On Saturday, October 25, India defeated hosts Australia by nine wickets in the third and final ODI of the three-match series at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. After being put to 237-run target, on
the back of an unbeaten 121 from Rohit Sharma and 74* from Virat Kohli, India chased the total on 38.3 overs. While the victory was an important one for the Men in Blue as they avoiding a clean sweep for Australia, they lost the series by 1-2 margin.
Earlier, after winning the toss, Australian captain Mitchell Marsh decided to bat first. The Aussie skipper’s decision did not prove successful as they were restricted to 236. While Matthew Renshaw top-scored for the hosts, scoring 56 off 58 deliveries, Marsh also contributed with a 50-ball 40. But Harshit Rana stole the show, picking four wickets, whereas Washington Sundar scalped two and Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel put one each in their bag.
Rohit-Kohli’s unbeaten 168 guides India to consolation win in third ODI
After restricting Australia to 236 in 46.4 overs, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill once again took the crease in the chase, giving a brisk start. However, it was an early wicket once again for the Indian skipper as he departed after scoring just 24 off 26 deliveries. After his dismissal, Virat Kohli joined Rohit Sharma in the middle and went on to stitch an unbeaten stand of 168 runs.
While Rohit Sharma played his vintage innings of 121* off 125 deliveries, Virat Kohli notched up unbeaten 74 off 81 deliveries, guiding India to nine-wicket win. During Rohit’s 125-ball stay in the middle, he hit 13 fours and three sixes, striking at the rate of 96.80, Virat Kohli’s innings was laced with seven boundaries.
The duo, who finally returned to their prime form in front of a jam-packed Sydney crowd, will return to action when India hosts South Africa next month.
