Rohit Sharma’s majestic unbeaten 121 and Virat Kohli’s classy 74 not out powered India to a commanding nine-wicket win over Australia in the third and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. Although the hosts clinched the series 2-1, the visitors ended the tour on a high with a dominant all-round display.
India chase down 237 with ease
Chasing 237, India reached the target comfortably in 38.3 overs, losing just one wicket. The innings was anchored by Rohit Sharma, who smashed his 33rd ODI century in trademark fashion, and Virat Kohli, who returned to form after two ducks earlier in the series. Together, they stitched an unbeaten 168-run stand, dismantling the Australian attack led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Shubman Gill departed early after a solid 39-ball 36, edging Hazlewood to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. From there, the experienced duo of Rohit and Kohli took charge. Rohit’s innings featured crisp drives and effortless sixes, while Kohli played the perfect supporting role with trademark timing and elegant placement.
Harshit Rana leads India’s bowling comeback
Earlier, debutant pacer Harshit Rana stole the spotlight with an impressive 4 for 39 as India bowled out Australia for 236 in 46.4 overs. His disciplined bowling in the middle and death overs triggered a stunning Australian collapse — from 183 for 3 to 236 all out.
Australia’s innings began steadily with openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head adding 61 for the first wicket. However, after Head’s dismissal to Mohammed Siraj, the Indian spinners Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav choked the scoring rate. Washington and Kuldeep chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, while Harshit Rana’s sharp variations proved decisive.
Matt Renshaw’s gritty 56 and Marsh’s 41 were the only significant contributions as India maintained tight control throughout.
Rohit and Kohli roll back the years
Rohit Sharma’s century was his 50th across formats, making him the only batter with five or more centuries in each format. It also marked his sixth ton in Australia — the most by a visiting batter. Kohli, meanwhile, crossed a major milestone by surpassing Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-getter in ODI history, with 14,235 runs.
Speaking after the match, Rohit said, “It’s been a while since I played, so it felt good to contribute. We couldn’t win the series but there were plenty of positives, especially from the younger guys.” Kohli, too, expressed relief after returning to form, saying, “It’s easy to bat with Rohit. We understand each other’s game and know how to pace the innings.”
Australia clinch series 2-1
Despite the heavy defeat, Australia took home the series 2-1, thanks to their earlier wins in Adelaide and Perth. Captain Mitchell Marsh admitted India were the better team on the day. “We didn’t capitalise after a good start. Credit to India for the way they bowled,” he said.
India captain Shubman Gill was full of praise for his bowlers and senior pros. “Harshit showed great maturity. Rohit bhai and Virat bhai showed why they’re legends. It’s a great finish to the ODI leg,” Gill noted.
What’s next
With the ODI series concluded, both teams will now turn their focus to the five-match T20I series starting October 29 in Canberra. India will hope to carry the momentum forward, while Australia will look to bounce back quickly.