Team India’s star batter Virat Kohli looked visibly relieved after finally getting off the mark and breaking his streak of ducks in the third ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Saturday, October 25. The veteran cricketer celebrated with a light fist pump and a modest smile after registering his first run of the series.
Walking in to a thunderous reception from the Sydney crowd, Kohli took charge of the chase following a solid start from openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Having been dismissed for zero in both Perth and Adelaide, the No.3 batter was under pressure to avoid a third successive duck—something unprecedented in his ODI career.
Kohli calmly put those fears to rest by working a Josh Hazlewood delivery towards mid-wicket for a quick single. The moment was met with loud cheers from the packed stands, acknowledging the end of his brief run drought. You can watch the video here
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQOeq_8D8Tl/?igsh=azA1dnMzbjU0eGN5
The No.3 batter quickly assumed control of the chase, striking the right balance and building a steady partnership with Rohit Sharma for the second wicket.
Virat Kohli Appears In Good Form In 3rd ODI vs Australia
After getting off the mark, Virat Kohli appeared settled at the crease, finding his rhythm with an early boundary off Adam Zampa that seemed to lift his confidence. Since then, the right-hander has kept the scoreboard ticking by rotating the strike effectively and finding the occasional boundary to maintain momentum.
At the time of writing, India were comfortably placed at 117/1 after 20 overs in their chase. Kohli remained unbeaten on 29 from 32 deliveries, while skipper Rohit Sharma was just one run short of a second consecutive half-century. The visitors required 119 runs from the remaining 30 overs, with the asking rate dropping to below four per over.
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