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Superstar batter Rohit Sharma delivered a masterclass century to guide India to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI at the SCG on October 25. Although the match was a dead rubber, with Australia having already secured the series, Rohit and Virat Kohli combined to thrash the home side by sharing an unbeaten 168-run second-wicket partnership. While Rohit blasted a stellar 121 and Kohli chipped in with crucial 74, helping India chase down the target of 237 with 11.3 overs to spare.
You need some game plan in your mind before you start: Rohit Sharma
Rohit didn't get off to best of the start to the series as he was dismissed for just 8 in Perth. He produced a crucial 73 in India's losing cause in the second ODI. But he saved best for the last and put on a well-crafted 121 to hand India to a consolation win over the hosts.
Right after the match, the Hitman said that he enjoyed batting in front of the great crowd in Sydney and he wanted to challenge himself as a batter. He also stressed on the importance of going back to the basics and execute the game plan before one starts the series.
"Playing in Australia is never easy. Never easy travelling abroad and playing cricket is never easy. So, whatever little experience that we got, it's important to pass on that and make sure they handle it pretty well. The guys are pretty talented. It's just about understanding how they want to play. When you come to places like this, you need some game plan in your mind before you start. It is important to do that. I've come here so many times. I still go back to the basics of playing cricket. And then, that is something that I feel that I need to pass on to these guys. I love playing in Australia and in general, Sydney. It's a great ground, great crowd, great pitch as well. So, when you come to places like this, you want to challenge yourself as a batter, as a player. And that is what I expected. I never thought for one second that it is going to be easy. I love doing what I do. And I hope I continue to do that," Rohit told broadcasters after the match.
Rohit also broke Kohli's mighty feat as he now holds the outright record for the maximum number of centuries by a visiting batter in Australia. With this he surpassed the five centuries held by both Kohli and Sri Lanka's legend Kumar Sangakkara. Overall, this performance marked Rohit's 33rd century in ODI cricket.
Most ODI 100s by a visiting batter in Australia:
6 - Rohit Sharma (33 innings)
5 - Virat Kohli (32 innings)
5 - Kumar Sangakkara (49 innings)
Rohit's magnificent century also helped him equal another significant record held by a legend. He drew level with Sachin Tendulkar for scoring the most ODI centuries against Australia. Both players have now reached the three-figure mark against the Aussies nine times in their careers.
Most ODI 100s against an opposition:
10 - Virat Kohli vs Sri Lanka
9 - Virat Kohli vs West Indies
9 - Sachin Tendulkar vs Australia
9 - Rohit Sharma vs Australia
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