3rd ODI, Townsville, September 03, 2022, 05:10 AM
Australia
141/10(31.0ov)
Zimbabwe
142/7(39.0ov)
Zimbabwe beat Australia by 3 wickets
Right then, that's it from the coverage of this game. Zimbabwe have got the consolation win which will surely boost their confidence. The Aussies though have won the series and the trophy has been handed out to Aaron Finch. The team soon joins the skipper and they all pose for a team picture. Zimbabwe will go straight to the T20 World Cup where they will be playing against Ireland on the 17th of October. The Aussies will be up against New Zealand for a three-match ODI series which will begin on 6th September 2022 at Cazaly's Stadium, Cairns. The first ball will be at 9.50 am IST (4.20 am GMT). But the build-up begins much sooner. Till then it's a goodbye. Cheers!
Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia is in for a chat. He says that Zimbabwe got it right with the ball in the morning. Mentions if you don't turn up in an International sport then one could get beaten on any given day. Says that they had an outside chance to get back with the ball but it wasn't their day. Mentions David Warner has been there whenever the team needed him. Also praises Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc for their effort and says that they both are world-class bowlers.
Regis Chakabva, the captain of Zimbabwe says that it was great to see how they started the match this morning. Adds that the boys showed a good fighting spirit and kept it real tight. Informs that they will head back home. Further adds that they will start with their fitness training first and later start their preparations for the T20 World Cup.
Adam Zampa wins the Player of the Series award for his exceptional spells over the course of the seires. Says that there were obviously questionmarks over his preapertions and states that playing in The Hundred helped him a lot. Adds that it feels good to be back in Aussie colours. Mentions it is just about getting game time, getting to the crease and it has helped him progess throughout this series.
Ryan Burl wins the Man of the Match award for his incredible spell of 3-0-10-5. He says that this win was massively important and he is unhappy that he couldn't take his team across the line. Adds that from this win they will take a lot of confidence for the upcoming World Cup matches.
Stay tuned for the presentation...
Earlier in the game, Zimbabwe were excellent with the ball. They were on song from the word go and had Australia reeling at 31/3 inside the first Powerplay. They kept losing wickets at regular intervals and got bundled out at 141. It could've been worse if not for David Warner's knock of 94. It was Ryan Burl who caused havoc with the ball and played a massive role in bowling out Australia. During the chase, the Zimbabwe batters were really brave. They played with grit and determination and eventually got over the line.
Australia did give a run for their money but it was always going to be a challenge to defend a low score! Josh Hazlewood stood out with the ball for them with his three-fer. Apart from Adam Zampa all the bowlers took a wicket apiece. The bowlers did really well to pile up presssure with timely wickets but in the end they did not have much in their kitty to for.
All smiles in the Zimbabwe camp then. The target was low but they were put under pressure several times from the Aussie bowlers but in the end it is their skipper, Regis Chakabva who played a gritty captain's knock and got his side over the line. The openers Tadiwanashe Marumani and Takudzwanashe Kaitano set a solid platform with a solid stand of 38 runs for the opening wicket. Wesley Madhevere and Sean Williams fell on successive deliveries which put their team on the back foot. Sikandar Raza came in at a crucial stage but yet again slipped out to a short ball. Then Regis Chakabva and Tony Munyonga got their side closer to the finish line with their match-saving stand. Later the skipper applied the finishing touches to record a historic win.
A special, special win for Zimbabwe! This is their first ODI win against Australia in Australia. A huge achievement for the visitors and they walk back with a consolation win. The Aussies fought really hard but it was always going to be tricky to defend a below-par target.
In over# 39
1
0
1
0
1
1lb
Mitchell Starc 33/1(8)
38.6
1
Fuller and on off, Brad Evans drives it to covers for one. Zimbabwe win by 3 wickets!
38.5
.
Goes fuller and on leg, Brad Evans looks to play at it but misses and gets his pads.
38.4
1
On a length and on off, Regis Chakabva looks to drive it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball did carry a bit but it was wide of the fielder at backward point. They collect one. Scores are level now!
38.3
.
A low full toss outside off, Regis Chakabva looks to play at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads.
38.2
1
On a length and on leg, Brad Evans gently flicks it to backward square leg for one. 2 runs needed now.
38.1
1lb
LEG BYE! A length ball, on the pads, Regis Chakabva misses his flick. It brushes the pads and rolls out to the leg side. They collect a leg bye.
In over# 38
0
0
0
0
1
0
Adam Zampa 32/0(8)
37.6
.
Around off, pushed out to safety.
37.5
.
It is tossed up, full and on off. Evans looks to sweep it away but gets an outside edge and it hits him on his helmet.
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