Daijiworld Media Network - Sydney
Sydney, Oct 25: Skipper Rohit Sharma rolled back the years with a sparkling 121 not out — his 33rd ODI century — while Virat Kohli produced a vintage unbeaten 74, as the experienced duo guided India to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Australia in the final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday.
The win, achieved with 11.3 overs to spare, gave India a consolation victory, preventing a clean sweep in the series.
Australia’s innings: From strong start to collapse
After a promising start, Australia were bundled out for 236 in 43.4 overs, thanks to a disciplined Indian bowling effort. Harshit Rana led the charge with an impressive 4-39, while Washington Sundar chipped in with 2-44.
Matthew Renshaw (56) and Mitchell Marsh (41) steadied the hosts after early losses, but India’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, ensuring no big partnerships flourished.
India’s chase: Rohit and Kohli turn back time
Chasing 237, India began confidently. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill put on 68 runs for the opening stand, setting a solid platform before Josh Hazlewood dismissed Gill for 32.
That brought together India’s most iconic pair — Rohit and Kohli — and what followed was a batting exhibition of control, timing, and authority.
Rohit’s innings was a blend of aggression and grace: 13 fours and 3 sixes flowed from his bat in his 125-ball knock. Kohli, playing what could be his final innings at the SCG, received a standing ovation and responded with a serene 74 off 81 balls, laced with seven boundaries.
The duo’s unbeaten 168-run stand showcased the best of Indian batting — Rohit’s fearless stroke play paired beautifully with Kohli’s composure and precision.
Highlights of the chase
• Rohit dominated from the outset, clipping and cutting Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood with impeccable timing.
• Gill added early momentum with a six off Cooper Connolly, taking India to 68/0 at the end of the powerplay.
• After Gill’s dismissal, Kohli’s fluent drives and cuts rekindled memories of his prime, as he struck Adam Zampa and Starc for effortless boundaries.
• Rohit reached his 50 off 63 balls, then accelerated with sweeps and lofted shots against the spinners to bring up his century from 105 deliveries.
• Kohli’s steady knock saw him reach his 75th ODI fifty, and he surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.
As India inched closer to victory, Rohit’s clean hitting and Kohli’s fluent stroke-making turned the contest into a celebration. Kohli flicked Nathan Ellis for a boundary to seal the win, as Indian fans at the SCG erupted in joy.
Match Summary:
Australia: 236 in 43.4 overs (Matthew 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 32; Josh Hazlewood 1-23)
Result: India won by nine wickets.
With this victory, India ended the series on a high, powered by a classic Rohit-Kohli partnership — a timely reminder of their unmatched class and chemistry at the top of world cricket.