AUS VS ZIM ODI

Right then! That is it from this game. Australia have won the series and will be eyeing a clean sweep whereas Zimbabwe will be hoping that they can put on a solid performance to end the series on a high. The third and final ODI is on Saturday, 3rd September at 5.10 am IST (11.40 pm GMT, the previous day). Our build-up though begins a lot earlier. So do join us for the same. Till then, goodbye and cheers!

Mitchell Starc is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his three wickets in 8 overs and conceding just 24 runs. He says that the wicket had a nice covering of grass and tennis-like bounce. Adds that they hadn't taken a wicket in the Powerplay in the first match so they tried to be a bit fuller. On Steven Smith, he says that he applied himself straightaway and he is been doing it for 10 plus years and it was a clinical performance from him.

Regis Chakabva the skipper of Zimbabwe admits that the Aussies bowled well and used the wicket to their advantage. Says that they didn’t get any sort of stand going and that was the reason the batting collapsed. Claims that they always wanted to play against the best and they knew that this series will be a test. Mentions that they have a lot of things to take from it so they can keep learning and moving forward. Admits that they need to talk about the batting but credits the bowlers for coming out fighting and trying to defend a low total. Adds that they want to take that bowling performance to the next game

Aaron Finch the captain of Australia says that the bowlers were clinical. Adds that the tone was set by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood and the others were consistent as well. Mentions that they are trying to be flexible looking at the upcoming World Cup and claims that they will keep experimenting further. Shares that they want to play good cricket regardless of the results.

Time for the presentation...

The game was set up in the first innings itself as Australia won the toss and exploited the conditions with the ball to perfection. Mitchell Starc and Adam Zampa were the pick of the bowlers taking three wickets each and Cameron Green continued his fine form grabbing two. Zimbabwe did not put up any sort of resistance against some quality bowling and were bowled out for just 96 runs. This was an easy chase for the strong Australian batting lineup and despite an initial hiccup, Steven Smith and Alex Carey took the team home to register a comprehensive win.

Zimbabwe came out with very little hope of defending a measly total but Richard Ngarava gave them a glimmer of hope. He bowled with fire and sent both the openers back to the shed considerably early. They were however unable to build on this start and the rest of the bowlers provided no penetration. Brad Evans could not support his pace bowling partner well and conceded runs far too freely. They did help their cause by introducing their part-time spinners as it only accelerated their demise. In the end, they conceded an excess of six runs per over, and this game was done in no time. They will need to work on their batting if they are to have any chance of competing in the last game.

Australia came out with an intent to wrap the game up at the earliest. David Warner went after the bowlers from the word go but perished in the attempt to accelerate. Aaron Finch continued his poor form and got out playing a defensive shot but Steven Smith came to the wicket and settled any sort of nerves in the dressing room. He played his shots and looked good at the wicket ending three short of a half-century. He was well supported by Alex Carey who would have enjoyed the time he got at the wicket and will be happy that he saw this game through. This was a thoroughly professional performance on all fronts.

This has been a walk in the park for the mighty Australian side. They have sent the visitors packing in under 15 overs and completed a dominating victory. With this 8-wicket win, they have taken a 2-0 lead in this 3-match series and will be looking to whitewash their opponents in the final fixture. Zimbabwe have just not turned up for the game and conceded this battle without a fight. They have a lot of work to do if they are to get a consolation win the next time around.

FOUR BYES! That's it! Australia win comprehensively! Steven Smith pre-meditates and goes for the reverse hit. Sean Williams sees and serves a quicker ball, full and down leg side. Smith misses and so does the keeper for a boundary. Australia win by 8 wickets.

NO BALL! This is full and on off. Carey reverse hits it uppishly and over point for three runs. A no ball is called as Sean Williams has overstepped! Free hit coming up. Australia need a run to win.

On middle, flicked behind square leg for a single.

Two wides! Turn and bounce! Shorter and down leg. Carey shoulders arms. The keeper gets a glove on it and the batters cross.

On middle, eased to long on for a single.

Shorter and outside off. Carey goes across and cuts it to short third man for a single.

Short in length and on middle. Smith ducks under it.

FOUR! 10 runs needed now! too full and outside off. Smith lofts it, not off the middle but enough to beat the mid on fielder for a boundary.