Travis Head’s 112 and a strong all-round bowling performance helped Australia take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series in Harare.
WEB DESK: Australia defeated Zimbabwe by 84 runs in the second ODI at Harare Sports Club on Friday to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Travis Head produced a dominant batting display, scoring 112 from 84 balls, as Australia posted 356 for six after being sent in to bat. Zimbabwe were then bowled out for 272 in 48.3 overs.
Head leads Australia’s batting charge
Head and Australia captain Mitchell Marsh gave the visitors a strong start, putting together a 130-run opening partnership.
Marsh scored 53 from 63 balls, while Head continued his aggressive approach after reaching his century. He later added another 60 runs with Cooper Connolly for the second wicket.
Connolly contributed 78 from 69 balls, continuing his strong run with the bat after registering his third consecutive ODI half-century.
Australia’s late-innings acceleration came from 20-year-old Ollie Peake, who smashed an unbeaten 41 from just 18 balls, including three sixes in the final over.
Zimbabwe pacer Brad Evans claimed three wickets but conceded 86 runs from his nine overs.
Zimbabwe fall short in the chase
Chasing 357, Zimbabwe struggled to keep pace with the required run rate during the early stages of their innings.
The hosts reached 50 runs only after 14 overs and were unable to build a partnership capable of putting sustained pressure on Australia.
Captain Sikandar Raza top-scored with 45, while veteran batter Brendan Taylor made 39. Zimbabwe eventually reached 272 before being bowled out in the 49th over.
Zampa reaches 200 ODI wickets
Australia spinner Adam Zampa took two wickets for 62 runs and reached the milestone of 200 ODI wickets during the match.
Josh Hazlewood also returned from injury and took two wickets for 48 runs from nine overs, strengthening Australia’s bowling attack.
The Australian bowling effort remained effective despite the loss of Billy Stanlake to injury during the match.
Australia seal series
The result gave Australia an unassailable 2-0 series lead with one match remaining.
Australia had won the opening ODI by 59 runs on Tuesday, when Matthew Renshaw scored his maiden ODI century and Nathan Ellis claimed career-best figures of 5-31.
The third and final ODI is scheduled for Sunday in Harare. Australia will then travel to neighbouring South Africa for another three-match ODI series beginning in Durban next week.
