Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza expressed his unwavering support for bowler Wessly Madhevere after the latter endured a challenging final over in the third ODI against Australia at Harare Sports Club on September 20, 2026. Australia secured a narrow victory by one wicket with a ball remaining, successfully chasing Zimbabwe’s total of 271 for 8. The match ultimately hinged on the final delivery, as Nathan Ellis played exceptionally well to guide his team to a comfortable finish.
Madhevere’s involvement in the closing stages was both pivotal and contentious. During the penultimate over, he dropped Ellis at deep midwicket, an error that would have effectively terminated Australia’s innings with the touring side reeling at nine wickets down. Just four deliveries later, Madhevere was tasked with bowling the crucial final over, with Australia requiring nine runs off six balls. Ellis capitalized on the opportunity, hitting Madhevere’s opening delivery for a six to bring Australia within striking distance. The batter subsequently completed the chase four balls later, thwarting Zimbabwe’s hopes of a significant victory in the three-match series.
“He told me he’s ready to bowl, and that’s all I needed… I’ll back him again and again and again until he gets it right. We don’t abandon a teammate when they’re struggling. These are the games, these are the moments you want to be part of to secure a win for the team…. We had numerous opportunities to close out the match before [the final over]; unfortunately, we failed to capitalize on them,” Raza stated, as reported by Cricinfo.
Why Raza Entrusted Madhevere with the Final Over
Raza’s decision to place his trust in Madhevere for the final over stemmed from sound tactical reasoning and confidence in the bowler’s abilities. The Zimbabwe captain detailed several factors that worked in Madhevere’s favor during that high-pressure situation. With Ellis on strike and off-spinner Graeme Cremer bowling into the wind and targeting the longer side of the pitch, Madhevere emerged as the more favorable option to bowl the final six balls.
“I believe because Ellis was [on strike] and our off-spinner [was bowling] into the wind and to the longer side, there were many advantages for Wessly,” Raza explained.
