Maiden Matt Renshaw ODI century sets up Australia win in Zimbabwe

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

Matt Renshaw scored his first one-day international century to help Australia defeat Zimbabwe by 59 runs in the opening match of their series in Harare. Nathan Ellis’s five-wicket haul secured the win, setting Australia up well as they prepare for the remaining ODIs and their upcoming series against South Africa.

Matt Renshaw scored his maiden one-day international century as Australia secured a 59-run victory over Zimbabwe in the opening match of their three-game series at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday. The win sets the tone for Australia’s continued tour in southern Africa.

Electing to bat first under captain Mitchell Marsh’s leadership, Australia posted a total of 294 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. Renshaw led the innings with a composed 109 runs, his first ODI century and his first international hundred since a 2017 Test against Pakistan. He formed crucial partnerships with Alex Carey and Ollie Peake, adding 72 and 75 runs respectively after the fall of early wickets. Cooper Connolly contributed 51 runs before being dismissed by Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza.

Zimbabwe’s response was curtailed at 235 all out in 45.1 overs. Although the home side showed resilience, particularly through a 98-run partnership between Craig Ervine, who scored 59, and Sikandar Raza, who added 57, they were unable to keep pace with the required scoring rate on a surface known to improve for batting as the innings progressed.

Australia’s pace attack proved decisive, with Nathan Ellis claiming five wickets for 31 runs in 9.1 overs, including key scalps of Ervine and Sikandar that effectively ended Zimbabwe’s hopes of a comeback. Ellis’s performance followed a strong start where he took two early wickets, contributing significantly to restricting the hosts. On Zimbabwe’s side, Newman Nyamhurhi emerged as the standout bowler, taking five wickets for 62 runs, becoming only the second Zimbabwean to claim a five-wicket haul against Australia in ODIs.

Renshaw acknowledged the significance of the innings, noting that he had not anticipated playing one-day cricket for Australia. “Playing any cricket for Australia is awesome. I’m taking it seriously, obviously, but also trying to enjoy it. I know that I play my best when I’m relaxed,” he said.

The second ODI is scheduled for Friday, followed by the final match of the series on Sunday, both to be played in Harare. Following the conclusion of the series against Zimbabwe, Australia will move on to face South Africa in another limited-overs series.

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