Zimbabwe are on the verge of getting knocked out of the ongoing triangular series after a second successive defeat. Australia, on the other hand, have virtually earned a spot in the final with a massive net run-rate after back-to-back wins.

Aaron Finch caused carnage once again to register the highest individual total in T20Is, breaking his own record. The Australia skipper made 172 runs off 76 deliveries and set the stage for a massive 100-run over Zimbabwe. He clubbed a total of 10 sixes and 14 fours in that innings.

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bowl first and the Aussie openers made them regret their decision by quickly posting 100 runs on the scoreboard in the first ten overs. By the time Blessing Muzzarabani made the breakthrough for Zimbabwe in the last over, the opponents had already gone past 220 runs. He struck twice to dismiss both the openers but that made a little difference to the herculean task that was set for the hosts.

Although D’Arcy Short’s 46-run knock from 42 balls wasn’t even close to Finch’s blitzkrieg, he shared a 223-run partnership with Finch, which is the highest stand in T20Is for any wicket. Short struggled against the spinners but Finch took on them to get the job done for the Kangaroos.

In reply, the Zimbabwe team couldn’t even surpass Finch’s score and totaled a paltry 129 for wickets. Billy Stanlake, who bagged a four-wicket haul in the last game against Pakistan, had the most expensive economy rate in this game as the Zimbabwe batters smashed him for 39 runs in 3 overs.

Stanlake, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, and Marcus Stoinis took one wicket apiece. Andrew Tye again took three scalps to crush Zimbabwe’s middle-order after Ashton Agar picked up two wickets.

Zimbabwe will face Pakistan in their next game on July 4. Australia will face the top-ranked T20I side on July 5.

 

Scores:

AUS 229/2 (20 Overs)