Heartbreak for Zimbabwe as Australia scrape home by one wicket to complete clean-sweep

Zimbabwe let victory slip through their fingers as Australia won by one wicket and one ball to spare in the third ODI on Sunday, chasing down 272 to complete a clean sweep of their first tour of the country in 12 years.

Zimbabwe had posted 271-8 built on half-centuries from Sikandar Raza (81 not out) and Craig Ervine (59), plus 55 from Innocent Kaia, who retired hurt with a hamstring issue.

Kaia's retirement interrupted an 80-run fourth-wicket stand with Ervine and stalled Zimbabwe's momentum. Ervine later holed out attempting to accelerate, triggering a collapse of four wickets for 22 runs that left the hosts short of 300.

In reply, Josh Inglis's second ODI century (103) anchored the Australian chase, but Zimbabwe fought back through Brad Evans, who took 4 for 47 and had Australia wobbling in the middle overs.

Nathan Ellis, who had earlier taken 3-50 with the ball, then struck an unbeaten 36 alongside No. 11 Spencer Johnson in a match-winning last-wicket stand of 27, denying Zimbabwe a consolation win.

In the field, Zimbabwe fluffed two crucial chances off Inglis and Ellis. Wessly Madhevere dropped Inglis off Ernest Masuku when the batter was on 48, and later spilled a catch off Ellis in the penultimate over.

With nine runs needed from the final over, Raza turned to Madhevere ahead of the more experienced Graeme Cremer. The first ball was hit for six, leaving Madhevere inconsolable as Australia completed the chase.

Zimbabwe do not have another international fixture at home for the remainder of 2026, leaving them to reflect on a series they competed in but ultimately could not convert into a win.