Australia beat Zimbabwe in first ODI as Matt Renshaw hits 109

September 15, 2026

Matt Renshaw recorded his first one-day international hundred, helping Australia secure a 59-run victory over Zimbabwe in the opening game of their three-match series at Harare Sports Club. Visiting skipper Mitchell Marsh made the unexpected call to bat upon winning the toss, and the tourists subsequently compiled 294 for eight across their 50 overs.

Renshaw, who struck 109 to log his first century at the international level since a 2017 Test match against Pakistan, received support from Cooper Connolly (51), while also anchoring stands of 72 with Alex Carey and 75 alongside Ollie Peake. For the home side, 20-year-old left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri became only the second Zimbabwean to claim five ODI scalps against Australia, returning figures of 5 for 62.

Chasing a target requiring nearly six runs per over, the hosts slipped to an early four-wicket collapse before Craig Ervine (59) and captain Sikandar Raza (57) revived their hopes through a 98-run alliance. However, Nathan Ellis halted their momentum by bowling Ervine shortly after returning to the attack, while Spencer Johnson clean-bowled Raza with a yorker, as Zimbabwe were ultimately bowled out for 235 after 45.1 overs.

Ellis wrapped up the innings to finish with exceptional numbers of 5 for 31 from 9.1 overs, giving Australia a 1-0 lead ahead of Friday's second clash and Sunday's finale in Harare, which precede Australia's upcoming tour of South Africa.