Australia won by one wicket with one ball remaining to complete a 3-0 ODI series sweep of Zimbabwe, surviving a thrilling final-over finish after Josh Inglis struck a magnificent 103. Inglis’ century anchored a chase of 272, while Nathan Ellis’ 36 provided the decisive late-order support as Australia reached 272/9 in 49.5 overs.

Zimbabwe, beaten by 59 runs in the first ODI and 84 runs in the second, produced their strongest performance of the series in the finale. Their 271/8 from 50 overs was built around Sikandar Raza’s 81, Craig Ervine’s 59 and Innocent Kaia’s 55, giving the home side a total substantial enough to test Australia’s batting depth.

Zimbabwe build a competitive 271

Kaia, Ervine and Raza supplied the substance Zimbabwe had been seeking across the series. Kaia made 55, Ervine contributed 59 and Raza took command with 81, carrying the innings through the middle overs and helping Zimbabwe set Australia 272 for victory.

Nathan Ellis was Australia’s leading wicket-taker with three wickets, while Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa claimed two each. Their interventions prevented Zimbabwe from turning a strong platform into an even more daunting finish, but 271/8 ensured the visitors would have to earn the clean sweep.

Inglis holds firm as Zimbabwe strike back

Australia’s reply revolved around Inglis, whose 103 was the defining innings of the match and earned him the Player of the Match award. Alex Carey added 34, but Zimbabwe kept forcing the contest back their way through regular wickets.

Brad Evans led the resistance with four wickets, while Raza and Graeme Cremer took two wickets apiece. With Australia nine down and the target still not secured, the contest became a test of nerve rather than simply a chase.

Ellis’ unbeaten 36 proved vital at the death. Alongside Inglis’ hundred, it carried Australia through the pressure moments and over the line at 272/9, with just one delivery left in the innings. It was a painful near-miss for Zimbabwe but a fittingly dramatic conclusion to an Australian series whitewash.

Key performers

  • Josh Inglis, Australia: 103 runs and Player of the Match.
  • Nathan Ellis, Australia: 36 runs in the chase and three wickets with the ball.
  • Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe: 81 runs and two wickets.
  • Craig Ervine, Zimbabwe: 59 runs.
  • Innocent Kaia, Zimbabwe: 55 runs.
  • Brad Evans, Zimbabwe: four wickets.
  • Spencer Johnson, Australia: two wickets.
  • Adam Zampa, Australia: two wickets.
  • Graeme Cremer, Zimbabwe: two wickets.

NerdSports Stat: Josh Inglis scored 103 of Australia’s 272 runs in the chase, contributing nearly 38% of the runs required for victory.

The result extends Australia’s dominance in the Australia tour of Zimbabwe 2026: they won all three ODIs, closing the series with a 3-0 lead. Zimbabwe’s batting revival and Evans’ four-wicket effort made the final match their closest opportunity, but Australia’s lower-order composure delivered another win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between Zimbabwe and Australia?

Australia won the match by one wicket with one ball remaining.

Who was the Player of the Match?

Josh Inglis was named Player of the Match for his 103-run innings in Australia’s chase.

What is the series standing after this match?

Australia completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep of Zimbabwe.

Who was the top scorer in this match?

Josh Inglis top-scored with 103 runs.

When is the next match in the series?

There is no next match in the series, as this was the third and final ODI.