AUS vs ZIM: In the third ODI against Australia, Ryan Burl and Regis Chakabva led Zimbabwe to an amazing and historic victory.
Zimbabwe on Saturday scripted history in the third and final ODI against Australia. After suffering back-to-back losses in the first two games, Australia grabbed a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match series, ending all hope of Zimbabwe winning the ODI series. But that didn't stop Zimbabwe from winning the last match in Townsville by a commanding margin of three wickets. Zimbabwe completed the run chase in the 39th over with three wickets remaining after bowling out Australia for 141. As Evans hit the winning shot, he had his arms up in the air before he even completed the run, while there were hugs all around in the Zimbabwe dugout.
Regis Chakabva won the toss and decided to bowl first. With players like Aaron Finch (5), Steve Smith (1), and Alex Carey (4) failing to take advantage of the situation, Australia lost three early wickets. Marcus Stoinis and Chris Green, who each contributed three runs to the team's total, were also dismissed for low scores. It appeared as though David Warner was playing entirely on a separate pitch because of his lone struggle against the Zimbabwe bowlers.
In his 96-ball 94, Warner pounded down 14 boundaries and two sixes, which made a significant difference in Australia's ability to achieve a respectable score. The second-best total for the hosts came from Glenn Maxwell, who scored 19 off 22 balls.
Ryan Burl of Zimbabwe, an all-around player, cleaned up the bottom order and prevented Warner from reaching his 18th ODI century. Australia was skittled out for 141 in 31 overs as a result of Burl's five wicket haul from just 18 balls (three overs) bowled during the match.
For Zimbabwe, facing the deadly bowling of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood wasn't an easy task. Hazlewood claimed three wickets as Zimbabwe was reduced to 77 for five.
Thanks to Chakabva and Tony Munyonga innings as they were frequently dealing in singles and doubles; helped Zimbabwe cross the finish line. With 66 balls remaining in the innings, Zimbabwe won the match. Chakabva remianed unbeaten at 37.
It was Zimbabwe’s first-ever ODI victory against the five-time World Cup champions in Australia. Zimbabwe bowled out Australia for the first time in ODIs and the eventual triumph fuelled their bid to climb the ODI Super League ladder, which goes towards qualification for next year's 50-over World Cup in India.