India’s two batting greats rolled back the years in style as Rohit Sharma struck a majestic 121* and Virat Kohli made an unbeaten 74 to guide India to a nine-wicket win over Australia in the final ODI at the SCG on Saturday.
The duo’s unbeaten 168-run partnership sealed India’s only win of the series, after defeats in Perth and Adelaide, helping the visitors chase down 237 with 11.3 overs to spare.
Rohit’s Class, Kohli’s Composure Light Up SCG
Chasing 237, India made a confident start through Rohit and Shubman Gill, who added 68 for the opening stand before Josh Hazlewood dismissed Gill. That brought Kohli to the crease to a standing ovation — and the crowd was treated to a masterclass.
Rohit was at his fluent best, peppering the boundary ropes with 13 fours and three sixes in a 125-ball knock. Kohli’s innings, filled with serene drives and pulls, took him past Kumar Sangakkara as the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.
You expect tough conditions in Australia. Haven’t played for a long time, so I was slightly nervous but confident too. It’s about helping the youngsters now — the way seniors once helped us.
Kohli, back among runs after two ducks, looked assured and elegant, greeting the crowd’s cheers with a grin and a fist pump. Together, the duo made Australia’s bowlers toil as India signed off with a performance of experience and precision.
Harshit Rana’s Spell Sparks Australian Collapse
Earlier, Harshit Rana (4-39) produced a fiery spell to derail Australia’s innings. Despite starts from all top-order batters, only Matthew Renshaw (56) and Mitchell Marsh (41) made significant contributions as the hosts were bowled out for 236 in 43.4 overs.
Spinners Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav chipped in with key wickets during the middle overs as Australia lost their last six wickets for just 53 runs.
We had a near-perfect game. Our spinners contained well, pacers took key wickets, and Harshit bowled fast in the middle overs. Watching Rohit and Virat finish it off was special.
Australian captain Mitchell Marsh admitted his side let the advantage slip.
We had a great platform at 3-195 but couldn’t cash in. India were too good with the bat. Still proud of winning the series after two strong games.
A Fitting Finish for India’s Senior Pros
Rohit’s 33rd ODI hundred and Kohli’s 75th fifty reminded fans why they remain the heartbeat of Indian cricket. Their calm, commanding chase on a flat SCG pitch capped a forgettable series for India with a memorable finish — one built on legacy, class, and experience.
Brief Scores: Australia: 236 all out in 43.4 overs (Matthew Renshaw 56, Mitchell Marsh 41; Harshit Rana 4-39, Washington Sundar 2-44) India: 237/1 in 38.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 121*, Virat Kohli 74*, Shubman Gill 31; Josh Hazlewood 1-23). Result: India won by 9 wickets. Series: Australia won 2-1.
