Sydney, Saturday — India avoided a series whitewash in emphatic fashion as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli led their side to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Australia in the final One Day International (ODI) at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Rohit’s masterful century and Kohli’s fluent fifty ensured India chased down Australia’s total of 236 with 69 balls to spare, sealing a morale-boosting win despite losing the series 2–1.
Match Overview
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground |
| Match | 3rd ODI – Australia vs India |
| Result | India won by 9 wickets |
| Series Result | Australia won 2–1 |
| Man of the Match | Rohit Sharma |
| Man of the Series | Rohit Sharma |
India’s Chase: Rohit’s Composed Brilliance, Kohli’s Redemption
Skipper Rohit Sharma anchored the innings superbly, remaining unbeaten on 121 off 125 balls, featuring 13 fours and 3 sixes. His century was not just another addition to his glittering record—it also made him the second-oldest Indian to score an ODI hundred, at 38 years and 178 days, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, who achieved the feat at 38 years and 327 days.
Virat Kohli, who had endured a lean patch with two consecutive ducks, bounced back in style with an unbeaten 74 off 81 balls, rebuilding confidence and fluency. Together, Rohit and Kohli shared a 168-run partnership off 170 balls, their first fifty-plus stand in nearly five years across formats, ensuring there were no hiccups in India’s chase.
Rohit reached his 33rd ODI century in 105 deliveries, pacing his innings perfectly after a brisk start from Shubman Gill (24 off 26), who added 51 for the opening wicket before falling to Josh Hazlewood.
Australian Innings: Bright Start Fades to Collapse
Australia had looked in control early on after captain Mitchell Marsh (41 off 50) and Travis Head (29) stitched a solid opening stand. However, Mohammad Siraj broke through in the 10th over, dismissing Head and shifting the momentum.
While Matthew Renshaw top-scored with 56, his dismissal—trapped leg-before by Harshit Rana—triggered a spectacular collapse. Australia’s last six wickets fell for just 53 runs, leaving them bowled out for 236 in 46.4 overs.
Harshit Rana emerged as India’s standout bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 39 runs in 8.4 overs, displaying sharp seam movement and clever variations. Washington Sundar provided solid support, returning 2/44 in 10 overs, while Siraj kept the pressure on with a disciplined spell of 1/24 in five overs.
Brief Scorecard
| Australia Innings | Runs | Balls | Dismissal | Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Marsh (c) | 41 | 50 | Caught | – |
| Travis Head | 29 | – | Caught | Siraj |
| Matthew Short | 30 | – | – | – |
| Matthew Renshaw | 56 | – | LBW | Harshit Rana |
| Alex Carey (wk) | 24 | – | Caught | – |
| Others | 56 | – | – | – |
| Total | 236 all out (46.4 overs) | |||
| Top Bowler (India) | Harshit Rana 8.4–0–39–4 |
| India Innings | Runs | Balls | Dismissal | Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma (c) | 121* | 125 | Not Out | – |
| Shubman Gill | 24 | 26 | Caught | Hazlewood |
| Virat Kohli | 74* | 81 | Not Out | – |
| Total | 237/1 (38.3 overs) | |||
| Top Bowler (Australia) | Josh Hazlewood 6–1–23–1 |
Injury Concern
India’s victory was slightly marred by an injury scare to Shreyas Iyer, who was taken to hospital for examination after suffering a rib injury while taking a spectacular catch to dismiss Alex Carey. His fitness will be closely monitored ahead of the upcoming home series.
Historical Context & Reflection
Rohit Sharma’s performance rekindled memories of India’s classic ODI chases in Sydney—such as the 2016 run-fest, when Rohit also struck a century against Australia. His consistency at the venue has now cemented him as one of India’s most prolific ODI openers on Australian soil.
Meanwhile, Kohli’s return to form provided reassurance to fans who had grown concerned after his recent struggles. The duo’s unbeaten stand symbolised India’s resilience and their ability to bounce back under pressure—a hallmark of Indian cricket’s modern era.
For debutant Harshit Rana, this match could mark a career-defining moment. His composed bowling display and vital breakthroughs echoed the early rise of bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, showcasing India’s growing pace depth.