India defeated Australia in the 3rd ODI that was played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on October 25, 2025. Though Australia had won the first two games in Perth and Adelaide, winning the series, India managed to avoid a whitewash.
Australia won the toss in the SCG ODI and opted to bat first. Matt Renshaw scored 56 and Mitchell Marsh 41 as Australia was bowled out for 236 in 46.4 overs. They appeared to be on track for a score of over 280 at one stage, but India's spinners salvaged the day with tense middle-overs spells. Washington Sundar supplied two wickets, while Harshit Rana was the hero, taking four for 39.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill got the squad off to a fantastic start, scoring 69 runs for the opening wicket.
Josh Hazlewood dismissed Gill for 24, sending Virat Kohli into the middle, where he appeared ecstatic after getting off the mark, while Rohit dominated the Australian attack with his usual flair.
Virat Kohli scored 74* in 81 balls with seven fours, while Rohit Sharma finished unbeaten on 121 in 125 balls with 13 fours and three sixes. India won by 9 wickets in 38.3 overs, courtesy of a partnership of 168*. India rescued face with this victory, as Australia won the one-day international series 2-1.
After the match, former cricketers Adam Gilchrist and Ravi Shastri had a chat with the winning duo, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Sharma said that he loved playing in Sydney and stated that he had fun scoring this brilliant ton.
“I have always loved coming here and enjoyed playing cricket at this venue (in Sydney). Brought back nice memories of 2008 (his first tour of Australia); it was fun. I don't know if we're going to come back (as cricketers), but I've enjoyed every bit. We've enjoyed playing cricket regardless of all the accolades over the years. Forget about what happened in the last 15 years; I've always loved playing here. I think it'll be the same for Virat as well. Thank you, Australia.” Rohit Sharma told Fox Sports.
On the other hand, Virat Kohli stated that batting in chases brings the best out of him. He also talked about batting with Rohit Sharma and the belief they had since they were young that a big partnership from them could take the game away from the opposition.
“You might've played international cricket for a long time, but the game shows you ways (on his ducks in the first two games). Almost 37 (years old) in the next few days, but chasing always brings the best out of me. Nice to have a big match-winning partnership (with Rohit). I think from early on, we've understood the situation well; that's what we've always done well (as a pair). We're probably the most experienced pair now, but back in the day when we were young, we knew we could take the game away from them with big partnerships.
I think it all started in 2013 (the home series against Australia). If we put up a big partnership and play around 20 overs, we know we'll go a long way in helping the team win, and even the opposition will realize it. We've loved coming to this country, and we've played some good cricket. Thank you guys for coming in big numbers and supporting us,” Kohli stated.
The two sides will now clash in a five-T20I series, with the first game starting in Canberra on October 29.
