Indore, Sep 24 - India rode on a strong batting performance to defeat Australia by five wickets in the third One-Day International (ODI) and clinch the five-match series at the Holkar Stadium here on Sunday.
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\r\nChasing a target of 294 runs, India crossed the line in 47.5 overs to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.
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\r\nWith this win, India skipper Virat Kohli equalled predecessor Mahendra Singh Dhoni's record run of nine ODI wins on the trot.
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\r\nDhoni's winning streak as captain stretched from February 2008 to January 2009. Kohli's winning run started on July 26 this year. Openers Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane gave India a fine start with a partnership of 139 runs.
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\r\nRohit scored 71 runs off 62 balls. The Mumbai batsman was in fine form, smashing the ball four times into the stands and six times to the ropes.
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\r\nRahane hit nine boundaries while scoring 70 runs off 76 balls.
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\r\nLater, Hardik Pandya produced a power-packed knock lower down the order to carry the hosts to the cusp of victory.
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\r\nThe Baroda all-rounder top scored for the hosts with 78 runs off 72 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and four sixes along the way.
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\r\nPacer Pat Cummins was the most successful among the Australian bowlers with figures of 2\/54. Fellow pacer Nathan Coulter-Nile and left-arm spinner Ashton Agar took a wicket each.<\/p>\r\n\r\n