The clash between India and Australia has always been a treat for the fans in recent years. There have been many timeless classics which has seen the involvement of these two teams. India has always upped its game while playing against Australia. They seem to have that burning desire to prove themselves against arguably one of the world’s most formidable teams. The passion and unbelievable dedication from both sides has resulted in many great encounters.

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India’s Top 5 Feat Against Australia

5: Desert Storm, Sharjah 1998

India was not known to deliver on the big stage especially during the ’90s. Nobody gave them a chance during the Coca-Cola Tri-Series held in Sharjah in 1998. To make matters more difficult for India, they had to chase a score of 235 odd in 46 overs to make the finals. That total was huge back then. But Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar had other plans. His belligerent knock of 143 singlehandedly took India to the finals.

It didn’t just end there, Tendulkar scored a brilliant 134 that helped India lift the cup. These two knocks are considered to be two of the greatest ODI knocks ever played. Played amidst the storm which hit Sharjah, these knocks earned the sobriquet of “Desert Storm”

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4: India’s historic triumph in Australia, 2018-2019

The Indian team travelled to Australia for a four-match Test series in 2018-19. They arrived down under having squandered the opportunity to win test series in both South Africa and England. Even though Australia were missing both David Warner and Steve Smith, their bowling attack was still top-notch. It wasn’t going to be easy defeating the Aussies in their backyard. The Indian team managed to do just that.

They won the first game at Adelaide which set the tone for them. They could have easily won at Perth too but they allowed that match to slip out of their grasp. But the “Men in Blue” came roaring back in Melbourne to attain an unassailable lead of 2-1. They could have won the fourth Test in Sydney too but thanks to rain intervening, India had to settle with a draw. Nevertheless, they secured their maiden Test series triumph in Australia. A feat which had not been achieved by any Indian team and that in itself makes this achievement more special.

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3: India’s quarterfinal win over Australia in 2011 WC

Australia, as the whole world knew were a different beast altogether when it came to knockout matches. They suddenly seem to rise to the occasion during such clutch games. India were prepared to counter that. They knew they had to fight tooth and nail to come up trumps against the defending champions, Australia. India at one stage seemed to have lost the plot. They were 5 wickets down with more than 70 runs to get. Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina combined forces to handle India a 5 wicket victory. The win gave India the belief that they can be world champions. This victory managed to allay the scars which were left behind by the 2003 World Cup Final loss.

2: World T20 classic semi-final Durban, 2007

India entered the inaugural World T20 tournament as a bunch of no-hopers. They had a young captain in Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He was handed a team that was bereft of experience. As all the big guns had rested themselves for this showpiece event. India were slotted to play their semi-final match against Australia in Durban. People expected the Aussies to get the better of Indians in this game. Since Australia had a more well-rounded unit and had good experience within their ranks as compared to India. India having won the toss seemed to be going nowhere with their batting. They managed to score just 41 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the first 8 overs.

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Then came Yuvraj Singh. He along with Robin Uthappa set the stage on fire and looked unstoppable that night. Dhoni and Rohit Sharma provided the finishing touches to take India to 188-5 in their 20 overs. India were too good on the field that day and defeated Australia by 15 runs to enter the final, which they eventually won. That was one electrifying game and the Indians were flat out brilliant.

1: India’s epic series win in 2001

Australia arrived in India confident of winning a Test series. They had the ammunition and numbers to back them up. Aussies had won 16 Test matches on the trot. They had gulped down India in Mumbai, the first Test under 3 days while they had enforced a follow-on in the 2nd test.

Nobody absolutely nobody gave India a chance to even draw the Test match forget winning it. But thanks to the record partnership between VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid, India managed to pull off a miraculous win. India managed to win the third test at Chennai too which helped them win the series 2-1. The classic win not just snapped Australia’s winning streak but also announced to the cricketing world that India are a force to reckon with.