Classy Rohit Sharma guides India to series-clinching win vs Australia in Indore

Rohit Sharma blazed away to an aggressive fifty off 42 balls as India beat Australia by five wickets in the third ODI at the Holkar Stadium on Sunday. With this, India registered their third consecutive home series win against Australia, having won in 2010 and 2013. (India vs Australia 3rd ODI Highlights)

Rohit, who had managed scores of just 28 and 7 in the Chennai and Kolkata ODIs, smashed his 33rd fifty and fourth against Australia as India scored at a healthy rate. At the other end, Ajinkya Rahane looked in solid touch to dent Australia. (India vs Australia 3rd ODI Scorecard)

Earlier, Aaron Finch blasted his eighth century while Steve Smith slammed a smooth fifty as Australia posted 293/6 after opting to bat.

Rohit got going in grand style when he pulled Pat Cummins into the second tier of the stands at deep mid wicket. The right-hander then lofted Nathan Coulter-Nile over long off for his second six and meted out further punishment by slamming two more boundaries.

However, the highlight of Rohit’s knock so far was a massive 103-meter six off Kane Richardson which went out of the ground. Rohit brought up his fifty in grand style when he smashed his fourth six by depositing left-arm orthodox spinner Ashton Agar down the ground.

The right-hander continued to pile on the runs as he slammed Pat Cummins for two consecutive boundaries. However, Rohit top-edged a pull shot off Coulter-Nile to be caught at deep mid wicket for 71 off 62 balls.

First Published: Sep 24, 2017 19:11 IST