Australia secured a thrilling one-wicket triumph over Zimbabwe on Sunday, 20 September 2026, in Harare, with Nathan Ellis striking a decisive six off the final delivery to complete an improbable chase and hand the hosts a consolation defeat in the series decider.
Josh Inglis struck his second ODI century with 103 runs from 102 balls, featuring 11 boundaries, while Ellis remained unbeaten on 36 from 44 deliveries as the tourists reached their target with just one ball remaining. The partnership between Ellis and Australia's number 11, Spencer Johnson, proved decisive—when they arrived together at the crease, victory required 27 runs at a run-a-ball rate, a target they successfully achieved.
Zimbabwe's campaign was undermined by a critical fielding lapse in the penultimate over when Wessly Madhevere dropped Ellis, a moment that proved costly as the batter went on to strike a six off the opening ball of the final over, leaving the home side unable to defend nine runs.
The result completed a clean sweep for Australia, who claimed the three-match series 3-0 after victories across all three ODIs staged at Harare Sports Club. Matt Renshaw's maiden ODI century of 109 in the opening fixture on 15 September set the tone for the tour, while all three matches were contested at the same venue across the week.
Zimbabwe's batting effort was anchored by an unbeaten 81 from 72 balls by captain Sikandar Raza, complemented by half-centuries from Craig Ervine (59 from 79 balls) and Innocent Kaia (55 from 66 balls). Kaia's contribution was curtailed when he retired hurt with a hamstring injury at 148 for three, unable to continue running between the wickets. Ellis proved the standout bowler for Australia with three wickets for 50 across his 10 overs, though his earlier performance in the series had been more impactful—he had taken 5 for 31 in the first ODI.
Australia's chase was characterised by early setbacks when openers Travis Head and Mitch Marsh fell quickly, establishing a pattern of regular wicket losses throughout the innings. Despite these interruptions, Inglis's composed century kept the tourists competitive throughout their reply. Brad Evans emerged as Zimbabwe's leading bowler with four wickets for 47 across 10 overs, yet his efforts proved insufficient to prevent the series whitewash.
What happens next
Australia will travel to South Africa for a three-match ODI series beginning in Durban on Thursday, 26 September 2026, as part of their broader white-ball tour of southern Africa. The squad, which rested several regular players for the Zimbabwe assignment, will face a fresh challenge against the Proteas in their next assignment.
