Sydney, October 25, 2025 - India salvaged a win in the final One Day International against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, crushing the hosts by 9 wickets, although Australia secured the series 2-1. The victory was powered by masterful performances from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who showcased their enduring class and experience.
Australia, having won the toss and electing to bat, were bowled out for 236 in 46.4 overs. A promising start was undone by a disciplined Indian bowling attack led by Harshit Rana, who claimed a career-best 4 for 39. The hosts were comfortably placed at 183 for 3 before a collapse saw them lose their last seven wickets for just 53 runs.
In response, India chased the target with ease, reaching 237 for 1 in just 38.3 overs. Rohit Sharma led the charge with an unbeaten 121 off 125 balls, his 33rd ODI century and his ninth against Australia. This was also his sixth ODI century in Australia, surpassing Virat Kohli's previous record. Sharma was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series for his outstanding performance, having scored 202 runs in the series at an average of 101.
Virat Kohli, after a lean patch in the series, found his form with a classy, unbeaten 74 off 81 balls. He formed a formidable 168-run partnership with Rohit Sharma, guiding India to victory and entertaining the Sydney crowd. During his innings, Kohli also surpassed Kumar Sangakkara to become the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history, a testament to his remarkable career. He now has 14,235 runs in 293 innings, only behind Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record of 18,426 runs.
The match also saw Rohit Sharma achieve multiple milestones. He went past Sachin Tendulkar's record for most ODI runs in Australia by an Indian player. The century was his 50th international hundred across all formats, putting him in an elite group of legends. He also took his 100th catch in ODIs.
Shubman Gill, captaining India for the first time in ODIs, contributed 24 runs before being dismissed. The opening stand of 69 runs set the platform for the chase, which the experienced duo of Sharma and Kohli completed with authority.
Following the match, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli hinted at this being their final game on Australian soil. The Sydney Cricket Ground erupted in applause for the pair, acknowledging their immense contribution to the game and their memorable performances in Australia over the years.
Australia's Mitchell Marsh praised Rohit and Virat for their consistent performances over the last decade. He acknowledged India's dominance in the match and highlighted the learning opportunity for his young team.
The focus now shifts to the T20I series between India and Australia, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the Indian side. The first T20I is scheduled to be played on October 29.
