Rana’s four-for dismantles Australia as India restrict hosts to 236 at SCG

WEB DESK: A spirited bowling display led by Harshit Rana’s career-best 4-39 helped India bowl out Australia for 236 in the third and final ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday, giving the visitors a strong chance to avoid a series whitewash. As of now, India need 200 runs from 43 overs.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia looked poised for a big total at 183-3 in the 34th over before collapsing spectacularly, losing their last seven wickets for just 53 runs and leaving 20 balls unused.

Matt Renshaw top-scored with a steady 56, marking his first ODI fifty, while the rest of the top order, including Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Matt Short, all made starts without converting them. Rana, combining pace and precision, triggered the middle-order collapse, claiming key wickets including Short and Alex Carey to halt Australia’s momentum.

Washington Sundar bowled tidily for his 2-44, and Axar Patel’s economical spell of 0-18 from six overs applied further pressure. All six Indian bowlers chipped in with at least one wicket, showcasing a collective effort rarely seen in recent matches.

Australia’s innings unravelled rapidly after Renshaw’s dismissal to Sundar, with Cooper Connolly and the tail unable to rebuild. Kuldeep Yadav and Prasidh Krishna cleaned up the lower order to ensure India ended the innings on top.

With a manageable chase ahead, India now have a strong opportunity to salvage pride in the final game of the series.