Aussies claim one-wicket win over Zimbabwe to sweep ODI series - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Australia celebrates its series win over Zimbabwe in Harare. (AP: Wonder Mashura)

Josh Inglis has scored his second ODI century to help Australia claim a dramatic one-wicket victory ​over Zimbabwe with a ball to spare in Harare.

Nathan Ellis also played a key role in the successful run chase, posting his highest ODI score with an unbeaten 36 from 44 deliveries.

When Ellis was joined at the crease by number 11 Spencer Johnson (7 from 13 deliveries), the tourists needed 27 runs to reach their victory target of 272.

They managed to achieve this at a ​run-a-ball to guide Australia to ‌the win.

Zimbabwe will rue Wessly Madhevere dropping Ellis in the penultimate over when he could have sealed victory for the hosts.

Madhevere then failed to defend nine runs in the final over when Ellis hit a six off ‌the first ball.

Australia, who rested several of its regulars for the tour, claimed the series 3-0 and ⁠now move on to South Africa for three ODI fixtures.

"A great game of cricket," ​Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said.

"I ‌thought Zimbabwe probably deserved to win but the boys got the job done at the end there and that was fantastic to see.

"We're aware we need to keep improving as a team. I thought the way we played over the three matches, albeit today we got lucky, but there's lots of ​positive ‌signs with our group.

"We've got some young talent which is exciting for the future."

After the home side elected to bat first, Zimbabwe's innings was anchored by an unbeaten 81 from 72 ⁠balls by captain Sikandar Raza, to go with half-centuries ‌for Craig Ervine (59 from 79 balls) ‌and Innocent Kaia (55 from 66 balls).

Kaia retired hurt with a hamstring injury, with the score on 3-148, ‌as he could no longer run between the wickets.

Seamer Ellis was also the pick of the Australian bowlers with 3-50 in his 10 overs.

The Australians were always up with the ‌run rate ​in their reply, but when ⁠openers Travis Head (6) and Marsh (8) fell early, it set the tone for an innings where they lost wickets at regular intervals.

But Inglis scored a superb 103 from 102 balls as he struck 11 fours.

Zimbabwe all-rounder Brad ⁠Evans was the pick of the home bowlers with 4-47 in 10 overs.

"I thought 280-290 was par with the bat, so to make ‌a game out of ‌272 was a great effort," Raza said.

"As a captain, I'm really proud. Plenty ​to learn. I'd rather have a game like that than for the Aussies to just chase it down in 40 overs."