ZIM vs AUS win percentage stands at 85% in favour of Australia.
Key reasons:
- Australia won the opening ODI by 59 runs after producing 294/8 and dismissing Zimbabwe for 235
- Matthew Renshaw scored 109 while Nathan Ellis claimed 5/31 in a dominant all-round performance
- Australia have greater batting and bowling depth and have won eight of their 11 ODIs at Harare Sports Club
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ZIM vs AUS Betting Tips
Australia dominated the opening ODI, winning by 59 runs after posting 294/8 and then bowling Zimbabwe out for 235. Matthew Renshaw's century and Nathan Ellis' five-wicket haul highlighted Australia's greater depth, while Zimbabwe will need substantial improvement with both bat and ball to level the series. Australia have also won eight of their 11 ODIs at Harare Sports Club, making them the clear selection for the second ODI.
Mitchell Marsh has been one of Australia's most consistent batters in recent matches and scored 36 from 28 balls in the opening ODI. He has reached at least 33 runs in four of his last seven matches, including a century and a half-century. Marsh also has a strong record at Harare Sports Club, and with Australia's captain batting near the top of the order, he should have another opportunity to make a substantial contribution.
The opening ODI produced a century from Matthew Renshaw, who scored an unbeaten-style match-winning 109 before being dismissed in the final over. Harare Sports Club generally provides a good surface for batters who spend time at the crease, and five of the last nine matches at the venue have produced an individual score of at least 100. With several quality batters in both line-ups, another century is a realistic possibility.
Match details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Zimbabwe vs Australia, 2nd ODI |
| Series | Australia tour of Zimbabwe 2026 |
| Date | 18 September 2026 |
| Venue | Harare Sports Club, Harare |
| Format | ODI |
Zimbabwe vs Australia 2nd ODI prediction
Australia will look to seal the three-match ODI series when they face Zimbabwe in the second match at Harare Sports Club.
The visitors took a 1-0 lead after winning the opening ODI by 59 runs. Australia batted first and posted 294/8, with Matthew Renshaw producing an outstanding 109 from 94 balls. Cooper Connolly also contributed 51, while captain Mitchell Marsh scored 36 from 28 balls.
Zimbabwe made a competitive start to their chase but eventually finished on 235 in 45.1 overs. Craig Ervine scored 59 and Sikandar Raza made 57, combining for a 98-run partnership that briefly gave the hosts hope. However, Nathan Ellis produced a superb spell of 5/31 to finish the innings.
Newman Nyamhuri was the standout performer for Zimbabwe with the ball, claiming 5/62 in the first innings. The 20-year-old left-arm quick showed that Zimbabwe can create problems for Australia's batting order, particularly if the new ball offers movement.
Australia, however, have considerably more depth across both departments. Their batting line-up includes Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey and Matthew Renshaw, while the bowling attack has Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.
Zimbabwe will need much more from their top order. Brian Bennett, Ben Curran and Innocent Kaia were unable to provide the platform required in the opening match, leaving Ervine and Raza to rebuild the innings.
The hosts also face the challenge of containing Australia's batting attack. Renshaw's century was particularly significant because Australia were not completely dominant at the start of the innings. If the Australian top order can settle in the second ODI, another substantial total could be on the cards.
Australia's superior depth and confidence after the opening victory make them the stronger selection for today's Zimbabwe vs Australia prediction.
Prediction: Australia to win.
Pitch report
Harare Sports Club generally provides a balanced ODI surface, with the new ball offering some assistance to seamers before batting becomes more comfortable once the ball gets older.
The first ODI provided a good example of the conditions. Australia managed 294/8, while Zimbabwe scored 235 in response. Renshaw was able to score freely once he had spent time at the crease, while Zimbabwe's Newman Nyamhuri found enough assistance to claim five wickets.
The pitch can offer movement for the quicker bowlers early in the innings, meaning the opening 10 overs could be important. Batters who negotiate that period should find opportunities to build substantial scores.
The boundaries are relatively large, which also places greater emphasis on strike rotation. Batters cannot rely entirely on six-hitting and will need to find gaps and run well between the wickets.
Harare Sports Club has historically produced an average first-innings ODI score around the 230-run mark, although recent matches have shown that totals in the 280-300 range are achievable when the batting side makes the most of the conditions.
A score around 270-280 should provide a competitive platform, while 300 or more would put considerable pressure on the chasing side.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to field first.
The source trend indicates that captains have frequently preferred chasing at Harare Sports Club, and the conditions should become slightly easier for batting once the new ball loses its movement.
However, the venue's long-term ODI numbers are relatively balanced between batting first and chasing, so the toss is unlikely to be decisive on its own.
If there is noticeable movement or grass on the surface, bowling first would allow the captain to make maximum use of the conditions against the opposition's top order.
Key players
Zimbabwe
- Sikandar Raza: Zimbabwe's captain made 57 in the opening ODI and combined with Craig Ervine for a 98-run partnership. His contribution with both bat and ball will be crucial.
- Craig Ervine: Ervine was Zimbabwe's leading batter in the first ODI with 59 and will again be expected to provide stability in the middle order.
- Newman Nyamhuri: The young left-arm seamer claimed 5/62 in the opening match and will be one of Zimbabwe's biggest threats with the new ball.
Australia
- Matthew Renshaw: Renshaw produced a superb 109 from 94 balls in the first ODI, his maiden ODI century, and will be full of confidence.
- Nathan Ellis: Ellis claimed 5/31 in the opening match and was the decisive bowler during Zimbabwe's chase.
- Mitchell Marsh: Australia's captain scored 36 from 28 balls in the first ODI and remains a key player at the top of the batting order.
Probable playing XIs
Zimbabwe probable XI
Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor (WK), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (C), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani.
Australia probable XI
Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Matthew Renshaw, Ollie Peake, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
Why Australia are the better pick
Australia enter the second ODI with a 1-0 series lead and the confidence of a comprehensive victory in the opening match.
Their batting depth was evident in the first game. Matthew Renshaw scored 109, Cooper Connolly made 51 and Mitchell Marsh contributed a brisk 36. Even though several of Australia's experienced batters failed to convert their starts, the side still reached 294/8.
Renshaw's century is particularly encouraging for Australia. He showed that the Harare surface can reward a batter who is prepared to bat deep into the innings, while his ability to accelerate late in the innings helped Australia finish strongly.
Zimbabwe's bowling did have one major positive. Newman Nyamhuri claimed five wickets and repeatedly created problems for Australia's batters. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans also provide the hosts with useful pace options.
However, Australia's bowling attack was even more decisive. Nathan Ellis claimed 5/31 and repeatedly removed Zimbabwe's key batters. Adam Zampa provides a quality spin option in the middle overs, while Xavier Bartlett and Spencer Johnson can attack with pace.
Zimbabwe's batting will need to improve significantly. Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza demonstrated their experience with half-centuries in the first ODI, but the top order failed to provide enough runs around them.
Brian Bennett, Ben Curran and Innocent Kaia will need to make better use of the powerplay if Zimbabwe are to challenge Australia's total. The hosts also need a stronger contribution from their lower middle order.
Australia's record at the venue adds another layer to the prediction. They have won eight of their 11 matches at Harare Sports Club, showing that the conditions are not unfamiliar to the visitors.
Zimbabwe have home advantage and enough individual quality to make the contest competitive, but Australia's combination of batting depth, bowling variety and recent momentum gives them the edge.
Australia are backed to win the second ODI and take an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
Bet on ZIM vs AUS today
Australia are the clear pre-match favourites after their 59-run victory in the opening ODI.
Matthew Renshaw's century and Nathan Ellis' five-wicket haul demonstrated the difference in depth between the two teams, while Mitchell Marsh remains a strong option at the top of Australia's batting order.
The Harare surface should also provide opportunities for a batter to build a century if they successfully negotiate the early movement.
Bet on Australia to win.
