Inglis and Ellis shine to steer Australia to one-wicket win over Zimbabwe

With a one-day series victory banked over Zimbabwe, Australia’s attention has turned to building a platform for their World Cup defence in South Africa.

Josh Inglis scored his second ODI century as Australia claimed a dramatic one-wicket ‌victory over Zimbabwe with a ball to spare in Harare on Sunday (Monday AEST).

Seamer Nathan Ellis (36 from 44 balls) and number ‌11 Spencer Johnson (seven from 13 balls) steered the tourists to the victory target of 272.

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

After enduring a nervy chase, Inglis said the run-a-ball finish would hold the pair in good stead with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon.

“We’re going to get in those situations again,” the wicketkeeper batter told reporters. “For those guys to have done that today ... with the World Cup 12 months away, it’ll leave a good feeling with them.”

Reinforcements in the form of star quicks Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc are expected to arrive for the ODI leg of Australia’s tour of South Africa.

Three tantalising Tests will follow in Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town. Australia have not returned to South Africa for a Test tour since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal but Inglis said the side had not thought about what kind of reception might greet them.

“Obviously we’ve had this series going on and we’ve given it our full focus,” Inglis said. “It’s [the South Africa series] clearly really important that the World Cup’s only 12 months away in those conditions.

“It will be a nice little trial run. We’ll see the different conditions and ... maybe work on some new combinations.”

The majority of next year’s World Cup matches will be held in South Africa, with other games in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

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).

Zimbabwe will rue Wessly Madhevere dropping Ellis in the penultimate over when he could have sealed victory for them, as he then failed to defend nine runs in the final over when Ellis hit a six off the first ball.

“We’re aware we need to keep improving as a team,” Australia captain Mitchell Marsh said. “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.”

Australia 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 in which they lost wickets at regular intervals.

But Inglis scored a superb 103 from 102 balls as he struck 11 fours, with the next highest scorer Ellis also the pick of the Australian bowlers with 3-50 in his 10 overs.

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.”