The Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed a masterclass as Rohit Sharma reached his 33rd ODI century, with the entire stadium erupting as the former India captain celebrated with fellow senior pro Virat Kohli. India fought back after a dismal series to avoid becoming the first Indian team ever swept in a bilateral ODI series against Australia.
India Match Summary: Sydney Comeback
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground |
| Date | October 25, 2025 |
| Toss | Australia elected to bat |
| Australia Score | 236 all out (46.4 overs) |
| India Score | 171/1 (28 overs, chasing) |
| Series Result | Australia 2-1 |
| Top Scorer (AUS) | Matt Renshaw (maiden ODI fifty) |
| Best Bowler (IND) | Harshit Rana (4/39) |
| Player of Match | Harshit Rana |
Harshit Rana Announces Arrival with Career-Best Spell
Matt Renshaw made his maiden ODI half-century but a major collapse, in which Harshit Rana claimed a career-best 4 for 39, left Australia with an underwhelming total of 236 at the SCG. The young pacer’s brilliant spell turned the match on its head.
Australia’s top six all passed 20 but no one converted their start into a substantial score. From 183 for 3 in the 34th over, they lost 4 for 18, triggering a dramatic collapse that left fans stunned.
The Indian bowling attack showed remarkable discipline. Washington Sundar bowled with excellent control for his 2 for 44, conceding just one boundary in his 10 overs, while Axar Patel went for just 18 in six overs. All six Indian bowlers claimed at least one wicket in a collective effort.
The Legends Strike When It Matters Most
After losing captain Shubman Gill early, India needed their experienced campaigners to step up. They delivered in style. The Rohit-Kohli party continued as they took India to the 200-run mark and were in touching distance of the target, in what will most likely be their last outing in Australia.
For Virat Kohli, this innings carried special significance after enduring back-to-back ducks in Perth and Adelaide—the first time in his legendary ODI career. His return to form alongside Rohit showcased why they remain India’s most trusted batting duo even in twilight years.
The partnership wasn’t just about runs; it was about redemption, pride, and possibly a farewell to Australian soil where both legends have created countless memories.
Historic Context: Protecting the Record
India have never been swept in a bilateral ODI series against Australia, making this victory crucial for maintaining that proud record. After consecutive defeats in Perth and Adelaide, the pressure was immense to salvage something from the tour.
Australia had won the series 2-0 and were aiming to complete their first ODI series whitewash over India. The hosts made several tactical changes, but the shuffled lineup couldn’t deliver the knockout punch on Sydney’s batting-friendly surface.
Squad Updates and Injury Concerns
Nitish Kumar Reddy sustained a left quadriceps injury during the second ODI in Adelaide and was subsequently unavailable for selection for the third ODI, with the BCCI Medical Team monitoring him daily. India adjusted their combination with six bowling options, each contributing wickets in a balanced attack.
The team management’s decision to maintain flexibility paid dividends as bowlers shared responsibilities effectively without overburdening any single player.
What This Victory Means Going Forward
Beyond avoiding embarrassment, this win provides India crucial momentum heading into the five-match T20I series starting October 29 in Canberra. The batting form of Rohit and Kohli, combined with Harshit Rana’s emergence as a wicket-taking option, offers optimism for the format switch.
For Australia, despite winning the series comfortably, questions remain about middle-order stability. Their inability to convert starts into substantial scores could be exploited by quality bowling attacks in future encounters.
Emotional Farewell at the SCG?
The sight of Rohit Sharma celebrating his century with Virat Kohli at the SCG provided the perfect storybook moment. Whether or not this marks their final ODI appearance in Australia, the partnership served as a reminder that class truly is permanent.
Their defiant stand in Sydney wasn’t just about statistics—it was about legacy, pride, and showing the next generation how champions respond when their backs are against the wall.
Related Coverage on TechnoSports:
- India Tour of Australia 2025: Complete Schedule & Results
- Harshit Rana: The Rising Star of Indian Cricket
- Rohit Sharma’s Top 10 ODI Centuries
- T20I Series Preview: India vs Australia 2025
For detailed ball-by-ball commentary and live statistics, visit ESPNcricinfo Official Site
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What was the final result of India vs Australia 3rd ODI at Sydney?
India successfully chased down Australia’s total of 236 runs to avoid a historic series whitewash. After Harshit Rana’s career-best bowling figures restricted Australia to 236 all out in 46.4 overs, India’s chase was anchored by Rohit Sharma’s 33rd ODI century and Virat Kohli’s composed batting. At 171 for 1 in 28 overs, India needed just 66 more runs with nine wickets in hand, cruising toward victory. The final series scoreline read 2-1 in Australia’s favor.
Q2: How did Harshit Rana perform in his breakthrough Sydney performance?
Harshit Rana delivered a match-winning performance with career-best figures of 4 wickets for 39 runs in 8.4 overs. His breakthrough spell triggered Australia’s dramatic collapse from a comfortable 183 for 3 to being bowled out for 236, with the hosts losing their last seven wickets for just 53 runs. Rana claimed two wickets in the final three balls of the innings and was instrumental in limiting Australia to an underwhelming total, setting up India’s successful chase.
