Sikandar Raza Backs Madhevere After Final-Over Heartbreak vs Australia

After Wessly Madhevere’s difficult final over in the third ODI against Australia at Harare Sports Club on September 20, 2026, Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza supported the bowler.

Australia chased Zimbabwe’s total of 271 for 8 and won by one wicket with one ball remaining. In the last over of the game, Nathan Ellis batted valiantly to win for his team.

Wessly Madhevere‘s part in the final moments turned out to be crucial and contentious. In the penultimate over, he dropped Ellis at deep midwicket, which would have put a stop to Australia’s pursuit with nine wickets behind.

Australia needed nine runs from six balls, and Madhevere was tasked with delivering the last over four deliveries later. Australia was within striking distance of winning when Ellis hit Madhevere’s first delivery for six.

Four balls later, the batter finished the chase, depriving Zimbabwe of a crucial victory in the three-match series.

Why Sikandar Raza used the last over to support Madhevere

Sikandar Raza tactical judgment and confidence in the bowler were evident in his choice to give Madhevere the last over. The skipper of Zimbabwe clarified that Madhevere was favored in such circumstance by a number of variables.

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Madhevere was a better option for the last six balls since Ellis was on strike and Zimbabwe’s off-spinner Graeme Cremer was bowling to the longer side of the wicket and into the wind.