Michael Clarke hit his maiden hundred for his country and Australia put in its most convincing performance of the series to crush Zimbabwe by eight wickets in the third and final one-day cricket match at the Harare Sports Club.

Only a late batting revival from Zimbabwe took it to 196 and saved the minnow from humiliation after Jason Gillespie took 5-32 to destroy the top order.

But that was never enough and after Adam Gilchrist smashed 44 inside nine overs, Australia coasted to victory with Clarke unbeaten on 105 from 102 balls.

Clarke, who opened in place of the rested Matthew Hayden, hit one six and 16 fours, including some scorching drives through cover.

He showed no signs of nerves approaching the milestone, by hitting a six, two fours and a single off four successive deliveries off part-timer Elton Chigumbura to go from 85 to 100.

Clarke was in complete control throughout his innings, but did have a scare in his late 70s when a run out call was referred to the third umpire.

Allrounder Shane Watson finally made his return after 17 months out through stress fractures in his back and made 18 not out after earlier bowling eight overs for 0-38.

Australia won the series 3-0 and wasn't troubled in any of the matches, although it had struggled to put in a complete team performance.

Sunday's win would have satisfied captain Ricky Ponting the most, although the fizz went out of Australia's job with the ball after Gillespie sent a wrecking ball through the Zimbabwe innings.

The South Australian took the first five wickets of the day and had the home side in peril at 5-50 after 15 overs.

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