Australia completed a clean sweep over Zimbabwe after securing a dramatic one-wicket victory in the third and final ODI of their 2026 tour at Harare Sports Club. Chasing 272, Australia were pushed to the brink by a disciplined Zimbabwe bowling attack but eventually reached the target with just one wicket remaining and one ball to spare.
Sikandar Raza leads Zimbabwe to competitive total
After Zimbabwe elected to bat first, they produced a strong total of 271/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Innocent Kaia provided a solid foundation with 55 off 66 balls, while Craig Ervine contributed a patient 59 from 79 deliveries. However, it was Sikandar Raza who gave the innings its late impetus with an impressive 81 off 72 balls, including seven fours and a six.
Brian Bennett also chipped in with a brisk 30 off 29 balls, while Brad Evans added 11 from 11 deliveries. Zimbabwe’s lower order struggled to contribute significantly, but Raza’s innings ensured the hosts finished with a competitive score.
Nathan Ellis was Australia’s standout bowler, claiming 3/50 from his 10 overs. Spencer Johnson picked up two wickets for 50 runs, while Adam Zampa also returned figures of 2/53. Xavier Bartlett bowled his full quota but conceded 69 runs without taking a wicket.
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Josh Inglis’ century guides Australia home
Australia’s chase got off to a shaky start, with Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head departing cheaply. Cooper Connolly then made 21 before Alex Carey provided valuable support with 34 off 30 balls. The visitors, however, found their main anchor in Josh Inglis, who played a crucial innings of 103 from 102 deliveries, hitting 11 fours.
Inglis kept Australia in the contest as wickets continued to fall around him. Matt Renshaw scored four, while Ollie Peake made 19 from 32 balls. Ellis then played a crucial late-order role, scoring 36 off 44 deliveries, including two fours and a six. Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the chase. Evans was particularly impressive, taking 4/47 from his 10 overs, while Graeme Cremer claimed 2/53 and Sikandar Raza took 2/42. Wesley Madhevere also picked up a wicket.
Despite losing nine wickets, Australia eventually reached 272/9 in 49.5 overs to complete a thrilling one-wicket win. The result gave Australia a 3-0 series sweep, following their 59-run victory in the first ODI and 84-run triumph in the second match.
A thrilling win for Australia in the 3rd ODI against Zimbabwe 👏
A series sweep for the Aussies 💪#ZIMvsAUS pic.twitter.com/XsO2GPZ6wX— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 20, 2026
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