Player battles: Ricky Ponting vs Harbhajan Singh

#4 Memorable encounters

Bhajji celebrates the wicket of his nemesis at Eden Gardens in 2001

Talking about memorable encounters, Ponting and Harbhajan has had so many. Right from the day-nighter in Sharjah to the infamous monkey-gate Test in Sydney. But the one match that has been etched forever in every cricket lovers mind is Test match at Eden Gardens back in 2001.

Despite Harbhajan’s hat-trick in the first innings (he picked up seven in total), the Australians managed to score a sizeable 445. In reply, the Indians were bundled out for a paltry 171 and were enforced to follow on. Then came the famous partnership between Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

When India declared on the fifth morning, they had a lead of 383 and Australia just had to bat out two and a half sessions. But Harbhajan Singh had other plans. He picked up six in the second innings and helped India to an unbelievable victory.

Also, there was the 2003 World Cup final between the two nations in Johannesburg in which Ponting, who scored 140 not out, absolutely plundered the Indian bowling line-up. Harbhajan conceded 49 runs in his 8 overs and picked up two wickets. India, however, fell way short of the 360-run target as Australia won the title.