RAJKOT — In a stunning display of batting prowess, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli orchestrated a commanding victory for India, hammering Australia by seven wickets in the third and final One-Day International at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Wednesday.
While the series had already been conceded after losses in Mohali and Indore, this comprehensive win served as a powerful statement just days before the commencement of the ICC Cricket World Cup. The victory was built upon the twin pillars of Indian batting: a record-breaking, blistering century from captain Rohit Sharma and a masterful, composed 56 from the returning Virat Kohli.
Rohit's Record-Shattering Innings
The cornerstone of India's successful chase of 353 was Rohit Sharma's majestic 81-ball 106. In a breathtaking assault, the Indian skipper registered his 50th international hundred, becoming only the second Indian batsman after Virat Kohli (76) to reach the landmark. The innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring:
• Nine fours and five sixes
• A staggering strike rate of 130.86
• A 50-run partnership with Kohli that came in just 31 balls
Rohit's dominance was such that he single-handedly took the game away from Australia in the powerplay. He reached his fifty off just 31 balls and accelerated even further, bringing up his century from a mere 80 deliveries. Speaking after the match, a satisfied Rohit said, "It was a good win. To bowl them out under 350 was a great effort. The partnership with Virat was crucial."
Kohli's Seamless Return to the Fold
Playing his first ODI since the Bangladesh tour in December 2022, Virat Kohli looked like he had never been away. Coming in at number three, he played the perfect second fiddle to Rohit's hurricane before anchoring the innings after his captain's departure. His 56 off 61 balls was a study in timing and placement, featuring five boundaries. The sight of the two modern giants stitching together a 142-run stand for the second wicket was a reassuring one for Indian fans, effectively silencing the Australian bowling attack that had looked threatening just overs earlier.
Kohli's innings was particularly noteworthy for its composure. He weathered the early pressure, rotated the strike brilliantly, and capitalized on loose deliveries, ensuring there was no dramatic collapse after the explosive start. His form is a massive boost for the team heading into the World Cup, reinforcing the batting lineup's core strength.
Australia's Fought Hard with the Bat
Earlier, after being put into bat, Australia posted a formidable 352 all out, a total that seemed competitive at the innings break. The visitors' innings was built on a magnificent 137 from Mitchell Marsh and a rapid 96 from Steve Smith. The pair put on a 137-run partnership for the second wicket, taking a particular liking to the Indian spinners. Marsh's power-hitting was on full display as he smashed eight sixes in his innings, while Smith looked poised for a century before falling to a Kuldeep Yadav delivery.
However, the Indian bowlers staged a remarkable fightback in the latter stages. Jasprit Bumrah (3/81) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/48) were instrumental in pulling things back, with Bumrah's yorkers and Kuldeep's guile stemming the flow of runs and taking crucial wickets. Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with a vital wicket, dismissing the dangerous Marnus Labuschagne.
The Turning Point: The Chase
The match decisively swung in India's favour during their batting powerplay. Rohit Sharma took on the Australian pace attack of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins with utter disdain. The first ten overs yielded 114 runs, the second-highest powerplay score in Indian ODI history. This explosive start reduced the required run rate to a manageable level, allowing the batsmen who followed to play without significant pressure. Australian captain Pat Cummins conceded the onslaught was the difference, stating, "Rohit is hard to stop when he gets going. We were blown away in the first ten overs."
A Consolation Win with Major Implications
While the 2-1 series loss will be a minor blemish, the nature of this victory provides India with immense confidence. Key players returning from rest—Kohli, Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya—all made significant contributions. The middle order also got valuable time in the middle, with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul finishing the game with an unbroken 72-run stand. Iyer looked particularly fluent in his 48 not out, alleviating concerns about his form and fitness ahead of the World Cup.
The victory also showcased India's depth and ability to chase down a massive target, a area that has sometimes been a concern. The team management will be pleased with the batting firepower on display and the bowling unit's ability to comeback after a tough start. The win reinforces India's status as one of the firm favourites for the upcoming World Cup on home soil.
What This Means for the World Cup
This match was the final ODI for both teams before the World Cup, serving as a crucial dress rehearsal. For India, the key takeaways are overwhelmingly positive:
• The top order is in devastating form.
• The return of key players has been seamlessly integrated.
• The team has the belief to chase any total.
For Australia, there will be concerns about their bowling attack's inability to contain a rampant batting lineup, especially in favourable conditions. While their batting is deep and powerful, the bowling resources of Cummins, Hazlewood, and Adam Zampa took a heavy beating, conceding over 200 runs in just 26.3 overs between them. As the teams disperse to finalize their World Cup preparations, India will fly high on this performance, while Australia has some tactical thinking to do before the global tournament begins.
In the end, the day belonged to the Indian captain. As Rohit Sharma lifted his bat to acknowledge the standing ovation for his 50th international ton, it was a reminder of his colossal stature in the game and a warning to all World Cup opponents of the firepower that lies within this Indian team.