Renshaw, Ellis help Australia overcome plucky Zimbabwe: 1st ODI (Harare)

Australia began their ODI series against Zimbabwe with a 59-run victory in Harare, posting 294/8 from their 50 overs.

Matt Renshaw produced the standout performance with a superb 109, his maiden ODI century, while Cooper Connolly contributed 51 and Alex Carey 42. Zimbabwe’s Nyamhuri claimed an impressive 5/62, but Australia recovered strongly to set a challenging target.

Zimbabwe’s chase began positively, with Craig Ervine (59) and Sikandar Raza (57) putting together a 98-run partnership. However, Australia’s bowling attack eventually took control, with Nathan Ellis claiming 5/31 to dismiss Zimbabwe for 235 in 45.1 overs.

The result gives Australia a 1–0 lead in the three-match series, while Brendan Taylor’s appearance marked another milestone as he became the longest-serving ODI player in history.

Australia 294 for 8 (Renshaw 109, Connolly 51, Nyamhuri 5-62) beat Zimbabwe 235 (Ervine 59, Raza 57, Ellis 5-31) by 59 runs.

Sept 2026.