Harare [Zimbabwe], September 18 (ANI): Travis Head's century and an all-round team effort helped Australia secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe after an 84-run victory in the second ODI at the Harare Sports Club.
After being asked to bat first by Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, Australia posted a massive 356/6 in 50 overs, with Head leading the charge with a blistering 112 off 84 balls.
Head's knock, which included 15 fours and three sixes, became the highest individual ODI score by an Australian batter against Zimbabwe. He combined with captain Mitchell Marsh to lay a strong foundation, with the opening pair adding 130 runs before Marsh was dismissed for 53 off 63 deliveries.
Cooper Connolly continued Australia's momentum with a fluent 78 off 69 balls, while 19-year-old Oliver Peake provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 41 off just 18 deliveries to take the visitors past the 350-run mark.
For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans finished with figures of 3/86, while Wellington Masakadza picked up two wickets.
Chasing 357, Zimbabwe showed fight but were eventually bowled out for 272 in 48.3 overs. Sikandar Raza top-scored for the hosts with a counter-attacking 45 off 49 balls, while Brendan Taylor contributed 39 and Craig Ervine added 38.
Australia's bowling attack kept applying pressure through regular wickets. Adam Zampa claimed 2/62 to complete 200 ODI wickets, while Josh Hazlewood (2/48) and Matt Renshaw (2/44) picked up two wickets each to restrict Zimbabwe's chase.
Connolly capped a fine all-round performance by registering bowling figures of 2/25 in 6.1 overs.
The victory gave Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, with the third and final ODI scheduled to be played at the same venue on Sunday. (ANI)
Head, Connolly star as Australia crush Zimbabwe in 2nd ODI to take 2-0 lead
