Australia started the day with the bat but didn’t add many runs, as Jasprit Bumrah claimed a well-deserved five-wicket haul, leaving India with a target of 340. The Indian openers began their chase with intent, negotiating the first few overs of the new ball.
However, two quick wickets in the 17th over left India struggling at 25/2. Virat Kohli, who came in next, appeared ready for the challenge, reigning in his attacking instincts. But his stay lasted only 28 balls before he slashed at a full delivery from Mitchell Starc, leaving India at 33/3 at the end of the first session.
Just when Australia might have thought they were in control, Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal dug in during a challenging middle phase. The pair weathered a fiery Mitchell Starc spell and capitalized on Scott Boland’s lack of control, scoring vital runs.
The closest Australia came to a breakthrough was an LBW appeal against Jaiswal, which was overturned on umpire’s call. After that, Pant and Jaiswal batted through the session, frustrating the Australian bowlers. With the scoreboard reading 112/3, India were in a strong position to force a decider in Sydney.
After Tea, India walked out with similar confidence to that of Australia earlier, but soon found themselves in trouble. Rishabh Pant, in a moment of lapse, tried to attack Travis Head, gifting Australia the breakthrough they needed.
Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Reddy didn’t last long, and India were once again in a precarious situation. Jaiswal, too, lost his wicket in a reckless moment, attempting to pull Pat Cummins but getting caught by Alex Carey.
Gavaskar saab just called Boland as L*nd 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/MwBo9Dc7g6
— Sandy (@flamboy_pant) December 30, 2024
Washington Sundar and Akash Deep provided some resistance, but it was too little, too late. Lyon dismissed Mohammed Siraj in the 80th over, and Australia wrapped up the match with a 184-run victory.