Zimbabwe skittles Australia for historic win in third ODI

Zimbabwe has recorded their first victory over Australia in the country to stun the hosts by three wickets in the third and final match of their one-day international series in Townsville on Saturday.

Legspinner Ryan Burl finished with a remarkable 5-10 from three overs as Zimbabwe rolled Australia for just 141 in 31 overs. Burl’s career-best figures gave the visitors the upper hand despite opener David Warner smashing 94 off 96 balls.

Warner’s 94 runs accounted for 66.66 per cent of Australia’s 141 – the second-highest percentage ever for a completed men’s ODI innings, only behind Viv Richards in 1984. Glenn Maxwell (19) was the only other Australian to reach double figures.

The visitors then battled through an unforgiving Australian bowling attack to prevail with skipper Regis Chakabva and Brad Evans at the crease to steer them home for just their third ever win over Australia in the 50-over format, and first since 2014.

Chakabva’s knock was befitting of a captain with an unbeaten 37 to top score for his side. He showed restraint and patience as the Aussie’s mixed up their attack, being the anchor in a pair of partnerships to see out the contest.

Hazlewood was the pick of Australia’s bowlers with 3-30 and registered a milestone 100th ODI career wicket on Saturday.

Mitchell Starc became the fastest player ever to 200 ODI scalps in 102 matches when he picked up Burl’s wicket.

Zimbabwe’s chase was more of a trot than a canter but their middle-order partnership of skipper Chakabva and Tony Munyonga 18 (45) kept belief in a side that lost three wickets for just one run at one point.