Rohit Sharma’s 14th century takes India to 4-1 series win against Australia

Rohit Sharma’s 125 helped India beat Australia by seven wickets in Nagpur ODI to clinch series 4-1.

It took Rohit Sharma 15 deliveries to get off his mark at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday in the final ODI against Australia but once he settled down, he upped the ante, dictated terms out in the middle and before long, had reached yet another hundred. India beat Australia by seven wickets to clinch series 4-1. (India vs Australia 5th ODI Highlights)

Rohit Sharma in action during the fifth one-day international cricket match between India and Australia in Nagpur. (AP)

Chasing 243 for victory, Sharma set up a solid opening stand of 124 runs for the first wicket before notching yet another 50-plus with skipper Virat Kohli. (India vs Australia 5th Scores)

Having already slammed two half-centuries in the series, Rohit Sharma completed his 35th ODI half-century in 52 balls. He looked in sublime form in the fifth ODI as well, oozing class while driving bowlers through cover at will. He opened his account driving fast bowler Pat Cummins for back-to-back boundaries in the fifth over, following it up with a similar shot in the eighth over off Nathan Coulter-Nile.

Once the fielding restrictions were removed, Australia captain Steve Smith threw the ball to Adam Zampa more in hope than expectation of a breakthrough, with the young leggie being Smith’s fifth choice in 11 overs. In the very next over, Smith also introduced Travis Head to bring on spin from both ends. Both Rahane and Rohit saw through the first three overs in a cautious manner.

He kept rotating the strike with his captain albeit with the sultry conditions out in the middle he wore a tired look and even had to get help from the physio at times. Sharma hit just a single boundary since Rahane walked back but launched two in the stands including one over mid-wicket to get to his 14th ODI hundred.