Classic Partnership Avoids Series Whitewash in Sydney
India delivered a commanding performance in the final ODI against Australia. They secured a comprehensive nine-wicket victory at a packed Sydney Cricket Ground. Centuries from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli guided the team home in what was likely their final appearance in Australia. The win served as a consolation, preventing a series whitewash after Australia had already clinched the series. Fast bowler Harshit Rana's career-best figures laid the foundation for the comfortable chase.
Ro-Ko Reign Supreme in Farewell Appearance
Chasing a modest target of 237, India barely broke a sweat. Rohit Sharma anchored the innings with a masterful, unbeaten 121. This was his 33rd ODI century and his ninth against Australia. He built impressively on the fighting 73 he scored in the previous match. After Shubman Gill departed, Virat Kohli joined Rohit at the crease. The crowd erupted, eager to see the star batter after he had suffered two consecutive ducks earlier in the series.
Kohli did not disappoint. He got off the mark first ball, much to the delight of the predominantly Indian crowd of over 40,000. He went on to score a fluent, unbeaten 74. The two modern legends, with over 26,000 ODI runs between them, put on an unbroken partnership of 168 runs. Their stand was marked by classic strokeplay and effortless run accumulation. Rohit brought up his century quietly before accelerating, and Kohli finished the match with a delicate boundary.
Australia Falters After Promising Start
Earlier, Australia chose to bat first after winning the toss – extending India's losing streak at the toss to 18 consecutive ODIs. Openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head started aggressively. However, Australia lost wickets at regular intervals and failed to build significant partnerships. Matt Renshaw top-scored with his maiden ODI half-century (56). All the top six batters reached double figures, getting starts but failing to convert them into substantial scores.
The Australian innings suffered a dramatic collapse. From a relatively stable position of 183 for 3, they lost their last seven wickets for just 53 runs. They were eventually bowled out for 236 with 20 balls left unused. This failure to capitalize on their starts ultimately cost them dearly.
Rana Leads Bowling Attack Shreyas Takes a Blinder
India's bowling attack was spearheaded by young pacer Harshit Rana. He ripped through the Australian middle and lower order, finishing with career-best figures of 4 for 39. India's trio of spinners – Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav – also bowled effectively, controlling the run rate and picking up crucial wickets.
The fielding effort was highlighted by a spectacular catch from Shreyas Iyer. He ran back from backward point to take a difficult catch over his shoulder to dismiss Alex Carey. Unfortunately, Iyer landed awkwardly and injured his rib cage. He had to leave the field and was later taken to hospital for assessment. Despite this setback, India's overall performance with the ball and in the field was sharp, setting the stage for the batsmen's dominant display.
