Zimbabwe Fall Short As Australia Seal ODI Series In Harare

Zimbabwe’s hopes of levelling the ODI series against Australia were ended at Harare Sports Club on Friday as the Chevrons suffered an 84-run defeat in the second match.

The result gives Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead ahead of Sunday’s final ODI, leaving Zimbabwe with one remaining opportunity to prevent a series sweep on home soil.

Zimbabwe faced a formidable target of 357 after Australia produced its highest ODI total against the Chevrons. The hosts battled through the chase but were eventually bowled out for 272 in 48.3 overs.

Sikandar Raza was Zimbabwe’s leading scorer with 45, while Brendan Taylor made 39 and Craig Ervine contributed 38. Ben Curran and Innocent Kaia also reached 30, but Zimbabwe could not turn those individual contributions into the sizeable partnerships required.

Australia’s spinners proved particularly effective once the initial powerplay had passed. Matt Renshaw struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Brian Bennett for 23 before removing Curran for 30 in his next over.

Kaia then fell for 34 when Adam Zampa produced a googly that beat the Zimbabwe batter and crashed into the stumps.

Zampa’s wicket was also a milestone moment for the Australian leg-spinner as it brought up his 200th ODI wicket.

Taylor and Ervine attempted to rebuild Zimbabwe’s innings, but Australia continued to keep the pressure on. Ervine eventually departed for 38 after mistiming a reverse sweep and being caught by Mitchell Marsh at short third man.

Raza remained Zimbabwe’s main hope as the innings progressed, but the captain could only add 45 before Connolly removed him.

Connolly then struck again with the very next delivery, bowling Muzarabani to complete Australia’s victory.

Zimbabwe’s innings ended on 272, despite the hosts having five of their top six batters score 30 or more.

The defeat followed another difficult performance with the ball, as Australia made full use of the conditions after Raza chose to field first.

Travis Head was the main architect of Australia’s huge score, producing 112 from 84 balls. He reached his century from only 75 deliveries and struck 15 fours and three sixes.

Head combined with Mitchell Marsh for a 130-run partnership after Australia had made a quick start in the opening overs.

Marsh scored 53 before Masakadza dismissed him, but Australia’s momentum was not affected.

Connolly continued his excellent form with 78 from 69 balls, registering his third successive ODI score above 50.

The late overs saw Australia accelerate further, with Ollie Peake smashing 41 from only 18 deliveries. His innings included three sixes in an over from Brad Evans as the visitors reached 356 for six.

Evans finished with three wickets, while Masakadza took one. Nyamhuri, who claimed five wickets in the first ODI, could not add to his tally in the second match.

Zimbabwe will now have to regroup quickly before Sunday’s final encounter.

Although the series has already been decided, the Chevrons still have the chance to finish the three-match contest with a victory and carry some momentum from the Australia assignment.

For Australia, the second consecutive win continues a strong start to their first ODI series in Zimbabwe in 12 years.

Australia 356/6 (50 overs)
Travis Head 112, Cooper Connolly 78, Mitchell Marsh 53

Zimbabwe 272 all out (48.3 overs)
Sikandar Raza 45, Brendan Taylor 39, Craig Ervine 38

Australia won by 84 runs and lead the series 2-0.