Burl and Chakabva star as Zimbabwe conclude the tour with a historic win

Zimbabwe team in action [PC: Twitter]

Riding on Ryan Burl's sensational spell and Regis Chakabva's gritty knock, Zimbabwe scripted a memorable three-wicket victory against Australia in the dead rubber of the three-match series in Townsville today. This is Zimbabwe's first-ever victory over the mighty Aussies in their own backyard.  

Ryan Burl's fifer leaves Australia shell-shocked

After opting to bowl first on Townsville's helpful surface, Zimbabwe seamers stunned Australia by reducing them to 59 for four in 14.2 overs. The spinner Sean Williams joined the party soon and removed Cameron Green for three. 

However, two experienced campaigners, David Warner and Glenn Maxwell, tried their best to bail the hosts out of trouble, as they stitched a solid 57-run stand for the sixth wicket. 

Ryan Burl picked 5 wickets [PC: Twitter]

But Ryan Burl re-triggered the collapse, dismissing both set batters in quick succession. The leg-spinner also scalped the remaining three wickets and registered the best bowling figure by a Zimbabwean against Australia in ODIs. His stupendous effort was instrumental in restricting the hosts to a paltry total of 141 runs. 

David Warner was the lone warrior with the bat for the Aussies as he hammered his way through to a gorgeous 96-ball 94. 

Chakabva's composed knock ensures Zimbabwe's victory

In response, Zimbabwe got off to a positive start, as Tadiwanashe Marumani and Takudzwanashe Kaitano added 38 runs for the first wicket. Soon, the Australian pace unit, led by Josh Hazlewood, came out with all guns blazing, dismissing five Zimbabwe batters with just 77 runs on the board. 

Regis Chakabva [PC: Twitter]

However, experienced Regis Chakabva led from the front, getting ample support from Tony Munyonga at the other end. The duo added vital 38 runs for the sixth wicket, keeping Zimbabwe's hopes alive in the game. 

After Munyonga fell prey to Ashton Agar, Chakabva and Ryan Burl further added 22 runs. Although Mitchell Starc brought some twist to the tale by dismissing Burl, Chakabva and Brad Evans ensured Zimbabwe had no further hiccups and crossed the finish line in the 39th over. 

Hazlewood was Australia's pick of the bowlers, scalping three wickets for 30 runs. Veteran Aussie speedster Mitchell Starc completed his 200 ODI wickets with Ryan Burl's dismissal. 

Brief Scores

Australia: 141 (31)
David Warner 94 (96), Glenn Maxwell 19 (22);
Ryan Burl 5/10 (3), Brad Evans 2/35 (6)

Zimbabwe: 142/7 (39)
Regis Chakabva 36* (72), Tadiwanashe Marumani 35 (47);
Josh Hazlewood 3/30 (10), Marcus Stoinis 1/6 (2)

Zimbabwe won by three wickets. 

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