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Australia falls short of ODI series sweep as Zimbabwe scores upset three-wicket victory

Zimbabwe has recorded its first ODI victory over Australia on Australian soil, stunning the hosts by three wickets in the final match of their bi-lateral series.

Leg spinner Ryan Burl took 5-10 early as Zimbabwe rolled Australia for just 141.

The visitors then battled through an unforgiving Australian bowling attack to prevail with captain Regis Chakabva and Brad Evans at the crease to steer them home for just their third 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 Australians 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, while registering a milestone 100th ODI career wicket.

Mitchell Starc became the fastest player to reach 200 ODI wickets in 102 matches when he picked up Burl's wicket.

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

Takudzwanashe Kaitano (19) and Tadiwanashe Marumani's (35) opening partnership got Zimbabwe started, with Munyonga and Burl hitting double figures, before Evans's boundary sealed the win with 12 overs to spare.

Earlier, David Warner came within just six runs of ending his century drought.

Burl's career-best figures gave Zimbabwe the upper hand as Warner hit 94 off 96 balls.

Only Warner and Glenn Maxwell reached double figures for the hosts.

Warner hit the second highest percentage of runs for a team in an ODI match (66.6 per cent), only behind Viv Richards in 1984.

Australia prevailed 2-1 in the series and will now face New Zealand in three ODIs, beginning on Tuesday.

AAP

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