Zimbabwe concluded their three-match ODI tour to Australia with a historic win in the final One Day International in Townsville on Saturday. Zimbabwe bowlers dominated the first innings of the game as they rattled Australia’s batting lineup as eight of the Australian batters could not reach the double-digit figures. 

An all-round performance from Zimbabwe helped the side to clinch their maiden win over Australia at their home turf. Notably, the win boosted their chance to climb the ODI Super League ladder, which leads towards the qualification for next year’s 50-over World Cup in India. The historic victory inspired the Zimbabwe players to go wild while celebrating the moment. 

The video of the same was shared by the official Twitter handle of the Zimbabwe Cricket team which showed Zimbabwe players singing, and dancing in the bus while returning to the team hotel. “Castle Corner, see what you’ve done? But who can blame us! Thanks for the support and inspiration, home or away!” the video caption read.

Speaking of the match, Zimbabwe bowlers rattled the Australian batting line-up as eight of the batters could not even reach double digits. After Zimbabwe elected to bowl first, Ryan Burl achieved a fifer as he dismissed the likes of Aaron Finch (5 off 1), Cameron Green (3 off 11), Glenn Maxwell (19 off 22), Mitchell Starc (2 off 6) and David Warner (94 off 96). Apart from Burl, Brad Evans picked two wickets.

In response to Australia’s 141, Zimbabwe had a troublesome start as the visitors were soon reduced to 77/5 in 18.3 overs. But skipper Regis Chakabva scored a valiant 37 off 72 balls and remained unbeaten in the match to take his side home. Josh Hazlewood scalped three wickets at the cost of 30 runs in 10 overs for Australia.

Post-match, Australia’s right-arm leg break Adam Zampa was awarded the Player of the Series award for his performances throughout the series, while Ryan Burl was bestowed with the Player of the Match.