Sydney: India began strongly in the chase of 237 runs in the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with Rohit Sharma smashing his 33rd ODI century and Virat Kohli contributing a crucial fifty.
Opening with Shubman Gill, Rohit added 69 runs for the first wicket before Gill was dismissed for 24. Rohit, however, continued his dominant innings, reaching a century, while Kohli remained unbeaten on 54*, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history with 14,235 runs in 305 matches.
Kohli also achieved another milestone, becoming the batter with the most 50-plus scores in ODI chases, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 69 half-centuries, with Rohit Sharma now second on the list with 55.
Earlier, Australia posted 236 in 46.4 overs, after being restricted by a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Harshit Rana starred with figures of 4/39, dismantling the middle and lower order, while Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel picked up key wickets. Despite a promising start by Australian openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, and a half-century from Matt Renshaw, India clawed back to limit the hosts.
The match also saw a stunning running catch by Shreyas Iyer to dismiss Alex Carey for 24, though he injured himself in the process and required attention from the team physio.
Rana’s fiery spell drew attention after criticism over his all-format selection, earning him plaudits for his game-changing four-wicket haul, while Kohli and Rohit anchored India’s chase with composure.
With India 200/1, the team is well-positioned to complete the chase, combining veteran experience with young talent, while cementing Kohli and Rohit’s names in ODI history through their record-breaking performances.
