17 January,2016 05:06 PM IST | | Agencies
India's last chance of keeping the ODI series alive comes crashing down after Glenn Maxwell slams 96 to help Australia chase down 295 at the MCG. Australia lead the series 3-0
Virat Kohli celebrates his 100-runs against Australia during the third one-day international at the MCG in Melbourne. AFP PHOTO
Melbourne: Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell thumped brilliant 96-run knock to help his side claim a three-wicket win over India in the third match and thereby taking an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 296 runs, Australia reached the score with seven balls to spare, thanks to Maxwell, who smashed eight boundaries and three sixes, to provide his side with a series win.
Besides Maxwell, opener Shaun Marsh (62) and skipper Steve Smith (41) were other notable figures for the hosts.
For the visitors, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja bagged two wickets each to provide their side with some hope but their efforts went in vain.
27-year-old Maxwell was adjourned 'Man of the Match' for his remarkable contribution with the bat.
Earlier, after being asked to bat first, Virat Kohli smashed 117 runs off 117 balls to help India post 295 runs, which was a par score on the slow MCG wicket.
Out-of form opener Shikhar Dhawan, who got dismissed cheaply in the first two ODIs, managed to contribute significant 68 runs before being dismissed by John Hastings.
Ajinkya Rahane also smashed a half-century while opener Rohit Sharma got dismissed for just six runs after scoring centuries in Perth and Brisbane.
The two sides will now play their fourth match, a dead rubber, in Canberra on Wednesday.
