Australia secured a pulsating one-wicket victory over Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club, completing a 3-0 One Day International series whitewash in the final delivery over of a tense run chase. Chasing a competitive target of 272, the visitors relied on a brilliant century from Josh Inglis and a crucial unbroken tenth-wicket stand to seal the match with just one ball remaining.
Opting to bat first, Zimbabwe suffered an early setback as the Australian seamers made quick inroads. The hosts lost Ben Curran for 34, followed swiftly by Brian Bennett for 48. Brendan Taylor managed just 9 before being bowled by leg-spinner Adam Zampa. However, Innocent Kaia steadied the innings alongside Craig Ervine. Kaia struck a fluent 55 off 66 deliveries, including seven boundaries, before being forced off retired hurt with the score at 148. Ervine continued the momentum, anchoring the middle overs with a composed 59 off 79 balls.
The highlight of the Zimbabwean innings arrived through captain Sikandar Raza. Playing with aggression and control, Raza smashed an unbeaten 81 off 72 balls, hitting seven fours and a six to lift his side to 271 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs. Nathan Ellis was the pick of the Australian bowlers, taking 3 for 50, whilst Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa chipped in with two wickets apiece.
In reply, Australia’s top order crumbled under pressure. Travis Head fell for 6 and skipper Mitchell Marsh managed only 8, leaving the visitors reeling at 20 for 2. Cooper Connolly offered brief resistance with 21 before falling to Graeme Cremer.
Josh Inglis then took charge of the pursuit. The wicketkeeper-batter struck a sensational 103 off 102 balls, laced with 11 boundaries, reaching his half-century in just 47 deliveries. He received capable support from Alex Carey, who made 34 in a key 50-run partnership. Yet, Zimbabwe fought back valiantly. Off-spinner Brad Evans ripped through the middle and lower order, claiming 4 for 47. Australia slumped from 162 for 3 to 227 for 8 when Raza dismissed Inglis, leaving the world champions needing 45 runs with only two wickets in hand.
When Zampa fell for 9 with the score at 245, Zimbabwe looked poised for a memorable victory. Australia still required 27 runs with their final pair at the crease. Seamer Nathan Ellis stepped up with the bat, displaying remarkable composure alongside number eleven Spencer Johnson. Ellis scored a vital unbeaten 36 off 44 balls—including two fours and a six—while Johnson held his end with a gritty 7 not out. Together, they navigated the final overs, dramatically reaching 272 for 9 in 49.5 overs to break Zimbabwean hearts and complete a hard-fought series sweep.
