India secured a consolation win against Australia in the third ODI at the SCG, thanks to a masterclass from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Chasing a modest 237, India’s batting stalwarts chipped away with authority. Rohit smashed a brilliant 121* off 125 balls, while Kohli contributed a solid 74* off 81 deliveries, ensuring a comfortable 9-wicket victory in just 38.3 overs. Earlier, Harshit Rana’s fiery spell in the middle overs helped India bowl out Australia for 236.
Australia’s Batting Struggles
Australia’s innings never really gained momentum. Renshaw top-scored with 56 off 58 balls, while Mitchell Marsh added 41. Washington Sundar (2/44) and Harshit Rana (4/39) led India’s bowling charge. Hazlewood, Starc, and others struggled to contain the Indian batsmen in the chase. Partnerships for Australia faltered frequently, and their innings saw wickets fall at regular intervals, leaving them all out in 46.4 overs.
Rohit and Kohli’s Clinical Chase
The chase was dominated by India’s two batting legends. Rohit’s 13 fours and three sixes set the tone, while Kohli’s 7 fours helped keep the run rate under control. Shubman Gill contributed 24 before falling to Hazlewood, but his early stability allowed Rohit and Kohli to take command. Their 168-run partnership for the second wicket put India firmly in control. With this win, India not only avoided a whitewash but also added another memorable performance to the records of both Rohit and Kohli.
With this victory, Rohit Sharma’s ODI centuries tally now reads 121* in 2025, adding to previous efforts of 66* in 2008 and 99 in 2016. Meanwhile, Kohli remains at 18,437 combined runs in ODIs and T20Is, narrowly ahead of Sachin Tendulkar.
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