Josh Inglis’ century and Nathan Ellis’ calm finish helped Australia edge Zimbabwe by one wicket in a dramatic third ODI at Harare Sports Club.

HARARE: Australia survived a sensational late scare to beat Zimbabwe by one wicket in a gripping third ODI at Harare Sports Club on Sunday, completing a 3-0 series sweep after chasing down a target of 272 with one ball remaining.

Josh Inglis produced a magnificent century to anchor Australia’s pursuit, scoring 103 from 102 balls, while Nathan Ellis held his nerve during a remarkable finish to guide the visitors over the line.

Zimbabwe posted 271 for eight after being sent in to bat, with captain Sikandar Raza leading from the front with an unbeaten 81 from 72 balls. Craig Ervine contributed 59 from 79 deliveries, while Innocent Kaia made 55 before retiring hurt with a hamstring injury.

Nathan Ellis was Australia’s leading bowler with three for 50, while Spencer Johnson claimed two wickets.

Inglis takes control

Australia’s chase began precariously as both openers departed early, but Inglis assumed responsibility and steadily rebuilt the innings.

The wicketkeeper-batter struck 11 boundaries during his superb 103 and forged important partnerships with Cooper Connolly and Alex Carey. His innings kept Australia ahead of the required rate before Zimbabwe began to claw their way back into contention.

Inglis eventually departed after reaching his second ODI century, triggering another dramatic collapse.

Australia found themselves 245 for nine, requiring another 27 runs with only one wicket remaining. Zimbabwe appeared to have the match within their grasp, but Ellis and Spencer Johnson produced an extraordinary lower-order resistance.

Ellis, in particular, remained composed under immense pressure, eventually finishing unbeaten on 36 from 44 balls.

Ellis delivers under pressure

The decisive moment came when Zimbabwe’s Wessly Madhevere dropped Ellis in the penultimate over, a missed opportunity that proved extremely costly.

With Australia requiring nine runs from the final over, Ellis launched the first delivery for six before completing the chase with one wicket and one ball to spare.

The dramatic finish left the Harare crowd stunned and handed Australia a victory that had appeared increasingly unlikely during the final stages.

Zimbabwe’s Brad Evans was the standout bowler, finishing with four for 47 from 10 overs, while Raza claimed two wickets.

Raza proud despite heartbreak

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza said his side had every reason to be proud despite suffering a painful defeat.

Raza felt that, given the assistance the pitch offered to the spinners, a score of around 280 or 290 would have been competitive. He nevertheless praised his team for turning 271 into a fiercely contested encounter.

He acknowledged that Australia had always remained in the contest and highlighted the difference in batting output between the sides. Australia had produced three centuries during the series, while Zimbabwe failed to register one.

Raza said the defeat was difficult to take but described it as a valuable learning experience for a Zimbabwe side preparing for next year’s ODI World Cup.

He also praised the bowling efforts of Evans, Blessing Muzarabani and the team’s spinners, while identifying the need for Zimbabwe to put all aspects of their game together consistently.

Marsh hails team’s composure

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh described the match as an outstanding contest and admitted that Zimbabwe probably deserved greater reward for their performance.

Marsh said Australia had aimed to begin the chase positively and build partnerships, as they do in every innings, but conceded that the top order had been unable to establish the desired platform.

The Australian captain credited the middle and lower order for keeping the chase alive and acknowledged that his side benefited from some fortune during the frantic finish.

Marsh said the three-match series had provided valuable evidence of Australia’s progress, particularly among its emerging players.

He highlighted the young talent within the squad and said the performances offered encouraging signs for Australia’s future.

Inglis named Player of the Match

Inglis was named Player of the Match after his commanding 103.

The Australian admitted that he had endured a difficult couple of games earlier in the series and was relieved to finally produce a substantial contribution.

He said he had not allowed his previous performances to influence his approach, focusing instead on how he could help Australia win the match.

Reflecting on his dismissal, Inglis admitted that it was a lapse in concentration after he had been batting fluently.

He also praised Ellis for his remarkable late contribution and highlighted Spencer Johnson’s role in helping Australia complete the tense chase.

Connolly takes Player of the Series award

Australia’s Cooper Connolly was named Player of the Series after accumulating 150 runs and taking three wickets across the three matches.

Connolly said he had spoken to teammates about understanding the conditions in Zimbabwe and had trusted his preparation and processes.

The young all-rounder said continued exposure to international cricket would help him mature, adding that he tries to learn from the experienced players around him while keeping his approach simple.

He also expressed satisfaction at contributing with the ball, saying his objective was to make an impact in every department.

Zimbabwe’s narrow escape slips away

Zimbabwe’s batting once again showed promise but failed to convert several starts into decisive contributions.

Brian Bennett made 30 from 29 balls, while Ervine and Kaia registered half-centuries. Raza, however, remained the cornerstone of the innings, carrying his bat to an unbeaten 81 and ensuring Zimbabwe reached a competitive total.

The hosts then fought relentlessly with the ball and reduced Australia to nine wickets down, but could not deliver the final blow.

Australia’s batting depth ultimately proved decisive.

The victory completed a 3-0 clean sweep for Australia, while Zimbabwe can take considerable encouragement from the competitiveness of the final encounter.

Australia now travel to South Africa for their next assignments, while Zimbabwe are scheduled to tour the UAE in October for an ODI tri-series involving Bangladesh and Afghanistan before facing Afghanistan in bilateral T20I and Test series.

For Zimbabwe, the defeat will be painful, but the dramatic contest provided valuable experience against a strong Australian side ahead of next year’s World Cup.