Australia
India
India and Australia are set to clash in the third and final ODI of the series at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. With the hosts already taking an unassailable 2-0 lead, Australia will aim for a clean sweep to underline their dominance at home.
The Aussies have looked in complete control throughout the series, outplaying India in all departments. For the visitors, pride will be on the line as they search for a consolation win to end the series on a positive note.
Expect another intense battle as India looks to spoil Australia’s party in Sydney.
Mitchell Marsh looks in explosive touch and could be the top run-scorer again.
The betting tip is...
Top Australia Batter: Mitchell Marsh
60 %
40 %
AustraliaIndiaAustralia head into the final ODI in Sydney brimming with confidence after sealing the series in dominant fashion. Their chase of 264 in the previous game was a statement of intent - clinical, composed, and complete. The Aussies have found the perfect balance between aggression and control, with every department firing at the right time.
The batting unit looks rock-solid from top to bottom. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head continue to set the tone with their explosive starts, while Matthew Short and Matt Renshaw anchor the innings in the middle overs with calm assurance. Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Owen provide the finishing punch, ensuring Australia maintain a relentless scoring tempo deep into the innings.
The bowling attack has been equally relentless. Josh Hazlewood’s precision and miserly economy have built constant pressure, while Mitchell Starc’s pace and movement have kept India’s top order in check. Xavier Bartlett’s three-wicket burst in the second ODI added another dimension to the pace attack, making life even harder for the visitors.
Adam Zampa remains the spin spearhead - his crafty variations and sharp turns continue to baffle Indian batters, as shown by his four-wicket haul in the last match.
Predicted Lineup: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Starc/Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood/Nathan Ellis
India will look to salvage some pride in the final ODI after showing glimpses of improvement in the previous game. Their total of 264 in the second match wasn’t enough to challenge Australia, but there were encouraging signs in the top order. Skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with a composed 73, while Shreyas Iyer’s fluent 61 helped India build a competitive foundation before another middle-order wobble halted momentum.
Heading into the Sydney clash, India’s biggest challenge remains consistency. Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill have yet to leave their mark in the series, and both will be eager to deliver strong performances in the final outing. With KL Rahul and Axar Patel providing stability down the order, India’s batting depth looks solid - though a more collective effort is needed to post a defendable total.
On the bowling front, Mohammed Siraj continues to impress with his control and sharp movement, while Arshdeep Singh’s left-arm pace adds variety with the new ball. In the spin department, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar have kept things tight in the middle overs, but India may turn to Kuldeep Yadav for the series finale. His wrist spin and ability to extract turn could be crucial on a Sydney surface known to assist slower bowlers.
India may have lost the series, but a win in Sydney would help them regain some confidence and end the tour on a high.
Predicted Lineup: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar/Kuldeep Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh
Australia head into the final ODI as clear favourites, riding on dominant form and home advantage. Their batting depth and disciplined bowling have consistently outclassed India, who’ve struggled for momentum despite flashes of resistance.
Unless India’s top order fires collectively and their spinners exploit the Sydney surface, another Australian victory - and a 3-0 series sweep - looks the most likely outcome.
