Sri Lanka have named Sahan Arachchige as captain of a 15-member squad for the men’s T20 cricket competition at the Asian Games, with several of the country’s first-choice T20I players rested for the tournament. The squad features recalls for experienced campaigners Ashen Bandara and Niroshan Dickwella, while Sineth Jayawardena, Sohan de Livera, Wanuja Sahan and Garuka Sanketh have received their maiden T20I call-ups. Bandara last represented Sri Lanka in 2023, while Dickwella’s most recent T20I appearance came in 2021. The pair have been selected for their experience despite modest returns in the 2026 Lanka Premier League. Bandara featured in only three matches for Colombo Kaps, scoring 28 runs, while Dickwella accumulated 110 runs for Dambulla Sixers at a strike rate of 142.85. Arachchige, who also captained Sri Lanka at the previous Asian Games, will lead the side again. Sri Lanka were eliminated from that tournament after losing their only match against Afghanistan. Domestic performers earn call-ups Several players have earned selection after impressive performances in domestic cricket. Left-arm spinning allrounder Wanuja Sahan was among Colombo's key performers in the LPL, taking nine wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 6.30. He also produced a Player-of-the-Match performance in the Eliminator, returning figures of 2 for 8, and contributed a quick 34 not out from 15 balls earlier in the competition. Fast bowler Garuka Sanketh also caught the selectors' attention with his pace during the LPL. Although he went wicketless in four appearances, he followed that up with 11 wickets for Moors Sports Club in the Major Clubs T20 Tournament at an economy rate of 8.87. Jayawardena and de Livera were among the leading run-scorers in the Major Clubs T20 Tournament. Jayawardena topped the batting charts with 372 runs at a strike rate of 167.56, while de Livera scored 307 runs at 156.63. Jayawardena, who captained Sri Lanka at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, was particularly impressive in the tournament final, smashing 82 from just 32 balls to help Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club defeat Sinhalese Sports Club. Viyaskanth returns after domestic success Legspinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth has also been included after narrowly missing out on selection for Sri Lanka's T20I series against England. His 17 wickets in the Major Clubs T20 Tournament made him the competition's leading wicket-taker and strengthened his case for selection. Allrounder Chamika Karunaratne returns to the squad after an influential LPL campaign with Galle Gallant. He scored 253 runs at a strike rate of 157.14 and played an important role in the franchise's title-winning campaign. The spin department is further strengthened by ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Ratnayake and legspinner Dushan Hemantha, while Nuwan Thushara and left-arm fast bowler Binura Fernando provide additional experience to the pace attack. Sri Lanka have secured direct qualification for the quarter-finals of the Asian Games and will play their first match on September 29 in Nisshin. Sri Lanka's Asian Games squad Sahan Arachchige (captain) Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper) Lasith Croospulle Sineth Jayawardena Nuwanidu Fernando Sohan de Livera Ashen Bandara Chamika Karunaratne Tharindu Ratnayake Wanuja Sahan Vijayakanth Viyaskanth Dushan Hemantha Nuwan Thushara Binura Fernando Garuka Sanketh

David Miller has reiterated his commitment to playing for South Africa for as long as he remains available, despite losing his national contract with Cricket South Africa (CSA) for the 2026-27 season. Miller was omitted from CSA’s latest list of contracted players after spending the previous year on a hybrid deal, which was designed largely for players who focus on one format while maintaining commitments in franchise cricket. However, the veteran batter has given no indication that he is considering retirement and remains eager to represent his country. “I lost my contract with Cricket South Africa and it's never really nice, but it's part of life,” Miller said in Durban ahead of South Africa’s series against Australia. “I still want to play for South Africa, I'm still making myself available and it's just about making sure that everything is communicated really well.” Miller has continued to balance international cricket with franchise commitments in recent seasons. Under the terms of his previous contract, he was allowed to miss South Africa’s white-ball tour of Australia last year to participate in The Hundred. He was expected to join the national squad in England, although a hamstring injury prevented him from fulfilling that commitment. The left-hander subsequently returned to South Africa’s T20I setup, featuring in the series against India last December before representing the Proteas at the T20 World Cup earlier this year. He has since played in the IPL, The Hundred and the ETPL and is now making himself available for South Africa’s upcoming white-ball fixtures against Australia, Bangladesh and England. The matches form part of South Africa’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be played on home soil. “My priority has always been South Africa,” Miller said. “Although I've played a lot of leagues, I've always wanted to play for South Africa and I love playing for South Africa. Nothing's changed. It's just that I've lost my contract. That's pretty much where it stands and I still make myself available. So if selected, then I'll play.” Competition for Middle-Order Places South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad is still in the process of building his squad for the 2027 World Cup, with competition for middle-order positions already intense. Conrad has indicated that Dewald Brevis is currently competing with Matthew Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs and Miller for a place in the playing XI. Brevis is expected to receive an opportunity later in the summer as South Africa continues to assess its options. Miller acknowledged that his experience does not guarantee him a place in the team. “There’s obviously healthy competition at the moment and a lot of youngsters coming through. I'm well aware of that and it's great to have that competition,” he said. “It breeds healthy growth and I just want to give back whatever I can with the youngsters and I actually learn a lot from the youngsters nowadays.” The veteran batter also dismissed the idea that he needs to put additional pressure on himself to ensure he finishes his international career on his own terms, potentially after the 2027 World Cup. “There’s a lot of players putting their hands up and it’s about doing what works for me, giving myself the best chance, preparing really well and giving everything that I can for the team,” Miller said. “I’ve got to trust what’s worked in my career and not put a lot of pressure on myself because I know what I’m worth and I know what I’m capable of.” Miller said his focus remains on preparing properly and contributing to the team rather than worrying about selection battles. “The World Cup is always tough for any selector, coach or player. It’s always a difficult one but it is a healthy place to be in for South Africa. I just want to do what I can and I know what I’m worth.” A Veteran of South Africa’s White-Ball Cricket Miller remains one of the most experienced players in South Africa’s current setup. He has scored 4,611 international runs for the Proteas, the second-highest tally among players currently in the squad behind Quinton de Kock’s 7,123. With 178 international caps, Miller also has the most appearances among the players currently involved with South Africa. Despite losing his national contract, his message is clear: Miller intends to remain available for selection and continue competing for South Africa, with the 2027 World Cup potentially providing another major milestone in his international career.

Pakistan secured the bronze medal in the Asian Games women's cricket competition with a convincing 31-run victory over Bangladesh, thanks to a match-winning all-round effort from Fatima Sana and Umm-e-Hani. Pakistan appeared to be in serious trouble after slipping to 67 for 5 in the 12th over. However, Sana produced a stunning counterattack, smashing 45 from just 30 balls to propel Pakistan to a competitive 145. Umm-e-Hani then took control with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets for just 10 runs in her four overs as Bangladesh struggled to build momentum in their chase. Sana's Counterattack Changes the Game Pakistan made a steady start after winning the toss and opting to bat. Gull Feroza and Shawaal Zulfiqar put on 46 runs before Feroza was dismissed in the seventh over after scoring 31 off 23 balls. Zulfiqar struggled to find her rhythm and eventually fell for 17 from 27 deliveries. Bangladesh continued to apply pressure, with Shorna Akter taking two wickets to leave Pakistan reeling at 67 for 5. Sana's arrival changed the course of the innings. She combined with Aliya Riaz to add 67 runs for the sixth wicket from only 43 balls. Riaz contributed a valuable 25 off 22 balls, while Sana's aggressive strokeplay pushed Pakistan's total well beyond what had appeared possible earlier in the innings. The pair struck five sixes between them as Bangladesh's control began to disappear. Pakistan eventually finished on 145, a total that suddenly looked highly challenging for Bangladesh. Bangladesh Struggle in the Chase Bangladesh's innings never gathered momentum. Their long-standing struggle with dot balls once again proved costly, with the batters unable to rotate the strike consistently. Umm-e-Hani struck early, taking a wicket in the third over before adding another in the fifth. She returned later in the innings to claim her third wicket in the 16th over. By then, Bangladesh were struggling at 77 for 5 with fewer than five overs remaining, leaving them with too much ground to make up. Senior batter Sharmin Akhter provided some resistance, remaining unbeaten on 46 from 45 balls. However, she received little support from the other end as Bangladesh's chase eventually faded away. Bangladesh finished well short of the target, giving Pakistan a comfortable 31-run victory and the bronze medal. Sana's explosive 45 and Umm-e-Hani's outstanding spell of 3 for 10 proved decisive as Pakistan turned a difficult position into a memorable medal-winning performance at the Asian Games.

Lancashire Cricket have parted ways with director of cricket performance Mark Chilton and director of women's cricket David Thorley as the club prepares for a major overhaul following a disappointing season. The changes come after a difficult campaign for both Lancashire teams, with the men's side facing the prospect of finishing bottom of Division Two in the County Championship for the first time in the club's history. Lancashire currently sit second-bottom of the Division Two table and could suffer a historic wooden spoon if they lose to Durham this week. Their season has also included an early exit from the T20 Blast and a heavy defeat in the One-Day Cup eliminator. The women's team have also endured a challenging campaign. Lancashire finished bottom of their T20 Blast group and failed to reach the knockout stages of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. The club confirmed on Monday that Chilton and Thorley would leave their positions as part of a "restructuring of the performance set-up". The departures mark the beginning of a significant period of change at Emirates Old Trafford. Long-serving chief executive Daniel Gidney is also set to leave the club, with Richard Kenyon, a lifelong Lancashire supporter, appointed as his successor after his time at Nottinghamshire. Chilton has enjoyed a long association with Lancashire. He captained the club between 2005 and 2007 and was part of the side that won the County Championship in 2011, his final season as a player. He returned to Lancashire three years later in a coaching role before becoming director of cricket performance in 2021. However, the men's team's results have declined significantly in recent seasons. Thorley has led Lancashire's women's programme for the past six years, initially working with North-West Thunder as part of the ECB's regional structure. His previous roles have included positions with the International Cricket Council and England Boxing. Lancashire chief executive Daniel Gidney said the restructuring was necessary to help the club move forward. "Decisions like this are always incredibly tough to make, but we believe a restructure of the performance set-up is necessary to move the club forward," Gidney said. He added that the club's ambition remained to see both Lancashire teams compete successfully for trophies, with the County Championship central to the men's programme and major honours the target for the women's side. Gidney also thanked Chilton and Thorley for their contributions to Lancashire Cricket and wished both men well for the future. With changes already taking place in the club's senior leadership, Lancashire now face a crucial winter as they look to rebuild their cricketing structure and reverse a worrying decline in results.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have appointed former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan as their new head coach for the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, bringing an end to Stephen Fleming’s 16-year tenure at the franchise. Zaheer, 47, takes over from Fleming, who guided CSK through one of the most successful periods in IPL history and helped the franchise win five titles. The former India pacer brings extensive experience in coaching and team management, although the CSK role will mark his first appointment as a head coach. Zaheer was most recently associated with Lucknow Super Giants as their mentor before the two parties parted ways in 2025. Earlier, Zaheer was part of the Mumbai Indians coaching and management setup from 2018 to 2022. He initially served as Director of Cricket Operations before becoming Global Head of Cricket Development as the franchise owners expanded their presence across international T20 leagues. Zaheer had a distinguished 14-year international career with India and was part of the country's 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team. He also enjoyed a successful IPL career, featuring in 100 matches and taking 102 wickets. During his time with Mumbai Indians, Zaheer was part of back-to-back IPL title-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020. He also featured in two IPL finals as a player, in 2010 and 2011, with both matches ending in defeats against CSK. Speaking after his appointment, Zaheer said he was honoured to join one of the most successful teams in IPL history. "It's an honour to be a part of one of the most successful teams in the history of the IPL. As a cricketer, I have faced CSK on the field and have thoroughly enjoyed the contests. The atmosphere created by the Superfans at Chepauk make it even more special. I can't wait to join the legacy franchise with such a rich history." Zaheer's appointment marks a new chapter for CSK after Fleming's long association with the franchise. The former New Zealand captain had been at the helm since the early years of the IPL, overseeing multiple title-winning campaigns and establishing CSK as one of the competition's most successful teams. With Zaheer now set to take charge, attention will turn to how the former India fast bowler shapes the squad and coaching setup ahead of IPL 2027.

New South Wales allrounder Jack Edwards has been called up to Australia’s ODI squad for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa after Billy Stanlake was ruled out with injury. Spencer Johnson has also been released from the squad to manage his workload. Edwards, who was recently replaced as New South Wales captain after the state said he wanted to focus on his own game, has earned his first ODI call-up. The 24-year-old made his international debut in Australia’s T20I series against Pakistan earlier this year but remains uncapped in the 50-over format. He was with Australia A in India for their two-match four-day series against India A when he received the call-up. Edwards had also been briefly added to Australia’s ODI squad for the series against India last season. Stanlake suffered a side injury during his fifth over in the second match of Australia’s series against Zimbabwe. Australia completed a 3-0 series victory on Sunday, securing the final match by one wicket. Johnson, meanwhile, will be given a break after playing two of the three matches in Zimbabwe. He also played a crucial role with the bat in the final game, helping Nathan Ellis guide Australia to victory. Johnson is expected to join Australia A for the 50-over portion of their tour against India A. The workload management comes after Johnson spent significant time sidelined with a back injury during 2025 and early 2026. Edwards Adds Allrounder Cover Australia’s decision to bring in Edwards rather than another specialist fast bowler could also be linked to Cameron Green’s absence from the Zimbabwe series. Green missed the tour because of a shoulder problem but has continued to train in Harare, and concerns over his availability have been played down in recent days. Australia’s bowling resources will receive a boost in South Africa with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc joining the squad. The multi-format fast bowlers are expected to be rotated across the three-match ODI series. Josh Hazlewood, another member of Australia’s pace attack, played only one match during the Zimbabwe series. Australia travelled to South Africa on Monday, with the first ODI scheduled to be played in Durban on Thursday. The remaining matches will take place in Johannesburg and Potchefstroom before attention turns to the Test series. Handscomb to Lead Australia A Meanwhile, Peter Handscomb will captain Australia A in their opening four-day match against India A on Tuesday. Nathan McSweeney, who could have been considered for the captaincy, will instead be allowed to concentrate on his batting. Handscomb, 35, was included in the Australia A squad with an eye on the Border-Gavaskar series scheduled for January and February next year. With Edwards unavailable for Australia A, Liam Scott will take over the allrounder's role at No. 7. Sam Konstas and Campbell Kellaway are set to open the batting, while offspinners Todd Murphy and Corey Rocchiccioli will feature alongside fast bowlers Fergus O'Neill and Brendan Doggett.

India and Sri Lanka will renew their rivalry when the two sides meet in the women's cricket final of the Asian Games, with another gold medal at stake. The final is a repeat of the 2023 Asian Games title clash, and India will enter the contest with confidence after dominating their recent encounters with Sri Lanka. Both teams have reached the final unbeaten in their respective knockout matches, with India defeating Japan and Bangladesh, while Sri Lanka overcame Malaysia and Pakistan. The two sides also met less than ten days ago in the Women's Asia Cup final, where India registered a convincing 72-run victory. India will once again start the final as favourites, but Sri Lanka have the firepower to make the contest competitive. Can Sri Lanka expose India's middle order? India's top order has been in outstanding form, with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma providing a formidable opening combination. Shafali, in particular, has been among the tournament's key performers, following an unbeaten 40 against Japan with a century against Bangladesh. However, India's middle order could offer Sri Lanka an opportunity. Harmanpreet Kaur made 40 in the semi-final but has recently found it difficult to score at her usual tempo. G Kamalini and Bharti Fulmali have also yet to make a significant impact despite opportunities higher up the order. Sri Lanka's challenge will be to get past India's dangerous opening pair and expose that middle order. Richa Ghosh, meanwhile, remains a major threat lower down the order, capable of changing the momentum of an innings in a matter of overs. India's bowling attack will also present a significant challenge. Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani have already made an impact during the tournament, while Nandani Sharma could pose a threat with the new ball. Athapaththu key to Sri Lanka's hopes For Sri Lanka, much will once again depend on captain Chamari Athapaththu. The experienced all-rounder has been in outstanding form at the Asian Games, scoring 63 and an unbeaten 83 in her two appearances. She has also contributed with the ball, taking 2 for 3 and 1 for 30. Sri Lanka, however, have shown that they are not solely dependent on their captain. Hasini Perera struck a rapid 42 off 26 balls against Pakistan, while Kavisha Dilhari produced an unbeaten 44 from 27 balls against Malaysia. Harshitha Samarawickrama has also provided useful cameos. Their ability to handle India's spin attack could prove decisive. Sri Lanka will need to maintain their scoring rate while avoiding the kind of pressure that India's bowlers have consistently created. Shafali-Verma challenge awaits Sri Lanka India's biggest threat at the top will be Shafali Verma, who has carried her strong recent form into the Asian Games. After scores of 64 and 68 in her two outings immediately before the Games, Shafali remained unbeaten on 40 against Japan before producing a century against Bangladesh. Alongside Mandhana, she gives India an aggressive opening combination capable of putting a game beyond reach during the powerplay. Athapaththu offers Sri Lanka a similar threat. With both captains capable of producing explosive innings, the battle between the two sides' attacking openers could have a major influence on the final. India hold the head-to-head advantage India have dominated the overall T20I rivalry. The two teams have met 32 times, with India winning 26 matches and Sri Lanka five, while one game ended without a result. Sri Lanka have lost their last seven T20Is against India and have won just once in their last 11 meetings. That record will give India confidence, although Sri Lanka will be looking to put their recent history aside and produce a different result in the gold-medal match. Probable XIs India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, G Kamalini, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Shreyanka Patil, Kranti Gaud, N Shree Charani, Nandani Sharma. Sri Lanka: Imesha Dulani, Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wicketkeeper), Rashmika Sewwandi, Mithali Ayodhya, Chamudi Praboda, Sugandika Kumari. With both teams arriving in strong form and a gold medal on the line, the final promises another intriguing chapter in the India-Sri Lanka rivalry. India will look to continue their dominance, while Sri Lanka will aim to disrupt the defending champions by striking early with either bat or ball. If rain prevents the final from taking place, the higher-seeded India will be awarded the gold medal.

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons clinched their maiden Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title in just their third season after defeating the Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets in the final in Bridgetown. The Falcons chased down a target of 171 with 20 balls to spare, finishing on 173 for 2. Amir Jangoo led the successful chase with an unbeaten 57, while Hasan Nawaz remained not out on 47. Evin Lewis also made a valuable contribution with 38. Earlier, Pakistan spinner Sufyan Moqim produced a match-winning spell of 4 for 14 to restrict the Kingsmen to 170 for 9 despite a spectacular century from Maaz Sadaqat. Sadaqat’s century not enough Batting first, the Jamaica Kingsmen appeared to be heading towards a much bigger total after losing Kirk McKenzie for a duck in the opening over and Keacy Carty for 9. Maaz Sadaqat and Saim Ayub steadied the innings with an 80-run partnership for the third wicket. Sadaqat was particularly aggressive, taking the attack to the Falcons as the Kingsmen moved from 30 for 2 to 110 for 2. Sadaqat eventually finished with a brilliant 114 from 58 balls, smashing nine sixes and eight fours. His innings accounted for more than half of the Kingsmen's total. However, the Falcons turned the match around through Moqim's decisive spell. The spinner struck twice in the 12th over, dismissing Ayub after he attempted a big shot before removing Rovman Powell for a duck. The Kingsmen subsequently collapsed from 110 for 2 to 113 for 6, losing four wickets for just three runs. Although Sadaqat continued his assault until the penultimate ball of the innings, the collapse prevented Jamaica from reaching a more imposing total. Saim Ayub's 29 was the only other significant contribution, while three of the Kingsmen's top six batters were dismissed without scoring. Falcons make light work of chase The Falcons began their chase aggressively, with Rahkeem Cornwall smashing 20 runs from the opening over bowled by Ayub. Cornwall was dismissed from the final delivery of the over, but the damage had already been done. Evin Lewis and Amir Jangoo then put the Falcons firmly in control with a 64-run partnership for the second wicket. Lewis scored 38 before being dismissed by Vitel Lawes, but by then the Falcons had established a strong position. Jangoo and Hasan Nawaz then took complete control of the chase. The pair added an unbeaten 89-run partnership, combining for seven fours and six sixes. Jangoo finished unbeaten on 57, while Nawaz scored an unbeaten 47. The Falcons reached 173 for 2 in 16.4 overs, sealing an eight-wicket victory with 20 balls remaining. Shadab named tournament MVP Falcons allrounder Shadab Khan was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player after an impressive campaign in which he scored 132 runs and claimed 11 wickets. The victory marks a landmark moment for Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, who secured their first CPL championship in only their third season.

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.

Nathan Ellis produced a superb all-round performance before holding his nerve under pressure to guide Australia to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, completing a 3-0 ODI series clean sweep in Harare. Australia needed 27 runs when the last-wicket pair of Ellis and Spencer Johnson came together, but the visitors kept their composure to chase down Zimbabwe’s competitive total and deny the hosts a consolation win in the final match of the series. Ellis, who had earlier claimed 3 for 50 with the ball, finished unbeaten on 36 as Australia reached their target in dramatic fashion. Johnson provided valuable support at the other end as the pair completed a match-winning 27-run partnership. Zimbabwe had looked well placed for victory after Australia slipped from 162 for 3 to 203 for 5. Josh Inglis, who scored a brilliant century, had anchored the chase, but his dismissal with Australia still needing 45 runs left the contest finely balanced. Brad Evans was Zimbabwe's standout bowler, claiming four wickets and repeatedly putting Australia under pressure. He dismissed Alex Carey after the Australian wicketkeeper had helped Inglis rebuild the innings, triggering another collapse. However, Ellis stepped up when Australia needed him most. Inglis Leads Australia’s Chase Australia’s chase suffered an early setback when Evans struck twice inside his opening two overs. Travis Head was caught at deep backward square before Mitchell Marsh edged behind, leaving Australia struggling at 25 for 2 in the fourth over. Inglis responded with an aggressive counterattack, finding boundaries through the point region and punishing a full toss from veteran spinner Graeme Cremer. He added 85 runs with Carey to restore control before Zimbabwe fought back again. Raza dismissed Ollie Peake for an lbw, while Cremer removed Xavier Bartlett with a googly as Australia slipped to 203 for 5 after 35 overs. Inglis eventually brought up his century from 94 balls with a powerful sweep against Cremer. But with Australia still requiring 55 runs, Raza bowled him in the 42nd over, giving Zimbabwe renewed hope. That hope faded in the final stages as Ellis took control. Zimbabwe’s Missed Opportunities Zimbabwe had several chances to change the outcome in the field. Inglis, on 48, miscued a delivery from Ernest Masuku towards backward point, but Wessly Madhevere could not hold on to a difficult chance. Madhevere later produced an outstanding catch to dismiss Carey, but another opportunity slipped away in the penultimate over when Ellis struck Masuku towards deep midwicket. Madhevere got underneath the ball but spilled the catch. With Australia needing nine runs from the final over, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza handed the ball to Madhevere despite having an over from Cremer remaining. Ellis immediately punished the decision, launching the first ball for six before Australia completed the victory. Raza and Ervine Give Zimbabwe a Strong Start Zimbabwe had earlier posted a competitive 296 for 9 after being asked to bat first. Sikandar Raza top-scored with an unbeaten 81, while Craig Ervine and Innocent Kaia provided important contributions. Kaia scored 55 before retiring hurt with what appeared to be a hamstring injury during an 80-run partnership with Ervine. His departure briefly interrupted Zimbabwe’s momentum. Ervine reached 59 and looked set to guide Zimbabwe towards the 300-run mark, but he attempted to accelerate and holed out to long-on. His dismissal triggered a collapse of four wickets for just 22 runs. Zimbabwe eventually recovered through Raza, who controlled the final stages and ensured his side posted their second-highest ODI total against Australia. Australia Complete Clean Sweep Despite Zimbabwe’s strong periods with both bat and ball, Australia consistently found ways to recover from difficult situations. Inglis’ century kept the chase alive, while Ellis’ unbeaten 36 and earlier three-wicket haul proved decisive. The result completed Australia’s 3-0 series victory and extended their successful tour of Zimbabwe. For the hosts, the defeat highlighted several missed opportunities, particularly in the field and in their management of the bowling attack during the closing overs. Zimbabwe will now have no home internationals for the remainder of 2026, making the narrow defeat an especially frustrating end to the series.