Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli turned back the clock with a masterclass at the Sydney Cricket Ground as India secured a nine-wicket victory in the third ODI against Australia on Saturday. While Australia had already clinched the three-match series, the final game was about milestones and memories — and Ro-Ko delivered in style. Rohit slammed his 50th international century, unbeaten on 121, while Kohli played a composed 74 not out. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Together, they stitched an unbroken 168-run partnership for the second wicket, guiding India to 237 for one in just 38.3 overs. Beyond the win, the match provided fans with a nostalgic glimpse of two of India’s greatest cricketers in possibly their final outing Down Under.
Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking centuryRohit Sharma reached his 33rd ODI hundred in just 105 balls, bringing up a milestone that also marked his 50th international century across formats (12 in Tests, 33 in ODIs, 5 in T20Is). His fluent innings featured 13 fours and three sixes, showcasing his trademark blend of elegance and aggression. The century also allowed him to surpass Kohli’s tally against Australia and join Sachin Tendulkar at the top of the ODI century charts, achieved in far fewer innings than Tendulkar’s 70 against the Aussies.Virat Kohli’s time-bending knockKohli, coming off two ducks in the series, played a composed 74 not out, raising his 75th ODI fifty in the process. His innings was a mixture of calculated singles, quick running between the wickets, and crisp boundaries, including a trademark straight drive off Starc. Kohli’s calm presence allowed Rohit to play freely, and the duo controlled the chase effortlessly, finishing the match with 69 balls to spare.Harshit Rana leads bowling effortIndia’s bowlers set up the chase with precision. Harshit Rana took 4/39, extracting pace and bounce off the fresh SCG pitch. Axar Patel and Washington Sundar controlled the middle overs with tight spin, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna provided breakthroughs. Australia, who started strongly with Mitchell Marsh (41) and Travis Head (29), collapsed to 236 all out after a late-order struggle.Fielding highlightsIndia’s fielders were sharp throughout. Kohli’s reflex catch at backward point to dismiss Matthew Short was superb, but Shreyas Iyer’s running, diving catch to dismiss Alex Carey stole the show. Iyer, however, left the field for assessment of a left rib-cage injury. These athletic efforts complemented the bowlers’ performance and added pressure on the Australian lineup.Memorable farewell in AustraliaWith no more scheduled ODI series in Australia before the 2027 World Cup, this could be the last Australian outing for both veterans. Rohit and Kohli received roaring applause from the Sydney crowd, providing a fitting farewell with a vintage partnership that reminded fans why they have been icons of Indian cricket for over a decade.