Despite losing the series, Indian cricket fans were treated to an unforgettable display at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. India's legendary duo, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, returned to their best form with an unbroken 168-run partnership, securing India a dazzling victory.
Chasing a target of 237 runs set by Australia, India had an initial partnership of 69 runs before Rohit and Kohli took charge. Rohit scored an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls, hitting 13 fours and 3 sixes. Meanwhile, Virat played a responsible 74-run unbeaten innings off 81 balls, including 7 fours. Together, they achieved the target in just 39.2 overs.
This was the 12th 150+ stand for the 'Ro-Ko' pair, matching the iconic duo of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly. Notably, they have now achieved a 100+ partnership for the 19th time in ODI history, surpassing Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan's 18 partnerships.
26 - Tendulkar-Ganguly (176 innings)
20 - Dilshan-Sangakkara (108 innings)
19 - Rohit-Kohli (101)*
18 - Rohit-Shikhar (117 innings)
99 - Sachin Tendulkar
82 - Virat Kohli*
72 - Ricky Ponting
68 - Rohit Sharma*
67 - Kumar Sangakkara
Australia opted to bat first upon winning the toss. Captain Mitchell Marsh (50 off 41 balls) and Travis Head (29) gave a steady start with a 61-run stand. However, Indian bowlers staged a remarkable comeback, bowling Australia out for 236 in 46.4 overs.
Emerging fast bowler Harshit Rana starred with 4 wickets for 39 runs in 8.4 overs. Washington Sundar claimed 2 wickets, while Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav each took a wicket.
India secured a comprehensive victory, thanks to the unwavering Rohit-Kohli partnership. Rohit Sharma was named 'Player of the Match' for his century and 'Player of the Series' for his outstanding performance (202 runs, 1 century, and 1 half-century).
1️⃣ Rohit Sharma – 6 centuries (33 innings)
2️⃣ Virat Kohli – 5 centuries (32 innings)
3️⃣ Kumar Sangakkara – 5 centuries (49 innings)
1️⃣ Virat Kohli – 10 vs Sri Lanka
2️⃣ Virat Kohli – 9 vs West Indies
3️⃣ Sachin Tendulkar – 9 vs Australia
4️⃣ Rohit Sharma – 9 vs Australia
