Sydney, October 20: Team India produced a commanding performance at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to crush Australia by nine wickets in the third and final ODI, preventing a clean sweep and ending the series on a high. The experienced duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — affectionately known as Ro-Ko by fans — led India’s charge with a majestic batting display that left the Australian bowlers searching for answers.
After losing the first two ODIs, the visitors came into the match determined to finish strong — and they did so emphatically. Rohit Sharma, who returned to form in spectacular style, smashed an unbeaten 98 off 83 balls, while Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a composed 86 not out off 78 balls. Their unbroken partnership of 187 runs sealed one of India’s most clinical wins in recent overseas tours.
Bowlers Set the Stage
Earlier in the day, Australia’s batting line-up faltered against India’s well-disciplined bowling unit. Opting to bat first, the hosts struggled to build momentum after Jasprit Bumrah removed the dangerous Travis Head early. Kuldeep Yadav’s spin in the middle overs further tightened the screws, picking up two crucial wickets and breaking the rhythm of Australia’s scoring.
Despite a valiant effort from Steve Smith (62) and Marnus Labuschagne (45), Australia could only manage 223 runs before being bowled out in 47.5 overs. Bumrah finished with impressive figures of 3/38, while Kuldeep chipped in with 2/45.
Rohit-Kohli Show Steals the Spotlight
Chasing a target of 224, India’s intent was clear from the first over. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli combined caution with aggression, punishing loose deliveries and rotating the strike seamlessly. Their partnership — a reminder of India’s golden era of ODI batting — ensured there were no jitters in the chase.
Rohit’s innings was laced with 11 boundaries and 3 sixes, while Kohli’s calculated aggression saw him find the gaps with precision. Together, they made the Australian bowling attack look ordinary on their own turf.
With this victory, India not only avoided a series whitewash but also carried winning momentum into the upcoming T20I series, beginning later this week.
What This Win Means for India
This dominant performance will be a huge confidence booster for Team India ahead of their next assignments. The top order finally clicked, the bowling unit showed discipline, and the fielding was sharp — all signs of a team regaining rhythm after early setbacks.
For Rohit Sharma, the innings was a timely reminder of his world-class ability under pressure. For Kohli, it was another day at the office — steady, composed, and match-winning.
Match Summary
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Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
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Result: India won by 9 wickets
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Australia: 223 all out in 47.5 overs (Smith 62, Labuschagne 45; Bumrah 3/38, Kuldeep 2/45)
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India: 224/1 in 29.4 overs (Rohit 98*, Kohli 86*)
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Series Result: Australia won 2-1
Post-Match Reactions
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Rohit Sharma: “We wanted to finish the series positively, and I’m glad we could execute our plans perfectly. The partnership with Virat was very satisfying.”
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Virat Kohli: “We backed each other well and stayed calm. The intent was to dominate from the start.”
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Pat Cummins (Australia Captain): “We were 40-50 runs short today. India played outstandingly well — full credit to them.”
FAQs:
Q1. Who won the 3rd ODI between India and Australia in 2025?
India won the 3rd ODI against Australia by nine wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Q2. Who were the top performers for India?
Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 98*, while Virat Kohli remained not out on 86*. Jasprit Bumrah also took 3 wickets.
Q3. What was Australia’s total score in the match?
Australia was bowled out for 223 runs in 47.5 overs, with Steve Smith scoring 62 runs.
Q4. What was the final series result?
Australia won the series 2-1, but India avoided a clean sweep with a dominant win in the final ODI.
Q5. When will the India vs Australia T20I series start?
The T20I series between India and Australia is scheduled to begin later this week following the ODI series.
