India vs Australia Head-to-Head Records (Tests, ODIs, T20Is)

Few rivalries in world cricket evoke as much passion, pride, and intensity as
India versus Australia. What began as a contest of contrasting styles —
Australia’s aggression versus India’s artistry has developed into one of the
greatest rivalries in modern sport. Whether it’s a gripping Test series, a fiery
ODI battle, or a high-octane T20 clash, encounters between these two
powerhouses always attract global attention.

Over the decades, India and Australia have delivered unforgettable moments —
from Gavaskar’s defiance and Tendulkar’s centuries to Ponting’s dominance
and Kohli’s counterattacks. Here’s a complete breakdown of their head-to-head
record across formats, updated ahead of their latest meetings in 2025. Overall Head-to-Head Summary (All Formats)
Across all formats, India and Australia have faced each other 296 times, with
Australia is leading the overall head-to-head. The Aussies have won 143 matches,
while India has secured 111 victories, and 42 games have ended in draws or no
results.

In Tests, Australia holds the edge with 48 wins to India’s 33, while in ODIs, the
gap is wider at 84–58. However, India dominates the T20I format, winning 20
out of 32 encounters, highlighting how the balance of power shifts across eras
and formats in this iconic rivalry.

Test Matches: The Classic Rivalry

Matches Played: 112
India Wins: 33
Australia Wins: 48
Draws: 31
The rivalry in Test cricket between India and Australia began in 1947–48, when
Don Bradman led Australia to a commanding innings victory in Brisbane.
However, in the modern era, India has emerged as Australia’s most fierce Test
contender.

Historic Test Moments:

2001 – Kolkata Miracle: India’s comeback victory after following on, led by
VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid ended Australia’s 16-match winning
streak.
2008 – Perth Victory: India stunned Australia in Perth’s pace-rich environment
to level the contentious “Monkeygate” series.
2018–19 – India’s First Win in Australia: Under Virat Kohli, India became the
first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia (2–1).

2020–21 – The Gabba Triumph: A young Indian side under Ajinkya Rahane
broke Australia’s fortress, ending their 32-year unbeaten home record at The
Gabba.
2024–25 – Australia Reclaim the Trophy: Pat Cummins’ team won the home
series 3–1, led by Travis Head’s 448 runs.
Across generations, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has grown into one of
cricket’s most esteemed bilateral series, blending mutual respect with fierce
rivalry.

ODI Matches: Dominance and Drama

Matches Played: 152
India Wins: 58
Australia Wins: 84
No Result/Tied: 10
The ODI rivalry ranks among the fiercest in world cricket. Australia’s
dominance in the 1990s and early 2000s — driven by Ricky Ponting, McGrath,
and Gilchrist set the tone. However, India, with stars like Tendulkar, Dhoni,
And Kohli has since narrowed the gap, especially at home.

Key ODI Highlights:

1980 (First ODI): India beat Australia by 66 runs — a strong start to the rivalry.
2003 World Cup Final: Australia thrashed India by 125 runs in Johannesburg.
Ricky Ponting scored an unbeaten 140. 2011 World Cup Quarter-Final: India avenged their 2003 defeat, defeating Australia in Ahmedabad on their way to World Cup victory. 2023 World Cup Final: Travis Head’s 137 propelled Australia to their sixth
World Cup title, beating India in Ahmedabad.

Recent Trend (2020s): India has often held the edge in home ODIs, but
Australia remains more consistent in the ICC knockout stages.
Australia leads overall, but the rivalry stays close in the bilateral series, where
Conditions often decide the result.

T20I Matches: India’s Modern Supremacy

Matches Played: 32
India Wins: 20
Australia Wins: 11
Tied/NR: 1
In the shortest format, India holds a clear advantage, having won nearly two-
three-quarters of all encounters. The rivalry began in 2007 when Yuvraj Singh’s heroics
propelled India past Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-final — a victory that
became symbolic of India’s rise in the new format.

Notable T20I Clashes:

2007 World T20 Semifinal (Durban): India defeated Australia by 15 runs.
Yuvraj smashed 70 off 30 balls.
2016 Mohali (T20 World Cup): Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 82* chased down 160,
sending India to the semi-finals.
2024 T20 World Cup Super 8 (St. Lucia): India beat Australia by 24 runs, led by
Rohit Sharma’s blistering 89.
Home Domination: India has won most home T20I series against Australia,
utilising spin-friendly pitches and deep batting to great effect.

India’s adaptability, strike rotation, and fearless batting have made them the
superior T20 side in this rivalry.

India vs Australia in ICC Tournaments

Across all ICC tournaments, India and Australia have met 38 times, with the
rivalry remaining finely balanced. Australia holds a narrow edge with 18 wins,
while India has claimed 17 victories, and 4 matches ended without a result.
Australia dominates the ODI World Cups (9–5), whereas India leads the T20
World Cup (4–2) and the Champions Trophy (3–1). In the World Test
In the championship, Australia has a slight upper hand (6–5). Overall, the numbers
reflect a rivalry defined by near parity and high-stakes encounters on cricket’s
biggest stages.

Why the India–Australia Rivalry Defines Modern Cricket
What makes this rivalry iconic isn’t just numbers — it’s intensity, respect, and
evolution.

Australia’s fierce professionalism and India’s daring flair have crafted a contest
of contrasts.
Each era — from Bradman vs Amarnath, Tendulkar vs McGrath, to Kohli vs
Cummins has added fresh chapters.
Both nations now share cricket’s grandest stage — in crowds, revenue, and
global influence — turning every encounter into a battle between equals.
The rivalry’s modern balance ensures that every series, every ICC knockout,
and every match-up transcends mere game — it becomes a pursuit of
dominance.

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