Ritika Sajdeh took to social media to celebrate her husband Rohit Sharma after the former India captain starred in a consolation nine-wicket win over Australia in the third and final one-day international at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
She used only three emoticons that perfectly summed up her emotions.
How India Beat Australia In The 3rd ODI?
Rohit Sharma spearheaded India’s charge with a masterful 121, marking his 33rd ODI century, while Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 74, as the duo secured a stunning nine-wicket victory over Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Australia began strongly, but disciplined bowling from India, notably Harshit Rana’s impactful spell of 4-39, restricted the hosts to 236. India’s response was confident from the outset. Rohit and
Shubman Gill added 68 runs for the first wicket before Josh Hazlewood dismissed Gill.
Rohit and Virat then came together, showcasing their vast experience and potential. Rohit’s innings was marked by 13 fours and three sixes, ending not out on 121 off 125 balls, while Kohli’s steady 74 not out off 81 deliveries included seven boundaries.
Their unbeaten 168-run partnership was a masterclass in chasing, ensuring India reached the target with 11.3 overs to spare, thus avoiding a series whitewash.
Rohit started India’s chase by clipping, driving, cutting, and lofting Mitchell Starc for boundaries. With the SCG pitch offering less movement than the first innings, Rohit’s timing and placement stood out, displaying more fluency than in the previous game in Adelaide.
Gill joined in, hitting Nathan Ellis for four and lofting and pulling Josh Hazlewood for further boundaries. Gill ended the power-play with a six off Cooper Connolly, as India reached 68/0, gaining momentum.
Gill eventually fell to a Hazlewood delivery, caught behind by Alex Carey. Kohli entered to a standing ovation, likely his final appearance at the venue. Starting with a boundary, Kohli acknowledged the moment with a smile and fist pump, delighting the crowd. He then cut Adam Zampa for four, pulled Hazlewood, and straight drove Starc for more boundaries.
Rohit lofted Zampa over long-off for six and reached his 60th ODI fifty off 63 balls. He then swept Zampa for four, slog-swept him for six, and heaved Nathan Ellis for another boundary.
Kohli survived an lbw appeal off Ellis on the umpire’s call and scored his 75th ODI fifty, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, behind Sachin Tendulkar.
After their partnership reached 100 runs, Rohit accelerated, driving and sweeping spinners to bring up his century from just 105 balls. He executed excellent sweeps off Matt Short for a six and two fours, while Kohli flicked and ramped Ellis for boundaries, sealing India’s victory and thrilling the crowd.
(With inputs from Agencies)
