Journalism of Courage
The final ODI between India and Australia takes place at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with India aiming to avoid a series whitewash while Australia has already clinched the series 2-0
Australia wins the toss and opts to bat first, looking to post a competitive total on a pitch offering consistent bounce.
Australia opens cautiously, with the openers taking singles and rotating strike. The first wicket falls at 61 runs as Travis Head departs for 29 off 25 balls
Mohammed Siraj strikes early, removing the Australian opener with a sharp delivery
India's spinners, including Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, applied pressure during the middle overs, restricting Australia's scoring rate. The third wicket fell at 124, with Matthew Short dismissed
Mitchell Marsh followed soon after at 88, leaving the hosts at 2 for 88
India vice-captain Shreyas Iyer pulled off a stunning full-stretch catch to dismiss Alex Carey, showcasing exceptional reflexes and fielding brilliance that further tilted the momentum in India’s favor
Australia's lower order collapsed, with wickets falling at 183 and 220. The hosts were eventually bowled out for 236 in 46.4 overs
Chasing 237, India lost Shubman Gill early, dismissed at 69. This brought Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli together at the crease
Virat Kohli gets off the mark with a single, ending his run drought after back-to-back failures in the previous matches
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli steadied the innings, building a crucial partnership to chase down the target.
Rohit Sharma reached his 33rd ODI century, anchoring India's chase with an unbeaten 121 runs off 125 balls.
Virat Kohli contributed an unbeaten 74 runs, providing solid support to Sharma and maintaining the required run rate
India successfully chased down the target in 38.3 overs, winning by 9 wickets. This victory prevented a series whitewash, with Australia winning the series 2-1
The Sydney crowd applauded the brilliant partnership between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, acknowledging their contributions to India's victory
Harshit Rana was the standout bowler for India, taking 4 wickets for 39 runs, while Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel also contributed with key breakthroughs
With the ODI series concluded, India now shifts focus to the upcoming T20 series against Australia, aiming to build on the momentum from this victory
