Despite losing the series, Indian cricket fans were treated to a memorable batting performance by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The duo showcased their exceptional skills in the third ODI in Sydney, forming a remarkable 168-run partnership that tied them with Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly for the most partnerships of 150 or more runs in ODIs.
After a couple of rusty matches, the iconic ‘Ro-Ko’ pair returned to their formidable form, putting together a 168-run stand while chasing 237 runs against Australia in the third ODI at Sydney. Although India did not win the series, fans were delighted with the victory and what might be the final Rohit-Virat partnership on Australian soil. This was their 12th partnership of 150 runs or more, equalling
the record set by Tendulkar and Ganguly.
The Rohit-Virat pair has now surpassed Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan for the third-highest number of partnerships of 100 or more runs in ODIs, achieving 19 such partnerships in 101 innings compared to Dhawan’s 18 in 117 innings. Sachin and Ganguly top the list with 26 stands in 176 innings, followed by Sri Lanka’s Tilakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara with 20 partnerships in 108 matches.
India Vs Australia: 3rd ODI – HIGHLIGHTS
How India Beat Australia In 3rd ODI?
In the match, Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. An opening 61-run stand between skipper Mitchell Marsh (41 off 50 balls, including five fours and a six) and Travis Head (29 off 25 balls, with six fours) set the pace. Matt Short added 30 runs off 41 balls, with two fours, and a 59-run partnership between Matt Renshaw (56 off 58 balls, with two fours) and Alex Carey (24 off 37 balls, with one four) brought Australia to 183/3. However, Australia collapsed to 236 all out in 46.4 overs, with Harshit Rana (4/39 in 8.4 overs) and Washington Sundar (2/44) being the standout bowlers. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav each took one wicket.
In pursuit of 237 runs, India began solidly with a 69-run opening stand between Shubman Gill (24 off 26 balls, with two fours and a six). Fans had eagerly awaited the moment when Rohit Sharma (121* off 125 balls, with 13 fours and three sixes) and Virat Kohli (74* off 81 balls, with seven fours) came together to form an unbeaten 168-run partnership, leading India to victory with nine wickets in hand.
Rohit Sharma was awarded both ‘Player of the Match’ and ‘Player of the Series’ titles for scoring the highest runs in the series, with a total of 202 runs, including a century and a fifty.
(With inputs from ANI)
