Inglis Sees Tight Zimbabwe Finish as Valuable World Cup Experience

Josh Inglis believes Australia’s dramatic one-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the final ODI will provide valuable experience ahead of next year’s World Cup, despite admitting he found the closing stages difficult to watch after his dismissal.

Inglis played a crucial role in Australia’s chase, scoring a well-constructed 103 from 102 balls, his second ODI century. However, his dismissal left Australia in serious trouble, with 45 runs still required and only two wickets remaining.

After Adam Zampa was dismissed, Australia needed another 27 runs with only the final pair at the crease. Nathan Ellis held his nerve with an unbeaten 36, while Spencer Johnson contributed seven from 13 balls to help Australia complete a remarkable chase.

“I think it’s really important,” Inglis said of the close finish. “We’re going to get in those situations again, and for those guys to have done that today with a World Cup 12 months away, it will leave a good feeling with them and give them a better idea of how to go about that situation next time it arises.”

The victory was Australia’s second one-wicket win in their last four ODIs, following another dramatic finish against Bangladesh in Mirpur earlier this year.

Ellis produced the decisive moment in the final over. With nine runs required, he launched the first delivery from Wessly Madhevere over long-on. The shot came shortly after Madhevere had dropped Ellis in the deep.

The unbeaten 36 was Ellis’ highest score in List A cricket and proved vital in securing victory.

“I know it [his batting] is something he works on a lot,” Inglis said. “He obviously plays a lot of T20 cricket, and when he comes into bat, he has got the ability to hit a long ball. It was a great shot and got us on the front foot in that last over.”

For Inglis, the century was a welcome return to form after he struggled in the first two matches of the series. The batter said he was pleased with the tempo of his innings and his approach to batting at No. 4.

“We just play a lot of T20 cricket now, and it’s just me finding the right tempo for one-day cricket, and I think I sort of found that today,” Inglis said.

“Playing in a slightly different role with a younger team, I’ve probably got to take some more responsibility in batting at No. 4.”

Inglis said his aim was to control the middle overs, rotate the strike and remain at the crease deep into the innings.

“The way I wanted to play was to sort of own those middle overs, just keep the scoreboard ticking over and be there towards the end. I wasn’t there right at the end, but to get there until the 40th over and get a hundred, I’m happy with it.”

Australia will now travel to South Africa for another three-match ODI series before turning their attention to the much-anticipated Test assignments next month.

Regular ODI captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Mitchell Starc are expected to join the squad in South Africa, with the one-day matches also providing an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming Test commitments.

Meanwhile, Billy Stanlake’s tour appears likely to be over after the fast bowler suffered a side strain during the second ODI in Harare.