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Australia will take on Zimbabwe in the third and final ODI of the series at Harare Sports Club on Sunday, September 20. The visitors have already sealed the series after registering an 84-run victory in the second ODI, following their 59-run win in the opening game. With the series result decided, Australia could use the final match to give opportunities to a few players on the fringes of the XI.
The second ODI saw Travis Head produce a spectacular 112 off 84 balls, while Mitchell Marsh and Cooper Connolly also scored half-centuries. Australia posted 356/6 before bowling Zimbabwe out for 272. Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa were among the bowlers who helped Australia maintain control during the chase.
Australia made two changes for the second ODI, bringing in Josh Hazlewood and Billy Stanlake for Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson. However, Stanlake suffered a side injury during the match, which could force another alteration to the pace attack for the series finale.
Here is the predicted playing XI for Australia in the third ODI against Zimbabwe:
Mitchell Marsh should continue to lead Australia in the final ODI. The all-rounder has made a useful contribution with the bat during the series and scored 53 in the second game. With Australia preparing for next year’s ODI World Cup, Marsh remains an important part of the team’s plans and another outing would allow him to build rhythm.
Travis Head will be one of the first names on the team sheet after his brilliant century in the second ODI. He smashed 112 from just 84 deliveries, including 15 fours and three sixes, to set up Australia’s huge total. Having rediscovered his rhythm, Head will be keen to finish the series strongly.
Cooper Connolly is expected to retain his position at No. 3. The young all-rounder continued his excellent ODI run by scoring 78 in the second match, following a half-century in the series opener. His ability to contribute with both bat and left-arm spin makes him an important part of Australia’s developing ODI combination.
Josh Inglis should continue as the wicketkeeper-batter. He made 21 in the second ODI and has been given an extended run in Australia’s ODI setup. With competition for batting positions increasing ahead of the 2027 World Cup, another opportunity will be valuable for Inglis.
Alex Carey is likely to retain his place in the middle order. He scored 20 in the second ODI and remains an experienced option who can provide stability after the aggressive top order. His wicketkeeping experience also gives Australia additional flexibility.
Matthew Renshaw should continue in the XI after making 15 in the second match. He was one of Australia’s standout performers in the first ODI, scoring a maiden ODI century worth 109 runs. His ability to bowl occasional off-spin also provides Australia with another option in Harare conditions.
Oliver Peake is expected to retain his place after another opportunity in the second ODI. The youngster has been included as part of Australia’s wider preparation for the 2027 World Cup, and the final game could provide him with another chance to gain experience at international level.
Nathan Ellis should continue as one of Australia’s main fast-bowling options. He produced a sensational 5/31 in the opening ODI and has been particularly effective with his variations. His ability to bowl at the death makes him an important component of Australia’s attack.
Adam Zampa is likely to lead Australia’s spin department once again. The leg-spinner has been a regular part of Australia’s ODI setup and remains just two wickets away from reaching 200 ODI wickets. Another appearance in Harare could give him the opportunity to reach that landmark.
Spencer Johnson could return to the XI after missing the second ODI. Australia brought Hazlewood and Stanlake into the side for the previous game, but Stanlake’s injury means the visitors need to reassess their pace combination. Johnson’s left-arm angle gives the attack variety, while he also took an important wicket in the opening ODI.
Xavier Bartlett could also return for the series finale. He played the opening ODI before being left out for Hazlewood and Stanlake in the second game. With the series already secured and Stanlake carrying an injury, Bartlett is a strong candidate to feature again. Australia’s selectors are using these six ODIs in Zimbabwe and South Africa to assess their pace options ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Matthew Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Xavier Bartlett
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