AUS vs IND, Sydney ODI: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Masterclass Seal India's Win; Fans Cherish 'Ro-Ko' Show

Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 121 and Virat Kohli’s fluent 74* powered India to a nine-wicket win over Australia in the 3rd ODI at Sydney. Harshit Rana starred with 4/39 as India wrapped up the series finale in style, though losing the series 1-2.

In what could be their final outing Down Under, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli put on a masterclass at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, leading India to a commanding nine-wicket win in the third ODI, though Australia clinched the series 2-1. Rohit struck his 50th international hundred, while Kohli produced a fighting 74*, reminding fans why the duo has defined Indian cricket for over a decade.

Australia’s innings: A promising start but middle-order collapse

Australia looked poised at the start, with skipper Mitchell Marsh (41) and Travis Head building a 61-run opening partnership. However, the momentum shifted when Head fell to Mohammed Siraj and the middle order failed to capitalize.

Harshit Rana emerged as the game-changer, producing a fiery spell of 4/39, generating pace and bounce on a fresh SCG pitch. Spinners Washington Sundar and Axar Patel complemented him, tightening the screws on the Australians.

Key partnerships like Matt Renshaw (56) and Alex Carey kept Australia afloat, but their efforts could only push the total to a modest 236 all out in 46.4 overs, leaving India with a manageable chase.

India chase: Rohit and Kohli deliver a vintage performance

Chasing 237, India’s openers laid the foundation with Shubman Gill (24) adding 69 runs for the first wicket with Rohit. Once Gill departed, Rohit and Kohli took over, stitching an unbroken 168-run partnership in just 170 balls.

Rohit was all elegance and aggression, bringing up his fifty in 63 balls before accelerating to his 33rd ODI hundred in 105 balls. He dispatched Adam Zampa for two towering sixes, asserting his dominance over Australia’s weakened spin attack.

Kohli, meanwhile, played with meticulous precision, finding gaps, running quick singles, and timing boundaries perfectly. His fifty came off 56 balls, a small but meaningful atonement after two successive ducks in earlier games. Kohli also pulled off a stunning backward point catch to dismiss Matthew Short, showcasing why he’s still called the “Chase Master.”

India reached 237/1 in 38.3 overs, a clinical chase that left no doubt about their supremacy on the day.

Fans Applaud Ro-Ko Show

For the Sydney crowd, it was a bittersweet spectacle. The fans were treated to the Rohit-Kohli magic one last time in Australia, witnessing strokes, partnerships, and fielding brilliance that will linger in memory.

Virat Kohli’s brilliant catch to dismiss Matthew Short, along with Shreyas Iyer’s diving effort to take Alex Carey’s wicket, stood out as fielding highlights. Iyer, however, had to leave the field for a rib injury assessment. India’s fielding remained sharp throughout, cutting off easy runs and creating key breakthroughs.

Even in defeat of the series, Rohit and Kohli salvaged pride for India, giving fans in Sydney a final, unforgettable glimpse of their mastery. As Rohit raised his bat and Kohli embraced him after reaching milestones, the crowd cheered for what was more than just cricket — it was a reminder that the duo have their eyes set for the 2027 World Cup.