India produced a commanding display in the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, securing a dominant nine-wicket victory to end the series 2-1 in favour of the hosts. Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli anchored the chase of 237 with a flawless partnership, ensuring India wrapped up the game in just 38.3 overs.

Rohit, who had struggled in the opening match, returned to form with style. After a fluent 73 in the second ODI, he followed it up with his 33rd ODI century – also his 50th in international cricket. His innings reinforced his reputation as one of the most consistent limited-overs batters in world cricket.

Kohli Surpasses Sangakkara, Delivers Classic Knock

Virat Kohli, too, found his rhythm after two early dismissals in the series. The right-hander reached his fifty off 56 deliveries and went on to make history by surpassing Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.

During the innings, Kohli also set another milestone, overtaking Tendulkar for the most fifty-plus scores in successful ODI chases. His partnership with Rohit, defined by precise stroke play and calm execution, dismantled Australia’s attack.

Harshit Rana’s Spell Turns The Tide

Earlier in the day, Australia were bundled out for 236 in 46.4 overs after being comfortably placed at 183 for 3. Pacer Harshit Rana, backed consistently by head coach Gautam Gambhir, justified the faith with a brilliant spell of 4 for 39. His incisive bowling triggered a collapse that saw the hosts lose their last seven wickets for just 53 runs.

Mitchell Marsh, who had opted to bat first after winning the toss, top-scored for Australia, but none of the batters could convert their starts into big scores.

India End Tour On High Note

Despite losing the series, India’s emphatic win in Sydney will serve as a confidence booster heading into the upcoming T20 leg. Rohit’s return to form, Kohli’s records, and Rana’s rise were the standout moments in what turned into a memorable outing for the Men in Blue.

India’s young pacer Harshit Rana justified head coach Gautam Gambhir’s faith in him with an impressive four-wicket spell, as India bowled out Australia for 236 in the third and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Australia, who opted to bat after skipper Mitchell Marsh won the toss, appeared comfortable at 183 for 3 before India staged a strong comeback through disciplined bowling. Rana’s fiery spell of 4 for 39 led the charge, while Kuldeep Yadav (1 for 50) and Prasidh Krishna also contributed to restricting the hosts.

Harshit Rana shines under Gambhir’s trust

Backed consistently by head coach Gautam Gambhir, Harshit Rana proved his mettle yet again. His well-controlled pace and variations dismantled Australia’s middle and lower order. Rana’s wickets included key dismissals such as Mitchell Owen and Cooper Connolly, halting Australia’s progress in the death overs.

Kuldeep Yadav’s return to the playing XI after being benched in the previous two ODIs also paid off, as he bowled economically and claimed the wicket of Mitchell Starc. Prasidh Krishna had an expensive outing but picked up one wicket to wrap up the innings.

Australia’s collapse after strong start

After a solid platform built by their top order, Australia lost seven wickets for just 53 runs in the latter half of their innings. Nathan Ellis and Connolly tried to steady the innings but failed to resist India’s attack. The team folded in 46.4 overs at a run rate of 5.06.

India will now look to chase down 237 and end the series on a positive note, having lost the first two ODIs in the three-match series.

Australia sealed a thrilling two-wicket win over India in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing a target of 265, the hosts held their nerve to cross the finish line with more than three overs to spare.

Rohit, Iyer build foundation but middle order falters

Put in to bat first, India posted 264/9 in 50 overs. Skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with a solid 73 off 97 balls, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 61 off 77 deliveries. The duo built a crucial partnership to stabilize India after early setbacks. Axar Patel later provided momentum with a brisk 44, but Australia’s bowlers struck regularly to keep the total within reach.

Short and Connolly shine for Australia

Australia’s chase was anchored by Matthew Short, who top-scored with 74, and Cooper Connolly, who remained unbeaten on 61 to steer the hosts home. The pair’s composure under pressure proved decisive, as India’s bowlers failed to maintain consistency in the middle overs.

Despite a late surge from Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, and Washington Sundar — each picking up two wickets — India couldn’t force a collapse. Mohammed Siraj added one more to his tally, but the Australian middle order held firm.

Gill joins unwanted captaincy list

With this defeat, Shubman Gill joined the list of Indian captains who have lost their first two ODIs in charge — a record previously shared by Ajit Wadekar, Dilip Vengsarkar, Kris Srikkanth, Mohammad Azharuddin, and KL Rahul.

The third and final ODI now remains a formality, but India will be eager to avoid a whitewash and regain some momentum before the upcoming T20 series.