Australia beat Zimbabwe by one wicket to sweep ODI series 3-0
Nathan Ellis hit an unbeaten 36 and a last-over six as Australia won in Harare with a ball to spare, after Josh Inglis made 103 to complete the 3-0 sweep.
Australia beat Zimbabwe by one wicket with a ball to spare in Harare on Sunday, and took the one-day international series 3-0. Josh Inglis made 103 from 102 balls, and Nathan Ellis finished unbeaten on 36 from 44, his highest score in the format.
Zimbabwe chose to bat and posted a total built around Sikandar Raza's unbeaten 81 from 72 balls. Craig Ervine made 59 from 79 and Innocent Kaia 55 from 66. Kaia retired hurt with a hamstring injury at 148 for three, unable to run between the wickets. Brad Evans took four for 47 in 10 overs for the hosts.
Australia rested several regulars for the tour. Travis Head and Mitch Marsh fell early in the chase, and wickets kept coming at regular intervals.
Ellis was joined by No 11 Spencer Johnson with 27 still needed. The pair scored them at a run a ball. Wessly Madhevere dropped Ellis in the penultimate over, when the chance would have sealed the match for Zimbabwe. In the last over Zimbabwe had nine to defend, and Ellis hit the first ball for six. He had also taken three for 50 in his 10 overs with the ball.
The series was already decided. On Saturday Head's 75-ball century carried Australia to an 84-run win and gave them an unassailable lead. Sunday's result left Zimbabwe without the consolation win.
Australia go to South Africa next for three ODIs, starting in Durban on Thursday.
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