Did Rohit’s century and Kohli’s fifty secure India a remarkable nine-wicket win?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling showdown at the SCG, India's cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli dazzled with their performances, securing a nine-wicket victory over Australia. This match not only highlighted their batting prowess but also showcased India's resilience as they avoided a clean sweep.
Key Takeaways
- Rohit Sharma's brilliant century was pivotal for India's victory.
- The partnership between Rohit and Kohli was key to the chase.
- India's disciplined bowling restricted Australia to a manageable total.
- Harshit Rana's performance was crucial in dismantling the Australian batting order.
- India showcased resilience, finishing the series on a high note.
Sydney, Oct 25 (NationPress) Rohit Sharma spearheaded the innings with a classic 121 - marking his 33rd ODI century - while Virat Kohli remained not out on 74, as the dynamic duo showcased their skills and led India to a magnificent nine-wicket victory against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Although Australia had a strong start, India displayed remarkable resilience with disciplined bowling. Harshit Rana was pivotal, claiming 4 wickets for 39 runs, which helped restrict the hosts to 236 runs. India began their innings confidently, with Rohit and Shubman Gill forming a solid opening partnership of 68 runs before Hazlewood dismissed Gill.
This brought Rohit and Kohli, India's most seasoned batting duo, to the crease. Rohit was in exceptional form, smashing 13 fours and three sixes in his 121 runs off 125 balls, while Kohli’s composed innings of 74 off 81 balls included seven boundaries.
The pair forged an unbeaten partnership of 168 runs, marking a brilliant chase that allowed India to wrap up the match with 11.3 overs to spare, thus avoiding a clean sweep loss to Australia.
Rohit began the chase by elegantly clipping, driving, and cutting boundaries off Mitchell Starc. With the pitch offering less assistance than in the first innings, Rohit’s timing and placement were impeccable.
Gill also joined the boundary-hitting spree, striking Nathan Ellis for a four, while Rohit continued to score freely off Hazlewood.
Gill concluded the power-play with a massive slog-sweep for six, ending at 68/0 and shifting the momentum firmly in India’s favor.
However, Gill fell victim to a superb delivery from Hazlewood, edging it to Alex Carey. Kohli entered the field to a standing ovation, likely as this marked his final appearance at the SCG.
Kohli opened his account on the very first ball, acknowledging the crowd with a smile and a fist pump, which drew a roar of approval. He quickly showcased his class with a boundary off Adam Zampa and continued to score off Hazlewood and Starc.
Rohit lofted Zampa for a six and reached his 60th ODI fifty in just 63 balls. He then swept Zampa for a four, slog-swept him for another six, and struck Nathan Ellis for a boundary.
Moreover, Kohli survived an lbw appeal against Ellis and went on to secure his 75th ODI fifty, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, just behind the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
As the partnership crossed the 100-run mark, Rohit accelerated, showcasing his power hitting, and reached his century from just 105 balls, thrilling the passionate crowd. Rohit executed several exquisite sweeps off Matt Short, while Kohli also contributed with boundaries off Ellis, sealing India's victory and igniting celebration among the fans.
Brief Scores: Australia 236 in 43.4 overs (Matthew Renshaw 56, Mitchell Marsh 41; Harshit Rana 4-39, Washington Sundar 2-44) lost to India 237/1 in 38.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 121 not out, Virat Kohli 74 not out; Josh Hazlewood 1-23) by nine wickets.
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Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge India's remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. The team's performance in this ODI reflects not only their skill but also their unwavering spirit. Rohit and Kohli's innings exemplified experience and determination, ensuring that India finished on a high note in the series.
NationPress
26/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
India won the match by nine wickets, scoring 237 runs while chasing Australia's 236.
Who was the standout performer for India?
Rohit Sharma was the standout performer, scoring 121 not out, his 33rd ODI century.
How did Kohli contribute to the match?
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 74 runs, supporting Rohit in a crucial partnership.
What was the significance of this match for India?
This victory allowed India to avoid a clean sweep in the series against Australia.
Where was the match played?
The match took place at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Australia.
