Australia completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep over Zimbabwe after surviving a dramatic one-wicket finish at Harare Sports Club on Sunday. The visitors needed one run from the final two balls and secured victory when Nathan Ellis chipped Wessly Madhevere over midwicket with the penultimate delivery.
Zimbabwe posted 271/8 after winning the toss, with captain Sikandar Raza leading the way with an unbeaten 81. Craig Ervine scored 59 and Innocent Kaia made 55 before retiring hurt with a hamstring injury.
Australia’s chase suffered an early setback as Travis Head and Matt Renshaw fell cheaply after scoring centuries in the first two ODIs. Josh Inglis then anchored the innings with a brilliant 103 before being bowled by Raza. Australia required nine runs from the final over. Ellis smashed six from the first ball before Spencer Johnson’s single off the fourth delivery levelled the scores. Ellis then completed the tense chase with an unbeaten 36.
Ellis also took 3/50 as Australia won the series 3-0 and now travel to South Africa.
Brief Scores
Zimbabwe 271-8 in 50 overs (S. Raza 81 not out, C. Ervine 59, I. Kaia 55; N. Ellis 3-50)
Australia 272-9 in 49.5 overs (J. Inglis 103, Ellis 36 not out; B. Evans 4-47)