Rohit, Kohli shine as India crush Australia by nine wickets

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli delivered masterclasses in batting as India ended their tour of Australia on a high, chasing down 237 with ease to win the third ODI by nine wickets on Saturday. While Australia had already sealed the three-match series 2-1, the duo’s spectacular partnership gave the Sydney crowd a memorable farewell performance.

Rohit, scoring his 50th international century, remained unbeaten on 121, while Kohli contributed a solid 74 not out. Together, they added 168 runs for the second wicket in just 170 balls, easing India to 237 for one in 38.3 overs.

Rohit’s fluency, Kohli’s precision

Skipper Shubman Gill gave Rohit a steady start with an opening stand of 69 runs. After Gill’s dismissal, Rohit took command, blending aggression and elegance to construct his 33rd ODI hundred. He began with smooth drives and flicks off Mitchell Starc before punishing Adam Zampa with powerful inside-out shots and a signature slog sweep for six.

Kohli, meanwhile, started cautiously but quickly settled into his rhythm, using quick singles and crisp boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. The veteran batter’s fifty came off 56 balls, and he maintained his composure, even surviving a leg-before appeal against Nathan Ellis that could have ended his innings prematurely.

The Mumbai star reached his century in just 105 balls, showcasing his typical flair, while Kohli’s calm, measured approach complemented the chase perfectly. Their partnership not only saved India from a potential whitewash but also delighted the crowd with a nostalgic display of cricketing mastery.

Rana leads India’s bowling attack

Earlier, Harshit Rana spearheaded India’s bowling effort, claiming 4/39 to restrict Australia to a below-par 236. The Australians had begun positively, with skipper Mitchell Marsh (41) and Travis Head putting on 61 runs for the first wicket. However, once Head fell to Mohammad Siraj, Australia struggled to maintain momentum.

Renshaw (56) and Alex Carey added a 54-run partnership, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to build meaningful stands. India’s spinners, led by Washington Sundar and accompanied by Rana’s pace, choked runs in the middle overs, preventing the home side from posting a challenging total.

Sharp fielding makes the difference

India’s fielding was top-notch. Kohli’s reflex catch at backward point to dismiss Matthew Short and Shreyas Iyer’s running catch to remove Alex Carey highlighted India’s athleticism. Iyer, however, sustained a minor rib injury during the effort but remained one of the fielding highlights of the match.

Australia struggled to rotate strike effectively. Renshaw’s fifty came in 48 balls with just one boundary, reflecting India’s tight bowling and sharp field placements. Despite late cameos down the order, Australia could only reach the 230s, leaving Rohit and Kohli a manageable target.

A memorable farewell for ‘RoKo’

Though the series was already decided, Rohit and Kohli’s innings served as a fitting farewell on Australian soil. Rohit’s 50th international century and Kohli’s measured knock reminded fans of the duo’s enduring class. The crowd, while thrilled by the performance, also felt a tinge of sadness knowing they may not see the iconic pair in action on these grounds again.

Their partnership embodied the perfect blend of flair and precision Rohit’s aggressive strokeplay and Kohli’s calculated approach proving why they remain pillars of Indian cricket. India’s bowlers, led by Rana, ensured the contest was competitive, but in the end, it was RoKo’s day, and Australia could only applaud their brilliance.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli savored India’s nine-wicket win in the third ODI, their 168-run partnership rescuing the team from a series whitewash. Rohit said he cherishes playing in Australia and may not return soon, recalling fond memories since 2008. He highlighted mentoring younger players and guiding the team through challenging conditions. Kohli, echoed the importance of experience, teamwork, and big partnerships, noting that such innings have always helped India. Both praised Australia’s crowds and expressed their enduring love for the game.

Match Summary: India chased 237 in 38.3 overs, winning by nine wickets. Rohit Sharma 121, Virat Kohli 74. Harshit Rana 4/39. Australia 236 all out.

Player of the match: Rohit Sharma