Josh Inglis Hits Century! Australia Survive Zimbabwe by 1 Wicket to Seal 3-0 ODI Sweep

Australia have completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep over Zimbabwe after surviving an extraordinary finish in Harare. Zimbabwe posted 271/8 from their 50 overs, but Australia eventually reached 272/9 in 49.5 overs to win by one wicket with a single delivery remaining.

Josh Inglis was the central figure of Australia's chase, scoring a brilliant 103 from 102 balls. His century kept Australia alive through a difficult pursuit before Zimbabwe fought back late and reduced the visitors to nine wickets down.

Zimbabwe Post 271/8 After Raza and Ervine Build the Innings

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first at Harare Sports Club. The hosts lost Ben Curran for 7 and Brian Bennett for 30 during the early stages, while Innocent Kaia provided a crucial 55 from 66 balls before retiring hurt.

Brendan Taylor added 9 before Adam Zampa removed him, while Craig Ervine anchored the middle order with 59 from 79 balls. Ervine's dismissal at 209/4 opened the door for a late Zimbabwe collapse, but Sikandar Raza held the innings together.

Raza finished unbeaten on 81 from 72 balls, striking seven fours and one six. Zimbabwe eventually reached 271/8, with Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Graeme Cremer and Ernest Masuku all falling late.

Australia Lose Early Wickets in Nervy Chase

Australia's chase began badly. Travis Head was dismissed for 6 at 20/1 before Mitchell Marsh followed for 8 at 25/2. Cooper Connolly then made 21 from 39 balls before Graeme Cremer removed him at 77/3.

Alex Carey supplied an important 34, but Australia slipped further when Matt Renshaw was dismissed for 4. At 176/5, Zimbabwe had a genuine opportunity to finish the chase.

Josh Inglis Produces the Century Australia Needed

Inglis, however, refused to let the chase disappear. The wicketkeeper-batter combined with Australia's middle and lower order and reached his century during a pressure-filled innings.

Inglis eventually departed for 103 from 102 balls with Australia on 227/8. His dismissal left the visitors needing 45 more runs with only two wickets remaining.

Zimbabwe Push Australia to the Final Ball

Ollie Peake contributed 17 before falling at 203, while Xavier Bartlett was dismissed for 3 at 206. Inglis then fell at 227 before Adam Zampa was dismissed at 245.

With Australia down to their final pair, Nathan Ellis stayed calm and finished unbeaten on 36 from 44 balls. Spencer Johnson contributed an unbeaten 7 from 13 balls.

Australia finally crossed the target at 272/9 in the 49.5th over, completing one of the tightest finishes of the series.

Australia Complete a 3-0 ODI Sweep

The result completes a 3-0 ODI series victory for Australia in Harare. The visitors had already won the opening two matches, but the third game proved dramatically different as Zimbabwe pushed the chase all the way to the final over.

For Zimbabwe, Raza's unbeaten 81 and Ervine's 59 gave the hosts a competitive platform. Kaia's 55 before retiring hurt was another major contribution, while the bowlers repeatedly threatened to end Australia's chase.

For Australia, Inglis' 103 was the defining batting contribution, while Ellis' unbeaten 36 and Johnson's 7* provided the final support required to get over the line.

Third ODI Result at a Glance