New Delhi: India versus Australia in ICC knockout matches has been a recurring nightmare for Indian cricket fans.
With India set to face the Australian side once again in the semi-final of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 today, ThePrint looks at some of India’s most painful ICC defeats at the hands of Australia.
Every time India reaches a semi-final or final against Australia, hope soars—only to be shattered. From the 2003 World Cup final to the 2023 ODI World Cup final, India has repeatedly fallen short against the Aussies when it mattered the most.
2003 ICC Cricket World Cup Final (Johannesburg)
This was the beginning of India’s heartbreaks against Australia in ICC knockouts. Led by Sourav Ganguly, India had high hopes of clinching their second ODI World Cup. But Ricky Ponting and his men thwarted these hopes.
Batting first, Australia posted 359/2 in 50 overs, with Ponting hitting an unbeaten 140-run knock in 121 balls. India’s bowling attack crumbled under pressure, leaking runs all over the park.
In response, India’s chase started on a disastrous note, with Sachin Tendulkar getting out for 4 in the very first over. India never recovered and was bowled out for 234, losing by a massive 125 runs.
2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final (Sydney)
Fast forward 12 years, and India was again up against Australia in a World Cup knockout match. This time, it was the semi-final in Sydney. M.S. Dhoni’s side was in great form, having won all their group matches.
Batting first, the Aussies posted 328/7, with Steve Smith scoring a brilliant 105 off 93 balls. India had a promising start, with Shikhar Dhawan scoring 45, but once he got out, the middle order collapsed. Virat Kohli managed only 1 run, and India was eventually bowled out for 233, losing by 95 runs.
The defending champions were knocked out, and once again, it was Australia who played the role of party spoilers.
Also read: India vs Travis Head. A familiar battle awaits in the Champions Trophy semi-final
2023 ICC World Test Championship Final (London)
Team India and their fans would probably wish to forget 2023 altogether—a year that saw them lose two ICC finals to Australia within just a few months.
The World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia was yet another missed opportunity.
Batting first, Australia scored 469, thanks to a magnificent 121 by Steve Smith and 163 by Travis Head. In response, India’s batting line-up collapsed, managing only 296, with Ajinkya Rahane top-scoring with 89.
After the second innings, Australia set India a target of 444, and despite a fighting 49 from Virat Kohli, India crumbled to 234 all out, losing by 209 runs.
2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Final (Ahmedabad)
As Indians were still reeling from the Test Championship defeat, India’s flawless run in the World Cup (winning all 10 matches) reignited hopes—only for the final loss to become one of the most heartbreaking moments for Indian fans.
The final was at home at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Everything seemed set for a dream ending.
But Australia managed to restrict India to 240, thanks to some disciplined bowling from Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
The Aussies chased it down comfortably, with six wickets in hand and Travis Head smashing a match-winning 137 off 120 balls.
Despite a dream run in the tournament, India once again fell short in an ICC final against their toughest nemesis—Australia.
Now, Rohit Sharma’s team is once again at the same crossroads. Can they hold their nerve, or will they crumble against Australia’s onslaught? Will it be another nightmare, or is redemption finally on the cards?
(Edited by Radifah Kabir)
Also Read: India vs Pakistan in Champions Trophy history: High-octane clashes, controversies & standout players