Zimbabwe came within touching distance of ending Australia’s clean sweep before Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson held their nerve to pull off a tense three-wicket victory in Harare.
Chasing 290, Australia looked comfortable at 162 for 3 but lost wickets regularly in the latter stages. Josh Inglis appeared to have taken them home with a superb 103, his second ODI century, but his dismissal in the 42nd over left Australia needing 45 from 51 balls.
Brad Evans was Zimbabwe’s standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Sikandar Raza and Graeme Cremer also caused problems. Raza removed Ollie Peake for 11 before Cremer bowled Xavier Bartlett with a googly as Australia slipped to 203 for 5.
Zimbabwe then had a chance to finish the job. Ellis survived a difficult chance off Blessing Muzarabani, while Wessly Madhevere later dropped another opportunity when Ellis skied one towards deep midwicket.
Australia needed nine from the final over. Raza handed the ball to Madhevere despite Cremer having an over left, and Ellis immediately hit the first delivery for six. He then calmly guided Australia through the remaining runs, finishing unbeaten on 36. Johnson contributed 11 not out as the pair added 27 for the final wicket.
Earlier, Zimbabwe had posted 289 for 7 after choosing to bat. Innocent Kaia and Craig Ervine rebuilt the innings after Zimbabwe lost their openers and Brendan Taylor cheaply. Kaia made 55 before retiring hurt with what appeared to be a hamstring problem, ending an 80-run partnership with Ervine.
Ervine continued to 59 but fell attempting to accelerate, triggering a collapse of four wickets for 22 runs. Sikandar Raza provided the late resistance, remaining unbeaten on 81 to give Zimbabwe their second-highest ODI total against Australia.
Australia’s chase suffered an early setback when Evans dismissed Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh inside the opening four overs. Inglis then steadied the innings alongside Carey, adding 85 for the fourth wicket.
Inglis reached three figures from 94 balls, becoming Australia’s third centurion of the series after Matt Renshaw and Head. But Zimbabwe could not complete the final push.
The result completed Australia’s first series in Zimbabwe in 12 years with a 3-0 sweep, leaving the hosts still searching for a consolation victory.
