Zimbabwe claim win over Australia in third ODI
Zimbabwe beat a near-full-strength Australia by three wickets in Townsville on Saturday.
Zimbabwe overcame a wobbly chase to beat the cricket powerhouse for the first time in Australia. They reached the target in the 39th over, sparking scenes of celebration.
Zimbabwe won the series as consolation.
Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Tadiwanashe Marumani opened with 38 runs.
Australia fast Josh Hazlewood turned the game around by dismissing Kaitano (19) in the ninth over and Wessely Madhevere and Sean Williams soon after.
Zimbabwe, which had won just three of 32 ODIs against Australia, batted defensively and slipped to 77-5 after Murumani (35) was bowled by Cameron Green.
Chakabva calmed the jitters and was joined by Burl, who smacked a six off player-of-the-series Adam Zampa.
Five runs were needed, but he fell.
Zimbabwe struggled in their first series in Australia since 2004 and was bowled out for 96 on Wednesday.
Chakabva won the toss for the first time in the series and took frequent wickets against Australia’s misfiring batting order.
David Warner (94) was the only batsman to reach double figures in Australia’s 31-over innings.
After Zimbabwe’s seamers ripped through Australia’s top-order, Burl took five wickets in 18 balls, including Glenn Maxwell, who helped rebuild the innings with Warner.
Maxwell scored 19 in the 27th over, and Burl had a career-best outing, knocking Warner just short of his 19th ODI century.
Zimbabwe bowled out Australia for the first time in ODIs, boosting their chances of qualifying for next year’s 50-over World Cup in India.
