India and Australia have a storied and fervent rivalry in the cricket world, particularly in World Cup competitions. Over the years, these two teams have clashed 12 times in the prestigious tournament, with Australia emerging victorious on eight occasions and India on four. Nevertheless, India’s talented bowlers have delivered some memorable performances against their Australian counterparts, playing pivotal roles in securing crucial victories or putting up strong fights. Let’s delve into five outstanding bowling spells by Indian bowlers that left a lasting impact in World Cup history against Australia.
5. Ravichandran Ashwin – 2011 World Cup
Ravichandran Ashwin played a vital role in India’s victory over Australia in the World Cup 2011 quarter-final. He opened the bowling with the new ball and dismissed Shane Watson with a clever delivery. He also bowled the penultimate over of the innings and scalped Ricky Ponting, who had scored a century. Ashwin’s figures of 2/52 were not the best for India, but his wickets were crucial in restricting Australia to 260/6. His aggressive bowling also created pressure on the Australian batsmen and helped India chase down the target with 14 balls to spare.
4. Kapil Dev – 1992 World Cup
One of the most memorable matches between India and Australia in ODI World Cup history was played at Brisbane in 1992. Australia batted first and scored 237/9, thanks to the brilliant bowling of Kapil Dev and Manoj Prabhakar. Kapil took three crucial wickets, including the openers and the captain, while Prabhakar claimed four. India’s target was revised to 236 in 47 overs due to rain, but they fell short by one run despite a heroic 93 by Mohammad Azharudeen. Kapil also contributed with a quick 21, but it was not enough to avoid a heartbreaking loss for India.
3. Kapil Dev – 1983 World Cup
In this match, Kapil Dev’s outstanding performance took center stage. Despite his five-wicket haul and a commendable score of 40 runs, India ultimately suffered a heavy defeat to Australia by 162 runs. After winning the first two matches of the World Cup, the Indian team displayed overconfidence and lacked discipline on the field. Trevor Chappell capitalized on being dropped by Binny and went on to achieve a century, helping Australia accumulate a formidable total of 320/9. In response, India faltered and were bowled out for just 158 runs, with Kapil being the sole batsman to put up resistance against Australia’s dominant bowling attack.
2. Maninder Singh – 1987 World Cup
One of the most memorable bowling performances by an Indian spinner against Australia in the World Cup came from Maninder Singh in 1987. He was the star of India’s 56-run victory over the defending champions in Delhi, as he took three vital wickets in his 10 overs. He broke the opening partnership of Geoff Marsh and David Boon, and then dismissed Dean Jones and Allan Border, who were the main threats in the Australian middle order. He finished with figures of 3/34, which were the best by any bowler in that match. He also helped India restrict Australia to 233, as Mohammad Azharuddin chipped in with three wickets at the end.
1. Roger Binny – 1983 World Cup
Roger Binny was the hero of India’s crucial win over Australia in the 1983 World Cup quarter-final. He played a vital role with both bat and ball, as he scored a quick 21 runs and then took four wickets for 29 runs in his eight overs. He destroyed the Australian top order, including their captain David Hookes, and reduced them from 46/1 to 52/4. He also came back to claim the last wicket of Tom Hogan, as India bowled out Australia for 129 and secured their place in the semi-finals. Binny was rightly awarded the man of the match for his match-winning performance.
