistently delivered us drama, history, and moments of sheer individual brilliance.
Let's walk down memory lane and revisit five of the most memorable one-day thrillers on Australian soil.
Also Read: From Hobart to Adelaide: Virat Kohli’s greatest ODI innings on Australian soil
1. CB Series Final 1, Sydney (March 2, 2008): The Master's first Hundred
The unforgettable 2008 Commonwealth Bank (CB) Series marked a pivotal moment, proving India could conquer the Australian fortress under pressure. Chasing Australia’s target of 240 (set after they were restricted to 239/8), India needed a hero. Sachin Tendulkar, reaching to his 42nd ODI century and his first in Australia, anchored the chase with a majestic 117 not out (120 balls). He was brilliantly supported by the young Rohit Sharma (66), as the duo put on a crucial 123-run partnership to secure a 6-wicket win. The final margin of victory was with 25 balls to spare, shattering Australia's dominance,
2. CB Series Final 2, Brisbane (March 4, 2008): Praveen Kumar's swing of glory
Just two days later, the tension at the Gabba was immense. After a fighting 91 from Tendulkar helped India post 258/9, the match hinged on the early overs of the 2nd innings. The Man of the Match, medium-pacer Praveen Kumar, delivered a stunning spell of 4/46 in 10 overs, ripping through the top order by dismissing Adam Gilchrist (2) and Ricky Ponting (1). Australia was eventually bowled out for 249 in the final over of the match, handing India a famous 9-run victory and the CB Series trophy.
3. Sydney, 2016: Pandey's power-packed performance
The 5th ODI of the 2016 series was a run-fest. Australia set a massive target of 331 (after scoring 330/7). Chasing the total, India relied on a century by debutant Manish Pandey, a dazzling 104 not out (81 balls). After Rohit Sharma fell for 99, Pandey, with the captain MS Dhoni at the other end, kept his cool. India required 13 runs off the final over, and Pandey sealed the 6-wicket win with two balls to spare, marking the highest successful ODI run chase by a visiting team against Australia in Australia at the time.
4. Melbourne, 2019: Dhoni's Calm Clinches the Series
The 3rd India vs Australia ODI of the 2019 series was the decider for India's first-ever bilateral ODI series win in Australia. After Yuzvendra Chahal's brilliant 6/42 restricted Australia to 230, the chase was on. With Virat Kohli departing for 46, all eyes were on MS Dhoni. Playing the perfect finisher's role, Dhoni (87* off 114 balls), alongside Kedar Jadhav (61*), ensured there were no late surprises. Their unbroken 121-run partnership guided India to a comfortable 7-wicket win, sealing a historic 2-1 series victory. It marked India's first-ever bilateral series victory over Australia in Australia.
5. Perth, 1991 World Series: The WACA statement
Rewind to a time when Indian teams struggled immensely on fast, bouncy tracks. In the 1991 Benson & Hedges World Series match, India posted 208/7 at the terrifying WACA. The bowling attack, led by Kapil Dev and Javagal Srinath, then bundled out the mighty Aussies for just 101. India won by a commanding 107 runs, a victory of sheer historical significance that showed the cricket world that the Indian team, under Mohammad Azharuddin, had the capacity for brilliance in intimidating conditions.
