At Harare, October 7. England won by four wickets. Toss: Zimbabwe.
Thanks to a monumental innings by Andy Flower - his undefeated 142 matched the highest
one-day score for Zimbabwe - this was much the best contest of the five. Even so, England
clinched the series. Though Hussain lost his 12th consecutive toss, Zimbabwe made another poor
start, with some abysmal shot selection in the face of another hostile spell from Hoggard, who
took five wickets. This seemed only to deepen Flower's determination: he played magnificently,
with 16 fours and a six in 128 balls, although there were ugly scenes when, on 99, he and Foster
squared up after an appeal for a catch behind. Both players, and Hussain, were severely reprimanded
by the referee, although the spat did not stop Flower joining the others at Essex in 2002. Streak
made 56 in a stand of 130 with Flower, a seventh-wicket record in one-day internationals. But he
injured his leg, needed a runner and left Zimbabwe a bowler short. Ramprakash responded with
his most enterprising innings of the series. Pressure mounted after he was run out, but England's
consistent middle order proved too strong. Collingwood and Flintoff milked the spinners, then
Snape impressed with his perky batting and helped Hussain (dropping to No. 7 after injuring his
calf ) see England home.
Man of the Match: A. Flower.