Ten greatest India-Australia ODIs

It is a rivalry that is now almost as riveting as the one between India and Pakistan. On the eve of yet another India-Australia series, we relive ten of the most engrossing encounters between the two rivals.

Coca-Cola Cup: Sharjah - April 22, 1998
Australia won by 26 runs (revised target)

The match, which was played to decide who between India and New Zealand would join Australia in the three-nation Coca Cola Cup final, earned a permanent place in the history of Indian cricket by the time it got over.

After Australia elected to bat, Michael Bevan scored his third ODI ton to help them pile on 284 - a substantial total in any condition.

This left India needing 254 to qualify on run-rate, but after a dust storm, this target was revised to 237 off 46 overs.

Though India went on to lose the encounter, a glittering innings from Sachin Tendulkar ensured them a berth in the final. The little master smashed nine fours and five sixes while going on to score 143 off 131 balls.

Sachin was particularly severe on Shane Warne during a no-holds-barred assault that marked the beginning of a decade-long rivalry between the two cricketing greats.

Image: Gilchrist can only watch as Tendulkar lofts an off drive during his 141 against Australia on April 22, 1998.

Text: Parthasarathi Mitra | Getty Images (Any unauthorised reproduction is strictly prohibited)