Record-breaking Finch leads Aussies to big win

The result: Australia 2-229 (Finch 172, Short 46; Muzarabani 2-38) defeated Zimbabwe 9-129 (Mire 29, Moor 19; Tye 3-6) by 100 runs 

The match in a tweet: Aaron Finch breaks his own T20 World Record as Australia steamroll Zimbabwe in their second victory in as many days #ZIMvAUS

The world record: Aaron Finch’s T20 form in 2018 was already brilliant, but his greatest achievement came at the Harare Sports Club against Zimbabwe. After being sent in, Finch blasted 16 fours and 10 sixes in a world-record breaking knock, posting 172 from just 76 balls and defeating the previous best of 156, a record that also belonged to him. He was simply unstoppable and just 24 hours after posting an unbeaten 68, he continued on to carry Australia to 2-229, their fourth highest T20I score of all time. Unfazed throughout his innings, he sent balls flying into the car park on his way to triple figures. The Australian captain was well aware of the record, removing his helmet and saluting the rapturous crowd for the fourth time that morning.

The bizarre dismissal: Zimbabwe couldn't get Finch out, but the Australian skipper managed to dismiss himself in the final over of Australia's innings, kicking over his stumps off a wide ball to be dismissed hit wicket. The result was a strange end to the greatest T20 International innings of all time.

The partnership: Finch’s record knock was also part of the highest partnership in T20 cricket, he and D’Arcy Short combining for 223 runs for the first wicket. They obliterated the previous best of 171no from New Zealand pair Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson and scored 62 more than Australia’s previous best of 161. Short’s knock of 46 from 42 balls allowed Finch the majority of the strike while keeping the score ticking along, the left-hander there for every one of Finch’s milestones in Harare.

The bowling effort: After Solomon Mire (28) made a blistering start to Zimbabwe's innings, Australia were clinical in dismantling the home side to seal victory by 100 runs. Ashton Agar’s spin played a pivotal role as he claimed 2-16 from four overs, unlucky not to have another as replays showed Mire trapped in front. His white-ball form has solidified his standing as Australia’s leading limited-overs spin bowler. Andrew Tye then picked up three wickets to put the icing on a comprehensive Australian victory, finishing with 3-6 from his six overs.

The margin: Australia won by 100 runs, their biggest win ever in T20I internationals. Their previous best was 95 runs, against South Africa in Brisbane in 2006, but it only ranks as equal-13th overall, with the record held by Sri Lanka who defeated Kenya by 172 runs in 2007.

The next stop: Australia go atop the tri-series table after victories over both Zimbabwe and Pakistan in the past two days as they attempt to reclaim the World T20 No.1 ranking by the end of this tournament. The men in gold will enjoy a one-day break - with Zimbabwe to play Pakistan on Wednesday - before again facing Pakistan on Thursday. Victory in that match will ensure Australia passage through to Sunday’s final.

All matches in the T20 tri-series will be broadcast live in Australia on Fox Sports while there will be live scores, highlights and all the latest news on cricket.com.au

Zimbabwe XI: Solomon Mire, Chamu Chibhabha, Hamilton Masakadza (c), Tarisai Musakanda, Peter Moor (wk), Elton Chigumbura, Ryan Burl, Tendai Chisoro, Christopher Mpofu, John Nyumbu, Blessing Muzarabani

Australia XI: Aaron Finch (c), D'Arcy Short, Glenn Maxwell, Travis Head, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Andrew Tye, Kane Richardson, Mitch Swepson, Billy Stanlake

Qantas Tour of Zimbabwe

Australia squad: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (vc), Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Nic Maddinson, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, D'Arcy Short, Billy Stanlake, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Andrew Tye, Jack Wildermuth

Pakistan squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Hussain Talat, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Usman Khan Shinwari, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sahibzada Farhan.

Zimbabwe squad: Hamilton Masakadza (c), Cephas Zhuwao, Chamu Chibhabha, Brian Chari, Tarisai Musakanda, Malcolm Waller, PJ Moor, Tendai Chisoro, Kyle Jarvis, Brandon Mavuta, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Mpofu, Ryan Burl, Solomon Mire, Wellington Masakadza, Elton Chigumbura, Ryan Murray

July 1: Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 74 runs

July 2: Australia beat Pakistan by 9 wickets

July 3: Australia beat Zimbabwe by 100 runs

July 4: Zimbabwe vs Pakistan

July 5: Pakistan vs Australia

July 6: Australia vs Zimbabwe

July 8: Final