Zimbabwe vs Australia Live Score: Australia in Zimbabwe, 3 ODI Series, 2026 Live Updates and Ball-By-Ball Commentary

Australia (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood (In place of Spencer Johnson), Billy Stanlake (In place of Xavier Bartlett).

Zimbabwe (UNCHANGED Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor (WK), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Razab(C), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani.

The captain of Australia - Mitchell Marsh says Australia are happy to bat first after winning the toss and adds that they were always going to take first use of the surface. On the pitch, he says it feels similar to the one used in the opening ODI, although he feels it can be difficult to read. Marsh adds that both teams will have to bat and bowl on the same surface, with Australia looking to make a strong start and post a good total. Reflecting on Matt Renshaw's maiden ODI hundred in the first game, Marsh says it was a great innings and a significant achievement to score a first ODI century for Australia. He adds that everyone was delighted for Renshaw and feels his partnership with Alex Carey was crucial to Australia getting close to 290. Marsh says Australia will be hoping for some strong partnerships again and a good performance in the second ODI. On the changes to the XI, Marsh confirms that Australia have made two alterations, with Josh Hazlewood and Billy Stanlake coming in for Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson.

The skipper of Zimbabwe - Sikandar Raza says that they will bowl first given the nature of the wicket and historical value at this ground. Adds that they did decently with the ball in the last game and hopes that they can turn that new ball success into something more valuable later on. Reckons that if either him or Craig Ervine would have gotten a hundred in the last game, things would have been different, so they will look to improve upon that. Ends by informing that they are going in with an unchanged side.

TOSS - Zimbabwe have won the toss and elected to BOWL first.

Australia aim to stay in control - Australia, on the other hand, will want to maintain the momentum from the first game and continue building towards a series victory. They have a blend of experience and emerging talent in their squad, and another solid outing in Harare would put them firmly in control of the contest. Zimbabwe have their chance to hit back, Australia have a chance to move one step closer to the series win, and we are almost ready for the toss and team news.

Zimbabwe eye a response - Zimbabwe will know there were positives to take from the series opener, but they will also be aware that a more complete performance is needed against a strong Australian side. Playing at home, they will hope to make better use of familiar conditions and put Australia under pressure for longer periods. With the series still within reach, this is an important opportunity for the hosts to show their character and keep the contest alive.

Back for another battle - Welcome back to Harare Sports Club for the second ODI between Zimbabwe and Australia. The visitors have the advantage after taking the opening game, but with two matches still to play, the hosts have an opportunity to respond and bring the series back on level terms. Australia, meanwhile, will be looking to carry the confidence from their winning start and put themselves in a position to wrap things up here.

... MATCH DAY ...

Chapter two - The series moves into its second chapter at Harare Sports Club, with Australia holding the early advantage and Zimbabwe needing a response to keep the contest alive. One more victory would hand the visitors the series, while the hosts have the opportunity to reset and bring the three-match contest level. With both sides still finding their combinations and several players looking to make their mark in the ODI format, there is plenty at stake beyond the immediate result. Zimbabwe need greater consistency - Zimbabwe have enough experience and variety in their squad to make this a competitive series, with Newman Nyamhuri's five-wicket haul in the opener underlining the potential within their bowling attack. The absence of regular skipper Richard Ngarava, however, leaves a notable gap in both leadership and the pace department. Blessing Muzarabani takes on greater responsibility with the ball, while Brad Evans and Nyamhuri have shown they can provide support and strike at different stages. Muzarabani's experience gives the attack a reliable spearhead, while Evans' ability to find wickets and Nyamhuri's breakthrough performance add variety to the pace group. Experience needs to complement the batting - The batting remains an area where Zimbabwe have plenty of experience to call upon. Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine and Brendan Taylor form the core of an experienced middle order, with Raza also providing the all-round balance that is important to the side. Ervine and Raza's partnership in the opening ODI offered a glimpse of what the middle order can produce under pressure, but contributions from the wider batting group are equally important. A stronger start and longer partnerships would give Zimbabwe's experienced players more room to dictate the tempo rather than having to rebuild after early setbacks. Australia have plenty of options - Australia's batting has plenty of experience around a group of emerging options, with Matt Renshaw's maiden ODI century in the opener adding another name to the mix. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head bring proven quality at the top, while Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Cooper Connolly give the middle order a good blend of stability and intent. Renshaw's ability to contribute with the ball also adds to Australia's flexibility, while Ollie Peake remains another young option gaining valuable exposure. With several players competing for roles ahead of the 2027 World Cup, the series provides Australia with an opportunity to assess different combinations. More firepower could return - The bowling group already has a strong point of difference in Nathan Ellis, whose five-wicket haul in the first ODI demonstrated his ability to make breakthroughs and close out an innings. Spencer Johnson and Adam Zampa also contributed effectively. Australia also have Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green available in the squad, although both were managed for the series opener, with Green dealing with some shoulder soreness and Hazlewood rested. Their possible inclusion would give Australia further experience and, in Green's case, another all-round option, adding yet another layer to an already versatile combination. A look at the conditions - Harare Sports Club brings another layer to the contest, with the conditions rewarding bowlers who make the most of the early assistance and batters prepared to spend time at the crease. The surface can become more favourable for stroke-making once set, placing added importance on building partnerships and managing the middle overs. Zimbabwe's ability to make early inroads against Australia's deep batting order and Australia's capacity to keep the hosts from settling into long partnerships could prove significant. Team form (Last 5 completed ODIs, recent first) - ZIM - LLWWL | AUS - WWLLL. Can the Chevrons force a decider? Australia enter the second ODI with the advantage, but Zimbabwe have enough in their squad to make the visitors work for another victory. The hosts have match-winners across both departments and the added motivation of keeping the series alive, while Australia possess the depth and experience to put themselves in a position to close it out. With the balance of the series at stake, Harare sets the stage for another intriguing battle between two sides with contrasting combinations but plenty of room for improvement.