NEW DELHI: Rohit Sharma struck his 50th international century while Virat Kohli played a composed, calculated innings to guide India to a nine-wicket victory over Australia in the third ODI at the SCG on Saturday. The win, however, wasn’t enough to prevent Australia from taking the three-match series 2-1.

After Harshit Rana led India’s bowlers to restrict Australia to a below-par 236, Rohit (121 not out) and Kohli (74 not out) forged a 168-run partnership in just 170 balls for the second wicket, steering India to 237 for one in 38.3 overs. Their masterful stand entertained the Sydney crowd and prevented a series whitewash.

Rohit, following the dismissal of captain Shubman Gill after a 69-run opening stand, dominated the chase with elegance and aggression, reaching his 33rd ODI century. Starting with crisp drives and flicks off Mitchell Starc, he unleashed his punishing strokes once Adam Zampa was introduced, lofting two spectacular sixes — one over mid-wicket and another inside out over covers.

Kohli, recovering from two successive ducks, played with precision, mixing quick singles with occasional boundaries. He survived a close LBW review off Nathan Ellis on 36, breathing life into the chase. Rohit brought up his fifty in 63 balls, accelerating to his hundred in 105 balls, while Kohli completed his fifty off 56 balls.

India’s fielding was equally sharp. Kohli’s reflex catch to dismiss Matthew Short and Shreyas Iyer’s running diving catch to remove Alex Carey stood out. Iyer, however, had to leave the field briefly for assessment after injuring his left rib cage.

Earlier, Australia had started well through skipper Mitchell Marsh (41) and Travis Head, who put on a 61-run opening stand. A 54-run partnership between Renshaw (56) and Carey offered some resistance, but the middle overs belonged to India’s bowlers. Rana’s 4/39 and the spinners applied constant pressure, restricting Australia to a below-par total.

Renshaw batted confidently at one end but was eventually dismissed LBW by Washington Sundar, finishing with a patient 56. A few lower-order cameos pushed Australia into the 230s, but it was insufficient against India’s dominant top order.

Rohit and Kohli’s brilliant partnership, combining fluency and meticulousness, ensured India ended the series on a high note, delighting the Sydney crowd and giving them a final sight of the iconic Ro-Ko pairing on Australian soil.

(With PTI Inputs)