Zimbabwe Fall One Wicket Short As Australia Complete 3-0 ODI Sweep

Zimbabwe came agonisingly close to securing a consolation victory against Australia but suffered a dramatic one-wicket defeat in the third and final ODI at Harare Sports Club on Sunday.

After posting 271 for eight, Zimbabwe had Australia in serious trouble at 245 for nine, only for Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson to produce a remarkable late fightback and guide the visitors home with one ball remaining.

The result completed a 3-0 series sweep for Australia, despite Zimbabwe pushing the world champions all the way in a thrilling contest that went down to the final over.

Sikandar Raza led Zimbabwe’s batting effort with an unbeaten 81 from 72 deliveries, while Craig Ervine made 59 and Innocent Kaia contributed 55.

Zimbabwe made a cautious start after choosing to bat, but Brian Bennett quickly shifted the momentum by attacking Xavier Bartlett. He struck 17 runs from one over before falling for 30, leaving the hosts 48 for two.

Kaia and Ervine then rebuilt the innings with a valuable partnership. Kaia reached his half-century from 59 balls before being forced to retire hurt on 55 after pulling his hamstring while completing a single.

Ervine continued to anchor the innings and brought up his half-century from 67 deliveries before falling for 59. Raza then took charge of the closing stages, producing a series of attacking strokes to lift Zimbabwe to 271 for eight.

Australia’s Nathan Ellis finished with three wickets, while Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa claimed two each.

Zimbabwe made an excellent start with the ball. Brad Evans removed Travis Head for six before Mitchell Marsh edged another delivery to Brendan Taylor, leaving Australia 25 for two.

Josh Inglis then took control of the chase, building important partnerships and reaching his century from 94 balls. He eventually scored 103 from 102 deliveries, including 11 fours.

Zimbabwe continued to fight back. Graeme Cremer removed Cooper Connolly before a brilliant catch from Wessly Madhevere gave Evans his third wicket, dismissing Alex Carey for 34.

Madhevere then contributed with the ball by dismissing Matt Renshaw, while Raza and Cremer produced further breakthroughs to leave Australia struggling at 206 for seven.

Raza eventually removed Inglis for 103, with Australia sitting at 227 for eight. Evans then dismissed Zampa for nine, leaving the visitors 245 for nine and requiring another 27 runs for victory.

With last man Spencer Johnson alongside Ellis, Zimbabwe appeared to have the match under control.

However, Ellis kept Australia alive with a crucial boundary before the final over brought the drama to its peak. Australia needed nine runs from the last six deliveries, with Madhevere entrusted with the ball.

Ellis launched the first delivery over long-on for six before taking a single. Johnson then brought the scores level with another single, leaving Ellis to finish the match with a boundary through midwicket from the fifth delivery.

Zimbabwe were left devastated after coming within touching distance of victory.

Evans finished with excellent figures of four wickets for 47 runs, while Raza contributed two wickets in addition to his unbeaten 81.

The defeat means Zimbabwe end the three-match ODI series without a victory, but their performance in the final encounter demonstrated their ability to push Australia to the limit.

For Australia, the one-wicket win completed a 3-0 series sweep. For Zimbabwe, the manner of the defeat will make the result particularly difficult to take after they had Australia down to their final wicket with only 27 runs required.