Australia produced a powerful batting display in the first innings to score 356 against Zimbabwe in the second ODI on Friday, September 18, 2026 at Harare Sports Club. Zimbabwe are already left with a big chase to win the series after losing the opening match of the three-match series to Australia and will be desperate as they try to make it 2-0.
The innings featured a hundred by Travis Head, valuable contributions by Cooper Connolly and Mitchell Marsh and a late burst from the young Oliver Peake to take Australia to 350 runs.
Travis Head Leads From the Front
Travis Head provided the foundation for Australia's big total with a brilliant century.
After a poor performance in the first ODI, Head responded with an attacking innings in the second match. His ability to score quickly put pressure on Zimbabwe’s bowlers; Australia remained at a high scoring rate throughout the innings.
Head's hundred was especially important because Australia were looking to recover from a poor top-order performance in the series opener.
Connolly and Marsh Add Important Runs
Cooper Connolly did once again show why he is attracting attention in Australia's ODI setup. The young all-rounder contributed valuable runs and kept Australia's innings going in the middle overs.
Mitchell Marsh also played an important role. His aggressive approach at the top gave Australia momentum and Zimbabwe were unable to build sustained pressure with the ball.
Connolly had already scored 51 in the first ODI, while Marsh made 36 in that match.
Peake Provides Carnage at the Finish
The biggest boost to Australia's total came towards the end of the innings, with Oliver Peake providing attacking shots during the final stages.
The young batsman has been given a chance and has proven he is capable of contributing at the cricket ground in Zimbabwe. Australia’s ability to accelerate late in the innings helped Australia reach 356; that was a significant advantage for the visitors before Zimbabwe’s chase.
Peake had made 30 in the opening ODI, although he was hit-wicket by Newman Nyamhuri.
— hayzee. (@hayzeestorage) September 18, 2026
Can Zimbabwe Chase 357?
Zimbabwe will now require 357 runs to win and level the three-match series.
The hosts proved in the first ODI that they have capable batsmen. Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza both scored half-centuries in that match and put together a 98-run partnership during Zimbabwe’s chase. But Australia eventually bowled them out for 235 and won by 59 runs.
Chasing 357 will be a much tougher challenge. Zimbabwe will need a strong start from their opening pair before their middle order can attempt to build the innings.
Australia Looking to Seal Series
Australia won the first ODI by 59 runs after scoring 294/8 and bowling Zimbabwe out for 235. Nathan Ellis took 5/31 in that match, while Matt Renshaw scored his maiden ODI century.
In fact, with Australia now posting 356 in the second match, the visitors have set up the chance for another win to secure the ODI series.
