Team India's 5 heaviest defeats in ODIs after batting first

One Day Internationals (ODIs) were introduced in 1971, and that created a new dimension in the cricketing world. While India did not start out as a very strong team in limited overs internationals, the 1983 world cup proved to be a watershed moment for Indian Cricket and since then it has gone from strength to strength.

Out of the 931 ODI matches played by India till today there have been some great and memorable wins, while there have been many disappointing losses on the way as well. India has always boasted of a strong batting line-up over the years, which has enabled them to put up a strong total on the board most of the times while batting first.

However, the few times this fabled batting line up has failed, India has suffered some of its most embarrassing losses.

Here is a look at the 5 biggest defeats for India in terms of balls remaining while batting first:

#5 India vs Australia, February 2003

India began their 2003 World Cup journey in fine fashion, defeating minnows Netherlands by 68 runs in their first match of the tournament. Their second match was up against pre tournament favourites Australia. This was billed to be a heavyweight encounter, but in the end it turned out to be a damp squib.

Batting first, India could only a manage 125 runs before being bowled out in 41.4 overs. Sachin Tendulkar was the highest scorer with 36 runs, while only three other batsmen managed to reach double figures. Jason Gillespie was the wrecker-in-chief, taking 3 wickets while giving away only 13 runs in his quota of 10 overs.

In reply, Australia raced to the target in only 22.2 overs. Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden put up a century opening stand before Ricky Ponting hit a quickfire 24 to ensure his team's victory.

With 166 balls remaining in the second innings, this was India's fifth heaviest defeat after batting first.

#4 India vs Australia, January 1981

This was the 9th match of the Benson & Hedges World Series Cup held in Sydney in 1981. Batting first, India failed miserably as they were bowled out for 63 runs in 25.5 overs.

This incidentally is also India's lowest score while batting first in a limited overs International till date. The last 5 wickets fell for just 9 runs, as Greg Chappell ran through India's batting line up with figures of 5-15 in 9.5 overs.

In reply, Australia lost an early wicket in the form of John Dyson, but captain Greg Chappell led from the front as he guided his team home with 174 balls left to spare.

This humiliating loss comes fourth on the list of India's biggest losses.

#3 India vs Sri Lanka, December 2017

Suranga Lakmal produced a splendid display of swing and seam bowling

Sri Lanka was on a 12-match losing streak and nobody really gave them a chance against the number two ranked side in the world. However, on a fresh Dharamsala wicket which provided assistance to the pace bowlers, Suranga Lakmal ran through India's top order, leaving them reeling at 29-7.

With India on the verge of being bowled out for the lowest total in ODIs, MS Dhoni took charge and played a watchful knock of 65 shielding the tail-enders and playing the big shots whenever possible and took India to a respectable, if not defendable score of 112.

In reply, Sri Lanka lost two wickets and could have been three down, if not for Bumrah's no-ball. In the end, however, they managed to easily overhaul the small target of 112 in just 20.4 overs losing 3 wickets, inflicting India's third worst defeat in the process.

#2 India vs Sri Lanka, July 2012

Gautam Gambhir scored just over a half century in his fight

After an impressive performance in the first match, India went into the second match of the ODI series brimming with confidence.

However, the second match roved to be a nightmare for the Indians. Batting first, they kept on losing wickets at regular intervals, and were bowled out for a paltry 138 runs in 33.3 overs. Gautam Gambhir was the highest scorer with 65 runs.

In reply, Sri Lankan openers Dilshan and Tharanga started strongly and raced to a century run partnership, before Dilshan fell at a team score of 119. Dinesh Chandimal hit the winning runs and completed the run chase in only 19.5 overs as India suffered their second biggest defeat in ODIs.

#1 India vs Sri Lanka, August 2010

Thisara Perera bowled brilliantly to pick up his maiden fifer

Sri Lanka has been India's nemesis when it comes to inflicting heavy defeats and here they come again - this time they inflicted the biggest defeat upon India in terms of balls faced.

This was the 2010 Tri-Series held in Sri Lanka. India and New Zealand were the other two teams. Batting first, 4 of the top 6 Indian batsmen reached double figures, but none of them could go on and make a big score.

The rest of the batsmen then surrendered meekly, as India's last 5 batsmen could only manage 8 runs among them. Thisara Perera bowled brilliantly, using the slightly two-paced nature of the wicket to his advantage and picked up his maiden five-wicket haul, restricting India to just 103 runs in the process

In reply, Sri Lanka overhauled the target with ease with the help of quickfire thirties from Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan. Kumar Sangakkara hit the winning runs as Sri Lanka won the match with 8 wickets in hand and 209 balls to spare.