Australia secured a 3-0 ODI series sweep against Zimbabwe in Harare after a one-wicket victory at the Harare Sports Club. The win, achieved with one ball remaining, was built on a century from Josh Inglis and a record-breaking tenth-wicket partnership.
Chasing a target of 272, Australia saw Josh Inglis score 103 runs off 102 balls. Batting at number four, Inglis recorded his second career One-Day International century and provided the backbone of the innings. However, his dismissal in the 42nd over triggered a collapse that left the result in the balance.
Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson eventually took Australia to the target. Ellis finished with a career-best unbeaten 36, while Johnson contributed 7 not out. The pair shared an unbeaten 27-run stand for the tenth wicket, a record-breaking tail-end performance for Australia that decided the contest in the final over.
Zimbabwe’s attempt to defend their total was hampered by a missed opportunity in the 49th over when Wessly Madhevere dropped a catch offered by Ellis. Earlier, the home side reached 271 for 6 behind an unbeaten 81 from Sikandar Raza. Craig Ervine (59) and Innocent Kaia (55) both contributed half-centuries, though Kaia was forced to retire hurt with a hamstring injury during his innings.
Inglis noted after the match that he is adjusting his approach to the 50-over game. “We just play a lot of Twenty20 cricket now, and it’s just me finding the right tempo for one day cricket, and I sort of found that today,” Inglis said.
Regarding the high-pressure finish, Inglis added: “I think we’re going to get in those situations again. For those guys to have done that today with a World Cup 12 months away, it will leave a good feeling with them, and they’ll have a better idea of how to go about that situation again next time.”
An analysis of the team configuration suggests the decision to bat Inglis at number four marks a tactical shift to fill the anchor role in a younger squad. However, the reliance on a 27-run final-wicket stand highlights middle-order fragility when regular starters are absent. Nathan Ellis also contributed significantly with the ball before his batting turn, finishing with figures of 3 for 50.
Australia’s tour continues in South Africa, with a three-match ODI series scheduled to begin on September 24 in Durban.
