Sun Jan 05 00:23:17 UTC 2025: ## India Collapse in Sydney, Australia Needs 162 to Win
**Sydney, Australia (January 5, 2025)** – Australia are on the cusp of victory in the fifth and final test match against India in Sydney after India’s batting crumbled on Day 3. India, resuming their second innings at 141/6, were bowled out for 157, setting Australia a relatively modest target of 162 runs to win the match and secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The day began with India holding a slender 4-run lead after dismissing Australia for 181 in their first innings. Rishabh Pant’s fiery 61 off 33 balls had briefly propelled India’s score, but the Australian bowlers, led by Scott Boland’s impressive six-wicket haul, proved too strong. Boland finished with figures of 6/48.
India’s first innings also saw a shaky start. They were reduced to 17/2 early on, before Virat Kohli (17) and Shubman Gill (20) steadied the ship with a 40-run partnership. However, a middle-order collapse, triggered by Pant’s dismissal and the subsequent wickets of Nitish Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja, saw India bowled out for 185. Pant top-scored with 40, while Jasprit Bumrah provided a late flourish with a quickfire 22.
The Indian captain, Bumrah, was forced to leave the field earlier in the match due to an injury, adding to India’s woes. There is currently no official update on the severity of his injury. The team’s performance was further hampered by the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma and injured all-rounder Akashdeep Pith.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the match remains keenly contested. The tense atmosphere and the potential for an exciting finish make this match a must-watch for cricket fans. Australia will be eager to capitalize on their strong position and secure a series win.
First Piper 