Harare, September 20, 2026: Josh Inglis’ fighting century and Nathan Ellis’ crucial late-order contribution helped Australia edge past Zimbabwe by one wicket in a thrilling third and final ODI at Harare Sports Club on Sunday, completing a 3-0 series sweep.
Batting first, Zimbabwe posted 271-8 in their allotted 50 overs, with captain Sikandar Raza, Innocent Kaia and Craig Ervine scoring half-centuries.
Raza remained unbeaten as Zimbabwe’s top scorer with 81 off 72 balls, hitting seven boundaries and a six. Ervine made 59 off 76 deliveries, including five fours, while Kaia, who later retired hurt, scored 55 off 66 balls with seven boundaries.
Opener Brian Bennett also made a useful contribution with 30 off 29 deliveries, including five fours and a six. Ben Curran, however, was dismissed for seven.
Brendan Taylor scored nine, while Wessly Madhevere and Graeme Cremer contributed one run each. Brad Evans made 11 off 11 balls, including two boundaries, while Ernest Masuku scored three.
Nathan Ellis was Australia’s leading bowler, finishing with 3-50 from his 10 overs. Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa claimed two wickets apiece.
In reply, Australia found themselves in trouble during the chase before Inglis and Ellis steadied the innings and took the visitors across the finishing line with one wicket in hand.
Inglis anchored the chase with a superb 103 off 102 balls, striking 11 boundaries. Alex Carey added 34 off 30 deliveries, including five fours, while Cooper Connolly scored 21 off 39 balls with four boundaries.
Oliver Peake contributed 19 off 32 deliveries before Ellis produced a vital lower-order innings.
Ellis scored 35 off 43 balls, hitting two fours and a six, as Australia reached the target in the final over to seal a dramatic one-wicket victory.
For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans was the pick of the bowlers with 4-47 in 10 overs. Cremer and Raza took two wickets each, while Madhevere claimed one.
