Rohit Sharma Joins Elite 100-Catch Club in ODIs; Harshit Rana Matches Ashwin's Feat

Former India captain Rohit Sharma achieved yet another milestone in his illustrious career, becoming the seventh Indian cricketer to complete 100 catches in ODI cricket during the third and final ODI against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The veteran opener's safe hands once again came to the fore as he pouched two crucial catches to reach the landmark.

Rohit's first catch of the match came in the slip cordon when he comfortably held onto the thick outside edge of Mitchell Owen (1) off Harshit Rana's bowling. His second catch was equally straightforward—Nathan Ellis mistimed a slog off Prasidh Krishna's low full toss, and Rohit, positioned at mid-wicket, made no mistake in completing his 100th ODI catch.

With this achievement, the 38-year-old joined an elite group of Indian fielders that includes Virat Kohli (164), Mohammad Azharuddin (160), Sachin Tendulkar (140), Rahul Dravid (124), Suresh Raina (102), and Sourav Ganguly (100). Kohli currently leads the chart with the most catches for India in ODIs, having taken 164 dismissals in 305 matches.

Harshit Rana's Stellar Performance

While Rohit reached his fielding milestone, young fast bowler Harshit Rana stole the show with a searing spell of fast bowling that left Australia's batting lineup in tatters. Rana finished with figures of 4/39 in 8.4 overs, helping India bowl Australia out for just 236—a total that was well below par on Sydney's typically high-scoring surface.

Rana's four-wicket haul took his tally to 16 wickets in his first eight ODI matches, equaling the record set by spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin, who also claimed 16 wickets in his opening eight ODIs. Only three Indian bowlers have taken more wickets than Rana after eight matches—Prasidh Krishna and Ajit Agarkar (19 each) and pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah (17).

Australia's Batting Collapse

Rana was instrumental in orchestrating one of Australia's worst batting collapses in recent ODI history. The hosts were cruising at 183/3 before losing their last seven wickets for just 53 runs. Australia's inability to capitalize on the favorable batting conditions was largely due to Rana's fiery spell in the death overs, backed by tight bowling from Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar.

Matt Renshaw top-scored for Australia with a gritty 56, but the lack of support from the lower order meant the hosts fell well short of posting a competitive total.