Sports Correspondent
Nathan Ellis produced a remarkable late-innings rescue act as Australia edged Zimbabwe by one wicket in a dramatic final-over finish at Harare Sports Club on Sunday, completing a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI series.
Chasing 272 for victory, Australia reached 272 for nine in 49.5 overs, with Ellis unbeaten on 36 from 44 deliveries to seal victory with one ball remaining.
Ellis, who had earlier taken three wickets, was joined by Spencer Johnson with Australia needing 27 runs from the final 28 balls and only one wicket remaining.
The pair kept their composure under intense pressure to deny Zimbabwe what had looked like a likely victory.
Ellis struck a crucial six in the final over and survived a dropped catch by Wessly Madhevere in the penultimate over, with the missed opportunity ultimately proving costly for the hosts.
Earlier, Josh Inglis had laid the foundation for Australia’s chase with an impressive 103 off 102 balls, his second ODI century. He struck 11 fours and shared important partnerships as Australia recovered from a difficult start.
Zimbabwe’s Brad Evans was outstanding with the ball, taking four wickets for 47 runs from his 10 overs as Australia suffered a late collapse.
The visitors slipped to 245 for eight and were eventually reduced to nine wickets down with 27 runs still required, leaving Zimbabwe on the verge of a famous victory.
But Ellis held his nerve to complete the chase and finish the series on a high.
Zimbabwe had earlier posted a competitive 271 for eight after being sent in to bat.
Captain Sikandar Raza led from the front with an unbeaten 81 from 72 balls, while Craig Ervine scored 59 and Innocent Kaia made 55 before retiring hurt with a hamstring injury.
Kaia and Ervine put on 80 runs to provide Zimbabwe with a solid platform before Raza accelerated the scoring in the latter stages.
Raza’s unbeaten innings included seven fours and a six and helped Zimbabwe recover after Australia had made inroads during the middle overs.
Ellis was Australia’s leading bowler, finishing with three wickets for 50 runs, while Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa claimed two wickets apiece.
Australia’s reply began poorly, with Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh dismissed early, leaving the visitors in trouble at 29 for two.
Inglis then steadied the innings and, together with Alex Carey, who made 34 from 30 balls, put Australia back in control.
However, Zimbabwe continued to take wickets at crucial moments and appeared set to complete the defence of their total before Ellis and the Australian tail produced a remarkable turnaround.
The victory means Australia finish the three-match series with a 3-0 scoreline, although Zimbabwe’s performance in the final ODI pushed the visitors to the limit.
Australia will now travel to South Africa for a three-match ODI series beginning in Durban on Thursday, while Zimbabwe will be left to reflect on a series in which they were unable to secure a victory despite several competitive passages of play.
