Australia scrape one-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Harare after Ellis finishes with last-over six

Australia secured a one-wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe in a one-day international in Harare on Sunday, winning with a ball to spare after a tense final over. The result completed a 3-0 series sweep for Australia.

Josh Inglis scored his second one-day international century and Nathan Ellis recorded his highest score in the format with an unbeaten 36 from 44 balls as Australia prevailed in a close chase. Several regular Australian players were rested for the tour, and the visitors managed to close out the series despite a late scare.

The match was decided in the final overs when Australia’s No 11, Spencer Johnson, joined Nathan Ellis with 27 runs still required; the pair accumulated the remaining runs at a run-a-ball to clinch the win. Wessly Madhevere dropped Ellis in the penultimate over at a moment when the match could have been settled, and Zimbabwe failed to defend nine runs in the final over after Ellis launched a six off the first delivery.

Zimbabwe, having elected to bat first, were driven by an unbeaten 81 from 72 balls from captain Sikandar Raza and half-centuries from Craig Ervine (59 from 79 balls) and Innocent Kaia (55 from 66 balls). Kaia retired hurt with a hamstring injury when the score was 148 for three and was unable to continue running between the wickets.

Nathan Ellis also led Australia’s bowling effort, finishing with three for 50 from his 10 overs. For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans was the most successful bowler, taking four for 47 in his allotted 10 overs.

Australia’s reply maintained a healthy run rate for much of the innings but was punctured by early dismissals of openers Travis Head and Mitch Marsh, after which wickets fell at regular intervals. Inglis produced the innings’ backbone with 103 from 102 balls, striking 11 fours to steer the chase as the team navigated intermittent pressure.

Australia will now move on to South Africa for three ODI fixtures that begin in Durban on Thursday.