Cricket legend Irfan Pathan recently showered praise on the dynamic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, emphasizing that these seasoned players still have a significant chapter left to write in their illustrious careers, particularly after their astounding match-winning performance. After facing initial setbacks in the first two One-Day Internationals, which India unfortunately lost, Rohit and Kohli launched a spectacular comeback. They relentlessly attacked the Australian bowlers, meticulously chasing down the challenging target of 237 runs. Rohit’s magnificent unbeaten knock of 121 runs, complemented by Kohli’s elegant 74 runs not out, truly exemplified their class.
Speaking on JioStar, Irfan Pathan expressed his delight, stating, ‘The events of today felt destined to happen. Witnessing these two cricketing giants, Virat and Rohit, conclude the match together was an unparalleled joy. It was particularly striking that Virat, needing roughly 70-74 runs to uphold his remarkable average of 50 in Australia, achieved precisely that score.’ Pathan continued, questioning, ‘If this isn’t the epitome of poetic justice, then what is?’ He highlighted Rohit’s immense dedication, noting, ‘Rohit’s tireless efforts, including his significant weight loss, and his visibly enhanced fitness were evident in his swift recovery from the run-out incident in the previous game.’ Concluding with an iconic Hindi phrase, Pathan asserted, ‘Both players have resoundingly declared that ‘picture abhi baki hai mere dost’ – meaning, the most thrilling parts of their journey are still ahead!’
Earlier in the match, Australia had won the toss and elected to bat first. Their opening batsmen, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, provided a robust start, forging a 61-run partnership. Marsh contributed 41 runs off 50 deliveries, while Head aggressively added 29 runs from just 25 balls. Matt Short chipped in with 30 runs, and a valuable 59-run stand between Matt Renshaw (56 runs) and Alex Carey (24 runs) further bolstered Australia’s innings. However, the Indian bowlers fought back fiercely, ultimately bowling Australia out for 236 runs in 46.4 overs. Harshit Rana was the star performer with four wickets, while Washington Sundar secured two. Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav each contributed with a single wicket.
In response, India’s chase got off to a solid start, with Shubman Gill contributing 24 runs as part of a strong 69-run opening partnership. Following this, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli took center stage, forging an unstoppable 168-run unbeaten partnership. Rohit delivered a phenomenal 121 runs off 125 balls, and Kohli masterfully scored 74 runs off 81 balls, guiding India to a commanding nine-wicket victory. For his outstanding performance, accumulating a total of 202 runs across the series, including a century and a fifty, Rohit Sharma was deservedly awarded both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series accolades.