Zampa’s performance was instrumental in defending a formidable target of 357. He finished with figures of 2/62 from his nine overs, claiming the wickets of Innocent Kaia and Craig Ervine. With this achievement, Zampa joins the legendary Shane Warne as the only other Australian spin bowler to reach the 200-wicket mark in the format. He is now the seventh Australian bowler overall to reach this milestone, a list headed by Glenn McGrath’s 380 scalps.
Travis Head leads batting charge
While Zampa controlled the middle overs, the foundation for Australia’s victory was laid by a dominant batting display led by Travis Head. The left-hander returned to top form, smashing 112 off just 84 deliveries. His aggressive innings, which featured 15 fours and three sixes, also saw him surpass 9,000 runs in international cricket. Head now boasts 9,111 runs across 201 international appearances at an average of 40.31.
Head’s opening partnership of 130 runs with captain Mitchell Marsh, who contributed 53, set the tone for the innings. Following the opening stand, Head added 60 runs with Cooper Connolly, who scored 78 off 69 balls. A late-order surge from Oliver Peake, who struck an unbeaten 41 from only 18 deliveries, propelled Australia to a commanding total of 356/6. For Zimbabwe, Brad Evans was the standout bowler, claiming 3/56.
Zimbabwe struggle in pursuit of 357
Facing a massive chase, Zimbabwe’s top order showed promise but ultimately lacked the depth to challenge the Australian total. Although the top six batters all managed to get starts, none were able to convert them into a match-defining innings. Sikandar Raza top-scored for the hosts with 45, while Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine added 39 and 38 respectively.
The hosts were eventually dismissed for 272 in 48.3 overs. The Australian bowling attack shared the workload effectively, with Josh Hazlewood, Cooper Connolly, Matthew Renshaw, and Zampa each claiming two wickets. With the series already decided, the two teams will meet for the final match of the tour with Australia looking to complete a clean sweep.
