Few rivalries in world cricket match the intensity, consistency, and drama of
India vs Australia. Whether it’s a crucial ICC final or a bilateral clash under
floodlights, this rivalry has delivered some of the most memorable moments in
one-day cricket. Central to many of these moments are epic run chases — tests
of nerve, skill, and sheer belief.
Over the years, both teams have faced stunning pursuits: India’s flair and
depth clashing with Australia’s grit and discipline. These encounters have
reshaped what’s achievable in ODI cricket, blending daring batting with tactical
brilliance.
As India and Australia gear up for their three-match ODI series starting on the 19th
October 2025 in Perth, fans are already reminiscing about these legendary
clashes — the times when scoreboard lighting, records tumbling, and cricket
becoming cinematic.
The two teams have faced each other 152 times in ODIs. Australia leads with
84 wins, while India has secured 58, and 10 matches have ended without a
result.
In Australia, the dominance leans heavily towards the hosts — 38 wins to
India’s 14 — but on home territory and neutral grounds, India has fought back
vigorously, often producing memorable chases that have surprised even the
finest Australian teams.
Their rivalry in recent years has grown more intense. India’s victory over
Australia in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final, followed by Australia’s
triumph in the 2023 ODI World Cup final serves as a reminder that this battle
has become cricket’s modern-day classic — where skill meets resilience, and
emotion meets excellence.
Top 5 Highest Successful Chases in India–Australia ODIs
1. India 362/1 – Jaipur, 2013: The Run-Fest That Redefined Chasing
If one match exemplifies India’s fearless brand of modern cricket, it’s the Jaipur
ODI on 16th October 2013. Australia batted first and scored a commanding
359/5, led by George Bailey’s 92* and Phil Hughes’ 83. It seemed like a total
well beyond reach — until India came out swinging. Shikhar Dhawan (95) gave
India an energetic start, Rohit Sharma (141) anchored the innings, and Virat Kohli (100 off 52 balls) finished in spectacular style, smashing the then-fastest
ODI century by an Indian.
India reached 362 for 1 in just 43.3 overs, surpassing the target of 360 with 39
balls to spare — one of the most dominant chases ever seen in ODI cricket.
2. Australia 359/6 – Mohali, 2019: Turner’s Storm Stuns India
Six years later, Australia returned the favour in style. On 10th March 2019, at
The PCA Stadium in Mohali, India, batted first and scored 358/9, thanks to
Shikhar Dhawan’s masterful 143 and Rohit Sharma’s 95.
However, what followed was one of the greatest chases ever on Indian soil.
Australia, led by Usman Khawaja (91) and Peter Handscomb (117), kept the
scoreboard moving before Ashton Turner, then a relative newcomer, exploded
with an unbeaten 84 off just 43 balls.
Australia reached 359 for 6 in 47.5 overs, winning by four wickets with 13 balls
remaining. Turner’s fearless stroke play under pressure earned him Player of
the Match and made him an overnight sensation. It was Australia’s highest
successful chase in India and a reminder that no total is safe when two
powerhouses collide.
3. India 351/4 – Nagpur, 2013: Kohli’s Lightning Finish
If Jaipur was a masterclass in dominance, Nagpur’s ODI on 30th October 2013
was a masterclass in pressure handling. Australia batted first and scored 350/6,
thanks to George Bailey’s brilliant 156 and Shane Watson’s 102.
India’s chase began confidently with Shikhar Dhawan’s 100 and Rohit Sharma’s
79, but it was Virat Kohli who seized control during the middle overs. Kohli
smashed an unbeaten 115 off just 66 balls, blending elegance with brutality.
His partnerships with Dhawan and Yuvraj Singh helped India reach 351 for 4
with three balls remaining.
4. India 331/4 – Sydney, 2016: Pandey’s Career-Defining Century
In the final ODI of India’s 2016 tour Down Under, the series was already lost —
but pride was at stake. Australia posted another formidable total, reaching 330
for 7, with David Warner (122) and Mitchell Marsh (102) leading the effort. India, however, crafted a memorable finale at the SCG. Rohit Sharma (99) and Shikhar Dhawan (78) set the foundation for the chase, before Manish Pandey played the innings of his life — a fluent 104 off 81
balls. He and MS Dhoni (34*) guided India home in the final over, reaching 331
for 4 with two balls remaining. It was India’s highest successful ODI chase on
Australian soil — a monumental achievement that remains etched in memory
as Pandey’s coming-of-age moment.
5. Australia 310/5 – Perth, 2016: Smith and Bailey Break Records
The opening match of the same 2016 series at the W.A.C.A. in Perth was
another epic. India posted a competitive 309 for 3, built around Rohit Sharma’s
sublime 171* and Virat Kohli’s elegant 91. It was India’s highest total at the
venue — but it wasn’t enough.
Australia’s top order responded in kind. Steven Smith (149) and George Bailey
(112) stitched together a monumental partnership that set the tone for a
smooth chase. The hosts reached 310 for 5 in 49.2 overs, winning by five
wickets.
FAQs
What is the highest successful run chase in India–Australia ODIs?
India’s 331/4 at Sydney in January 2016, led by Manish Pandey’s unbeaten
century, is their highest successful ODI chase on Australian soil.
Virat Kohli’s 52-ball hundred at Jaipur (2013) remains the fastest century in
ODIs between the two nations.