Team India ended their ODI series on a high note with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. Although India lost the series 1-2, skipper Shubman Gill’s men showcased resilience and brilliance in the final encounter, led by Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 121 and Harshit Rana’s four-wicket burst that dismantled the Australian batting lineup.
Australia, opting to bat first after winning the toss, managed only 236 runs in 46.4 overs, as India’s bowlers particularly Rana (4/39) and Washington Sundar (2/44) kept the pressure on throughout. In reply, India’s chase was clinical and composed, reaching the target in 38.3 overs with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (74 off 81)* putting on a masterclass partnership that left the hosts helpless.
Harshit Rana’s Breakthrough Spell Shines Bright
India’s young pacer Harshit Rana delivered a career-best performance, finishing with 4 wickets for 39 runs in 9 overs. His fiery spell turned the momentum firmly in India’s favor after Australia got off to a steady start.
Earlier, openers Travis Head (29) and Mitchell Marsh (41) gave Australia a brisk 60-run opening stand before Mohammed Siraj (1/24) and Axar Patel (1/18) struck in quick succession to remove both. Spinner Washington Sundar then entered the attack and made an instant impact, dismissing Matthew Short (30) and Matt Renshaw (56), who was the top-scorer for Australia.
From a promising 128/3, Australia’s innings began to unravel. Rana’s aggressive pace and accuracy dismantled the middle order, sending back Alex Carey (24) and Mitchell Owen (1) in successive overs. He later returned to clean up the tail, ensuring Australia were bowled out for a below-par total of 236.
Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna, who replaced Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing XI, supported well by maintaining pressure and conceding few boundaries.
Rohit Sharma Leads a Commanding Chase
In reply, India began strongly with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill providing a steady foundation. The duo shared a 69-run opening partnership, playing confidently against Australia’s new-ball pair of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Gill, captaining the side in place of Rohit for the first two ODIs, looked fluent before edging one behind for 24, off Hazlewood’s bowling. From there, it was the Rohit–Kohli show.
The pair, two of India’s most experienced ODI batters, put on an unbeaten 168-run stand for the second wicket a partnership built on skill, timing, and experience. Rohit, in his trademark fashion, unleashed delightful pulls and drives en route to his 121 not out off 125 balls, including 12 fours and 3 sixes. Kohli, anchoring at the other end, was equally effective, scoring an unbeaten 74 off 81 balls, filled with elegant strokes and sharp singles.
Their partnership ensured India cruised past the finish line with 69 balls to spare, sealing a thumping nine-wicket victory.
Tactical Changes and Toss Decisions
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh, after winning the toss, opted to bat first on what appeared to be a flat SCG surface. “Seems like a really nice wicket. The young guys have stepped up in the series. Today’s a great opportunity to go 3-0 up,” Marsh said at the toss.
Australia made one change Nathan Ellis replaced Xavier Bartlett, while India brought in Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna for Arshdeep Singh and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Reddy missed the match due to a left quadriceps injury sustained in the second ODI at Adelaide. A statement from the BCCI Medical Team confirmed that he was being monitored closely and would return once fully fit.
Shubman Gill, at the toss, mentioned, “We would have bowled first anyway. The idea was to have a total to chase. The last game got away in the final overs, so this was about executing better. Hopefully, this match gives us momentum going forward.”
Australia’s Middle Order Falters Again
Despite a promising start, Australia’s batting unit struggled to build partnerships once the openers fell. Matt Renshaw’s 56 provided some stability, but the middle order crumbled under pressure from India’s varied attack.
Keeper-batter Alex Carey (24) looked solid before falling to Harshit Rana, while all-rounder Mitchell Owen (1) failed to make an impact. Cooper Connolly (19) and Glenn Maxwell (15) tried to accelerate but were undone by India’s disciplined bowling.
Washington Sundar’s double strike in the middle overs broke Australia’s rhythm completely, and the home side’s tail offered little resistance. The last five wickets fell for just 38 runs, with Rana wrapping up the innings in the 47th over.
India’s Batting Revival and Redemption Win
After losing the series opener in Perth and the second ODI in Adelaide, India entered the third match with a point to prove and they delivered emphatically.
Rohit Sharma’s century, his 34th in ODIs, marked a stunning return to form. His shot selection, patience, and control over the chase reflected vintage Rohit. Virat Kohli, too, silenced critics who questioned his recent ODI rhythm, pacing his innings perfectly to support his captain.
Their performance not only ensured a comfortable win but also sent a strong message ahead of upcoming limited-overs assignments.
Captains’ Reactions After the Match
Speaking after the victory, Shubman Gill lauded his bowlers and appreciated Kohli’s support during the chase:
“It was a complete performance from the team. The bowlers set things up beautifully Harshit was exceptional today. Batting with Virat is always a pleasure. We just focused on playing proper cricketing shots.”
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh admitted his team fell short with the bat:
“We were probably 40 runs short. Credit to India they were the better team today. Their bowlers bowled with great discipline, and Rohit-Kohli partnership took the game away from us.”
Final Score Summary
Australia: 236 all out in 46.4 overs (Matt Renshaw 56, Mitchell Marsh 41; Harshit Rana 4/39, Washington Sundar 2/44)
India: 237/1 in 38.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 121*, Virat Kohli 74*, Shubman Gill 24; Hazlewood 1/45)
Result: India won by 9 wickets
Series: Australia won 2-1
- Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma
- Player of the Series: Rohit Sharma
