With a win in Rajkot, India came storming back to see the series levelled at 1-1 with a game to be played in Bengaluru. In the decider, it was a battle of nerve as two top-notch teams locked horns to get the better of each other. However, an all-round display from the hosts saw a comfortable 7-wicket win as they emerged triumphant against Australia in the third ODI.
Australia innings:
Australia won the toss and batted first on yet another track that had plenty of runs on offer. However, things didn't pan out the desired fashion as the tourists struggled to post a challenging total on the board. Indian bowlers were consistent to halt Australia's progress with wickets at regular intervals. There were a couple of partnerships for the visitors but they lacked enough power to slaughter the Indian bowling.
Photo by Vipin Pawar / Sportzpics for BCCI
However, Steve Smith was the standout act as he registered his ninth ODI century. He was the only shining star in their entire batting display with a grinding 132-ball 131. It was courtesy of Smith's valiant effort that allowed Aussies to post an under-par score of 286 in their 50 overs.
Indian bowlers were at their absolute best as they never allowed the opposition batters to play their shots with ease. Mohammad Shami delivered the knock-out punch with a four-wicket haul while others chipped-in with valuable contributions.
India innings:
Chasing a sub-par 287, the duo of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul laid an opening foundation with a 69-run stand to push Australia onto the back foot in the first ten overs. The wicket of Rahul was a major blow but skipper Kohli joined his deputy to further stamp India's authority on the match. The two Indian greats got together and took the attack to the opposition with a match-defining partnership.
Rohit registered 29th ODI century and his 8th against Australia before he departed for a well-made 119 to put India in the driver's seat. The Australian bowling had no answers as they were hammered to all parts of the ground. After Rohit's dismissal, Shreyas Iyer (44*) along with Virat Kohli (89) completed the formalities as India completed a seven-wicket win to decimate Australia in Bengaluru.
It was a clinical effort from the Indians especially after being down in the first match to take the series 2-1 in the end.
