Few cricketing rivalries match the intensity of India vs Australia — and no battlefield tests a team’s skill quite like the vast, fast venues across Australia. From the thunderous roar of the Melbourne Cricket Ground to the scenic beauty of Adelaide Oval, India’s journey Down Under is a story of persistence, heartbreak, and eventual triumph.
Here’s a detailed look at India’s win-loss record at every major Australian venue, across both ODIs and T20Is, complete with their first and most recent encounters at each ground.
1. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The MCG has hosted some of India’s most memorable battles in Australia. In 22 ODIs played here, India has won 11 and lost 11, while in T20Is, India boasts a strong record — 4 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no result from 6 matches.
India’s first ODI at the MCG took place on December 6, 1980, when Sandeep Patil’s brilliant 64 off 70 balls and a handy wicket guided India to victory, defending 208/9 as Australia folded for 142, handing India a 66-run win.
Their most recent ODI at the MCG was on January 18, 2019, when Yuzvendra Chahal’s stunning spell of 6 for 42 helped India restrict Australia to 230, before Kohli and Dhoni anchored a chase of 234/3 in 49.2 overs.
In T20Is, India’s journey began poorly — in February 2008, they were bowled out for 74, with Michael Clarke’s unbeaten 37 leading Australia to a 9-wicket win. But since then, India has dominated. In November 2022, Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive 61 off 25 balls propelled India to 186/5 against Zimbabwe, securing a 71-run victory in the T20 World Cup.
2. Adelaide Oval
The Adelaide Oval has always held a special place in Indian cricket — a picturesque venue where the team’s record reflects confidence and composure. India has played 15 ODIs here, winning 9, losing 5, and tying 1, alongside 3 T20Is — of which they’ve won 2 and lost 1.
Their first ODI victory in Adelaide dates back to December 23, 1980, when Yashpal Sharma’s gritty 72 off 105 balls guided India to 230/7, before they held off New Zealand for a narrow 6-run victory.
Fast forward to January 15, 2019, and Virat Kohli produced another Adelaide classic — a superb 104 off 112 balls in India’s chase of 299/4, sealing a six-wicket win over Australia with four balls to spare.
In T20Is, India’s first match at Adelaide in January 2016 saw Kohli’s unbeaten 90 off 55 balls lead a dominant win by 37 runs over Australia, defending 188/3. Their last T20I here came during the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final, when England’s openers Alex Hales (86*) and Jos Buttler (80*) crushed India’s 168/6 to win by 10 wickets.
3. Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
The SCG has been a mixed experience for India. In 22 ODIs, India has won 5, lost 16, and had 1 no result. However, in T20Is, the outlook is much more positive — India has 4 wins out of 5 matches.
India’s first ODI at Sydney was on December 18, 1980, when they scored 180/9 in 49 overs, losing by 9 wickets as Australia chased down 183/1.
Their most recent ODI there, played on November 29, 2020, was a high-scoring affair — Australia amassed 389/4, with Steve Smith hitting a century, and despite Kohli’s 89, India fell short at 338/9, losing by 51 runs.
In T20 cricket, however, the story is much brighter. India’s first T20I at SCG was on January 31, 2016, chasing 198 thanks to Rohit Sharma’s 52, Kohli’s 50, and Suresh Raina’s unbeaten 49, securing a 7-wicket victory off the last ball.
Their latest match at this ground — on October 27, 2022 — saw Suryakumar Yadav score 51 off 25 balls in India’s commanding 56-run win over the Netherlands during the T20 World Cup.
4. Perth Stadium (Optus Stadium)
A venue celebrated for its bounce and pace, the brand new Perth Stadium remains one of the most challenging surfaces for subcontinental teams. India has not played any ODIs here yet and has only participated in one T20I, which ended in defeat.
That solitary T20I took place on October 30, 2022, when South Africa successfully chased down India’s 133/9 with five wickets remaining. Lungi Ngidi tore through India’s top order with 4 for 29, earning Player of the Match honours.
5. The Gabba, Brisbane
The Gabba has seen India’s share of highs and lows. In 16 ODIs, India has won 4, lost 10, and had 2 no results, while their only T20I here also ended in defeat.
India’s first ODI at this venue was on December 21, 1980, when Kapil Dev’s quick 75 off 51 balls couldn’t prevent a defeat — New Zealand chased down 205 with two balls to spare.
Their most recent ODI appearance, in January 2016, saw Rohit Sharma shine with 124 off 127 balls, yet Australia comfortably chased 309/3 to win by seven wickets.
In the 2018 T20I, played at the same ground, rain shortened the game to 17 overs per side. Australia posted 158/4, and India finished at 169/7 under DLS, falling short by 4 runs.
6. Manuka Oval, Canberra
A smaller stadium compared to Australia’s major venues, Manuka Oval has hosted a few memorable India matches. India has played 3 ODIs here, winning 1 and losing 2, along with a single T20I victory.
Their first ODI at this ground, on February 12, 2008, against Sri Lanka, ended in a rain-affected draw, with India scoring 195/5 in 29 overs.
On December 2, 2020, Hardik Pandya’s explosive 92 off 76 balls powered India to 302/5, leading to a 13-run victory over Australia — India’s first win at the ground.
Just two days later, India played their only T20I here and successfully defended 161/7, thanks to Yuzvendra Chahal’s match-winning 3/25, securing an 11-run win.
7. Bellerive Oval, Hobart
The Bellerive Oval in Hobart has hosted five ODIs involving India, of which they have won three and lost two. India is yet to play a T20I here.
Their first ODI at Hobart, played on 10 December 1991, ended in an 8-wicket defeat as Australia chased down 176/2.
However, the venue’s defining moment came on February 28, 2012, during the Commonwealth Bank Series, when Virat Kohli’s legendary 133 off 86 balls led India to 321/3, chasing down Sri Lanka’s 320/4 with 80 balls to spare — one of India’s most dominant chases on Australian soil.
FAQs
The Adelaide Oval, where India has won 9 of 15 ODIs.
At the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sydney Cricket Ground, with 4 wins each.
Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 133 off 86 balls at Hobart in 2012 stands among India’s best.
The SCG, where India has managed only 5 ODI wins in 22 outings.