Former Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine achieved a milestone during the third ODI against Australia in Harare, becoming the oldest batter from a full-member nation to score a half-century in men's One-Day Internationals. At 41 years and 32 days, Ervine surpassed Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, who scored his last ODI half-century at the age of 40 years and 286 days. Ervine's 59 off 79 balls included five fours and helped Zimbabwe post 271/8 in their 50 overs.
Zimbabwe made a steady start after being asked to bat, reaching 34 without loss after six overs. However, Ben Curran fell for seven, gloving a delivery down the leg side to the wicketkeeper. Brian Bennett followed for 30 after skying a delivery to Travis Head at midwicket. Zimbabwe were 57/2 at the end of the powerplay. Brendan Taylor managed nine off 16 balls before being bowled by a flipper.
Ervine added 80 runs for the fourth wicket with Innocent Kaia before sharing a 61-run stand for the fifth wicket with skipper Sikandar Raza. Kaia scored 55 before retiring hurt with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Ervine continued to anchor the innings, while Raza added impetus in the latter stages. However, Ervine's dismissal triggered a late collapse, with Zimbabwe losing 4/22.
Australia's Nathan Ellis claimed 3/50, while Adam Zampa took 2/43 and Spencer Johnson returned 2/50. In reply, Australia reached 272/9 in 49.5 overs, with Josh Inglis scoring 103 and Ellis producing a decisive unbeaten 36. The visitors appeared well placed at 162/3 in the 26th over but faced a Zimbabwe fightback.
Zimbabwe had opportunities to turn the match in their favour, including a dropped catch on 48 when Wessly Madhevere could not hold a chance at backward point. Madhevere later took a sharp catch to dismiss Alex Carey. With Australia needing nine runs from the final over, Raza handed the ball to Madhevere despite having Graeme Cremer available.
Ellis launched the first delivery for six, shifting the pressure back onto Zimbabwe. Ellis and No. 11 Spencer Johnson then held their nerve, adding an unbeaten 27-run stand for the final wicket to take Australia over the line. The result completed Australia's clean sweep of the three-match series, leaving Zimbabwe without a consolation victory.
Despite their performances, Zimbabwe were unable to convert key moments into a win in the final ODI. Raza and Ervine were among Zimbabwe's leading run-scorers across the series, while the hosts also had two of the top three wicket-takers. The series win marked Australia's first tour of Zimbabwe in 12 years.
Key points
- Craig Ervine, at 41 years and 32 days, became the oldest batter from a Full Member nation to score an ODI fifty.
- Australia completed a 3-0 series sweep over Zimbabwe.
- Josh Inglis scored 103 to help Australia chase down the target with one wicket to spare.
