Sydney: In a dazzling display of cricketing prowess, India clinched a commanding nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI at Sydney, ending the series on a high note despite Australia’s 2-1 series triumph.
The match, a spectacle for fans, was dominated by the masterful partnership of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who scripted a memorable 168-run stand to chase down 237 with ease.
Rohit, leading from the front, smashed a scintillating 121 off 125 balls, including 13 fours and three sixes, marking his 33rd ODI century and sixth in Australia. Kohli, silencing critics after two ducks, played a composed 74 off 81 balls, notching his 75th ODI fifty. Their 19th-century partnership in ODIs evoked nostalgia, guiding India to victory in just 39 overs.
Earlier, Shubman Gill’s brisk 24 complemented Rohit in a 69-run opening stand, setting a solid foundation.
India’s bowling hero was young pacer Harshit Rana, whose fiery 4/39 dismantled Australia’s middle order. Despite a strong start by Travis Head (29) and Mitchell Marsh (41), Australia crumbled to 237 in 47 overs, with Washington Sundar (2/44) and Axar Patel chipping in. Rana’s spell ensured Australia couldn’t capitalise on Matthew Renshaw’s 56, thwarting a clean sweep.
Despite the series’ loss, India’s resilience and star power were evident in this emphatic win. For fans, the ‘RO-KO’ show was a fitting finale, proving their enduring class. The victory, a testament to India’s depth, left fans buzzing with pride.