'I'll back him again and again' - Sikandar Raza stands by Madhevere after final-over heartbreak vs Australia

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza backed Wessly Madhevere following the bowler's challenging final over in the third ODI against Australia at Harare Sports Club on September 20, 2026. Australia won by one wicket with one ball to spare after chasing Zimbabwe's total of 271 for 8. The match came down to the final over, with Nathan Ellis batting out of his skin to take his team home.

Madhevere's role in the closing stages proved pivotal and controversial. He dropped Ellis at deep midwicket in the penultimate over, a moment that would have ended Australia's chase with the visitors nine wickets down. Four deliveries later, Madhevere was handed the responsibility of bowling the final over with Australia needing nine runs from six balls. Ellis struck Madhevere's opening delivery for six, putting Australia within reach of victory. The batter then completed the chase four balls later, denying Zimbabwe what would have been a significant win in the three-match series.

"He said he's good 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 leave a man when he's down. These are the games, these are the moments you want to be part of to win it for the team…. We had plenty of chances to close the game before [the final over]; unfortunately, we didn't take those," Raza was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.

Why Raza backed Madhevere with the final over

Raza's decision to entrust Madhevere with the final over reflected his tactical reasoning and faith in the bowler. The Zimbabwe captain explained that several factors favoured Madhevere in that situation. Ellis was on strike, and Zimbabwe's off-spinner Graeme Cremer was bowling into the wind and to the longer side of the ground, which meant Madhevere presented a better option for the final six balls.

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"I think because Ellis was [on strike] and our off-spinner [was bowling] into the wind and to the longer side as well, there was a lot going for Wessly," Raza said.