NEW DELHI: Shreyas Iyer produced a moment of brilliance during the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday. Fielding at backward point, Iyer ran back and completed a stunning catch to dismiss Alex Carey, who was attempting an aerial drive off Harshit Rana.

Iyer’s athletic effort and painful fall

The delivery was short of length outside off, and Carey tried to clear extra cover but sliced it high in the air. Iyer sprinted back, timed his leap perfectly, and managed to hold on even as the ball briefly slipped.

He landed awkwardly on his left hip, immediately wincing in pain. The Indian physio rushed to attend to him, but Iyer’s sharp presence in the field had already made the difference.

Carey’s dismissal came at a crucial stage when Australia were rebuilding. The wicket broke the partnership and opened the gates for India’s bowlers, who seized control from that point onward.

Australia’s innings folds for 236

Pacer Harshit Rana starred with figures of 4/39, while Washington Sundar picked two wickets as India bundled out Australia for 236 in 46.4 overs. Earlier, Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel had removed openers Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, before Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna added to the damage. The hosts’ middle and lower order couldn’t capitalise after a decent start, leaving India in a strong position to chase down the target in the final ODI.