Clean Sweep, But Not Without a Scare: Australia See Off Zimbabwe 3-0
Published on September 21, 2026
Summary Overview: Australia completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep of Zimbabwe in 2026, but only after a nervy one-wicket win in the decider. Renshaw, Head and Inglis all hit centuries.
Three Centuries and a Great Escape: Australia Whitewash Zimbabwe 3-0
Who won the series?
Australia, who won all three ODIs to complete a 3-0 clean sweep on their tour of Zimbabwe.
Was it as easy as the scoreline suggests?
Not quite. Australia cruised in the first two games, but they were pushed to the very edge in the decider, scraping home by just one wicket with a ball to spare.
Who was the Player of the Series?
All-rounder Cooper Connolly, whose steady contribution of 150 runs and 3 wickets across the three matches earned him the award.
The Story: Dominant, Then Dramatic
Australia arrived in Harare as clear favourites and left with a 3-0 series win, but the manner of it changed sharply as the tour went on. The reigning world champions were ruthless in the first two matches, only to be given an almighty fright in a thrilling finale that Zimbabwe will feel they should have won.
For readers new to the format: an ODI is a 50-overs-per-side game, and a 3-0 result is a whitewash. What made this series notable was that a different Australian centurion stood up in each match, a sign of real batting depth.
First ODI: Renshaw Leads the Way
Australia set the tone in the opener. Opener Matt Renshaw anchored the innings with a fine 109 off 94 balls, guiding his side to 294 for 8. Zimbabwe fought back through the ball, with Newman Nyamhuri claiming a five-wicket haul, but their reply fell short.
Despite half-centuries from Craig Ervine and captain Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 235, handing Australia a comfortable 59-run win. Renshaw, who also chipped in with a wicket, took the Player of the Match award.
Second ODI: The Travis Head Show
If the opener was controlled, the second match was a demolition. Travis Head was in devastating form, blasting 112 off 84 balls at the top of the order to power Australia to a huge 356 for 6.
Chasing an improbable total, Zimbabwe never got close despite a spirited effort, finishing on 272 to lose by 84 runs. Head was the clear Player of the Match, and with a 2-0 lead, the series was already Australia's.
Third ODI: A One-Wicket Thriller
With the series decided, the dead rubber produced the game of the tour, and very nearly a famous Zimbabwe win. Batting first, the hosts posted a strong 271 for 8, built on a superb 81 from Sikandar Raza and half-centuries from Craig Ervine (59) and Innocent Kaia (55).
Australia's chase wobbled badly. Wickets tumbled around Josh Inglis, who held the innings together with a brilliant 103 off 102 balls, but when he fell the game hung in the balance. It fell to Nathan Ellis, with a cool unbeaten 36, to drag Australia over the line, reaching the target with just one wicket standing and one ball to spare.
It was a great escape, and captain Mitchell Marsh admitted afterwards that his side had been fortunate and that Zimbabwe probably deserved to win. Inglis took the Player of the Match award for his match-saving century.
The Series in Perspective
For Australia, this was a useful workout with plenty of positives. Three different centurions in Renshaw, Head and Inglis underlined their batting strength, and young all-rounder Cooper Connolly did enough with bat and ball across the series to be named Player of the Series, exactly the kind of consistent showing he needed while auditioning for a longer-term role. Even so, the scare in the final game was a reminder that this developing group still has work to do.
For Zimbabwe, there was real encouragement despite the 3-0 result. Newman Nyamhuri's five-for, Sikandar Raza's all-round leadership and the fight they showed in the decider proved they can compete with a top side on their day. The return of veteran Brendan Taylor added experience, and the near-miss in the third ODI will sting but also inspire.
Series Scoreboard
| MatchResultPlayer of the Match | ||
| 1st ODI | Australia won by 59 runs | Matt Renshaw 109 (94) |
| 2nd ODI | Australia won by 84 runs | Travis Head 112 (84) |
| 3rd ODI | Australia won by 1 wicket | Josh Inglis 103 (102) |
Series result: Australia won 3-0. Player of the Series: Cooper Connolly (150 runs, 3 wickets).
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final result of the ODI series?
Australia won all three matches to complete a 3-0 whitewash of Zimbabwe.
How close was the third ODI?
Extremely close. Australia won by just one wicket with a single ball to spare, chasing 272.
Who scored centuries in the series?
Matt Renshaw (109), Travis Head (112) and Josh Inglis (103) all hit hundreds, one in each match.
Who was Zimbabwe's standout player?
Sikandar Raza led superbly with the bat, and Newman Nyamhuri took a five-wicket haul in the first ODI.
Why does this series matter for Australia?
It was valuable World Cup preparation, giving fringe players like Cooper Connolly a chance to press their claims.
Related Guides and Series Coverage
📋 Australia Tour of Zimbabwe 2026: Full Schedule