The upcoming ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup, slated to begin from October 5, has sent ripples of anticipation through the cricketing world, and at the forefront of this thrilling event stand two cricketing giants – India and Australia. Their much-anticipated showdown is set to kick off on October 8 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, marking the beginning of their respective campaigns in the tournament.
This clash is not just another match in a crowded cricketing calendar; it’s a continuation of a storied rivalry that has spanned over several decades and across multiple World Cup editions. In the past, these cricketing titans have locked horns in 12 ODI World Cup matches throughout nine editions of the quadrennial spectacle. In this captivating rivalry, Australia has maintained the upper hand, boasting a remarkable 75% win record. The five-time World Cup champions have notched up eight victories, eclipsing India’s four in their World Cup encounters.
It all began in 1983
The inception of this rivalry can be traced back to June 13, 1983, during India’s victorious 1983 World Cup campaign. Their first encounter in that tournament took place in England, where Australia emerged triumphant with a resounding 162-run victory in the league stage. However, Kapil Dev’s spirited Indian squad bounced back with a spectacular 118-run win against the Aussies in Chelmsford.
Their rivalry continued to evolve in subsequent World Cups, notably in the 1987 edition in Madras (now Chennai) on October 9, 1987. Australia narrowly clinched victory by a mere 1 run while defending a total of 270 on a sluggish pitch, courtesy of Craig McDermott’s pivotal 4/56.
Australia’s winning streak
India, though, got the better of Australia when they met again in the second league game in Delhi. Star players like Sunil Gavaskar, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Dilip Vengsarkar, and Mohammad Azharuddin showcased their prowess by scoring half-centuries, propelling India to a formidable total of 289 for 6 in their allotted 50 overs. Azharuddin and left-arm spinner Maninder Singh shared the spotlight, each securing three wickets, effectively dismantling the Australian innings, which folded up for 233 in 49 overs.
However, Australia registered a nerve-wracking 1-run victory over India for the second time in the ICC Cricket ODI World Cup, this time on their home turf in Brisbane during the 1992 World Cup, which they co-hosted with New Zealand. This win marked the beginning of a five-match unbeaten streak for Australia against India, including their dominant performance in the 2003 World Cup final.
Momentous clash
The two cricketing giants met only once in a World Cup final, a momentous clash that took place in the 2003 edition in Johannesburg. Australia rode on the stellar performances of their captain, Ricky Ponting (140*), and Damien Martyn (88), amassing a staggering total of 359/2. India’s hopes were dashed as they were bundled out for a meager 234 in the second innings, and Australia defended their title with a comprehensive 125-run win.
It wasn’t until eight years later, during the quarterfinal of the 2011 World Cup at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad, that India finally avenged their 2003 World Cup loss to Australia. Facing a modest target of 260, India found themselves at 187 for 5 before the dynamic duo of Yuvraj Singh (57*) and Suresh Raina (34*) took charge, guiding India to victory. This triumph marked India’s first World Cup win over Australia since 1987.
The 2015 World Cup saw Australia once again emerge victorious, as they knocked India out of the tournament in the second semi-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground. However, India gained redemption in their latest World Cup meeting in 2019 at The Oval in London, securing a memorable victory.
Looking beyond the World Cup, these cricketing giants have clashed in a total of 146 One-Day Internationals from 1980 to 2023. Australia has dominated this contest, amassing 82 wins, while India has secured 54 victories, with 10 matches ending without a result.
As India and Australia prepare to renew their cricketing rivalry on the grandest stage of them all, fans across the globe can only wait with bated breath to witness the sparks fly and the legends of the game script another chapter in this captivating saga.