Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli played a valiant knock to chase Australia’s target in the 3rd ODI and end the series 2-1.
India secured a commanding 9-wicket victory over Australia in the dead-rubber third ODI, avoiding a series whitewash and showcasing the class of their senior batting duo, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. After a tough series, both Rohit and Kohli reminded everyone of their enduring quality, tearing through the Australian bowling attack with authority.
Australia, winning the toss, elected to bat first. Their innings got a boost from Matt Renshaw, who registered his maiden ODI half-century, scoring 56 off 58 deliveries. However, Harshit Rana starred with the ball for India, producing career-best figures of 4/39.
Washington Sundar also bowled economically, delivering 10 overs for 2/44. Despite the efforts, Australia managed 236 runs in 46.4 overs, thanks to some late contributions, but the total remained below par.
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India Chase The Target With Ease
Chasing the target, India got off to a bright start in the powerplay. Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma added 68 runs without losing a wicket. Gill was dismissed immediately after the powerplay for 24 off 26 balls, but the Rohit-Kohli combination then took center stage.
Kohli, breaking a streak of ducks in the series, got off the mark with a confident first ball. Rohit capitalized on his momentum from the second ODI, racing to his half-century off 63 balls. Kohli followed with his 70th ODI fifty off 56 balls.
No Australian bowler could contain the duo. Rohit reached his century off just 105 deliveries, striking 13 fours and 3 sixes. Kohli remained unbeaten on 74 from 81 balls and overtook Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODIs, behind only Sachin Tendulkar. Together, they shared a 168-run second-wicket stand, effectively ending the contest in the 39th over. Kohli sealed the win with a boundary over third man.
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