AUS vs IND (3rd ODI) – Highlights
Under the bright lights of the Sydney Cricket Ground, India produced a masterclass in control, composure, and clinical execution to defeat Australia by nine wickets in the third ODI and seal the series in style. It was a performance that underlined India’s growing dominance in limited-overs cricket, powered by the calm assurance of Rohit Sharma and the classical precision of Virat Kohli.
AUS, after choosing to bat first, seemed set for a competitive total when Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head got off to a brisk start. Head’s aggressive 29 off 25 balls gave the innings early momentum, but once he was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj, India’s bowlers steadily applied the brakes. The introduction of Washington Sundar and Axar Patel turned the screws, as both spinners found rhythm and subtle variation on a surface that rewarded patience. Sundar, in particular, was effective through the middle overs,
Despite the steady contributions of Marsh (41) and Renshaw, Australia’s innings faltered under pressure. The young pacer Harshit Rana, playing just his second ODI, delivered a memorable spell, taking 4 for 39 and wiping out the lower order with mature control and aggression. His dismissal of Alex Carey and Mitchell Owen in quick succession halted any chance of a late flourish. AUS were bowled out for 236 in 46.4 overs, a total that looked 30–40 runs short of par given the conditions and India’s batting depth.
In reply, IND began their chase with authority. Rohit Sharma, back to his effortless best, timed the ball sweetly from the outset. His footwork against pace and his calm dismantling of spin made the chase look like an extended net session. Shubman Gill played a bright cameo of 24 before falling to Josh Hazlewood, but that only brought Virat Kohli to the crease, and the old firm of Rohit and Kohli took complete control of proceedings.
The pair stitched together an unbroken 168-run partnership, a masterclass in measured aggression. Rohit’s 121 not out off 125 balls was a statement innings, peppered with 13 boundaries and 3 sixes, while Kohli’s unbeaten 74 was vintage, filled with crisp drives and intelligent rotation of strike. Together, they hunted down the target in just 38.3 overs, leaving the Australian bowlers searching for answers.
Rohit Sharma was deservedly named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series, having led from the front with 202 runs across the three matches. His leadership, composure, and form have been the cornerstone of India’s success in this series, while the rise of Harshit Rana adds a fresh spark to India’s bowling reserves.
As IND walked off with a 9-wicket victory and a commanding series win, Australia were left to ponder their inconsistencies, particularly their inability to convert starts into big scores. For India, though, this was a complete team performance: disciplined with the ball, dominant with the bat, and ruthlessly efficient in execution.
Australia vs India Scoreboard
Australia – 236/10 (46.4)
India – 237/1 (38.3)
Result – India won by 9 wickets (with 69 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma
AUS vs IND Playing XIs
Australia | Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood. |
India | Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj. |
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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