India Finish Strong in Sydney as Rohit, Kohli Halt Aussie Sweep
India clinched a consolation victory in the 3rd ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but Australia emerged as the series winners with a 2-1 result in the 2025 ODI contest. The match showcased superb performances from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, helping India avoid a whitewash and sign off on a high note in Sydney.
Series Recap
Australia took the opening two games: Seven-wicket win in Perth and a nail-biting two-wicket finish in Adelaide, thus ensuring the series win before the third encounter.
India’s batting order drew criticism for inconsistency, especially with Virat Kohli registering two consecutive ducks—an unusual dip in form for the veteran.
3rd ODI Highlights
Australia, batting first, were all out for 236, with Matt Renshaw scoring 56 and Mitchell Marsh contributing 41.
Harshit Rana shone with figures of 4/39, sparking a collapse at the death overs.
In response, India chased down the target in just 38.3 overs, losing only one wicket. Rohit Sharma led the charge with a dominant unbeaten 121, while Virat Kohli returned to form with 74*—the pair’s partnership proving match-winning.
Awards & Squad Notes
Rohit Sharma was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series, posting a tournament-high aggregate of 202 runs.
India’s squad combined experienced names like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer with emerging talents Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar.
Australia relied on Marsh, Renshaw, and Hazlewood, with occasional changes for the final matches.
Full Series Results (ODIs)
India now turns its attention to the upcoming five-match T20 series, hoping to carry forward the momentum from this impressive finish.
1st ODI – Perth (Oct 19, 2025)
| Team | Score | Top Scorers | Top Bowlers | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 136/9 (26) | KL Rahul 38, Axar Patel 31 | Kuhnemann 2/19, Owen 2/31 | Australia won by 7 wickets (DLS) |
| Australia | 131/3 (21.1) | Travis Head 44, Short 22 | Arshdeep Singh 1/31 |
2nd ODI – Adelaide (Oct 23, 2025)
| Team | Score | Top Scorers | Top Bowlers | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 264/9 (50) | Rohit Sharma 72, Iyer 50 | Owen 3/51 | Australia won by 2 wickets |
| Australia | 265/8 (46.2) | Short 74, Connolly 61 | Washington Sundar 2/37 |
3rd ODI – Sydney (Oct 25, 2025)
| Team | Score | Top Scorers | Top Bowlers | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 236 (46.4) | Renshaw 56, Marsh 41 | Harshit Rana 4/39 | India won by 9 wickets |
| India | 237/1 (38.3) | Rohit Sharma 121*, Kohli 74* | Hazlewood 1/35 |