![Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh in frame [Source: @CricketTalkies/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1740987571145_India_Beat_Australia.jpg?type=mq)
Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh in frame [Source: @CricketTalkies/X.com]
Cricket's fiercest modern rivalry will reignite in March as India and Australia clash in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai. The match carries immense weight, not just for its stakes in the tournament but also due to India's storied struggles against Australia in ICC knockout games.
With the Aussies often playing the role of tormentors in big-ticket matches let's take a deep dive back to the time when India managed to defeat Australia in an ICC tournament knockout.
India’s Knockout Win in the 2011 World Cup Quarter-Final
India's record against Australia in ICC knockout matches since 2010 makes for grim reading - four encounters, three defeats, and only one victory. That lone triumph came in the 2011 ODI World Cup quarter-final, a game etched in cricketing lore.
Chasing 261 in Ahmedabad, India rode on Sachin Tendulkar’s composed 53, Gautam Gambhir's gritty 50, and Yuvraj Singh's ice-cool 57 to secure a five-wicket win. For over a decade, this remains India's sole knockout victory over Australia in ICC tournaments.
Reliving the 2011 Classic Against Australia
On a sun-baked March afternoon in Ahmedabad, Ricky Ponting's defiant 118 (118) anchored Australia's 260/6, a total that seemed competitive but not insurmountable. India's bowlers, led by Yuvraj Singh (2/44) and R Ashwin (2/52), clawed back after Ponting's masterclass, restricting Australia's late surge.
The chase began shakily as Virender Sehwag fell early, but Tendulkar and Gambhir steadied the ship. Tendulkar's elegance and Gambhir's resolve took India to 94 before Shaun Tait's pace shattered Tendulkar's stumps, silencing the crowd.
Gambhir then forged partnerships with Virat Kohli (24) and Yuvraj, whose fearless shots under pressure turned the tide. With MS Dhoni and Suresh Raina providing late fireworks, Yuvraj sealed the win with a boundary, sending a billion hearts into delirium.
Record of India vs Australia in ICC Tournament Knockouts
Across seven ICC knockout clashes, Australia holds a narrow edge. Let's take a look at the records and the events.
| Tournament | Matches | India Won | Australia Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICC World Cup | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| ICC Champions Trophy | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| ICC T20 World Cup | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| ICC World Test Championship Final | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Australia's dominance in World Cup knockouts stings the most. Ricky Ponting's 140* bulldozed India in the 2003 final, while Steve Smith's 105 in the 2015 semi-final and Pat Cummins' tactical brilliance in the 2023 finals extended India's misery. Yet, India's 2007 T20 win and the 2011 quarter-final remain iconic reminders of their potential.
As the two giants prepare for another high-stakes duel, India's squad will draw inspiration from 2011 and 2007. For Australia, the psychological edge of recent triumphs looms large. With stars like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Steve Smith to feature, the semi-final promises fireworks at Dubai.
 (1).jpg?type=mq "KKR's announcement!")
 "Soumyajit Dutta")
