Rohit Sharma puts Australia to the sword with double century

Sharma is the third batsman to score a double-century in limited overs internationals (AFP/Getty)

Rohit Sharma struck a world record number of sixes in one-day internationals, 16, as India thrashed Australia to win their seven-match series 3-2 in Bangalore.

Sharma became the third batsman to score a double century in limited-overs internationals, reaching 209 off 158 balls and falling just short of his compatriot Virender Sehwag's record score of 219. He hit the first two balls of the 50th over for six but was caught on the boundary off the third. The other man to reach 200 in ODIs was another Indian, Sachin Tendulkar.

His tally of 16 maximums eclipsed the previous best of 15 by the visitors' Shane Watson. Sharma and his captain MS Dhoni (62 off 38 balls) plundered 101 runs from the last five overs as the home side, having been put in to bat, reached 383 for 6. Earlier, the prolific Shikhar Dhawan had made 60.

Australia made a decent fist of their reply, needing to pull off the second highest successful run-chase in ODIs, but fell short on 326 with 29 balls remaining.

They were indebted to another remarkable innings from James Faulkner (116), who made the fastest century by an Australian in the format, off 57 balls.

He and Clint McKay put on 115 for the ninth wicket with the tailender contributing a mere 18. With 67 needed from 48 balls, the visitors were in with a good shout but two wickets in two balls ended their hopes.

Australia were handicapped by Watson limping off after bowling only five overs and he came in to bat down at No 8. But he still managed 49 off 22 balls with six sixes in a losing cause.