Josh Inglis reached his second ODI hundred of the series, making 103 runs off 102 balls, while all‑rounder Nathan Ellis added a career‑best unbeaten 36 from 44 deliveries as Australia chased down Zimbabwe’s target of 272 with just one wicket remaining.
The chase came down to the final over when Ellis, joined by number‑11 Spencer Johnson, needed 27 runs. The pair kept up a run‑a‑ball pace, with Ellis hitting a six off the first ball of the last over after Zimbabwe’s Wessly Madhevere dropped a catch in the penultimate over, a moment the hosts will lament.
Zimbabwe’s innings was anchored by captain Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 81 from 72 balls, supported by half‑centuries from Craig Ervine (59) and Innocent Kaia (55). Kaia retired hurt with a hamstring injury when the score was 148‑3.
Ellis was also the most effective bowler for Australia, returning figures of 3‑50 in his ten overs, while Brad Evans led the Zimbabwean attack with 4‑47.
Australia, having rested several regulars for the tour, completed a clean sweep of the three‑match series and will now travel to South Africa for a three‑match ODI set‑up beginning in Durban on Thursday.
Captain Mitchell Marsh praised his side’s resilience, saying the team “got lucky” but also highlighted the positive signs from the young talent that emerged during the series.