Renshaw scores maiden ODI century as Australia beat Zimbabwe

Matt Renshaw scored a maiden One Day International century of 109 to guide Australia to a 59-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first match of their three-game series at Harare Sports Club on Tuesday. The left-hander's innings, which came off 94 balls, was the first ODI hundred by an Australian against Zimbabwe since Michael Clarke in 2004 and set the foundation for a total of 294 for 8. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 235 in reply. Renshaw's knock was the cornerstone of Australia's batting performance after captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to bat first. He anchored the innings during a period of early pressure before accelerating, reaching his fifty off 55 balls and his century off 86 deliveries. This marked the fastest ODI century by an Australian against Zimbabwe, surpassing Adam Gilchrist's 89-ball effort in 2004. It was also the first ODI hundred by an Australian batting at number six or lower since Glenn Maxwell's unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. "It's a pretty amazing opportunity to play ODI cricket," Renshaw said after the match. "If I get to play in that World Cup, it'd be great. I played in a T20 World Cup when I wasn't expecting it.