Australia Complete 3-0 ODI Series Sweep Against Zimbabwe
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Australia completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep against Zimbabwe after securing a thrilling one-wicket victory in the third and final match at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.
Josh Inglis and Nathan Ellis played important roles in Australia’s successful chase, with Ellis hitting the winning runs from the second-last ball of the match.
Zimbabwe Post 271 Runs
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat, finishing their 50 overs on 271-8.
Captain Sikandar Raza led the scoring with an unbeaten 81, while Craig Ervine contributed 59. Innocent Kaia also made 55 before retiring with a hamstring injury.
Nathan Ellis was Australia’s leading bowler, taking 3-50.
Inglis Keeps Australia in the Chase
Australia lost early wickets as Travis Head was dismissed for six and Matt Renshaw departed for four. Both players had scored centuries in the earlier matches of the series.
Josh Inglis then provided stability with an important 103-run innings, keeping Australia within reach of the target.
After Inglis was dismissed by Raza, Australia needed nine runs from the final over to win.
Ellis Delivers in the Final Over
Ellis began the final over by hitting a six before taking a single from the second delivery.
Spencer Johnson then added another single from the fourth ball to bring the scores level.
With two balls remaining, Ellis struck a shot over midwicket for the winning runs, completing a dramatic one-wicket victory for Australia.
Ellis remained unbeaten on 36 and also finished with three wickets.
Australia Look Ahead to South Africa
Australia captain Mitchell Marsh praised both teams for producing a closely contested match and acknowledged Zimbabwe’s strong performance.
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza also highlighted the positive aspects of his team’s performance, while noting that the match was one they could have won.
Australia will now travel to South Africa for upcoming ODI and Test series.
Match Summary
Zimbabwe: 271-8 in 50 overs
Sikandar Raza 81*, Craig Ervine 59, Innocent Kaia 55; Nathan Ellis 3-50
Australia: 272-9 in 49.5 overs
Josh Inglis 103, Nathan Ellis 36*; Brad Evans 4-47
Result: Australia won by 1 wicket and completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep.
