Highest Team Totals Scored by India in Australia (ODIs + T20Is)

Scoring big runs in Australia has always been a statement of dominance. The extra bounce, longer boundaries, and world-class opposition make every high and aggression — the Australian conditions have become a proving ground for some of their finest batting displays.

From Kapil Dev’s generation laying the groundwork to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli redefining modern batting, India’s top totals Down Under tell the story of evolution, grit, and fearless cricket.

Here are the highest team totals India has scored in Australia across both ODIs and T20Is.

India’s Highest ODI Totals in Australia

1. 338/9 – Sydney (November 29, 2020)

In the 2nd ODI of the 2020 series at the Sydney Cricket Ground, India came close to chasing a mammoth target of 390 set by Australia. Despite falling short, their 338 for 9 remains India’s highest ODI total in Australia.

Batting second, Virat Kohli (89) and KL Rahul (76) led India’s spirited reply, countering an onslaught from Steve Smith (104) and David Warner (83) earlier in the day. The 51-run defeat hardly mattered — it was a high-scoring spectacle that showed India’s batting firepower could match Australia blow for blow on their home turf. 

2. 331/4 – Sydney (January 23, 2016)

A modern-day classic, the 5th ODI of the 2016 series saw India chase down 331 at the SCG — their highest successful run chase in Australia. Manish Pandey, playing one of the innings of his life, scored an unbeaten 104 off 81 balls, finishing the game in the final over with MS Dhoni at the other end.

Earlier, Australia had posted 330/7, powered by David Warner’s 122 and Mitchell Marsh’s 102 not out. In reply, India’s top order fired collectively — Rohit Sharma (99) and Shikhar Dhawan (78) set the platform before Pandey sealed the chase. India’s 331/4 was more than a total; it was a statement that they could outbat Australia in Australia.

3. 323 – Canberra (January 20, 2016)

In a high-scoring thriller at Manuka Oval, India’s 323 all out fell just short of chasing 348, but the match showcased some of the finest batting performances on Australian soil. Shikhar Dhawan (126) and Virat Kohli (106) scored twin centuries, bringing India close before a late collapse shifted the momentum.

Australia’s Aaron Finch (107) and David Warner (93) earlier powered the hosts to 348/8, with Ishant Sharma taking 4 wickets for 77 runs. Although India lost by 25 runs, their score of 323 was another example of their growing comfort on the bouncy Australian wickets.

4. 309/3 – Perth (January 12, 2016)

Perth’s W.A.C.A. Ground has traditionally been a tough venue for subcontinental batters, but Rohit Sharma’s splendid 171 not out off 163 balls changed that narrative. Supported by Virat Kohli (91), India scored 309 for 3, their highest total at the ground.

Meanwhile, Australia’s Steve Smith (149) and George Bailey (112) led a historic chase of 310/5, winning with four balls to spare. Despite the loss, Rohit’s innings remains one of the finest ODI performances ever seen in Australia. 

5. 308/8 – Brisbane (January 15, 2016)

At The Gabba, India’s top three — Rohit Sharma (124), Ajinkya Rahane (89), and Virat Kohli (59) — combined to post 308/8 in the second ODI of the 2016 series. It was a classy batting effort, but Australia once again demonstrated their mastery in chasing, reaching 309/3 thanks to George Bailey (76)* and Shaun Marsh (71).

Although the result was against them, India’s 308 further reinforced their reputation as a batting powerhouse even on fast, bouncy pitches — something that would have seemed unlikely a decade earlier.

India’s Highest T20I Totals in Australia

1. 200/3 – Sydney (January 31, 2016)

In the 3rd T20I of India’s 2016 tour, the Men in Blue scored their highest-ever T20I total in Australia — 200 for 3 — while achieving a 3–0 series sweep. Rohit Sharma (52), Virat Kohli (50), and Suresh Raina (49 not out) all performed well in a well-paced chase of 198.

Despite Shane Watson’s brilliant 124 not out, India won by seven wickets, demonstrating the batting depth that made them unbeatable in white-ball cricket at the time.

2. 195/4 – Sydney (December 6, 2020)

In another Sydney classic, India successfully chased a tense target of 195, thanks to a rapid finish from Hardik Pandya. His unbeaten 42 off 22 balls, combined with Shikhar Dhawan’s 52 and Kohli’s 40, propelled India to 195/4 in 19.4 overs, beating Australia by six wickets.

Australia’s Matthew Wade (58) and Steve Smith (46) had earlier lifted the hosts to 194/5, but Pandya’s strategic aggression secured a thrilling victory — a defining moment in India’s modern T20 strategy.

3. 188/3 – Adelaide (January 26, 2016)

Australia Day in 2016 turned into India’s celebration as Virat Kohli delivered a masterful T20 batting performance in Adelaide. His unbeaten 90 off 55 balls, featuring nine fours and two sixes, guided India to 188 for 3.

Australia, chasing 189, collapsed to 151, with Jasprit Bumrah (3/23) and Ashwin (2/28) clinching a 37-run victory.  

4. 184/3 – Melbourne (January 29, 2016)

Just two days later, India repeated their dominance at the MCG. Rohit Sharma (60) and Virat Kohli (59)* powered India to 184 for 3, with their seamless partnership dismantling Australia’s attack.

Australia managed only 157/8 in response, as Ravindra Jadeja (2/32) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/37) kept things tight. The 27-run victory secured India’s first-ever T20I series win in Australia.

5. 174/7 – Sydney (December 8, 2020)

In the final T20I of the 2020 series, Virat Kohli once again led from the front with a graceful 85 off 61 balls, helping India post 174 for 7. Despite Kohli’s heroics, Australia chased down 187 to win by 12 runs, led by Matthew Wade (80) and Glenn Maxwell (54). 

Even in defeat, Kohli’s innings was a reminder of consistency and class — an innings that perfectly balanced intent with elegance under pressure.

FAQs