Australia defeated Zimbabwe by 84 runs in the second ODI at Harare Sports Club on Friday, September 18, 2026, to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Travis Head had a spectacular century and Australia’s bowlers also played a disciplined game to complete another convincing victory.
Travis Head Leads Australia's Batting Charge
After Zimbabwe won the toss and decided to bowl, Australia quickly took control of the contest. Travis Head returned to form in emphatic fashion and scored 112 runs from 84 deliveries.
Head took his century from 75 balls and scored 15 fours and three sixes in his aggressive innings. He also had a 130-run opening partnership with the captain Mitchell Marsh, who contributed 53.
Cooper Connolly continued his impressive series with 78 from 69 balls, while young batter Ollie Peake provided a late burst with an unbeaten 41 from only 18 deliveries. Australia finished on 356/6, their highest ODI total against Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe Struggle in the Chase
Zimbabwe needed 357 runs to win but could not maintain that fast scoring rate. While some batters made good contributions, they were unable to form the partnerships necessary to challenge Australia's total.
Sikandar Raza was the highest scorer for Zimbabwe with 45 runs, Brendan Taylor made 39 and Craig Ervine scored 38.
Zimbabwe was finally bowled out for 272 in 48.3 overs, giving Australia an 84-run victory.
Australian Bowlers Keep Control
Australia’s bowling attack complemented Head’s incredible batting performance. Josh Hazlewood returned to the ODI side and achieved 2/48, while Cooper Connolly picked up 2/25.
Matt Renshaw and Adam Zampa took two wickets each. Zampa’s second wicket of the innings was particularly significant as it took him to 200 ODI wickets, making it a landmark match for the Australian spinner.
Connolly finished off the victory by taking two wickets with successive deliveries, including Raza's dismissal.
Australia Seal the Series
The win gives Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. They had already won the opening match by 59 runs, with Matt Renshaw scoring a century and Nathan Ellis taking five wickets.
The third and final ODI will be played in Harare on Sunday, September 20. Australia will now look to complete a series sweep before moving on to Africa with an ODI and Test match in South Africa.
