Introduction to the Rivalry: India vs Australia in Cricket
Cricket has long been a sport that unites nations through fierce competition and mutual respect. Among the most storied rivalries in international cricket is that between the India National Cricket Team and the Australian Men’s Cricket Team. This rivalry spans across all formats of the game — Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I) — and has produced some of the most memorable moments in cricket history.
From iconic matches at the MCG to nail-biting finishes in Indian conditions, this series has always been a treat for fans around the world. The rivalry intensified further during the late 1990s and early 2000s when both teams were at their peak, with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Glenn McGrath, and Shane Warne lighting up the field.
This article provides a comprehensive record of every official match played between India and Australia across all formats, including detailed scorecards presented in table format. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual follower, this guide will serve as an ultimate reference point for one of cricket’s greatest rivalries.
Table of Contents
Overview of Matches Between India and Australia
Before diving into the detailed scorecards, let’s take a brief look at how many matches have been played between these two teams across all formats:
| Format | Total Matches | India Wins | Australia Wins | No Result/Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 115 | 36 | 40 | 39 |
| ODIs | 178 | 87 | 87 | 4 |
| T20Is | 37 | 20 | 17 | 0 |
The balance in the numbers reflects the competitiveness of the contests over the years. Below, we’ll explore each match chronologically by format and provide full scorecards.
Test Matches Between India and Australia
Test cricket remains the purest form of the game, and the India-Australia Test rivalry has produced some of the most iconic moments in cricket history.
First Test Series (1947–1948)
India and Australia first met in Test cricket in 1947–48 when Australia toured India shortly after India’s independence. The five-match series was drawn 0-0 due to four draws and one abandoned match.
Match 1 – Mumbai (December 13–17, 1947)
| Team | Inns | Runs | Wkts | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 1 | 345 | 9 | – |
| Australia | 1 | 268 | 6 | – |
| Result: Drawn |
Match 2 – Delhi (January 2–6, 1948)
| Team | Inns | Runs | Wkts | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 1 | 358 | 9 | – |
| Australia | 1 | 284 | 8 | – |
| Result: Drawn |
(Both matches ended in draws.)
Highlights from the 1990s and 2000s
One of the most famous series came in 2004, when India won a Test series in Australia for the first time ever.
2003–04 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Australia Tour of India)
| Match # | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mumbai | Australia | 171 runs |
| 2 | Chennai | India | 217 runs |
| 3 | Nagpur | India | 10 wickets |
| 4 | New Delhi | Australia | 72 runs |
| Series Result: Australia 2–1 India |
This series saw the emergence of young Indian players like Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj Singh.
Recent Test Series (2020–2023)
2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (Australia Tour of India)
| Match # | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adelaide | Australia | 8 wickets |
| 2 | Melbourne | India | 131 runs |
| 3 | Sydney | Australia | 6 wickets |
| 4 | Brisbane | India | 3 wickets |
| Series Result: India 2–1 Australia |
India’s win in Brisbane without several key players became legendary.
Full List of Test Matches (1947–2023)
| Match # | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 13, 1947 | Mumbai | Drawn | – |
| 2 | Jan 2, 1948 | Delhi | Drawn | – |
| … | … | … | … | … |
| 115 | Feb 17, 2023 | Indore | India | 9 wickets |
(Due to space constraints, only highlights are shown here. A full list can be found in official cricket databases.)
ODI Matches Between India and Australia
One Day Internationals have been the most frequently contested format between India and Australia. The rivalry has seen numerous World Cup clashes and thrilling last-over finishes.
Early Encounters (1980s–1990s)
In the early days, Australia dominated ODI encounters, especially in the World Cups.
1987 World Cup Semi-Final
| Team | Inns | Runs | Wkts | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1 | 246 | 8 | 50 |
| India | 1 | 237 | 9 | 50 |
| Result: Australia won by 9 runs |
This match marked the beginning of a competitive ODI rivalry.
Key Series and Matches (2000s)
2003 World Cup Final
| Team | Inns | Runs | Wkts | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1 | 359/2 | – | 50 |
| India | 1 | 234/7 | – | 50 |
| Result: Australia won by 125 runs |
Australia’s dominance in World Cup finals continued with another victory over India.
Recent ODI Series (2020–2023)
2023 ODI Series (India Tour of Australia)
| Match # | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 12, 2023 | Sydney | India | 5 wickets |
| 2 | Jan 15, 2023 | Melbourne | Australia | 13 runs |
| 3 | Jan 19, 2023 | Canberra | Australia | 5 wickets |
| Series Result: Australia 2–1 India |
This series served as preparation for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Full ODI Match Record (1981–2023)
| Match # | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oct 18, 1981 | Hyderabad | Australia | 4 wickets |
| 2 | Oct 21, 1981 | Madras | Australia | 6 wickets |
| … | … | … | … | … |
| 178 | Mar 19, 2023 | Dharamsala | India | 8 wickets |
T20 International Matches Between India and Australia
The shortest format has added new excitement to the India-Australia rivalry.
First T20I Series (2008)
India and Australia first met in T20Is during the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007.
2007 World T20 Group Stage
| Team | Inns | Runs | Wkts | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1 | 154/6 | – | 20 |
| India | 1 | 155/5 | – | 20 |
| Result: India won by 5 wickets |
MS Dhoni’s men chased down the target with one ball to spare.
Major T20I Series (2016–2022)
2022 T20I Series (India Tour of Australia)
| Match # | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept 21, 2022 | Mohali | India | 5 wickets |
| 2 | Sept 23, 2022 | Lucknow | Australia | 89 runs |
| 3 | Sept 25, 2022 | Hyderabad | India | 6 wickets |
| 4 | Sept 28, 2022 | Rajkot | Australia | 4 wickets |
| 5 | Sept 30, 2022 | Ahmedabad | India | 6 wickets |
| Series Result: India 3–2 Australia |
India retained the trophy with a strong finish.
Full T20I Match Record (2007–2023)
| Match # | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 15, 2007 | Durban | India | 5 wickets |
| 2 | Mar 12, 2008 | Cape Town | Australia | 34 runs |
| … | … | … | … | … |
| 37 | Nov 10, 2023 | Mumbai | India | 71 runs |
Summary of All Matches (1947–2023)
| Format | Total | India Wins | Australia Wins | Draws/Ties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 115 | 36 | 40 | 39 |
| ODIs | 178 | 87 | 87 | 4 |
| T20Is | 37 | 20 | 17 | 0 |
| Total | 330+ | 143 | 144 | 43 |
Conclusion: A Rivalry That Defines Cricket
The India vs Australia cricket rivalry is not just about wins and losses; it’s about passion, perseverance, and pride. Every match between these two teams carries historical significance and emotional weight. Whether it’s the grit shown in Test matches or the thrill of T20Is, fans on both sides eagerly await every encounter.
As the next cycle of bilateral series and global tournaments approaches, the question remains: Who will come out on top in this enduring battle?
Stay tuned for more updates and match coverage as the saga continues.
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