In a masterclass of batting brilliance, India’s Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli led the team to a stunning nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground, chasing down a target of 237 with authority, style, and supreme composure.
From the first stroke to the last, it was a showcase of experience, timing, and cricketing intelligence that left fans on both sides of the ground in awe.
Captain Shubman Gill had set the tone early with a brisk 24, including a glorious six off Cooper Connolly, but he fell to Josh Hazlewood, caught behind by Alex Carey. That early wicket, however, only set the stage for the dominant display by India’s dynamic duo – Ro-Ko.
Rohit, under pressure to deliver, played with sublime elegance and aggression. He opened his account with crisp boundaries off Nathan Ellis and built steadily, eventually reaching his 33rd ODI century at the SCG.
Unlike the fanfare of some landmarks, Rohit’s century was understated yet deeply impactful – a calm raise of the bat acknowledging the applause from the SCG fans and dressing room. His innings included a towering six over mid-wicket off Adam Zampa, exquisite sweeps over backward square leg, and flawless drives past cover. Every stroke reflected his supreme timing and authority.
Kohli (74*) was the perfect foil. His wristy flicks off Nathan Ellis, delicate ramps over first slip, and intelligent strike rotation complemented Rohit’s power-hitting perfectly. Together, they stitched an unbeaten 168-run partnership, blending artistry and strategy, experience and flair.
Milestones flowed with seamless precision: Rohit brought up his fifty and century with trademark poise, while Kohli celebrated his 75th ODI fifty with a stylish flick off Connolly, proving once again his class and temperament.
The final overs were pure cricketing theatre. Rohit smashed a sweep over backward square leg for four, followed by a huge six over deep backward square leg off Matthew Short, while Kohli executed a deft ramp over first slip. India sealed the chase in 38.3 overs, nine wickets in hand. The moment Rohit and Kohli embraced at the crease captured the triumph and relief of a job masterfully done.
Australia had set a competitive target of 237, with Travis Head (29) and captain Mitchell Marsh (41) providing a steady start. But the young Indian pacer Harshit Rana wreaked havoc, taking four crucial wickets for 39 runs in 8.4 overs, including the scalps of Alex Carey, Mitchell Owen, Cooper Connolly, and Josh Hazlewood.
Other bowlers – Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar – bowled with discipline, ensuring Australia never recovered.
This victory was about more than just runs and wickets. It showcased India’s execution under pressure, a young pacer making his mark, and the brilliance of Rohit and Kohli guiding the chase with composure, skill, and flair.
Though Australia had already won the series 2-1, the SCG witnessed an ODI innings for the ages – a blend of elegance, aggression, and sheer cricketing intellect.
