Krunal Pandya's outstanding spell (Source:@ICC/x.com)
Over the years, the fiery clash of India’s fierce grit and Australia’s unbeatable domination has captivated fans’ hearts. When these two giants meet on the 22 yards, it’s never just a game; it’s a battle of pride and power that sends adrenaline and drama soaring through the roof.
From red-ball drama to T20 madness, India-Australia encounters have always delivered unforgettable moments, blazing knocks, fiery spells, and performances etched in time. Among them stands a gem from 2018, when Krunal Pandya produced a record-breaking feat that still remains untouched to this day.
In 2018, Krunal Pandya achieved the unthinkable, becoming the only bowler to claim a four-wicket haul against Australia in T20 history. Let’s take a look back at his heroics.
Krunal Pandya rules the Aussies with a spell of brilliance
Ever since India and Australia first clashed in the shortest format, a fierce rivalry was born, one that’s only grown stronger with every fiery encounter. As the duel never failed to deliver unreal cricket drama, India’s tour of Australia in 2018 still stood alone. In the third T20I match of the series, all-rounder Krunal Pandya’s iconic bowling feat became immortal, as every time the rivals met, fans remembered the spell.
While batting first in the match, Australia got an impressive start as D Arcy Short and the captain, Aaron Finch, stitched a 68-run opening partnership. He drew first blood by dismissing Short for 33, and before the Aussies could recover, he sent Ben McDermott packing for a golden duck.
Aiming for a stronger bounce back, Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey tried to make a crucial partnership, but Krunal was unstoppable that day; he sent Maxwell back in 13 runs. Carey swung hard to keep Australia alive, but in the 16th over, Krunal struck again, dismissing him for a fiery 27 off 19.
Delivering only 36 runs in four overs, Krunal Pandya secured a remarkable four-wicket haul that scripted history. With that spell, Pandya became the only bowler to claim a four-wicket haul in the India vs Australia T20 history. The Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed pure brilliance from the Indian star.
After restricting Australia to 164 runs, Team India chased down the total with two balls left. With Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan gave a strong foundation, Virat Kohli took charge with his trademark brilliance. With fire in his veins, Kohli’s unbeaten 61 guided the Men in Blue to a 6-wicket victory with just two balls to spare.
