Australian cricket celebrated a dual milestone yesterday, September 18, at the Harare Sports Club, as leg-spinner Adam Zampa became only the second Australian spinner to reach 200 One-Day International (ODI) wickets.
His historic achievement coincided with a magnificent century from Travis Head, guiding Australia to a dominant 84-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second ODI, thereby sealing the three-match series.
Zampa’s landmark moment arrived when he dismissed Zimbabwe opener Innocent Kaia with a superb googly in the 25th over, reaching the 200-wicket mark in his 123rd ODI. This made the 34-year-old Zampa the fastest Australian spinner to the milestone, surpassing the legendary Shane Warne, who took 125 matches to achieve the feat. Zampa ultimately finished with figures of 2/62 from nine overs, also accounting for Craig Ervine. He is now the seventh Australian bowler overall to enter the 200-wicket club in ODIs.
Adam Zampa Joins Elite Australian ODI List
| Player | Career Span | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy Rate | Best Bowling |
| Glenn McGrath | 1993-2007 | 249 | 380 | 22.02 | 3.88 | 7/15 |
| Brett Lee | 2000-2012 | 221 | 380 | 23.36 | 4.76 | 5/22 |
| Shane Warne | 1993-2003 | 193 | 291 | 25.82 | 4.25 | 5/33 |
| Mitchell Starc | 2010-Present | 130 | 247 | 23.25 | 5.26 | 6/28 |
| Mitchell Johnson | 2005-2015 | 153 | 239 | 25.26 | 4.83 | 6/31 |
| Craig McDermott | 1985-1996 | 138 | 203 | 24.71 | 4.03 | 5/44 |
| Adam Zampa | 2016-Present | 123 | 201 | 29.48 | 5.51 | 5/35 |
Head Rips Through Zimbabwean Attack
Earlier in the day, after being sent in to bat by Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza, Australia posted a formidable total of 356/6 in their 50 overs, their highest ODI score against Zimbabwe. The innings was anchored by a blistering 112 runs off just 84 balls from Travis Head. Head, aged 33, smashed 15 fours and three sixes in his eighth ODI century, earning him the Player of the Match award.
He shared a commanding 130-run opening stand with captain Mitchell Marsh, who contributed 53 runs. Middle-order contributions from Cooper Connolly (78 off 69 balls) and a quickfire unbeaten 41 off 18 balls from Oliver Peake further boosted Australia’s imposing total.
Zimbabwe’s Valiant Chase Falls Short
In response, Zimbabwe’s chase never truly gained momentum against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite several batters getting starts, no one could convert them into a substantial score needed to challenge the daunting target. Captain Sikandar Raza top-scored for the hosts with 45. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 272 in 48.3 overs, handing Australia an 84-run victory and securing the series.
Australia’s bowling effort saw Josh Hazlewood return from injury with 2/48, while Cooper Connolly wrapped up the innings with two wickets in successive balls. The only concern for Australia was a side strain sustained by fast bowler Billy Stanlake, who left the field after bowling 4.2 overs.
The victory marks a successful tour for Australia so far, with the final ODI against Zimbabwe scheduled for Sunday, September 20, before they travel to South Africa for their next assignment.