Sydney, October 26, 2025: The highly anticipated three-match ODI series between India and Australia concluded on Saturday with the hosts winning the series 2-1. India fought back valiantly in the final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, earning a commanding nine-wicket victory thanks to captain Rohit Sharma and stalwart Virat Kohli .
Series Overview
Australia took an unassailable lead after winning the opening two ODIs — sealing a thrilling two-wicket victory in Adelaide after a seven-wicket win in the rain-affected opener at Perth. India’s form fluctuated in both contests, but the team produced a dominant all-round performance to finish on a high note at Sydney.
3rd ODI: India Beat Australia by 9 Wickets
After losing the toss, India restricted Australia to 236 all out in 46.4 overs. The hero with the ball was young pacer Harshit Rana, who claimed a career-best 4 for 39, supported by Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav who picked up key wickets in the middle overs. Mitchell Renshaw’s 56 was the only significant resistance for the Australian lineup .
In response, India chased the target in just 38.3 overs with nine wickets remaining. Rohit Sharma dazzled with a spectacular 121* off 125 balls, including 13 boundaries and three sixes, while Virat Kohli silenced critics with his unbeaten 74*. The duo’s unbeaten 168-run partnership was vintage Indian dominance overseas, reminding fans of their golden pairing.
Match Summary – 3rd ODI (Sydney)
| Team | Score | Top Scorer | Best Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 236 (46.4 overs) | Mitchell Renshaw (56) | Harshit Rana (4/39) |
| India | 237/1 (38.3 overs) | Rohit Sharma (121*) | – |
Series Results
- 1st ODI (Perth): Australia won by 7 wickets (DLS method) — Mitchell Marsh starred with 46*.
- 2nd ODI (Adelaide): Australia won by 2 wickets — Adam Zampa took 4/60, while Matthew Short scored 74.
- 3rd ODI (Sydney): India won by 9 wickets — Rohit Sharma 121*, Kohli 74* guided India to an emphatic win.
Despite the series result favoring Australia, the final match allowed India to regain momentum and confidence heading into the upcoming five-match T20I series starting on October 29, 2025, in Canberra .
Key Performances
- Player of the Series: Mitchell Marsh (Australia) — Consistent batting throughout the series.
- India’s standout performer: Rohit Sharma — 194 runs in three matches, including a match-winning century in Sydney.
- Young Talent Spotlight: Harshit Rana’s fiery spells earned him recognition as India’s new pace asset overseas.
Expert Review
Cricket experts hailed Rohit Sharma’s determined return to form and Virat Kohli’s composure under pressure. Analysts believe that while the series loss highlights India’s inconsistencies in middle overs, the performance of young bowlers like Harshit Rana and Washington Sundar signals positive depth in India’s ODI attack.
According to commentators, India’s renewed aggression under head coach Gautam Gambhir has built a template focused on fearless cricket, particularly in overseas conditions. The pair of Rohit and Kohli displayed class and calm, leading a strong finish before returning home for the India vs South Africa ODI series starting November 30, 2025
Upcoming Fixtures
- India vs Australia, 1st T20I: October 29, Canberra
- India vs South Africa (ODI Series): November 30 – December 6, Ranchi, Raipur, Vishakhapatnam
The India vs Australia 2025 ODI series served as a reminder of both the intense rivalry and the mutual respect between two cricketing powerhouses. While Australia claimed the series, India’s resolute Sydney win, spearheaded by two of its modern greats, ended the tour on a high note — setting the stage for a fresh start in the shorter T20 format.
