Harare, Sep 15: Matt Renshaw struck his maiden ODI century while Cooper Connolly continued his impressive form as Australia posted 294 for eight against Zimbabwe in the first ODI here on Tuesday.
Renshaw, playing his 10th ODI, scored a composed 109 to anchor Australia’s innings after the visitors were reduced to 107 for four in the 18th over. The left-hander built crucial partnerships of 72 with Alex Carey and 75 with Ollie Peake to keep Australia on course for a competitive total.
Renshaw was particularly effective in rotating the strike, collecting 49 singles and seven twos during his innings. He brought up his half-century from 55 balls before accelerating in the latter stages, with his second fifty coming off just 33 deliveries.
His century came when he took a single off Brad Evans’ full toss, triggering warm applause before he was dismissed in the final over.
Connolly also made a valuable contribution, scoring 51 for his second consecutive fifty-plus score. He survived a couple of early chances before eventually being bowled by Sikandar Raza.
Zimbabwe, however, remained in the contest largely because of 20-year-old left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri, who claimed a career-best five for 62. It was Nyamhuri’s maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.
Nyamhuri struck twice during Australia’s middle order and returned at the death to remove Xavier Bartlett before completing his five-wicket haul when Renshaw was caught in the final over.
Zimbabwe also missed several opportunities, with Connolly and Renshaw both benefiting from dropped catches. Raza’s repeated no-balls further added to the hosts’ frustrations.
Australia accelerated towards the end, scoring 66 runs in the final 10 overs despite losing wickets, but Zimbabwe managed to prevent the visitors from reaching the 300-mark.
Renshaw’s century and Connolly’s fifty have given Australia a strong platform, while Nyamhuri’s five-wicket effort ensured Zimbabwe retained a foothold in the contest.
