OTD | Rohit Sharma’s violent 209 in Bangalore led India to a home series win over Australia in 2013

India hosted Australia for the 7-match ODI series in late 2013 as the series moved to Bengaluru 2-2 each. Australia had begun the ODI series with a win in Pune by 48 runs before India chased down 360 to win in Jaipur by 9 wickets. Virat Kohli scored the fastest-ever ODI century by an Indian in that game. 

James Faulkner’s heroics helped Australia win the third game in Mohali to take a 2-1 lead in the series. The next two games in Ranchi and Cuttack were abandoned due to rain. India made it 2-2 with a massive win in Nagpur. Yet another Virat Kohli century meant that India had chased down the 351-run target set by Australia. 

George Bailey won the toss and chose to bowl first as the track was helpful for batting with dew expected during the chase. India ended up scoring 383 on the board as Rohit Sharma scored his first of three ODI double-tons. The right-handed batter scored 209 runs from 158 balls with 12 fours and 16 sixes. 

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Rohit Sharma’s maiden double ton helps India win tense encounter 

India got off to a solid start with Rohit Sharma and opening partner Shikhar Dhawan scoring 112 runs for the 1st wicket. The stand came in 19 overs before Dhawan was out for 60 off 57 to Xavier Doherty. Virat Kohli was out for a duck when he was run out after confusion with Rohit Sharma. 

This didn’t deter the then 26-year-old who scored his fifty off 71 balls with three fours and a six. Rohit took a further 43 balls to score his 4th ODI ton with the help of four boundaries and six huge hits. 

Once Rohit Sharma reached his century, he started to blast the Australian bowlers to reach his 150. The journey from 100 to 150 took a mere 26 balls before taking just 16 more balls to score his next fifty runs. Once Rohit Sharma reached his double ton the entire Bengaluru crowd and the Aussie players applauded the batter. Rohit was finally dismissed by Clint McKay as MS Dhoni scored 62 off 38 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes. 

Australia at one stage were struggling at 211/8 in the 31st over still needing 173 runs from 19 overs. James Faulkner started to smash the Indian bowlers and take the fight to the opposition. The Australian scored a brilliant ton and was the last man out for 116 off 73 balls with 11 fours and 6 sixes. Shane Watson batted well to score 49 off 22 balls with two boundaries and 6 sixes. Vinay Kumar bowled 9 overs and gave away 102 and picked a wicket in what turned out to be his final ever game for India. 

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