Rohit Sharma's roaring century, coupled with Virat Kohli's unbeaten half-century and Harshit Rana's fiery four-fer powered India to a crushing nine-wicket win over Australia in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on October 25.
RO-KO roars, Harshit shines in India's 9-wicket win over Australia
Chasing a target of 237, India reached the goal in just 38.3 overs. Rohit remained undefeated on 121, while Kohli finished on 74, with the two stalwarts sharing an unbroken, match-winning 168-run partnership for the second wicket to secure a vital consolation win.
The chase got off to a strong start thanks to the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who put on 69 runs for the first wicket. Rohit had already begun to rediscover his form following a lackluster start in Perth, where he scored 8), bouncing back with a crucial 73 in the second ODI. Despite his efforts, India was unable to defend the total of 264/9, losing that match by two wickets.
Rohit rocks with perfect ton, Kohli cracks robust fifty
Virat Kohli, meanwhile, was under pressure to deliver a performance befitting his accomplishments, especially after suffering consecutive ducks in the ongoing series. The ace No. 3 batter joined Rohit at the crease after the dismissal of captain Shubman Gill (24). The crowd’s anticipation was palpable, and they cheered loudly when Kohli got off the mark with a single against Hazlewood. Acknowledging the moment, the star batter saw the funny side and brought out a mild celebration. Though Kohli didn't hit a six, his 81-ball innings featured seven boundaries. Between the two batsmen, Rohit was the more aggressive, hitting three sixes and 13 boundaries in his 125-ball knock.
Harshit Rana's four-fer breaks Australia's back
Earlier in the day, India's bowlers dismissed Australia for 236 in 46.4 overs. The bowling effort was spearheaded by pacer Harshit Rana, who claimed an impressive 4/39. Australia's innings began with a solid fifty-run opening stand between Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head before Mohammed Siraj provided the first breakthrough. Matt Renshaw anchored the middle order, scoring a maiden half-century before eventually being dismissed for 56. Australia were comfortably placed at 183/3 at one stage, but a sudden collapse, triggered by quick strikes from Rana and Sundar, curtailed their total. A highlight of the fielding was Shreyas Iyer's excellent running catch to dismiss Alex Carey for 24, though Iyer required attention from the team physio after sustaining an injury in the process.
India will now shift their focus on the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, which is scheduled to kick off from October 29.