BANGALORE (India): Opener Rohit Sharma top-scored with 119 as India beat Australia by seven wickets in the third one-day international to clinch the series 2-1 here on Sunday.
Sharma put on a key 137-run second-wicket stand with skipper Virat Kohli, who made 89, as India chased down their target of 287 in 47.3 overs. Shreyas Iyer was unbeaten on 44.
Paceman Mohammed Shami claimed four wickets to lead the bowling charge with the hosts restricting Australia to 286 for nine on a good batting pitch despite Steve Smith’s 131.
India fought back in the series after a 10-wicket drubbing in the opening game to outplay the Aaron Finch-led side in the final two ODIs. They won the second ODI by 36 runs.
Many Indian fans had a near seizure after Australia hammered them in the first 50 over game on Tuesday. But Kohli’s side dominated Friday’s second match and won by 36 runs, with opener Shikhar Dhawan hitting 96 and KL Rahul smashing 80 off 52 balls.
Brief Scores: Australia 286/9 in 47.3 overs (S. Smith 131, M. Labuschagne 54; Shami 10-0-63-4 (w4), Jadeja 10-1-44-2) lost to India 289/3 in 47.3 overs (R. Sharma 119, V. Kohli 89; S. Iyer not out 44) by seven wickets
