Border-Gavaskar Trophy: 5 Unforgettable Times When India Defeated Australia

A test of skill, endurance, and strategy, often played in challenging conditions, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy also represents the height of the India-Asutralia cricket rivalry. Ever since the first match in the series went underway in 1996, in Chennai, the hype for the series has climbed with each successive edition.

Now, as Team India practices in Perth ahead of their first clash for the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, here are five unforgettable moments from the series’ history when India won over Australia in crucial instances.

Top 5 Moments When India Defeated Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

1. Kolkata, 2001

In what is often referred to as one of the greatest comebacks in the history of Test cricket, India found themselves in a tight spot. Australia had posted a massive 445. In reply, India was bundled out for 171.

India's innings looked dire until VVS Laxman’s 281 and Rahul Dravid’s 180 helped India post 657/7 declared. Finally, Harbhajan Singh's seven-wicket haul in Australia's second innings sealed a famous victory.

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2. Brisbane, 2021

Scheduled to play the final Test at The Gabba, India’s key players faced injuries. On the other hand, Australia hadn't lost a Test at this ground in 32 years.

However, the young Indian team showcased brilliance, as Rishabh Pant's unbeaten 89, pushed India to chase down 328 runs on the final day. This historic victory saw India clinch the series 2-1.

3. Adelaide, 2003

Best remembered for Rahul Dravid's masterclass, this match had Australia post 556 runs in their first innings, with Ricky Ponting scoring a double-century.
In response, India scored 523, with Dravid contributing 233.

However, in the second innings, Ajit Agarkar's six-wicket scalp restricted Australia to 196, setting up a target of 230. Finally, Dravid raced down the chase with an unbeaten 72, guiding India to a victory.

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4. Mohali, 2010

Chasing 216, India was struggling at 124/8. VVS Laxman stood firm despite a back injury while Ishant Sharma and Pragyan Ojha helped him in partnerships.
Yet, India was in a challenging position, having scored only 124 for 8 wickets while chasing a target of 216.

With little chance to win, VVS Laxman took charge and hit an unbeaten 73. Furthermore, with Sharma's 31 and Ojha's support to the striker, India achieved a thrilling one-wicket win.

5. Perth, 2008

India had lost the first two Tests of the series and desperately needed a win. Batting first, India posted a competitive 330, with crucial strokes by Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.

In response, Australia was bowled out for 212 and India's second innings saw them scoring 294, setting Australia a target of 413. Despite a strong chase, Australia fell short by 72 runs, with Irfan Pathan taking crucial wickets, earning India one of its greatest wins in overseas conditions.