Harare, September 18 (Daily Kiran) : Australia delivered a commanding performance to defeat Zimbabwe by 84 runs in the second One Day International (ODI) held at Harare Sports Club. Chasing a daunting target of 357 runs set by Australia, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 272 runs. This victory gives Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
Zimbabwe started their innings steadily with Brian Bennett and Ben Curran contributing to a 46-run partnership for the first wicket. Bennett scored 23 runs off 34 balls, while Curran managed 30 runs from 46 deliveries. However, Innocent Kaia failed to capitalize on the good start, getting out for 34 runs off 47 balls. Brendan Taylor also fell short, making 39 runs off 40 balls with three boundaries before being dismissed by Oliver Peake.
Craig Ervine added 38 runs off 39 balls, and captain Sikandar Raza scored 45 runs, hitting five fours. Brad Evans contributed 12 runs, while Wesley Madhevere scored 26 runs off 13 balls. On the bowling side, Australia’s Josh Hazlewood, Cooper Connolly, and Matt Renshaw each took two wickets, while Nathan Ellis and Oliver Peake claimed one wicket apiece.
Earlier, Australia batted first, scoring 356 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Travis Head was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a powerful 112 runs off 84 balls. Cooper Connolly supported well with a score of 78 runs from 69 balls. Mitchell Marsh contributed 53 runs off 63 balls, while Josh Inglis and Alex Carey added 21 and 20 runs, respectively. In the closing overs, Oliver Peake showcased his skills with an unbeaten 41 runs off just 18 balls. For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans took three wickets, and Wellington Masakadza claimed two for 51 runs. In the first ODI of the series, Australia had previously defeated Zimbabwe by 59 runs.
Leave a Comment