In the third and final ODI match of the India Tour of Australia 2025, India defeated Australia by nine wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Australia won the toss and asked India to ball first. India’s bowling was clinical and well-planned. Harshit Rana rose to prominence as he took four wickets at a 4.50 economy and put steady pressure on the middle order. Washington Sundar contributed with two key wickets, while Axar Patel, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav each claimed one. The bowlers kept tight lines, putting Australia under strain, and no Australian partnership lasted long, particularly in the middle overs. India’s bowling depth helped them restrict Australia to 236, giving them a realistic target.
Chasing 237, Shubman Gill got off to a quick start, scoring 24 from 26 balls, but was eventually removed by Hazlewood. However, former skipper Rohit Sharma (121*) showcased his vintage show as he led the way with a magnificent ton at a strike rate of 96.80, hitting 13 fours and three sixes. Rohit’s knock was a mix of controlled aggressiveness and patience, which helped India maintain a steady scoring pace throughout. His ability to rotate the strike and punish poor deliveries kept Australia from getting any steam. He had good support with Virat Kohli (74*), who also stayed unbeaten and led the chase with poise. Both batters combined for an undefeated 168-run stand, essentially sealing the match. The effortless partnership and understanding between the two batters made Australia’s bowlers appear useless, especially in the middle overs. The Men in Blue never seemed in jeopardy, pacing the chase well and finishing with more than 8 overs to spare. India easily achieved the total in 38.3 overs, winning by 9 wickets.
For Aussies with the bat, Matt Renshaw was the top-scoring with 56 off 58 deliveries. Mitchell Marsh started well, scoring 41 from 50 balls, while Matthew Short (30) and Alex Carey (24) helped Australia stay competitive. However, the middle order struggled against India’s disciplined bowling, and constant breakthroughs hampered any significant partnerships. Australia could not accelerate sufficiently in the last overs, falling just short of a daunting total for India.
Australia’s bowlers failed to control India’s batters. Josh Hazlewood claimed one wicket, while Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Cooper Connolly, and Matthew Short bowled well but unable to make breakthroughs.
Rohit Sharma was adjudged Player of the Match and Series for his contribution with the bat. With this win, India avoided a white-wash and now focus will move onto T20Is.
Scorecard:
Australia: 236/10, Overs 46.4, Matt Renshaw 56, Harshit Rana 4/39
India: 237/1, Overs 38.3, Rohit Sharma 121*, Josh Hazlewood 1/23
