February 1, 2016 8:20 AM

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India sweep T-20 series against Australia; also gain top rank in the format

India completed a total whitewash of the three match T-20 series against Australia, defeating the hosts by seven wickets in the third and final Twenty20 match to win the series 3-0 in Sydney. India surpassed the target of 198 by making 200 for three in their 20 overs. Rohit Sharma was the top scorer with 52, while Virat Kohli made 50. Suresh Raina remained unbeaten on 49 and Yuvraj Singh on 15. Needing two runs off the last ball, Raina hit the winning shot for a boundary.Earlier, Australia's stand-in captain Shane Watson won the toss and decided to bat first. Watson pulverised a mediocre Indian bowling to smash an unbeaten 124 as Australia scored a commendable 197 for five in 20 overs. The seasoned all-rounder played only 71 balls hitting 10 fours and half a dozen of sixes carrying his bat through the innings. Meanwhile, Indian men's team today became the number one side in the ICC T20 rankings after whitewashing Australia in the three-match series in Sydney today.India, who are also the number one in Tests, overtook theWest Indies to reach the top sport in the shortest format.India have 120 rating points, two more than the Caribbeanunit. Sri Lanka also have 118 rating points like the WestIndies but they are third in the charts. India have hit top form in the T20 format ahead of theWorld T20 to be held at home in March-April. England with 117 rating points are fourth in the rankingsahead of New Zealand 116 points, South Africa 115 points, Pakistan 113 and Australia 110. Afghanistan with 80 points and Scotland 66 points round up the top-10.In another cricket match in Sydney today, in the third and final Women's Twenty-20 match, Australia defeated India by 15 runs. Chasing the victory target of 137 runs, Indian Women's team could manage only 121 runs for 8 wickets in 20 overs. Earlier, Australian team made 136 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Indian eves have already grabbed the T-20 series winning first two matches.

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