Unlikely pair save Australia in crazy one-wicket finish

Australia has pulled off a miraculous one-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in a crazy finish to the final ODI in Harare with Nathan Ellis hitting the winning runs.

Ellis finished on 36 not out and combined with Spencer Johnson for a 27-run partnership as the match went down to the second last ball.

Australia was chasing 272 and were off to a shaky start when Mitch Marsh (8) and Travis Head (6) both departed.

In the 12th over, Cooper Connolly had moved to 21 before Blessing Muzarabani sent down a bouncer the left-hander couldn’t avoid.

“This is a definite change of pace, a change of intent ... a sensationally directed bouncer,” Darlington Matambanadzo said on Fox Cricket’s coverage.

The replay showed Connolly had been hit on the grill of the helmet, sparking concussion protocols.

A long break ensued as Connolly was assessed before he resumed his innings.

The left-hander was then dismissed the next over by Graeme Cremer off a beautiful leg-spinner which turned sharply into the stumps to put Australia at 3-77.

Alex Carey (34) was next to go as Australia’s batters struggled with Matt Renshaw (4), Ollie Peake (19) and Xavier Barlett (3) all failing to trouble the scorers too much.

However, Josh Inglis was at the other end chipping away and eventually hit a century to keep his side in the match.

But the right-hander was brought undone by a rush of blood when he charged down the wicket and was bowled by Sikandar Raza for 103 to make it 8-227 in the 42nd over.

Adam Zampa then departed when he was caught in the deep for 9 at 9-245 with 27 runs needed off 28 balls.

Australia’s required runs became 14 off 10 when Nathan Ellis sent a shot high in the air to mid-wicket before the normally safe Wessly Madhevere dropped it in the outfield.

The scenario went to nine runs off the last over and Madhevere was given the ball. Ellis then hit a six off the first ball. A single followed before Spencer Johnson chewed up a dot ball then managed to get off strike. Ellis pushed the final ball to the legside to seal victory and claim a 3-0 series whitewash.

It made for sad scenes with Zimbabwe as Raza had to console Madhevere who was in tears following the dropped catch.

Earlier, Zimbabwe’s captain Raza, hit 81 not out off 72 balls to help his side post a total of 8-271.

The Australians were helped by the fact Zimbabwe No.3 Innocent Kaia had to retire hurt on 55 after injuring his knee while running.

Craig Ervine also scored 59 for Zimbabwe. Ellis was the best of the bowlers, taking 3-50.

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