Sydney, 25 October 2025
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli produced a vintage masterclass at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, leading India to a commanding nine-wicket win and denying Australia a series sweep.
Rohit struck his 50th international century while Kohli surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history. The pair added their first century stand in any format since January 2020, steering India clear of a 3-0 whitewash after a strong bowling effort set up the chase.
Harshit Rana starred with the ball, taking 4-39 as India bowled out Australia for 236 in 46.4 overs. Matthew Renshaw top-scored with his maiden ODI fifty, but Australia’s batting faltered around him after captain Mitchell Marsh opted to bat first for just the second time in 27 ODIs.
Renshaw and Marsh briefly steadied the innings after early wickets, but Axar Patel and Washington Sundar tightened the screws with disciplined spells. Axar removed Marsh for 41, and Sundar later trapped Renshaw leg before after a DRS review. Shreyas Iyer’s spectacular diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey — though he later left the field injured — highlighted India’s sharp fielding display.
Australia’s lower order folded quickly, with Rana and Kuldeep Yadav cleaning up the tail to leave the hosts well short of a competitive total.
In response, Rohit and Shubman Gill gave India a fluent start, adding 68 in the PowerPlay before Gill nicked off to Josh Hazlewood. Kohli, greeted by a warm ovation, survived some early movement before settling in. The pair built a steady partnership, with Rohit reaching his 60th ODI half-century and Kohli his 75th.
Nathan Ellis nearly broke the stand with an LBW review against Kohli, but umpire’s call went India’s way. Rohit accelerated after reaching his hundred — his 33rd in ODIs — striking cleanly against Cooper Connolly and Adam Zampa. Kohli’s single in the 32nd over took him past Sangakkara’s tally of 14,234 ODI runs, moving him to second on the all-time list behind Sachin Tendulkar.
The duo brought up their 19th century partnership as India cruised home in 38.3 overs. Rohit finished unbeaten on 121, while Kohli remained on 74, sealing a convincing win to end the series on a high.
Scores in brief:
Australia: 236 in 46.4 overs (Matt 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*)
Result: India won by 9 wickets.
