Watch: Australia survive huge Zimbabwe scare as Josh Inglis' century seals 1-wicket win in Harare

Australia secured a dramatic one-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the third ODI at Harare Sports Club on September 20, completing a 3-0 series sweep. Chasing Zimbabwe's 272-run target, Australia faced a major scare after losing nine wickets. Josh Inglis played a crucial role with a well-paced 103 off 102 balls, keeping Australia in the chase. Nathan Ellis then remained unbeaten on 36 off 44 balls to help Australia cross the finish line.

Australia's chase became difficult after they were reduced to 246/9 in the 46th over. They needed nine runs from the final over, with Nathan Ellis leading the lower-order fightback. Ellis also had a lucky escape in the penultimate over when he lofted a delivery from Ernest Masuku, but Wessly Madhevere dropped the catch. The missed opportunity proved costly as Australia continued their fight for victory.

Zimbabwe, batting first after winning the toss, posted 271/8 in 50 overs. Innocent Kaia gave the hosts a strong start and reached his half-century before leaving the field following an injury scare. Captain Sikandar Raza also scored a valuable fifty as Zimbabwe posted a competitive total. Brad Evans then gave Zimbabwe hope with four wickets, but Inglis' century kept Australia in the chase. Ellis completed the lower-order fightback, helping Australia secure a thrilling one-wicket win and complete the series sweep.

Watch the moment Australia sealed a thrilling one-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the 3rd ODI:

Australia chase 272 with one ball to spare in 3rd ODI to sweep Zimbabwe 3-0

Australia were reduced to 246/9 in the 46th over and needed nine runs from the final over to win the third ODI against Zimbabwe. Nathan Ellis led the lower-order fightback and kept Australia in the game during a tense finish.

Ellis also had a lucky escape in the penultimate over when he hit a delivery from Ernest Masuku in the air. Wessly Madhevere had a chance to take the catch but dropped it. Madhevere was clearly disappointed, but captain Sikandar Raza backed him and gave him the final over to make up for the mistake.

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However, Ellis made the most of the opportunity and hit Raza over long-on off the first ball, reducing the target to just three runs. Ellis remained unbeaten on 36 and, along with Spencer Johnson, completed the chase with one ball to spare. The victory helped Australia sweep the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe 3-0.

Josh Inglis scores 103, Nathan Ellis stays unbeaten on 36 as Brad Evans' 4-47 nearly wins it for Zimbabwe

Josh Inglis scored a brilliant 103 off 102 balls, while Nathan Ellis remained unbeaten on 36 off 44 balls to help Australia chase down Zimbabwe's 272-run target. Australia were in trouble at several stages of the chase, but Inglis kept the visitors in the game as wickets continued to fall.

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first, scoring 271/8 in their 50 overs. Innocent Kaia and Craig Ervine gave the hosts a strong start with half-centuries of 55 and 59 runs respectively. The pair shared an 80-run partnership before Kaia was forced to retire hurt with a hamstring injury. Ervine then continued to keep Zimbabwe in a strong position.

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Captain Sikandar Raza played a key role with an unbeaten 81 after Ervine's half-century. His innings helped Zimbabwe reach 271/8 and gave the hosts a competitive total to defend. Brad Evans then gave Zimbabwe a strong chance with the ball, taking 4/47 as Australia lost wickets regularly, but Inglis' century and Ellis' unbeaten 36 eventually helped Australia complete the chase.

Zimbabwe left ruing dropped catches and a final-over six as consolation win slips away

Zimbabwe will regret the missed chance to win the match after Wessly Madhevere dropped Nathan Ellis in the penultimate over. Australia needed 27 runs from 28 balls when Spencer Johnson joined Ellis at the crease. The pair scored the required runs at almost a run-a-ball to keep Australia alive and complete the chase.

Madhevere then had another chance to make up for the dropped catch when captain Sikandar Raza gave him the final over. However, Ellis hit a six off the first ball to reduce the target to just three runs. Ellis and Johnson then finished the chase, leaving Zimbabwe disappointed after coming so close to victory.

Australia, who rested several regular players during the tour, completed a 3-0 series sweep and will now travel to South Africa for three ODIs, starting in Durban on Thursday. Earlier, Zimbabwe posted 271/8, with Sikandar Raza scoring an unbeaten 81 off 72 balls and Craig Ervine and Innocent Kaia hitting half-centuries. Australia were always close to the required run rate, but lost wickets regularly. Josh Inglis scored 103 off 102 balls, while Brad Evans took 4/47 for Zimbabwe.