There was a third and final match at Harare Sports Club on 20 September 2026 for Australia to complete a 3-0 ODI series sweep over Zimbabwe. The visitors won by just one wicket with one ball left in a close match and what looked like a well-balanced chase was turned into a nail-biter.
Zimbabwe Post Competitive 271
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe chose to bat and posted 271 for eight in their 50 overs of play. Sikandar Raza took the lead with 81 from 72 balls as captain, while Craig Ervine scored 59 and Innocent Kaia 55 before retiring hurt with a hamstring injury.
Nathan Ellis had been Australia's best bowler with three wickets for 50 runs in 10 overs. Spencer Johnson also took two wickets to restrict Zimbabwe to a total that kept Australia under pressure throughout the chase.
Inglis Produces a Brilliant Century
Australia's chase started poorly as Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head both departed cheaply. The wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, but Josh Inglis provided the stability Australia needed.
The wicketkeeper-batter made 103 from 102 deliveries, hitting 11 boundaries. His century was his second in ODI cricket and kept Australia in the race even as Zimbabwe’s bowlers continued to make breakthroughs.
Inglis eventually fell to Sikandar Raza with Australia still needing 45 runs. His dismissal left Zimbabwe in a strong position and appeared to have opened the door for a consolation victory.
Ellis Turns Hero in Final Overs
Nathan Ellis then made the decisive contribution with the bat. Batting at No. 9, he remained unbeaten on 36 from 44 balls, his highest ODI score.
When Ellis and No. 11 Spencer Johnson came together, Australia needed 27 runs. The two kept their cool and reduced the equation to only nine runs from the final over. Ellis hit a six from the first ball and Australia finished the chase with a single from the penultimate delivery.
Zimbabwe also missed a crucial opportunity when Wessly Madhevere dropped Ellis in the penultimate over, a moment that proved extremely costly.
Australia Complete the Clean Sweep
Australia finished on 272 for nine in 49.5 overs and won by one wicket to complete a 3-0 series sweep. Josh Inglis was named Player of the Match and Cooper Connolly was named Player of the Series.
The success also highlighted Australia’s depth, with Ellis making a significant impact with both ball and bat. Zimbabwe, on the contrary, showed strong resistance and got very close to an amazing win.
Australia will now turn their attention to their tour of South Africa, and Zimbabwe will take some confidence from a competitive final ODI despite the series ending without a victory.
