Photograph: Wonder Mashura/AP

Head’s swashbuckling ton leads Australia to series-clinching ODI win over Zimbabwe

Australia secured an unassailable lead in their one-day international series against Zimbabwe with an 84-run triumph in Friday's second encounter. Opener Travis Head spearheaded the effort by reaching triple figures in just 75 deliveries, eventually finishing with 112 from 84 balls.

Cooper Connolly contributed a key 78 to mark his third consecutive half-century or better in the format, while skipper Mitchell Marsh added 53 to record his 21st ODI fifty. Together, their efforts propelled the hosts to an imposing tally of 356 for 6.

In response, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 272, falling well short of the target. Having wrapped up the series with the win, Australia now head into Sunday's final fixture positioned as heavy favorites to seal a 3-0 sweep.