Bangalore: Indian opener Rohit Sharma, who is often hailed as one of the most talented batsmen in modern-day cricket, played a crucial knock for his team in the fourth ODI against Australia at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a huge 334-run target, Rohit (65) and Ajinkya Rahane (53) got India off to a brilliant start as the duo added 106 runs for the opening wicket in 18.2 overs.

While both the batsmen hit some breathtaking strokes, Rohit received more cheer from the crowd as his innings was studded with five sixes and one four.

During the innings, Rohit also achieved a milestone by becoming the first batsman in world cricket to hit 50 sixes against Australia in the 50-over format. The Mumbai right-hander dispatched Aussie pacer Kane Richardson over deep midwicket to reach the landmark.

Rohit was looking in sublime touch before being dismissed as a result of a terrible mix-up with skipper Virat Kohli in 23rd over of the innings.

India went on to lose the match by 21 runs which ended their nine-match unbeaten streak in ODIs.

On the other hand, the victory came as a huge relief for Steve Smith, as Aussies had lost 11 consecutive ODIs away from home prior to the match.

Playing for pride in the fourth ODI, Australian openers David Warner (124) and Aaron Finch (94) stitched a record 231-run stand for opening wicket to send Men in Blue on backfoot. Playing in his 100th ODI, Warner rediscovered his form and became only the eighth batsman to score a ton in the hundredth match.

Men in Blue lead the five-match series 3-1. The final game will be played at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur on October 1.