Zimbabwe tour of Australia: Aussies win 2nd ODI, clinch series

Australia`s Mitchell Starc (C) appeals successfully for an LBW decision against Zimbabwe batsman Wessly Madhevere during the second one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Australia and Zimbabwe at the Riverway Stadium in Townsville. Photo/AFP

Mitchell Starc took three early wickets to help restrict Zimbabwe to 96 runs and Steve Smith posted an unbeaten 47 as Australia won the second one-day cricket international by eight wickets on Wednesday and clinched the three-match series. Starc (3-24) bowled three wides in a wild opening over but quickly recovered his line and length to remove the top order and have Zimbabwe reeling at 14 for three.

Allrounder Cameron Green held an outfield catch to remove Zimbabwe's top scorer, Sean Williams for 29 off 45 deliveries, off Adam Zamper's bowling and then took two wickets. Leg-spinner Zampa took the last two wickets as Zimbabwe was dismissed inside 28 overs.

Also Read: NZ all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme calls time on his international career

Richard Ngarava removed openers David Warner (13) and Aaron Finch (1) in the third over to have Australia in trouble at 16-2 before Smith and Alex Carey (26) combined in an unbeaten 84-run third-wicket partnership to secure victory with 212 deliveries to spare. Australia won the series-opening match by five wickets with 99 balls to spare. The third match will be played Saturday, also in Townsville.

The series is being played in northern Queensland state as part of the International Cricket Council's Super League competition for ODIs. Both teams are preparing for the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup which starts in Australia on Oct. 16.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.