KEY POINTS
- Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 121 and Virat Kohli’s 74* lead India to a nine-wicket win
- Sharma scores his 33rd ODI century and becomes the first to hit six hundreds in Australia
- Kohli surpasses Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs
- Harshit Rana’s four-wicket haul and stellar fielding efforts restrict Australia to just 236 all out
SYDNEY: In what could be their last appearance for India on Australian soil, cricketing legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli delivered a stellar performance to guide India to a resounding nine-wicket victory against Australia in the third and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Their unbeaten partnership of 168 runs saw India comfortably chase down a 237-run target in just 38.3 overs, ending the series at 1-2 in favour of the hosts.
Rohit Sharma, in a dazzling display of power hitting, scored an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls, smashing 3 sixes and 13 fours.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, showing his class, finished with 74* off 81 balls, striking 7 fours. Their partnership not only steered India to victory but also helped avoid a series whitewash.
Sharma reached his 33rd ODI century, becoming the only player to score five or more centuries across all formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is). His 121 runs made him the first batsman to hit six ODI hundreds in Australia.
Kohli achieved a significant milestone by becoming the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s tally with 14,235 runs, only behind the great Sachin Tendulkar.
The Indian chase was set in motion after Shubman Gill’s early dismissal for 24. The pair of Rohit and Kohli took control, with Kohli moving past 58 runs to enter the record books.
Their partnership defied the pressure of the situation and silenced Australian hopes of a comeback.
Earlier in the match, Australia was restricted to 236 all out, largely due to a disciplined bowling effort led by Harshit Rana, who claimed 4 wickets for 39 runs.
The Indian spinners, including Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, made crucial breakthroughs and stifled Australia’s scoring in the middle overs.
Australia’s top-order made promising starts but failed to convert. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head built a solid 61-run opening partnership, while Matt Renshaw anchored the innings with a well-made 56.
However, once the Indian bowlers struck in regular intervals, Australia’s innings fell apart. Renshaw’s determined knock was ended by a brilliant LBW from Washington Sundar.
Fielding was another highlight for India, with Kohli’s reflex catch at backward point and Shreyas Iyer’s stunning diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey. Iyer, however, injured his left rib cage during the catch and was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Australia’s tail wagged briefly with cameos from the lower order, but India’s bowlers ensured they didn’t reach a higher total. Australia’s total of 236 was ultimately not enough as India cruised to a comfortable victory.
This game marked a fitting swansong for the iconic duo of Rohit and Kohli, leaving an indelible mark on their ODI careers in Australia.
