Brad Williams took his best wicket haul in one-day cricket as Australia crushed Zimbabwe by 99 runs in their tri-series match at the SCG.

Williams took 5-22 as Australia bowled out Zimbabwe for 126 in 37.3 overs to collect a bonus point and the second win from as many matches in the tournament.

Zimbabwe, having held Australia to 8-225, entertained hopes of beating Australia for the first time since 1983.

But those hopes disappeared in a flash with Williams doing all the damage as five wickets fell in eight overs.

Williams had 4-7 off four overs as Zimbabwe slumped to 5-17, with Williams adding a good catch off the bowling of Jason Gillespie.

Williams and Gillespie used the new ball perfectly on a dull, lifeless deck, pitching up and making the batsmen play.

In 15 balls, Williams had Stuart Carlisle caught by Matthew Hayden at first slip, trapped Grant Flower leg before wicket, removed Mark Vermeulen's middle stump and had Stuart Matsikenyeri caught behind by Adam Gilchrist.

Gillespie removed opener Vusi Sibanda when Williams stayed calm at long leg as he waited for a high ball to come down.

Streak and wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu brought Zimbabwe back into the game when they added 77 for the sixth wicket before Taibu got a thin edge to a ball from Symonds and was caught behind for 29.

Sean Ervine came and went for 14 as Symonds got him to mistime a drive and he was caught at point by Ricky Ponting.

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