India secured a consolation nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI at the SCG, avoiding a series whitewash in what is likely Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s final matches in Australia.
After Australia were bowled out for 236, thanks to Harshit Rana’s career-best 4 for 39, India’s openers set a solid platform before Rohit and Kohli took centre stage. The pair added an unbroken 168-run partnership, with Rohit reaching his 33rd ODI century from 105 balls and Kohli contributing a fluent 74 not out.
Rohit’s innings featured a mix of elegant drives and powerful sixes, while Kohli impressed with his trademark straight drives and precise placement. The duo finished the chase in 38.3 overs, leaving 69 balls unused and delighting a packed crowd of 40,587.
Australia had begun strongly with Matt Renshaw’s maiden ODI fifty and contributions from Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, but a dramatic middle-order collapse, triggered by Rana and supported by India’s spinners, saw them lose 7 for 53 to slump from 183 for 3 to 236 all out.
The win marked India’s first in the series and showcased the experience and class of Rohit and Kohli, who collectively have over 26,000 ODI runs. Despite the series already being decided, Australia’s key bowlers Hazlewood and Starc were retained, highlighting the competitive spirit of the hosts.
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