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Rohit Sharma’s majestic century and Virat Kohli’s record-breaking fifty guided India to a commanding nine-wicket win over Australia in Sydney. What do these records mean for India’s ODI dominance ahead of next year’s World Cup?
India chase down the target in just 38.3 overs, finishing at 237/1.
Sydney: In a commanding display of class and control, India thrashed Australia by nine wickets in the third ODI of the ongoing India tour of Australia 2025 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Chasing 237, India cruised to 237/1 in just 38.3 overs, powered by Rohit Sharma’s scintillating unbeaten century and Virat Kohli’s masterful 74.*
Despite India’s emphatic nine-wicket win in the third ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the visitors could not clinch the series. Australia had already secured victories in the first two matches, sealing the three-match ODI series 2–1.
Opting to bat first, Australia managed only 236 runs in 46.4 overs. The decision by skipper Mitchell Marsh to bat on a fresh SCG pitch backfired as Indian bowlers capitalised on early movement and sharp turn.
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna struck early to dismiss openers Travis Head and Matthew Short, while Kuldeep Yadav’s clever variations in the middle overs restricted the hosts’ scoring rate.
Australia’s innings was kept afloat by Matt Renshaw’s composed 58 and Alex Carey’s 47, but regular breakthroughs ensured the hosts never built lasting partnerships. Washington Sundar and Axar Patel shared crucial middle-order wickets, while Siraj returned to polish off the tail.
India’s reply was nothing short of clinical. Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front, smashing a 121-run unbeaten knock off 125 balls, decorated with 13 fours and 3 sixes. His timing, placement, and effortless power left the Australian bowlers searching for answers.
Rohit was well supported by Shubman Gill, who added a quickfire 24 off 26 before falling to Josh Hazlewood. From there, Virat Kohli joined his skipper and the duo stitched together a match-winning partnership, steering India home without further damage.
Kohli’s 74 not out off 81 balls was equally impressive, anchored with elegance and precision. In the process, he achieved yet another milestone — becoming the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara. Only Sachin Tendulkar now stands ahead of him in the all-time list.
Virat Kohli overtakes Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest ODI run-scorer in history.
Rohit Sharma’s innings at the SCG marked his 31st ODI century, elevating him to India’s third-highest run-scorer in ODIs, behind only Kohli and Tendulkar. His century came in trademark fashion, patient early, explosive later, showing why he remains one of world cricket’s finest limited-overs batsmen.
For Kohli, the Sydney knock was yet another reminder of his consistency. With over 14,000 ODI runs, he continues to chase Tendulkar’s all-time record while maintaining a strike rate and average that define modern ODI excellence.
Australia (236 all out in 46.4 overs)
Matt Renshaw – 58, Alex Carey – 47
Mohammed Siraj – 3/45, Kuldeep Yadav – 2/38
India (237/1 in 38.3 overs)
Rohit Sharma – 121* (125), Virat Kohli – 74* (81)
Hazlewood – 1/52
Result: India won by 9 wickets
