India Clinches Victory Against Australia in Nail-Biting 3rd ODI

A thrilling contest adds another chapter to cricket's most exciting rivalry as India secures a hard-fought series win

Match Summary

In a display of exceptional skill and determination, the Indian cricket team emerged victorious against Australia in the third and final ODI of the series. The match kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final overs, showcasing why this rivalry continues to be one of the most compelling in international cricket.

India

286/5 (50 overs)

Top Performers: Kohli (89), Rahul (75*)

Australia

283/9 (50 overs)

Top Performers: Smith (74), Maxwell (59)

India won by 3 wickets with 5 balls remaining

Match Overview

The third ODI between India and Australia delivered all the drama and excitement that fans have come to expect from this storied rivalry. After winning the toss, Australian captain Pat Cummins elected to bat first on a pitch that promised runs.

Australia posted a competitive total of 283/9 in their 50 overs, with Steven Smith anchoring the innings with a composed 74. Glenn Maxwell provided the late fireworks with a quickfire 59 from just 42 deliveries.

In response, India faced early setbacks but built their chase around a masterful 89 from Virat Kohli and an unbeaten 75 from KL Rahul, who held his nerve in the final overs to guide India to victory with just 5 balls to spare.

Turning Point

The match turned decisively in India's favor during the 42nd over when Virat Kohli and KL Rahul accelerated the scoring rate, taking 18 runs off Adam Zampa's over. This shifted the momentum firmly in India's direction after what had been a tense, closely-fought contest up to that point.

Another crucial moment came in the 47th over when Rahul hit back-to-back boundaries off Pat Cummins, relieving the mounting pressure and bringing the required run rate below 6 for the first time in the innings.

Player of the Match: KL Rahul

KL Rahul's unbeaten 75 proved to be the difference between the two teams. Coming to the crease with India at 97/3, Rahul displayed remarkable composure and skill, forming crucial partnerships first with Kohli and then with the lower order to steer India to victory.

His innings included 7 boundaries and 2 sixes, with a particular focus on rotating the strike and finding gaps in the field during the middle overs when boundaries were hard to come by.

Virat Kohli

89 runs (104 balls)
7 fours, 1 six

Mohammed Shami

3/42 (10 overs)
Economy: 4.20

Steven Smith

74 runs (91 balls)
5 fours, 2 sixes

Glenn Maxwell

59 runs (42 balls)
4 fours, 3 sixes

The India-Australia Cricket Rivalry: A Timeline

2001

Historic Test Series

India's remarkable comeback victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, famously remembered for VVS Laxman's 281 and Harbhajan Singh's hat-trick.

2003

World Cup Final

Australia defeated India in the World Cup final, with Ricky Ponting's brilliant 140* steering Australia to a commanding total.

2008

Controversial Sydney Test

A highly contentious Test match marred by umpiring decisions and allegations of poor sportsmanship, creating one of the most heated moments in the rivalry.

2011

World Cup Quarterfinal

India defeated Australia in the World Cup quarterfinal, with Yuvraj Singh's all-round performance helping India advance toward their eventual tournament victory.

2017

Test Series in India

India comprehensively defeated Australia 2-1 in a hard-fought Test series, with spinners Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin dominating throughout.

2020-21

India's Historic Test Victory

India's remarkable comeback to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia despite numerous injuries and absence of key players, hailed as one of the greatest Test series victories of all time.

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