Aussie white-ball star Nathan Ellis hits winning runs with a ball to spare on career-best night against Zimbabwe

Josh Inglis scored his second One-Day International century and Nathan Ellis his highest score in the format with an unbeaten 36 from 44 balls as Australia claimed a dramatic one-wicket victory over hosts Zimbabwe with a ball to spare in Harare.

When Ellis was joined at the crease by number 11 bat Spencer Johnson (seven from 13 balls), the tourists needed 27 runs to reach their victory target of 272, something the pair managed at a run-a-ball to take their side to the win.

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.

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 that begin in Durban on Thursday.

“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.

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 where 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 unbeaten on 36, who battled on with Johnson, who was not out seven.

“To do it for your country and with my mate Spence at the other end there, it was pretty cool,” Ellis said.

“It was just a matter of staying in there and taking it as deep as we can, which we managed to do.

“We probably let it get a little bit too close for our liking, but the way it shaped up with who had overs left, I thought if we could get through the quicks, I knew there was some spin to come. Thankfully it worked out.”