India’s Dominant Show: 3rd ODI Review – Rohit & Kohli’s Masterclass at Sydney
The Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed vintage brilliance as India crushed Australia by nine wickets in the third ODI to end the series on a high. It was a night where two modern greats — Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — reminded the world why they’re still the gold standard in ODI batting.
Though Australia had already sealed the series 2–0, India’s commanding victory in the final match restored pride and showcased their class.
A Much-Needed Redemption for India
After losing the first two matches of the series, India entered the final ODI with pride on the line. Gautam Gambhir’s men, under pressure, produced a complete performance in all departments. The bowlers, led by young Harshit Rana, bowled out Australia for 236 in 46.4 overs, with Harshit Rana starring with 4/39 in 8.4 overs. Despite Mitchell Marsh’s brief counter (41 off 50), Australia’s middle order crumbled against India’s accuracy.
Harshit Rana’s Breakthrough Spell
Rana’s fiery spell was the turning point of the innings. He removed Marsh and Renshaw right when Australia looked set for a 300-plus total. Washington Sundar also chipped in with two wickets as India tightened control after the 30th over. This disciplined bowling display exemplified India’s growing pool of pace talent and tactical maturity under Gambhir’s leadership.
The Ro-Ko Renaissance
What followed was sheer mastery. Chasing 237, India lost Shubman Gill for 24, but that only paved the way for one of the most iconic partnerships in recent memory. Rohit Sharma (121* off 125) and Virat Kohli (74* off 81) stitched together an unbeaten 168-run stand that rolled back the years.
Rohit’s innings was both fluent and commanding — peppered with trademark pull shots and effortless drives. Kohli, meanwhile, mixed aggression with finesse, ensuring the chase remained untroubled. Their chemistry was visible throughout; every boundary felt like a flashback to India’s golden ODI era.
For a detailed breakdown of Rohit and Kohli’s unbeaten 168-run stand, read our full analysis here: [Ro-Ko Magic: Rohit & Kohli’s 168-Run Stand Stuns Australia].
Records and Milestones
This match was rich with milestones. Rohit Sharma notched up his 33rd ODI hundred — equaling Sachin Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in wins for India. At 38 years and 178 days, he also became the second-oldest Indian to hit an ODI century after Tendulkar. Kohli, on the other hand, surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to climb further up the list of all-time leading run-scorers in ODIs. Their partnership was India’s fifth-highest unbeaten stand against Australia in ODIs.
Emotional Significance of the Sydney Show
Beyond the numbers, there was emotion. This could be one of the last times the legendary duo graced Australian soil together in blue. The SCG crowd of over 40,000 erupted every time the pair raised their bats, celebrating an era-defining bond between two icons.
As Kohli hit the winning boundary, sealing India’s victory with 69 balls to spare, it wasn’t just about leveling dignity — it was a reminder of how experience and class still define Indian cricket’s core.
Final Scorecard Snapshot
| Team | Score | Overs | Result | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 236/10 | 46.4 | Lost by 9 wickets | Renshaw – 56 (58) |
| India | 237/1 | 38.3 | Won by 9 wickets | Rohit Sharma – 121* (125) |
Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma
Player of the Series: Rohit Sharma
Closing Thoughts
The 3rd ODI wasn’t merely a consolation win — it was a statement. A show of pride, experience, and mastery at the SCG. Rohit and Kohli’s partnership rekindled the old magic — and perhaps, hinted that the “Ro-Ko” era still has a few glorious chapters left.
