The Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed a masterclass of vintage Indian cricket as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli combined to lead India to a resounding nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third One Day International. While the series was already decided in Australia’s favor, this final encounter was all about celebrating individual brilliance and creating lasting memories.
Rohit Sharma, in sublime form, smashed his 50th international century, remaining unbeaten on a magnificent 121. Not to be outdone, Virat Kohli, with a composed 74 not out, joined forces with the Indian captain. Together, they forged an unbroken 168-run partnership for the second wicket, steering India effortlessly to a target of 237 in just 38.3 overs. For many fans, this memorable outing Down Under felt like a poignant, perhaps final, glimpse of two of India’s greatest cricketers performing together on Australian soil.
Rohit Sharma’s Record-Breaking Century
Sharma reached his 33rd ODI hundred off just 105 balls, a milestone that also marked his 50th international century across all formats (12 in Tests, 33 in ODIs, 5 in T20Is). His fluent innings was a captivating display of elegance and aggression, featuring 13 fours and three towering sixes. This century allowed him to surpass Virat Kohli’s record against Australia and drew him level with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar at the top of the ODI century charts against the Aussies, achieving this feat in significantly fewer innings than Tendulkar.
Virat Kohli’s Timeless Knock
After a challenging series with two ducks, Kohli delivered a composed and masterful 74 not out, registering his 75th ODI fifty. His innings was a perfect blend of calculated singles, intelligent running between the wickets, and well-timed boundaries, highlighted by a classic straight drive off Mitchell Starc. Kohli’s calm and steady presence at the crease provided the perfect foil for Rohit, allowing him the freedom to play his natural game. Their combined efforts saw India comfortably finish the chase with 69 balls to spare.
Harshit Rana Leads the Bowling Attack
India’s bowlers laid the foundation for the chase with a disciplined performance. Young pacer Harshit Rana was particularly impressive, claiming 4 wickets for just 39 runs, extracting crucial pace and bounce from the SCG pitch. Spinners Axar Patel and Washington Sundar effectively controlled the middle overs, stifling the Australian batsmen with tight lines and variations. Early breakthroughs were also provided by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, preventing Australia from building significant partnerships. Australia, after a promising start with contributions from Mitchell Marsh (41) and Travis Head (29), ultimately crumbled to 236 all out following a late-order collapse.
Fielding Brilliance on Display
The Indian team’s commitment in the field was exemplary throughout the match. Virat Kohli showcased his sharp reflexes with a superb catch at backward point to dismiss Matthew Short. However, the highlight reel moment belonged to Shreyas Iyer, whose spectacular running and diving catch to remove Alex Carey was truly breathtaking. Although Iyer later left the field for assessment of a left rib-cage injury, these athletic efforts significantly complemented the bowlers’ performance and maintained relentless pressure on the Australian batting lineup.
A Memorable Farewell in Australia?
With no further ODI series scheduled in Australia before the 2027 World Cup, this match holds special significance as it could potentially be the last Australian tour for these two cricketing stalwarts. Both Rohit and Kohli received a thunderous ovation from the Sydney crowd, a fitting tribute to their enduring legacy. Their vintage partnership served as a powerful reminder of why they have been the undisputed icons of Indian cricket for well over a decade, leaving fans with cherished memories of their brilliance.