Rohit, Kohli Shine as India Crush Australia by 9 Wickets in Sydney ODI

Sydney, Oct 25: India produced a commanding performance to defeat Australia by nine wickets in the third and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), avoiding a series whitewash in style.

After losing the first two matches, India bounced back strongly with a clinical all-round display. Batting first, Australia were bowled out for 236 in 46.4 overs, as Indian bowlers dismantled their batting lineup.

Pacer Harshit Rana was the star performer with the ball, taking four wickets, while Washington Sundar picked up two. Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Axar Patel chipped in with one wicket each. For Australia, Matt Renshaw was the only batsman to show resistance, scoring a solid 56 runs before falling to Kuldeep Yadav.

Chasing a modest target of 237, India lost Shubman Gill early for 20, dismissed by Josh Hazlewood with the score at 69. However, captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli steadied the innings with a magnificent 168-run partnership, guiding India to victory with ease.

Rohit Sharma led from the front, smashing a brilliant 121 off 125 balls, decorated with 13 fours and three sixes, while Kohli provided strong support with an unbeaten 74 off 81 balls, including seven boundaries.

India reached 237 for 1 in just 38.3 overs, sealing the win with 69 balls to spare. Hazlewood was the only wicket-taker for Australia.

The victory marked a morale-boosting finish for India, who showed remarkable resilience and dominance in both bowling and batting after early series setbacks.