Ryan Burl picks up five wickets in three overs as Zimbabwe shock Australia in third ODI

Australia slumped to 141 all out in 31 overs against ZImbabwe in the third ODI with a counter-attacking 94 from 96 balls by David Warner the only major contribution

Leg-spinner Ryan Burl picked up 5-10 in just three overs on Saturday as Zimbabwe stunned Australia in the third one-day international cricket match in Townsville, registering an exciting three-wicket victory and denying the hosts a series clean-sweep.

Sent in to bat, to the crowd's short-lived delight, Australia slumped to 141 all out in 31 overs with a counter-attacking 94 from 96 balls by David Warner the only major contribution.

Australia's bowlers tried admirably to defend the low total, but visiting captain Regis Chakabva (37 off 72 balls) ensured his side secured an unlikely upset, only their third ODI win against the home side, reaching 142-7 in 39 overs.

"Regis did exactly the right thing, he played some beautiful shots today but at the same time he steered the ship and got the guys over the line," Zimbabwe coach Dave Houghton said.

In tricky morning conditions, Aaron Finch's wretched run of form showed no sign of abating. He added five before being caught at second slip off the bowling of seamer Richard Ngarava, who accounted for the Australia skipper in all three matches.

Wickets tumbled on the two-paced surface and Australia slid to 72-5 when left-arm spinner Sean Williams had Cameron Green caught for three.

Warner remained positive as wickets fell around him, including two in Burl's first over when the all-rounder claimed Glenn Maxwell (19) and then Ashton Agar for a duck.