Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza defended Wessly Madhevere after the bowler’s tough final over in the third One-Day International against Australia at Harare Sports Club on September 20, 2026. Australia won by one wicket with one ball remaining, chasing Zimbabwe’s total of 271 for 8. The game came down to the final over, when Nathan Ellis batted out of his skin to send his team home.

Wessly Madhevere‘s role in the final phases was crucial and contentious. He dropped Ellis at deep midwicket in the penultimate over, thereby ending Australia’s pursuit with the visitors nine wickets down. Four deliveries later, Madhevere was assigned to bowl the final over, with Australia requiring nine runs from six balls. Ellis hit Madhevere’s opening delivery for six runs, putting Australia in contention for win. The hitter then finished the chase four balls later, denying Zimbabwe a crucial win in the three-match series.

Why did Sikandar Raza back Madhevere in the final over?

Sikandar Raza decision to give Madhevere the final over demonstrated his tactical reasoning and faith in the bowler. The Zimbabwe captain explained that Madhevere had various advantages in that situation.

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Ellis was on strike, and Zimbabwe’s off-spinner Graeme Cremer was bowling into the wind and to the longer side of the pitch, leaving Madhevere as a stronger choice for the final six balls.

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