Australia completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep after Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson held their nerve in a dramatic final-wicket stand in Harare.

Nathan Ellis produced a superb all-round performance before partnering with No. 11 Spencer Johnson to complete a remarkable one-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, denying the hosts a consolation win in the final ODI in Harare.

Chasing 286, Australia appeared firmly in control at 162 for 3 before Zimbabwe launched a dramatic fightback. Josh Inglis’ brilliant century kept the visitors alive, but his dismissal with 45 runs still required left Australia in serious trouble.

Ellis then took centre stage.

Having earlier claimed 3 for 50 with the ball, Ellis remained unbeaten on 36 and added the decisive 27-run partnership with Johnson to take Australia over the line and complete a 3-0 series sweep.

The result marked Australia’s first ODI series in Zimbabwe in 12 years.

Inglis anchors Australia’s chase

Australia’s chase suffered an early setback when Brad Evans struck twice inside his opening two overs.

Travis Head was caught at deep backward square after attempting to work one off his pads, before Mitchell Marsh edged behind to leave Australia struggling at 25 for 2 in the fourth over.

Inglis responded aggressively, immediately showing his intent with a swivel pull for four and a series of powerful strokes through the off side.

He combined with Alex Carey for an important 85-run fourth-wicket partnership that restored Australia’s control.

Zimbabwe, however, refused to surrender.

Cremer made an immediate impact on his return to ODI cricket, dismissing Cooper Connolly with a superb leg-break. Sikandar Raza then removed Ollie Peake lbw before Cremer struck again with a googly to dismiss Xavier Bartlett.

Australia were suddenly 203 for 5 after 35 overs, still requiring 69 runs.

Inglis continued to carry the chase and brought up his century from 94 deliveries with a powerful sweep against Cremer.

But his dismissal in the 42nd over, bowled by Raza, left Australia requiring 45 runs with just two wicket remaining.

Ellis produces the decisive finish

With Australia on the brink, Ellis took responsibility.

He survived a difficult moment when Muzarabani bounced him and he skied the ball, only for Brendan Taylor to fail to hold the chance.

Zimbabwe then had a golden opportunity to finish the match when Ellis struck Masuku towards deep midwicket in the penultimate over. Wessly Madhevere got underneath the ball but could not complete the catch.

With nine runs required from the final over, Zimbabwe handed the ball to Madhevere despite Graeme Cremer still having an over available.

Ellis immediately punished the decision, launching the first delivery for six.

From there, Australia completed the chase, with Ellis finishing unbeaten on 36 and Johnson providing crucial support.

Zimbabwe’s strong start fades

Zimbabwe had earlier posted 271 after being sent in to bat, with Sikandar Raza top-scoring with an unbeaten 81.

Craig Ervine and Innocent Kaia also played important roles, but Zimbabwe will look back on several missed opportunities that ultimately cost them the match.

Kaia was batting confidently on 55 when he was forced to retire hurt with what appeared to be a hamstring problem, ending an 80-run partnership with Ervine.

Ervine later reached 59 but fell while attempting to accelerate with 10 overs remaining. His dismissal triggered a collapse of four wickets for 22 runs and prevented Zimbabwe from reaching the 300-run mark they had been targeting.

Raza steadied the innings and ensured Zimbabwe finished with a competitive total, but Australia ultimately found a way through.

Missed chances prove costly

Zimbabwe’s fielding errors proved decisive.

Inglis was dropped on 48 when he sliced Ernest Masuku towards backward point and Madhevere could not hold the difficult chance.

Madhevere later produced a spectacular catch to dismiss Carey, but another opportunity slipped through his hands when Ellis miscued Masuku towards deep midwicket in the penultimate over.

Those missed chances allowed Australia to remain alive when Zimbabwe appeared to have the match under control.

Australia complete clean sweep

The victory completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep for Australia, while Zimbabwe were left to rue a number of missed opportunities in a match that appeared to be within their grasp during the closing stages.

For Australia, Ellis’ composed finishing performance capped an outstanding individual display, while Inglis’ century provided the foundation for one of the most dramatic victories of the series.

Zimbabwe now face a long wait for their next home internationals, with no further international fixtures scheduled on home soil for the remainder of 2026.