Josh Inglis' century and Nathan Ellis' late heroics secured Australia a thrilling one-wicket victory over Zimbabwe to complete an ODI series whitewash.

Zimbabwe looked like they might salvage some pride in the three-match series, with Australia needing 27 runs on the last wicket partnership, but the tourists reached their target of 272 with one ball to spare.

It was a mixed start for Zimbabwe, who saw Ben Curran (7) and Brendan Taylor (9) dismissed for single figures within the first nine overs.

But Brian Bennett (30), Innocent Kaia, who retired hurt after posting 55, Craig Irvine (59) and Sikandar Raza (81 not out) helped them on their way to a big total.

Ellis played a big role in not letting the hosts out of sight, though, finishing with figures of 3-50 as Zimbabwe tallied 271-8 by the end of their innings.

Despite Mitchell Marsh (8) and Travis Head (6) being dismissed early on by Brad Evans (4-47), Australia still looked in control as they cruised to 162-3 by the end of the 26th over.

Evans took Alex Carey (34) to destabilise Australia shortly after, and though the wickets started to tumble, Inglis held firm to get to 103 before Raza sent stumps flying.

And when Adam Zampa (9) followed shortly behind, it was time for Ellis to step up, and he held his nerve to finish with an unbeaten 36 that took Australia to 272-9.

We pushed Australia all the way, going down by just one wicket with one ball to spare in a thrilling third ODI

Match Summary https://t.co/8AjdsACy1K#ZIMvAUS #ExperienceZimbabwe pic.twitter.com/7G5n2MUsdv

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) September 20, 2026

Zimbabwe hearts broken by late Ellis show

Zimbabwe came so close to a consolation win to round off a fairly disappointing series against Australia, but Ellis' brilliant all-round performance ultimately sealed their fate.

The hosts actually fell short of matching their total from the second ODI – 272, but it was no match for the tourists' 356-6, which secured the series.

And Zimbabwe posted their second-highest total batting first against Australia, but Inglis responded well with his second ODI century.

Australia will be pleased to get the clean sweep over the line, but they made hard work of it in the end.

Ellis kept his composure when it mattered most, though, chipping away at a measured 36 instead of going all out, and it paid off for the tourists in their first tour of Zimbabwe for 12 years.