Australia Completes Zimbabwe ODI Sweep After One-Wicket Thriller

Australia completed a 3–0 one-day international series sweep over Zimbabwe after surviving a tense one-wicket finish in the third match in Harare.

Chasing 272, Australia reached the target with its final batting pair after Josh Inglis scored 103 and Nathan Ellis finished unbeaten on 36. Ellis had also taken three wickets earlier in the match.

Inglis anchors the chase

Australia’s pursuit was placed under pressure by regular wickets, but Inglis provided the central innings of the chase. His century kept the target within reach before Zimbabwe struck again late in the contest.

Ellis then helped guide the visitors through the closing stages. The narrow result followed two Australian victories earlier in the series and secured the whitewash.

Inglis said the innings helped him rediscover his rhythm in the 50-over format after lower scores in the opening matches. Australia used the tour to give opportunities to a younger group while continuing its preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Zimbabwe pushes series finale to the limit

Although Zimbabwe ended the series without a victory, the final match was significantly closer than the overall scoreline suggests. The home side’s total created sustained pressure and its bowlers kept the contest alive until the last wicket.

Australia will take confidence from completing the chase, but the late collapse also exposed areas for improvement. Tight matches can provide useful experience for a developing squad, particularly when players are asked to adjust their roles under pressure.

Australia’s next scheduled challenge is a three-match ODI series against South Africa, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 World Cup.