Harare, Sept 21:
Australia completed a 3-0 series sweep against Zimbabwe after surviving a dramatic final-over finish to win the third ODI by one wicket at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday. Nathan Ellis held his nerve to guide Australia home with one ball remaining in a tense chase.
Zimbabwe posted 271 for eight after being sent in to bat, with captain Sikandar Raza leading the way with an unbeaten 81 off 72 balls. Craig Ervine scored 59 while Innocent Kaia made 55 before retiring hurt with a hamstring injury. Australia’s Ellis was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets for 50 runs.
Australia’s chase appeared to be in danger after early wickets, with Travis Head falling for six and captain Mitchell Marsh making eight. Josh Inglis then kept the visitors in the contest with an impressive 103 off 102 balls, including 11 fours. Alex Carey contributed 34, but Australia slipped to 245 for nine after losing wickets at regular intervals.
With 27 runs still required, Ellis and No. 11 Spencer Johnson kept Australia’s hopes alive. Ellis remained unbeaten on 36 from 44 balls, while Johnson scored seven not out. After Ellis was dropped in the penultimate over, he struck a six from the first ball of the final over and then took the winning single from the fifth ball to take Australia to 272 for nine in 49.5 overs.
Inglis was named Player of the Match, while Cooper Connolly was adjudged Player of the Series. Australia will now travel to South Africa for a three-match ODI series beginning in Durban on Thursday.