India ended their ODI series against Australia on a high note, producing a dominant nine-wicket win at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Despite losing the three-match series 2–1, the Men in Blue delivered a statement performance, led by a sensational Rohit Sharma century, a classy Virat Kohli half-century, and a fiery bowling spell from Harshit Rana.
Australia’s Batting Falters After Steady Start
Winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first but couldn’t capitalize on a decent start. The innings began on a confident note, with Mitchell Marsh (41 off 50) and Matt Short (30 off 41) providing early stability. However, the Indian bowlers struck back through disciplined spells and sharp fielding.
Matt Renshaw top-scored with a resilient 56 off 58 balls, but none of the other batters could convert their starts as wickets kept tumbling in the middle overs.
India’s bowling unit was clinical:
- Harshit Rana produced his career-best spell, taking 4/39 in 8.4 overs, including key wickets in the death overs.
- Washington Sundar bowled a tidy spell of 2/44 in 10 overs, controlling the run flow.
- Axar Patel was as economical as ever, finishing with 1/18 in 6 overs.
Australia were eventually bowled out for 236 in 46.4 overs, a below-par total on the SCG pitch that offered minimal assistance to bowlers.
India’s Chase: Rohit-Kohli Masterclass
Chasing 237, India’s top order looked in complete command from the very first over. Rohit Sharma led from the front, crafting a brilliant unbeaten 121 off 125 balls, laced with crisp boundaries and signature pull shots.
Shubman Gill (24 off 26) gave a brisk start before falling early, but that only paved the way for a vintage Virat Kohli show. The duo of Rohit and Kohli stitched an unbroken 213-run partnership that guided India home comfortably in 38.3 overs, with 69 balls to spare.
Kohli’s 74 off 81 balls* was a perfect blend of elegance and timing, complementing Rohit’s aggression. Their partnership kept the chase steady and ensured India faced no hiccups along the way.
Australian bowlers had no answer to India’s batting dominance:
- Josh Hazlewood picked the only wicket, finishing with 1/23 in 6 overs, while others like Matt Short (0/29 in 4) and Mitchell Owen (0/2 in 1) struggled to make an impact.
Match Summary
- Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
- Toss: Australia won and chose to bat
- Australia: 236 (46.4 overs)
- India: 237/1 (38.3 overs)
- Result: India won by 9 wickets (69 balls left)
- Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma – 121 (125)*
- Series Result: Australia won 2–1
Key Performances
- Harshit Rana: 4/39 (8.4)
- Rohit Sharma: 121* (125)
- Virat Kohli: 74* (81)
- Matt Renshaw: 56 (58)
India End Series on a High
Although Australia clinched the ODI series 2–1, India’s emphatic win in the final match served as a reminder of their strength and resilience. Rohit and Kohli’s masterful knocks thrilled the Sydney crowd, while Harshit Rana’s breakout performance signaled India’s growing bench strength.
The focus now shifts to the upcoming T20I series, where both sides will look to carry forward their form and momentum into another thrilling chapter of the India-Australia rivalry.
