Australia vs Zimbabwe, 2nd ODI at Townsville, AUS v ZIM, Aug 31 2022 - Match Result

1:15pm Well then. Zimbabwe will have to have a hard look at their batting once again as the final game beckons on Saturday. Will they put up a better show then? As for Australia, Finch's returns with the bat could be a concern for them. Will they look to bat first in the final ODI? Do join us on Saturday to find out. That's all we have for you today. I, Sudarshanan, sign off on behalf of Vairavan and Himanshu. Adios!

1:10pm Time for the presentation.

Aaron Finch, Australia captain: "I thought [bowling] was clinical. The tone set by Starc and Hazlewood was terrific. Couldn't have gone more to plan there. [Carey at No. 4] I think we have to be flexible and understand where you play. Over the next little while, we have to keep experimenting with the different ways to play one day cricket. I have chatted to the boys about flexibility in selection. You just want to keep playing good cricket regardless of the result."

Regis Chakabva, Zimbabwe captain: "I thought Oz bowled really well at us. They used the wicket well and we did not get the guys going and it is unfortunate. It is huge. [On touring Australia] We always want to play against the best. When we came here we knew it was going to be a test for us. I thought the first game went well but today, a lot's to take back. Even though we had a very low total, the bowlers came fighting hard."

Mitchell Starc, player of the match for his three-for: "Few conversations on the golf course. The wicket had a good covering of the grass and was a bit poppy and tennis-ball like ball. Josh and I had to be a bit fuller and attack the stumps more. Our powerplay was good today and the bowling was a big tick today. [Smith] He looked to take the game on and that's the Steve we have seen ten-plus years. He is striking the ball nicely."

Hang around for the presentation, which Suds will bring to you.

Sarthak: "Pretty hard to look beyond Maxi for captainship for LOIs I think. Marsh might be the next best if he wasn't on a hospital bed every month. None of the other guys are regulars in both ODIs and T20Is."

John: "I personally think you can carry a specialist captain in t20 cricket, as bowling/fielding tactics are so important in such a short game. Just my view anyway"

1.32pm Barely a contest, although the entertainment with those two early Australian wickets looked good while it lasted. No trouble after that, as Smith batted like Warner would have loved to - and Finch would have at least hoped to - and carried his side home. Starc set it up early with the ball, and Zimbabwe never recovered after those three early blows. In the end, Australia win with more than 35 overs left.

Free-hit with one to win...

Gareth: "I have no idea why Maxi gets overlooked for the national captaincy in the shorter forms. He's a shrewd operator and shows in his batting, bowling and fielding, and is already one of the first consulted when it comes to tactics and field placings. Give the Big Show the Big Job."

Ten to get. Will this de done in this over itself?

Happy: "Remember Series between India and Australia where Smith scored 2 centuries? He played very aggressively then" --- Why not? Both of those came off 62 balls...

Sankalp: "Let's see if Carey will prevent Smith's 50, like Maxwell did in last match "

Around the stumps to Smith

Williams in with the ball now