October 16, 2013, marked a historic day for Indian cricket, as the trio of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli orchestrated India’s highest-ever ODI run chase, with 39 balls to spare, against Australia in Jaipur. Already regarded as the backbone of India’s batting lineup following their success in the ICC Champions Trophy earlier that year, this performance solidified their place among the most formidable top orders in the world.
Facing a daunting target of 360 set by Australia, India responded with a spectacular batting display, reaching 362/1 in just 43.3 overs at an impressive run rate of 8.32. Rohit Sharma remained unbeaten on 141*, while Shikhar Dhawan fell just short of a century, scoring 95. Virat Kohli, however, stole the spotlight with the fastest ODI century by an Indian, smashing a 52-ball hundred.
Australia Sets a Huge Target
Earlier in the match, Australia posted a massive total of 359/5, courtesy of strong contributions from their top order. Phil Hughes anchored the innings with 83 runs, and captain George Bailey provided fireworks at the end with an unbeaten 92 off just 50 balls, featuring five sixes. Glenn Maxwell also chipped in with a quickfire 53 from 32 deliveries to bolster the Australian total.
India’s Top Three Dominate
In reply, India’s openers, Rohit and Dhawan, built a commanding platform. The duo shared a 176-run partnership in just 26 overs, making the most of the powerplay and keeping the required run rate well under control. Although Dhawan was dismissed for 95 by James Faulkner, India’s momentum never slowed.
Virat Kohli entered the fray with an attacking mindset, unleashing a barrage of boundaries and sixes. His unbeaten century off just 52 balls, featuring eight fours and seven sixes, was the fastest of his career and remains one of the finest knocks in Indian ODI history. With India’s middle order still intact, including the likes of Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh, and MS Dhoni, Kohli had the freedom to play aggressively, which he did to devastating effect.
At the other end, Rohit Sharma brought up his third ODI century, his first as India’s new opener. This innings laid the foundation for Rohit’s rise as one of India’s greatest limited-overs openers.
A Landmark Victory
India’s record-breaking chase helped them level the seven-match series, eventually winning it 3-2. This match was not only a triumph over Australia but also a defining moment for India’s top three, setting the tone for their dominance in ODI cricket in the years to come.
