Australia breaks Head’s 75‑run century record
Travis Head, who failed in the previous match, returned to form in his trademark style. The left-handed opener smashed a century off 75 balls with aggressive batting to set a record. Alongside him, Mitchell Marsh, Cooper Connolly and Ollie Peake also impressed, helping Australia set another record.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first in the second ODI of the three-match series against Zimbabwe in Harare on Friday, Australia posted a massive 356 for 6. Head played a brilliant innings of 112, facing 84 balls and hitting 15 fours and three sixes.
Head set the record for the fastest century by an Australian against Zimbabwe in ODIs. He surpassed Matt Renshaw, who had scored a century off 86 balls in the first ODI of this series.
Captain Mitchell Marsh also played a major role in giving Australia a strong foundation, adding 130 runs with Head in 19 overs for the opening wicket. Marsh scored 53 off 63 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes.
After Head was dismissed in the 28th over, No. 3 batter Cooper Connolly held one end together. He played an aggressive innings of 78 off 69 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes.
Towards the end, Peake attacked the Zimbabwean bowling lineup. Coming in at No. 7, he remained unbeaten on 41. His 18-ball innings included two fours and three sixes.
Overall, Australia's huge total also created a team record. It was their highest ODI total against Zimbabwe. Their previous highest was 350 for 6, scored in Harare in 2014.
Head registered his eighth century in 50-over cricket. It was his 20th international century overall, with the other 12 coming in Test cricket. He is yet to score a century in T20 internationals for Australia.
Head opened his account by hitting Brad Evans for a boundary from the very first ball he faced. He then accelerated rapidly. After reaching his half-century off 32 balls, he slowed down slightly. His second fifty came off 43 balls.
However, Head did not stay at the crease for long after setting the record. He mistimed a delivery from Wesley Madhevere and was caught by substitute fielder Ryan Burl.
Zimbabwe's relief at finally dismissing Head did not last long, as Connolly and Peake continued to attack.
For the hosts, pacer Brad Evans took three wickets but was extremely expensive, conceding 86 runs in his nine overs. Left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza took two wickets for 51 runs from his nine overs.