WEB DESK: India secured a commanding nine-wicket victory against Australia in the third ODI, showcasing exceptional performances by Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Australia, batting first, were bowled out for 236. Mitchell Marsh led the scoring with 41 runs, followed by contributions from Travis Head (29), Matthew Short (30), and Renshaw (56). Despite a solid start, the Australian batting lineup faltered under pressure from the Indian bowlers, collapsing dramatically. At one stage, they had lost only three wickets for 183 runs, but they added just 53 runs for the next seven wickets, leaving India with a modest target of 237 to chase.
Harshit Rana was the standout performer with the ball for India, taking four wickets for 39 runs. With this feat, his career tally in ODI cricket rose to 16 wickets, equaling R. Ashwin’s record in his first eight matches. Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and Prasidh Krishna chipped in with a wicket each.
In response, India’s innings began with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill opening. Gill fell for 24 to Josh Hazlewood’s bowling, bringing Virat Kohli to the crease. Together, Rohit and Kohli played responsibly and superbly to steer India to victory. Rohit Sharma delivered an exceptional knock of 121 runs, hitting 13 fours and three sixes during his innings. Virat Kohli supported him beautifully with an unbeaten 74, which included seven boundaries.
This convincing victory helped India bounce back after losing the first two ODIs in the series.
