Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli Deliver a Masterclass in Sydney
In a performance that felt ripped from their prime, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli turned back the clock at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to power India to a stunning nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement, a vintage display of class and composure that left fans wondering if this legendary duo has one last chapter to write.
Rohit Sharma’s Historic 50th Century
The star of the show was none other than Rohit Sharma, who silenced his critics with a majestic, unbeaten 121. This wasn’t just any century; it was his 50th international hundred, a monumental milestone that cements his place among the game’s greats . The innings, laced with 13 boundaries and 3 sixes, was a masterclass in controlled aggression .
With this knock, Rohit also etched his name in the Australian record books. He now holds the record for the most ODI centuries by an overseas batter on Australian soil, with six, surpassing the previous mark held by Virat Kohli and Kumar Sangakkara .
The Unbreakable Ro-Ko Partnership
While Rohit provided the fireworks, Virat Kohli was the perfect foil, anchoring the chase with a sublime, unbeaten 74. Together, they stitched together an unbroken 168-run partnership that dismantled the Australian bowling attack .
This stand was more than just a match-winning effort; it was a record-equaling feat. The duo now shares 12 partnerships of 150 or more runs in ODIs, matching the legendary tally of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly . Their synergy and understanding were on full display, a reminder of why they are considered one of the most formidable pairs in modern cricket.
Match Context and Turning Point
Australia, batting first, posted a competitive total of 236 all out in their 50 overs . India’s chase began with a minor hiccup as Shubman Gill was dismissed early for 24, leaving the visitors at 24/1 . However, what followed was a near-flawless display of batting.
The partnership was built on a solid foundation in the powerplay and then accelerated with ruthless efficiency. They chased down the target of 237 in just 27.4 overs, showcasing their intent and dominance . The Australian bowlers, including Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, had no answers to their brilliance .
A Potential Farewell Down Under?
Given their age and the natural progression of their careers, many speculate that this tour could be the last time we see the ‘Ro-Ko’ duo in action in Australia. If this was indeed their final dance at the SCG, they couldn’t have scripted a more perfect farewell. Their performance was a gift to fans, a nostalgic trip down memory lane that ended in a resounding victory.
Key Match Statistics
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 121* | 125 | 13 | 3 | 96.80 |
| Virat Kohli | 74* | 81 | 7 | 0 | 91.36 |
| Shubman Gill | 24 | 26 | 2 | 1 | 92.31 |
Sources
For more details on this historic match, you can refer to the following sources: