Inglis and Ellis star as Australia complete Zimbabwe ODI sweep

Josh Inglis and Nathan Ellis steered Australia to a thrilling one-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in a tense ODI match on Sunday. Following comfortable wins in the first two games of the three-match series, Australia required a single from Ellis off the second-last ball to defeat the hosts. Zimbabwe won the toss and set a formidable target of 271-8, with captain Sikandar Raza (81), Craig Ervine (59), and Innocent Kaia (55, who retired with a hamstring injury) contributing crucial half-centuries.

After early wickets of Travis Head (6) and Matt Renshaw (4), who had previously scored centuries in the previous ODIs, Inglis batted resiliently, amassing 103 runs. Not long after his dismissal due to Raza, Ellis exchanged blows with the Zimbabwean skipper, securing the decisive run. Assistance from Spencer Johnson and a crucial boundary off the fourth ball by Ellis helped Australia survive the pressure.

Australia's wicketkeeper-batter Inglis expressed his satisfaction, stating, "It was a great game of cricket. I thought Zimbabwe probably deserved to win, but the boys got the job done at the end and that was fantastic." Captain Mitchell Marsh added, "We are aware we need to keep improving as a team. There are lots of positive signs with our group. We have got some young talent, which is exciting for the future."

Zimbabwe's captain Raza acknowledged the thrilling nature of the contest, saying, "I would rather have a game like this than for the Aussies to just chase it down in 40 overs." He noted, "There were many positives, but this is one that got away." The Zimbabwean captain highlighted the need for Australia to convert more top-order hundreds in ODIs.