India vs Australia 3rd ODI 2025 Highlights: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Star in Sydney Win

Image credit: The Indian Express

Quick Recap:
India defeated Australia by 9 wickets at the Sydney Cricket Ground to claim a consolatory win in the 3rd ODI, finishing the series 2-1 in Australia’s favor.

Match Summary

Australia batted first, setting a modest total of 236 runs all out in 46.4 overs. The hosts looked strong at 183 for 3 but Indian bowlers Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar triggered a collapse late in the innings. Rana took a career-best 4 wickets for 39 runs.

India’s chase was powered by a vintage partnership between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rohit scored a commanding unbeaten 121, his 33rd ODI century, while Kohli contributed an elegant 74 not out. The duo stitched an unbroken 168-run stand, guiding India comfortably to the target within 38.3 overs.

• Result: India won by 9 wickets, series ends 2-1 in favor of Australia.
• Australia: 236 all out in 46.4 overs – Matt Renshaw 56, Travis Head 44; Harshit Rana 4/39, Washington Sundar 2/44
• India: 237/1 in 38.3 overs – Rohit Sharma 121*, Virat Kohli 74*
• Key partnerships: More than just runs — the seamless Rohit-Kohli partnership shook the match outcome.
• Best bowlers: Harshit Rana’s destructive spell 4/39 stands out.

Notable Performances

• Rohit Sharma (India): Masterclass century, 121* off 125 balls, anchoring the chase.
• Virat Kohli (India): Calm and composed 74* off 81 balls, backing up Rohit perfectly.
• Harshit Rana (India): Career-best 4/39, pivotal in derailing Australia’s innings.
• Matt Renshaw (Australia): Top-scored with 56, giving Australia a hopeful start.
• Washington Sundar (India): Tight bowling spell, 2 crucial wickets.

Playing XI

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Nathan Ellis, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Final Recap

India showed resilience and experience with Rohit and Kohli’s stellar partnership guiding them to a comfortable nine-wicket victory. Despite losing the series, India’s performance in this match was a statement of intent ahead of the upcoming T20 format series.

Additional Insights

Harshit Rana’s breakthrough spells and Washington Sundar’s steady bowling highlighted India’s bowling depth, while the top order’s mature approach helped tame Australia’s bowlers. Australia’s middle order once again showed vulnerability under pressure. The series overall promises exciting white-ball cricket as both teams gear up for the T20 series.

The 3rd ODI win will boost Indian confidence, especially the Rohit-Kohli partnership which reminded fans of their legendary status in ODI cricket. The SCG pitch favored batsmen but disciplined bowling was key to turning the game.