Australia vs India: Third ODI Set to Determine Clean Sweep or Consolation Win
Australia is gearing up to face India in the third and final ODI of the series on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). With a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, the hosts are looking to test their bench strength and continue their winning streak. On the other hand, India will be desperate to salvage a victory in the final match and end the ODI leg on a positive note.
Australia’s Strategy and Expectations
With the series already in their pocket, Australia is expected to give opportunities to players who have not featured in the previous matches. They will be keen to complete a clean sweep and carry the winning momentum into the upcoming T20 series. The team will rely on their strong batting lineup and the bowling prowess of players like Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa to secure another victory at the SCG.
India’s Quest for Redemption
India, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back after disappointing losses in the first two ODIs. The visitors will look to their top-order batsmen like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to deliver a strong performance and help them secure a consolation win. The Indian bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel, will have the task of containing the Australian batting lineup and picking up crucial wickets to put pressure on the hosts.
Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch Report
The Sydney Cricket Ground is known for its batting-friendly conditions, with the ball coming nicely onto the bat. Fast bowlers will need to put in extra effort to extract movement, while spinners are likely to play a crucial role as the match progresses. Maintaining disciplined lines and lengths will be key for bowlers to succeed on this surface.
Probable Playing 11s
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Matthew Short, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Mitchell Owen, Xavier Bartlett, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
India: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh
Key Players to Watch
Probable Best Batter: Shubman Gill – Indian captain Shubman Gill will be looking to lead from the front with a solid performance to guide India’s batting effort against the Australian bowlers.
Probable Best Bowler: Adam Zampa – Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who claimed a four-wicket haul in the second ODI, will be crucial in outsmarting the Indian batters and helping Australia secure a clean sweep.
Match Prediction
Based on analysis and instinct, the prediction for the match is that the chasing team will emerge victorious. Australia and India are set to deliver an exciting clash at the SCG, and fans can expect a thrilling contest between bat and ball.
Stay tuned for the final ODI showdown between Australia and India as they battle it out at the Sydney Cricket Ground to determine the fate of the series.
Team Form and Momentum
Australia comes into the final ODI with a lot of confidence after dominating the first two matches of the series. Their batting unit, led by Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, has been in sensational form, while their bowlers have been relentless in putting pressure on the Indian batsmen. The team’s ability to perform under pressure and execute their game plan effectively has been a key factor in their success so far.
On the other hand, India will be looking to regroup and put in a strong performance in the final match. Despite the setbacks in the first two ODIs, the Indian team has the talent and experience to turn things around. Players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have the ability to change the course of the game single-handedly, and they will be crucial for India’s chances of securing a win in the series.
Pressure and Expectations
With Australia already holding an unassailable lead in the series, the pressure will be on India to salvage some pride and avoid a clean sweep. The Indian team will be playing for their reputation and will be eager to showcase their resilience and fighting spirit in the final match. A victory in the last ODI will not only boost their confidence but also serve as a statement of intent ahead of the upcoming T20 series.
For Australia, the challenge will be to maintain their focus and intensity despite having already secured the series. The team will be looking to continue their winning streak and build momentum for the upcoming fixtures. The players will be eager to make a mark and stake their claim for a regular spot in the playing XI, which will add an extra edge to the competition within the team.
Impact of Conditions
The conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground are expected to play a significant role in determining the outcome of the match. The pitch is likely to favor the batsmen, with good bounce and carry, making stroke play relatively easier. However, the bowlers will have opportunities to exploit any early movement and variations in pace to trouble the opposition batsmen. Adaptability will be key for both teams to adjust to the conditions and make the most of the opportunities on offer.
Player Battles to Watch
One of the key battles to watch out for in the final ODI will be between Mitchell Starc and Rohit Sharma. Starc’s ability to swing the ball at pace can trouble Sharma, who is known for his aggressive stroke play. How Sharma handles Starc’s challenge could have a significant impact on India’s innings and their chances of posting a competitive total.
Another intriguing battle will be between Adam Zampa and Virat Kohli. Zampa’s leg-spin has been effective against Kohli in the past, and the Indian captain will be keen to counter Zampa’s variations and play a match-winning innings. The outcome of this battle could have a decisive influence on the final result of the match.
Final Thoughts
The third and final ODI between Australia and India promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to make their mark and finish the series on a high. While Australia will be looking to complete a clean sweep and assert their dominance, India will be fighting for pride and looking to salvage a victory. With high stakes and competitive spirit on display, fans can expect a closely fought battle between two of the top cricketing nations in the world.
As the stage is set for the final showdown at the Sydney Cricket Ground, cricket enthusiasts around the world will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of what promises to be an enthralling encounter between Australia and India.
