Zimbabwe vs Australia, AUS in ZIM, 3 ODIs, 2026 Sep 15 Full score card

OUT! CASTLED! Nathan Ellis wraps things up with a five-wicket haul. Australia win the first ODI by 59 runs. Back-of-the-hand slower one, on the leg-pole, Newman Nyamhuri backs away to his leg side and has a swing at it. Misses out on getting bat on ball, and the ball goes on and hits the leg stump, with the bails flying off.

Slider, into the batter, on leg, Blessing Muzarabani goes for a slog sweep but misses out. Get hit on his pads for no run.

Quicker one, on the pads, Blessing Muzarabani rocks back and looks to tuck it away but misses and gets hit on his pads. A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire tunrs it down.

Blessing Muzarabani is the last man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! That's probably the final nail in the coffin for Zimbabwe. Adam Zampa gets a wicket in his final over. He gives this one some more air, full and on middle, turns away as this is a leg-break. Brad Evans once again goes for a swipe across the line but can only manage a top edge. It goes up in the air towards short third man, where Spencer Johnson moves to his left and takes an easy catch. Australia just one wicket away from the win now.

Flatter, shortish and angling into leg, Brad Evans goes for the slog sweep again but gets a inside edge onto his pads again.

SIX! Up, up and away! Wrong'un, full and on middle, turns in. Brad Evans gets down on one knee and nails the slog sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Brad Evans goes down for the sweep but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Much fuller and just outside off, Newman Nyamhuri goes for the drive but misses. 66 needed in 36 balls!

Good length and on off, Brad Evans runs it down to deep third for one.

Back of a length and around off, Brad Evans has a heave across the line but fails to connect.

Pace off, on a length and on off, Brad Evans pushes it towards cover.

Full and on off, Newman Nyamhuri looks to drive but gets an inside edge towards fine leg for a single.

Into the tail now. Newman Nyamhuri comes out to the middle.

OUT! LBW! That is a terrific review from Australia! Nathan Ellis lands this on a good length, on middle and leg. Wellington Masakadza stays back in his crease and tries to flick it away but the ball skids through and thuds him on the pads. It lobs up towards point as the batters cross. However, there is a big shout for LBW, but it is turned down. Ellis looks pretty confident and convinces his skipper, Mitchell Marsh, to take the review. The only thing here is whether it pitched in line or not. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved, and Ball Tracking shows that it has just pitched in line, and it is three reds, with the ball crashing into the leg stump. The on-field call is changed to Out. Australia are two wickets away from the win now.

Another short delivery, on off, Wellington Masakadza dabs it towards point for a quick one.

WIDE! Flatter, short and around leg, Wellington Masakadza misses his flick. Wided.

Quicker, full and on middle, Brad Evans drills it to long on for a run.

PUT DOWN! Spencer Johnson once again in the thick of things! Flighted, full and on middle, Wellington Masakadza goes for the sweep but gets a top edge. It flies towards deep square leg, where Spencer Johnson comes forward, but he is looking straight into the sun. The ball just drops on him and he stretches his arms out and grabs it with the ball on the top of his fingers. However, he is not celebrating, and his body language suggests this may have touched the ground. The third umpire sees different replays from various angles but is not convinced enough that the fingers are underneath the ball and deems that the ball bounced before going into the hands. Not Out pops up on the big screen.

FOUR! A bit sloppy in the field! Dragged back and around leg, Wellington Masakadza rocks back and heaves it away towards deep square leg. Spencer Johnson moves to his right but fails to judge the spin and the ball goes past him for a boundary.

Wrong'un, full and around off, turns away, Wellington Masakadza goes down for the sweep but misses. Josh Inglis collects and breaks the stumps. The third umpire is called to check for the stumping, but the replay shows that WM has his back foot grounded.

Tossed up, full and outside off, Brad Evans reaches out and thumps it down to long off for a single.

Slower again, full and on middle, Wellington Masakadza taps it out to the off side. Zimbabwe need 77 runs in 48 balls!

Just short of a length and around off, gets some steep bounce, Wellington Masakadza slashes but misses.

Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, Brad Evans flicks it off the middle of the bat as the ball flies just over the leaping mid-wicket fielder. Long on runs to his right and dives to make a good stop. Three taken.

FIVE WIDES! That will help Zimbabwe! Nathan Ellis errs in line and serves this full but down the leg side. Brad Evans fails to glance it away and the ball lands on a footmark and just shoots up. Josh Inglis has no chance as the ball goes over him and races to the fence behind for a boundary.

Slower again, good length and on off, Brad Evans pushes it towards point.

On a length and on off, Brad Evans opens the bat face and guides it through backward point for a run.

Pace off, back of a length and around off, Wellington Masakadza steers it through point for a single.

Nathan Ellis is back on.

Fires this one, full and angling into leg, Brad Evans looks to clip it away but ges an inside edge onto his pads. For a moment, he loses sight of the ball and loes hsi crease, but gets back in time, with Josh Inglis flicking the ball but missing the stumps.

Dragged back, on leg, Wellington Masakadza pulls it wide of square leg, where the fielder gets a hand on it to take the sting out. Three taken.

Slows it up, full and on off, Wellington Masakadza pushes it on the bounce to short cover.

A googly, short and around off, Wellington Masakadza moves back and punches it wide of sweeper cover for a brace.

Floated, full and on middle, turns in, Wellington Masakadza knocks it back to the bowler.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Brad Evans drags it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

POWERPLAY 3! The fielding side will now be allowed 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the contest.

Tossed up on middle and off, Wellington Masakadza pushes this through mid on for a run but Brad Evans denies it. Brad probably decided to turn it down because he got in the way of Cooper Connolly, who was looking to field it.

Floated around off, Wellington Masakadza looks for a little dab around the backward point region but misses out.

Pushed through on the pads, Wellington Masakadza tucks this to mid-wicket for no run.

Fuller around off, Wellington Masakadza drives this through the covers region for a brace. 200 comes up for Zimbabwe.

Quicker one, wide of off, Wellington Masakadza swings and misses out.

Wellington Masakadza is the new batter in.

OUT! LBW! Cooper Connolly comes into the attack and removes the last hope of Zimbabwe by the looks of it. Under-cutter, around middle and off, Wessly Madhevere goes down on one knee and looks to sweep it away but misses and gets hit on his front pad. A loud appeal for LBW and the umpire acknowledges it with a raised index finger. Wessly Madhevere chances his luck this time by sending it upstairs. Nothing on the UltraEdge and three reds with the ball clattering into the middle pole, sees the end of Wessly Madhevere.

Back of a length, on the pads, Wessly Madhevere clips this to the left of the keeper for one.

LEG BYE! Full and onto the pads, Brad Evans misses the flick and gets it tickled off the pads to square leg for a leg bye.

LEG BYE! Hard length, going down the leg side, Wessly Madhevere gets it clipped off the pads for a leg bye.

UNBELIEVABLE! Nathan Ellis has dropped a sitter. On a length, around middle and off, angling back into the batter. Brad Evans goes for a flick but ends up clipping this straight to mid on. Nathan Ellis settles himself underneath it but fails to grab hold of it. Single taken.

On a length, around off, Brad Evans jams it out.

Just kept a bit low. Full and wide of off, Brad Evans crouches low to keep it out but misses out as the ball keeps low.

Good length, on top of off, Wessly Madhevere gets it away to the right of backward point for no run.

Short and wide of off, Brad Evans cuts this through square on off for a single.

Short and wide of off, Wessly Madhevere helps this to the third man region for one.

FOUR! That's been smashed through the covers for four runs. Good length, around off, Wessly Madhevere presses onto his front foot and punches this past the right of extra cover for a boundary.

Yorker, around off, Wessly Madhevere jams it out.

Ona length, around off, Wessly Madhevere stays leg side of the ball and keeps it out.

Xavier bowls it around a good length, on off, Wessly Madhevere gets onto his back foot and dabs this through point for a run.

WIDE! On a length, down the leg side. Wided.

Back of a length, around off, Brad Evans guides this through the backward point region for a single to open his account.

Slower one, short and wide of off, Wessly Madhevere pulls this through mid-wicket for a single.

On a length, around the pads, Wessly Madhevere milks this through mid-wicket for a single.

Good length, around off, Wessly Madhevere dabs this to the point region for no run.

Good length, onto the pads, Wessly Madhevere tucks this through the square leg region for a brace.

Brad Evans is the next batter in.

OUT! TIMBER! This was on the cards as Raza was getting frustrated. Yorker, on the roots of the off-pole, Sikandar Raza gets late in bringing his bat down and pays with his wicket as the ball goes on and breaks the furniture. Sikandar Raza departs on 57. Zimbabwe are 181 for 6.

Something has to give here. On a length, around middle and leg, Sikandar Raza tucks this to mid on for no run.

Good length, around off, Sikandar Raza punches this to the right of extra cover for a dot.

Swing and a miss. Spencer Johnson follows Raza to his leg and bowls a yorker, around leg, Sikandar Raza swings and misses on the slog.

NO BALL! Spencer Johnson has overstepped. Short and on middle and off, Wessly Madhevere tucks this to the right of the mid-wicket fielder for a single. Free Hit to follow. Chance for Raza to free his arms.

On a length, around the pads, going down the leg side, Sikandar Raza tickles this to the fine leg fielder for a single.

On a length, around middle and off, Sikandar Raza punches this back to the bowler.

At the same stage, Australia were 198 for 5. Spencer Johnson comes back into the attack.

This sort of knock by Wessly Madhevere is putting pressure on Sikandar Raza. Good length, on middle and off, Wessly Madhevere blocks it out.

Short and around off, Sikandar Raza guides this to the third man region for a single.

On a length, around the pads, Wessly tucks this through mid-wicket for one run.

Good length, around off, Wessly Madhevere pushes this to point for no run.

LEG BYE! Full and on the pads, Sikandar Raza gets it clipped off his pads to the fine leg region for a leg bye.

Back of a length, around off, Raza dabs this to point for no run.

Sikandar Raza is struggling with his right knee and is seen clutching it time and again. The physio has been called out in the middle and he is now treating the area that's troubling Raza. Also, Australia will now pick one ball to continue till the rest of the innings.

Short of a length, around off, Sikandar Raza rocks back and punches this through covers for a single.

Pushed through on the pads, Wessly Madhevere tucks this to the right of mid-wicket for a single.

Full and wide of off, Wessly Madhevere drives this to the right of Cooper Connolly at extra cover. CC dives and fields it.

Floated around off, Sikandar Raza looks to slog it away but gets it edged off the inner portion of his bat to the square leg region for a single.

Tossed up, on middle and off, Wessly Madhevere rolls this down to the ground to long on for one.

Flighted around off, Sikandar Raza looks to push this through te off side but gets it edged off the inside to fine leg for one.

Full and around off, Wessly Madhevere presses onto his front foot and drives this to extra cover.

On a length, around off, Wessly Madhevere leans across the line and keeps it out.

Short and around off, Wessly Madhevere pats this to point for a dot.

An excellent review by Wessly Madhevere​​​​​​. Ellis just can't put a foot wrong in this game. Good length, around off, Wessly Madhevere looks for the flick but misses and gets hit on his front pad. A loud appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Wessly Madhevere sends this upstairs straightaway. UltraEdge shows a spike as the ball was next to the bat. Wessly Madhevere survives a scare.

Back of a length, around the pads, Wessly tucks this to square leg for a dot ball.

Good length, around off, Sikandar Raza plays this late and dabs this through the short third region for a single.

Flighted, around off, Sikandar Raza drives this to sweeper cover for a single.

Fuller around off, Sikandar Raza pushes this to point for a dot.

Slider, on the pads, Wessly Madhevere flicks this through mid on for a single.

Half-tracker, around off, Sikandar Raza pats this to the left of short mid-wicket for a single to bring up his half-century. Raza is playing a brilliant knock in this chase.

Wrong'un, around off, Wessly Madhevere punches this off his back foot through the left of Zampa for a single.

Flighted, around off, Sikandar Raza pushes this down to long on for a single. Raza moves to 49.

Good length, around off, Wessly Madhevere rocks back and defends this off his back foot.

Back of a length, around off, Wessly Madhevere rocks back and keeps it out.

FOUR! A boundary to open the account for Wessly Madhevere. Short and wide of off, width on offer, Wessly Madhevere cuts this through the right of backward point for a boundary.

DRINKS! Just as Zimbabwe were starting to feel comfortable in the chase, Nathan Ellis was brought back into the attack and he broke through. The hopes of the hosts now rest on the broad shoulders of their skipper for the game, Sikandar Raza and the rest to follow. With Zimbabwe still needing 135 more runs to win off the last 117 runs, Australia know that they will need to see the back of Raza as soon as they could to deflate the balloon of hope that the hosts are riding on.

OUT! CASTLED! Nathan Ellis comes back into the attack and breaks a threatening partnership. Good length, on off, shaping away a hint from the batter. Craig Ervine plays inside the line and gets beaten on the outside. The ball goes on and uproots the off-pole. The 98-run stand has been broken.

On a length, around the pads, Craig Ervine works this to the fine leg region for a couple of runs.

Good length, around off, Craig Ervine rocks back and dabs this to backward point.

Dragged back, on middle, Sikandar Raza pats it towards to the left of short mid-wicket.

Low full toss, on middle, Sikandar Raza goes down and swipes it away but straight to short mid-wicket.

Short and around off, Craig Ervine punches it through covers for a single.

Massive moment in the game! Flighted, full and on middle, turns in a bit. Craig Ervine gets down and across to scoop it but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball rolls towards fine leg. There is a big appeal for LBW, but tuned down. Two leg byes taken. It looks pretty straight if no bat is involved, and Mitchell Marsh takes the review. UltraEdge confirms no bat or gloves involved but Ball Tracking shows that it is clipping the leg stump on umpire's call. Ervine survives!

Floated, full and on off, Sikandar Raza taps it towards cover for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Sikandar Raza prods forward and blocks it out.

Back of a length and around off, Sikandar Raza punches it through cover-point for a single.

Low full toss, around off, Sikandar Raza drills it right into the hands of extra cover.

Good length, on off, keeps a bit low, Sikandar Raza fails to get his bat down as the ball goes under and rolls to the keeper. Another No Ball for overstepping. Free Hit up next.

Short of a length and outside off, Sikandar Raza cuts it away, but the fielder at point dives to his right to make the stop.

Fuller and on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it towards short cover.

Not sure what the holdup is here. Craig Ervine has signalled to the dressing room for something. We are good to go again.

Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Craig Ervine miscues his pull shot towards deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Pitched up, on middle, angling in, Sikandar Raza knocks it towards mid on for a quick single. Uh..oh! Johnson has overstepped here. No Ball called and it will be a Free Hit.

Fuller and around off, Sikandar Raza drives it through covers for an easy double.

Flatter, full and on off, Craig Ervine drives it away but fails to beat cover-point. Zimbabwe need 148 runs in 132 balls!

Slows it up, full and on off, Sikandar Raza taps it towards cover for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sikandar Raza defends it on the front foot.

Dragged back, outside off, Sikandar Raza cuts it wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

Short again, on middle, Craig Ervine punches it down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Gets it away! Flatter, shortish and around leg. Craig Ervine goes down on one knee and paddles it away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Good length, on middle, Sikandar Raza keeps it out.

Superb comeback! Dug into the surface, on off, takes off sharply. Sikandar Raza is a bit late to drop his hands as the ball zips past the outside edge.

FOUR! Put away! Short of a length and well outside off, Sikandar Raza gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it to the deep point fence for a boundary.

FIFTY FOR ERVINE! A crucial knock and this has come under pressure here. Hard length and on leg, Craig Ervine glances it towards fine leg for a run.

Fuller and on off, angling in, Craig Ervine blocks it out.

Good length and around off, shapes away off the deck. Craig Ervine looks to push it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Pace back on with Spencer Johnson.

Pushed through quicker, full and on off, Sikandar Raza steers it away towards short third.

Tossed up, full and around off, Craig Ervine drives it a bit uppishly but in the gap through covers for one.

Fires this one, full and on middle, Sikandar Raza jams it out towards point for another run.

Flighted, full and on off, Craig Ervine guides it through point for a run.

Floats it up, full and on off, Craig Ervine knocks it back to the bowler.

Short and outside off, Sikandar Raza punches it towards sweeper cover for a single. Raza will feel he missed out there.

Oliver Peake joins the attack now.

Slows it up, full and on off, Sikandar Raza lunges out and taps it with soft hands in front of cover for a quick one.

Dragged back on off, Sikandar Raza stabs it out to extra cover.

A bit short, on off, Craig Ervine nudges it towards backward square leg for one.

Flighted, full and around off, Sikandar Raza opens the bat face and steers it through point for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Sikandar Raza blocks it out.

Floated, full and on leg, Craig Ervine stays back and clips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Change of ends for Cooper Connolly.

Comes around the wicket, bowls this shortish, on middle, Sikandar Raza pats it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Short and punished! Matt Renshaw drags his length back, just outside off. Sikandar Raza uses the width on offer, rocks back and slaps it through extra covers for four more runs.

Flatter, full and on off, Craig Ervine pushes it through covers for one/

FOUR! Top shot! Floated, full and on off. Craig Ervine strides out and drives it with sublime timing through covers. No chance for the fielder in the deep to stop the boundary.

Goes short and on middle, Sikandar Raza punches it down to long on for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it to short cover.

Flighted, full and on off, Sikandar Raza bunts it out towards long off for one more.

Flatter, short and on off, Sikandar Raza stabs it out to the off side.

FOUR! Finds the gap! Flighted delivery, full and on off. Sikandar Raza backs himself, leans onto the drive and caresses it through covers, even with an extra fielder as the ball races to the fence for a boundary. That also brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.

Short again, on middle, Craig Ervine pulls it away to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Drops it short, on middle, Sikandar Raza heaves it off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it to short extra cover.

Fires this one, full and on the pads, Craig Ervine tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Flatter, full and on off, Sikandar Raza drives it to long off for one.

FOUR! Powered away! Drops it short, outside off. Sikandar Raza extends his arms to reach out and slaps it away to the deep extra cover fence for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and around off, Craig Ervine pushes it through covers for a run.

Flighted, full and on leg, Craig Ervine tucks it to short fine.

Floated, short and on middle, Sikandar Raza punches it down to long on for a single.

Slows it up, full and on leg, Craig Ervine tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Flighted, full and on off, Sikandar Raza opens the bat face and pushes it through cover-point for one. 100 up for Zimbabwe!

Floated, full and on off, Sikandar Raza drills it wide of long off and comes back for the second run.

Short again, on leg, Craig Ervine stays back and clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

Short and on off, Sikandar Raza punches it to long off for a single.

FOUR! Excellent shot! Tossed up, full and on off, Sikandar Raza gets his hands through the drive and crashes it through covers for a boundary.

On a length, around the pads, Sikandar Raza punches this to mid on and takes a quick run.

Bouncer, around off, Raza leaves it.

Good length, on the pads, Sikandar Raza hops across and tucks this to square leg.

Full and onto the pads, Craig Ervine tickles this through square leg for one.

On a length, around middle and off, Craig Ervine defends this off his back foot.

Good length, around off, Craig Ervine defends this out.

Flatter and fuller, around middle and leg, Raza blocks this to the bowler for no run.

Tossed up, on off, Craig finds the gap for one.

Quicker one, around off, Craig Ervine punches this to mid off for no run.

Pushed through around the pads, Craig Ervine scoops this to the fine leg region for a couple.

Fuller around the pads, Craig Ervine works this to short fine leg for a dot.

Flighted, around off, Sikandar Raza drives this to sweeper cover for one run.

FOUR! Hammered away in the gap for four. Pitched-up delivery, around off, Craig Ervine strides close to the pitch of the ball and smashes this in the gap between extra cover and covers for four runs.

Full and on the pads, Raza works this through the leg side for a single.

On a length, around off, Raza keeps it out.

Back of a length, around off, Craig Ervine flicks this through square leg for a single.

On a length, around off, Craig Ervine keeps it out.

Back of a length, going across the batter. Craig Ervine rocks back and dabs this to point.

Floated around off, Sikandar Raza backs away and drives this to extra cover for no run.

Quicker one, on the pads, Craig Ervine works this through the mid-wicket region for a single.

Fuller around off, Craig Ervine rocks onto his front foot and blocks it out.

Tossed up, round off, Craig Ervine thumps this on the bounce back to the bowler.

Too full, around off, Sikandar Raza drives this through covers for a single.

Fuller around off, Sikandar Raza gets onto his back foot and keeps it out.

Fired around off, Sikandar Raza works this away in the gap for a single. 14 runs off the over!

Pushed though on middle and off, Craig Ervine drives this through covers for one.

FOUR! Darted onto the pads, Craig Ervine pulls this off his back foot through the right of the deep mid-wicket fielder for a boundary this time.

SIX! THis has been hammered away for a huge six. Short of a length, on middle and off, Craig Ervine goes onto his back foot and slogs this deep into the crowd for a huge six towards the deep mid-wicket region.

Pushed through on the pads, Sikandar Raza tucks this through the mid on region for a single.

Tossed up, around off, Craig Ervine flicks this through mid on for a single.

First maiden of the game and Nathan Ellis bowls it. Bouncer, on leg, Sikandar Raza ducks down.

Good length, angling into the batter, Sikandar Raza punches this to extra cover for a dot.

Short and around off, Sikandar Raza rocks back and keeps it out.

Short and around off, Sikandar Raza rocks back and looks to play the upper-cut but misses.

On a length, around off, Sikandar Raza defends this off his front foot.

Good length, onto the pads, Sikandar Raza rocks back and keeps it out.

Too full, around off, Craig Ervine punches this to extra cover.

Short of a length, around off, Craig Ervine cuts this to point.

Fuller arond off, Sikandar Raza flicks this through mid on for a single.

DRINKS! It has not been the sort of start Zimbabwe were looking for after knowing that they are chasing 295. Brian Bennett was going well but that double-wicket over from Nathan Ellis has put Zimbabwe on the back foot. Sikandar Raza comes out to bat now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Error in judgment by Brendan Taylor costs him his wicket. You just cannot keep Matt Renshaw out of this game. A maiden ODI hundred with the bat and now a wicket as well. Pushed through around off, Brendan Taylor jumps onto his front foot and looks to go big down the ground but miscues it off the bottom of his bat towards Xavier Bartlett at long on, who holds onto it.

Fuller around off, Brendan Taylor pushes this away to the fielder.

Matt comes around the stumps, bowls a quicker one, into the batter, Craig Ervine backs away and keeps it out.

Slower one, on a length, around off, Brendan Taylor defends this off his front foot.

Good length, onto the pads, Craig Ervine tucks this to the fine leg region for a single.

Bouncer, around off, Craig Ervine goes for a pull but misses out.

Good length, on off, going across the batter. Craig Ervine cuts this on the bounce to backward point for another dot.

Back of a length, around off, Craig Ervine goes for a cut but gets it under-edged towards the silly point region.

Slower one, full and on off, Craig Ervine crouches low and guides this to point.

Fuller around off, Craig Ervine drives this through mid off for a single.

FOUR! That has been smashed away to the fence. Flighted, around off, Craig Ervine gets on top of the bounce and smashes this wide to the right of the fielder at mid on for a boundary down to the long on fence.

Pushed through around off, Craig Ervine gets on top of the bounce and keeps it out.

Tossed up, on the pads, Brendan Taylor helps this away to the fine leg region for one run.

Fuller, wide of off, Brendan Taylor steps across the line and keeps it out.

Fuller around off, Brendan Taylor punches this to the left of short mid-wicket.

Matt Renshaw comes into the attack.

FOUR! Pitched-up delivery, around middle and off, Craig Ervine leans inside the line of the ball and punches this down the ground to the long on fence for a boundary.

On a length, around the pads, Brendan Taylor tickles this fine to the fine leg region for a single. 50 comes up for Zimbabwe.

Back of a length, around off, Craig Ervine plays this late and cuts this to deep third for a single.

On a length, around off, Craig Ervine cuts this to point for no run.

Good length, in the channel, going across the batter. Craig Ervine has a poke at it but gets beaten.

On a length, around the pads, Craig Ervine tucks this to the left of the bowler, who fields it.

Just when it looked like Zimbabwe were recovering from the early blow, Nathan Ellis' double-wicket over has pushed them on the back foot again, and they will have to rebuild again.

POWERPLAY 2! The fielding side will now be allowed 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.

Hard length and on leg, Craig Ervine glances it to fine leg for a run.

Short of a length and around off, Brendan Taylor crouches low and plays the upper cut, but gets a bit cramped up. He hits it much squarer, but it does not carry to third man. A single taken.

On a length and on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it out.

Back of a length and on middle, Brendan Taylor tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Good length and around off, angling away, Brendan Taylor leaves it alone.

Fuller and on middle and leg, Brendan Taylor looks to clip it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Both set batters are gone in the same over. Craig Ervine is the next man in.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Nathan Ellis with the double whammy. He lands this on a hard length and just around off, skids through a bi. Brian Bennett stays in his crease and tries to punch it away, but only with his hands and not moving his feet at all. Gets a thin outside edge behind, where Josh Inglis makes no mistake. 45/1 becomes 46/3 for Zimbabwe.

Full again and on off, Brian Bennett drills it to short cover.

Fuller and on middle, Brian Bennett blocks it down the pitch.

Back of a length and around leg, Brendan Taylor nudges it to fine leg for a run.

The next batter in is Brendan Taylor.

OUT! TAKEN! A fantastic catch, and Nathan Ellis strikes in his very first over. He cleverly rolls his fingers to take pace, serves this full and on middle, grips the surface and moves in a bit. Innocent Kaia gets completely deceived by the lack of pace and ends up tucking it uppishly in front of mid-wicket. Alex Carey, who usually has the gloves, runs forward and puts in a full-length dive to his front to take a superb catch. Zimbabwe are 45/2, chasing 295 runs.

Nathan Ellis comes in as the first bowling change! Good length and around off, Brian Bennett pushes it through cover for a single.

Much fuller and on off, shaping away, Innocent Kaia drives it to short cover.

The physio is in for the mandatory concussion check. Innocent Kaia is good to go again.

Xavier Bartlett bangs in a nasty bouncer, on middle, takes off sharply as well. Innocent Kaia goes for the pull but is through his shot early and the ball hits him flush on the helmet.

Back of a length and on middle, Innocent Kaia tucks it to short mid-wicket.

On a length and on off, Innocent Kaia gets half-forward and blocks it out.

WIDE! Pitched up, but down the leg side, Innocent Kaia fails to glance it away. Wided.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Full delivery and around off. Innocent Kaia leans onto the drive and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Big shout for LBW, and given out! Xavier Bartlett bowls this on a good length, on middle and leg, angling in a bit. Innocent Kaia gets stuck in his crease and tries to work it across the line but misses and gets hit on the pads. Kaia reviews it right away. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows the ball going over the leg stump. The on-field calls is changed to Not Out.

FOUR! A boundary now! Spencer Johnson bangs this into the pitch again, but not short enough to trouble the batter. Brian Bennett picks up the length early and pulls it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a one-bounce four. 10 runs off the over.

Pitched up and just on off, angling away, Brian Bennett leaves it alone.

SIX! That is a shot and a half! Spencer Johnson lands this short of a length, on middle. Brian Bennett pounces on it in a flash and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

A bouncer, on middle and off, Brian Bennett ducks under it.

Hard length and on off, Brian Bennett stabs it out off the bottom edge towards mid off.

Back of a length and on off, Brian Bennett punches it towards cover-point.

Another full delivery, on off, Innocent Kaia drills it hard but finds wide mid off.

Goes fuller, on middle, Innocent Kaia knocks it to the left of mid on.

Good length and on off, Innocent Kaia stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

FOUR! Put away! Short of a length and on middle and leg, sits up nicely for the batter. Innocent Kaia gets on top of it, rolls his wrists and pulls it to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Pitched up and on off, Brian Bennett drives it towards mid off for a single.

Full delivery, on off, Brian Bennett pushes it towards cover.

Top effort! Much fuller and around off, Brian Bennett throws his hands at it and slices it. It flies wide of backward point, where Cooper Connolly dives to his left and tries to grab it with his outstretched hand, but the ball just does not stick in. They cross. A tough chance, but a chance nonetheless.

Short of a length and just outside off, Brian Bennett punches it away but cannot beat cover-point.

Back of a length and around off, Brian Bennett stabs it out to the off side.

Typical fast bowler's response! Spencer Johnson bangs in a quick bouncer, on middle, Brian Bennett ducks under it.

FOUR! Classy! Fuller delivery, on off. Brian Bennett presents the full face of the bat and drives it gloriously down the ground to the long off fence for a boundary.

On a length and on middle, Innocent Kaia tucks it through square leg for a single.

Hard length and around leg, Brian Bennett clips it towards square leg.

Beauty! Just back of a length and on the fifth stump line, holds its line and takes off a bit. Brian Bennett has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Pitched up and just around off, shaping away. Innocent Kaia goes for the drive but gets an outside edge that flies past the second slip, towards third man. They cross.

BUZZERS! Fuller and on off, Innocent Kaia drives it towards cover and sets off for the run. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but well wide of the stumps. Adam Zampa gets around to back it up, but lets it through his legs. He has to get up and chase after it, but the batters get three more in that time. The crowd loves it and lets Zampa know about his error.

Good length and on off, Brian Bennett guides it off the outer half of the bat towards deep third for a single.

Back of a length and around off, Brian Bennett gets on top of the bounce and punches it through covers for a couple of runs.

Much fuller and around off, Innocent Kaia drives it firmly but straight to short cover.

In the air...SAFE! Spencer Johnson bangs in a well-directed bumper, on middle and leg. Innocent Kaia looks to pull it away but gets rushed. It takes the top edge and flies over the keeper's head, but fine leg cuts it out. Two taken.

Back of a length, on middle, shaping in, Brian Bennett clips it through square leg for a run.

Dug into the surface, just outside off, Brian Bennett ducks under it.

Good length and around leg, Innocent Kaia nudges it towards deep fine leg for a single.

Back of a length and on middle, shoots up off the deck. Innocent Kaia hops up to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the body.

FOUR! Uppish but in the gap! Pitched up and around off, Brian Bennett looks to drive it away but the ball just stops on him a bit. He hits it aerailly but wide of mid off as the ball races to the fence for the first boundary of the chase.

Bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle, Brian Bennett ducks under it.

On a length and on middle, Brian Bennett blocks it out.

Goes fuller and on middle, angling in sharply. Innocent Kaia steps across to flick it but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. There is a big shout for LBW, but turned down. Marsh has a chat with his bowler and keeper, but does not take the review. It is given as runs, so maybe an inside edge as well.

Early blow for Zimbabwe. Innocent Kaia walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Xavier Bartlett draws first blood! He hits the length hard, around off, gets it to shape back in a bit. Ben Curran looks to drive it on the up, but the length is just not there for the shot. It hits him high on the bat and lobs up towards mid off, where Nathan Ellis takes a dolly. A two-baller for Curran, and Zimbabwe are 1/1, chasing 295 runs.

Xavier Bartlett begins with a good-length delivery, on off, angling away. Ben Curran leaves it alone.

Xavier Bartlett will share the attack.

Touch fuller, on off, Brian Bennett strides out and pushes it towards cover. A fumble but it does not cost anything. Just one wide off the first over!

Good length and on middle, nips back in, Brian Bennett tucks it away towards short mid-wicket.

Pitched up and on middle, shaping in, Brian Bennett taps it out towards short cover.

Just back of a length and around off, angling away, Brian Bennett throws his hands at it but misses. Josh Inglis dives to his right to grab it well.

WIDE! Pitched up and outside off again, but a bit too much this time. Brian Bennett leaves it alone. Wided. Zimbabwe are underway with extras!

Full again but well outside off, but just inside the tramline, Brian Bennett lets it go.

Beaten! Spencer Johnson starts with a full delivery, on off, angling away a bit. Brian Bennett goes for the drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

A single to end the innings! Newman Nyamhuri goes fuller, on middle, Nathan Ellis drills it down to long on for just one. Australia finish on 294/8!

Uppish but safe! Newman Nyamhuri bangs this into the pitch, on leg. Nathan Ellis looks to pull it away but gloves it behind. It lobs up and just evades the diving Brendan Taylor to his left. Ellis comes back for the second run.

Back of a length and around off, Adam Zampa stands tall and flat-bats it over mid off. Sikandar Raza chases after it and dives to push it back inside. Three taken.

On a length and around off, Adam Zampa taps it out towards cover.

Adam Zampa is the next batter in.

OUT! IN THE AIR...GONE! Newman Nyamhuri gets his maiden ODI five-wicket haul. He has bowled really well and deserves it. This is pitched up, on middle. Matt Renshaw steps across and tries to slog across the line but gets more height than distance as he hits it from the bottom half of the bat. It goes miles in the air towards deep mid-wicket, where Wessly Madhevere runs forward, settles under the skier and takes a superb catch. Renshaw walks back after a fantastic ton.

Fuller delivery, on off, Matt Renshaw blasts it down the pitch, past the bowler and calls for two. The fielder from long off moves to his left to cut it out, but cannot stop the second run.

Newman Nyamhuri to bowl the final over.

Good length and around leg, holds up on the surface. Matt Renshaw looks to flick but gets a leading edge as the ball pops up towards cover for another run. A superb penultimate over from Blessing Muzarabani, giving away just 3 runs.

Goes fuller and on middle, Matt Renshaw drills it wide of the bowler. Blessing Muzarabani on his follow-through, sticks out his left hand to make the stop.

Dug into the surface, outside off, takes pace off, Nathan Ellis slaps it to deep point for a run.

Short of a length, targeting the body of the batter again. Nathan Ellis once again goes for the pull but has no room to work with and fails to connect.

Bangs this into the pitch, angling into the body of the batter. Nathan Ellis gets cramped on the pull and misses.

Back of a length and on off, Matt Renshaw punches it towards cover for a quick single.

A good wide yorker, outside off, Matt Renshaw reaches out and jams it towards extra cover for just one.

Pitched up and outside off, angling away, Matt Renshaw moves across to slog it over mid-wicket but misses.

FOUR! Powered away! Fuller delivey, on off. Matt Renshaw crouches on one knee, gets underneath it and smacks it back past the bowler, to the long off fence for a boundary.

Brad Evans is down with cramps. The team physio is out in the middle to look after the pacer.

Short of a length and outside off, Nathan Ellis cuts it towards deep point for another run.

MAIDEN ODI HUNDRED FOR MATT RENSHAW! This has been a fantastic knock and he has looked flawless throughout his innings. Good length and on off, Matt Renshaw guides it through point for a single. He takes off his helmet and raises his bat with a big smile to celebrate his milestone. Gets a big hug from his partner, Nathan Ellis, as well. He will hope this is the first of many for his country.

On a length and on middle, Nathan Ellis pats it to the leg side for a quick single.

Brad Evans is brought back into the attack.

Touch fuller, on middle, Matt Renshaw steps across and tucks it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs. He moves to 99!

Hard length and on off, Nathan Ellis plays it late and runs it down to third man for another run.

Short of a length and on off, Nathan Ellis dabs it down to point.

A good sharp bouncer, on middle, Nathan Ellis sways away from it.

Hits the deck hard, on leg, Matt Renshaw nudges it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Back of a length and on off, Nathan Ellis guides it towards deep third for a single.

Right in the blockhole, on off, Nathan Ellis just gets his bat down in time to dig it out towards deep third for one. Just 4 runs and a wicket off the over. Superb stuff!

Nathan Ellis is the next batter in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Newman Nyamhuri gets his fourth of the game. He lands this short of a length, outside off, takes pace off again. Xavier Bartlett backs away and tries to slap it away but goes through the shot a bit early. He gets no elevation at all as the ball flies straight to extra cover, where Craig Ervine gets low and takes a simple catch. Australia are 269/7 now.

Swing and a miss! Pace off, hard length and just on off. Xavier Bartlett has a big heave across the line but fails to connect.

Pitched up and around off, Matt Renshaw steps across and wrists it to long on for another run. He moves to 96 now.

Fuller and on off, Xavier Bartlett drills it towards long on for a run.

Back of a length and around leg, Matt Renshaw glances it wide of short fine. Blessing Muzarabani quickly gets down to his left to make a good stop. A single taken.

Newman Nyamhuri replaces Sikandar Raza.

Quicker one, around off, Xavier Bartlett hits this to the mid-wicket fielder for no run.

Fired on middle and off, Xavier Bartlett punches this to the right of the bowler for a dot.

Darted onto the pads, Matt Renshaw pulls this to deep square leg for a single.

Floated around off, Xavier Bartlett pats this in the gap and rotates.

Too full, onto the pads, Matt Renshaw works this to the mid-wicket for a single.

Yorker, around off, Xavier Bartlett rolls this through mid off for a single.

Short of a length, on middle and off, Matt Renshaw pulls this through the mid-wicket region and takes two runs here.

Tossed up, around off, Xavier Bartlett punches this in the gap on off for a run.

WIDE! Full and wide down the leg side. Wided.

Pushed through on middle and off, Xavier Bartlett gets onto his back foot and punches this back to Raza

Darted on off, Xavier Bartlett hits this back to the bowler.

Quicker one, on the pads, Matt Renshaw flicks this through mid on for one run.

Full and straight on middle and leg, Xavier Bartlett flicks this through mid-wicket for one.

NO BALL! Raza hasn't overstepped but it is for one less fielder inside the circle. Short and around off, Matt Renshaw cuts this square on off to point. Well, Raza is not happy with something and it looks like Ryan Burl is making his way to the ground. Tino Mawoyo on air mentions that Zimbabwe had just 10 players on the field for this ball and only 3 inside the circle. Bizarre!

A very unfortunate way to go. Xavier Bartlett comes out to the middle.

OUT! HIT WICKET! Would you believe it? Oliver Peake has broken his stumps. Good length, around off, Oliver Peake is already standing deep inside the crease, then hops up and moves back further to tuck this through mid-wicket. The back foot of Oliver breaks the stumps and he has to walk back here. Australia are 254/6 now.

On a length, around off, Oliver Peake drives this straight to extra cover for a dot.

On a length, around middle and off, Matt Renshaw tucks this through the mid-wicket region for a single.

Short and onto the leg side, Matt helps this with a flick through square for a couple.

WIDE! Good length, wide down the leg side. Wided.

FOUR! Lofted over for four runs. On a length, around off, Matt Renshaw leans onto the pitch of the ball and lofts this over extra cover for another boundary. Matt Renshaw moves to 65. Also, 250 comes up for Australia.

FOUR! Back of a length, around middle and leg, Matt Renshaw flicks this through the square leg region for a boundary. This has been flicked right in the gap for a boundary.

WIDE! On a length, around off, on the other side of the tramline. Wided.

SIX! That's been tonked out of the park. Tossed up, around middle and off, Oliver Peake gets close to the pitch of the ball and slogs this up and over the long on region for a huge six.

Pushed through on the pads, Oliver Peake milks this through the mid-wicket region and takes a brace.

Short of a length, around off, Oliver Peake cuts this to deep point for a single.

Quicker one, around the pads, Matt Renshaw tucks this through mid-wicket for a run.

Fuller around middle and off, Oliver Peake slog sweeps this to deep mid-wicket region for a single.

Floated around off, Oliver Peake keeps it out to covers.

Good length, around off, Oliver Peake smashes this through mid-wicket for one run.

Good length, in the channel, Oliver Peake has a poke at it but misses out.

Good length, on off, Oliver Peake defends this off his back foot.

On a length, around off, Matt Renshaw punche this through the covers region for one.

Short again, around middle and off, Oliver Peake pulls this through square leg for a single. 50-run stand comes up between these two.

The physio is in to check on Newman Nyamhuri, who is may be suffering from some cramps. Good to go again.

Short and wide fo off, Oliver Peake looks for the cut but bails out at the end.

POWERPLAY 3! The fielding side will now be allowed 5 fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the end of the innings. Also, Newman Nyamhuri replaces Blessing Muzarabani.

Slightly shorter, on middle, Matt Renshaw clips it to short mid-wicket.

Darts this one into the blockhole, drifting into leg, Matt Renshaw jams it down the pitch.

Flighted, full and on middle, Oliver Peake stays back and taps it in front of short cover for a quick one.

Flatter, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw drives it to long off for a run.

Short again, on middle, Oliver Peake punches it down to long on for a single.

Floated, short and outside off, Oliver Peake cuts it to point.

Hard length and on middle, Oliver Peake runs it down to deep third for one.

Good length and on leg, Oliver Peake hops up and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Short of a length and on middle, Oliver Peake steers it towards point.

Bangs in a well-directed bumper, on middle, Oliver Peake ducks under it.

Back of a length and on middle and leg, holds its line. Matt Renshaw looks to work it across the line but gets a leading edge towards cover for a run.

Fuller and on off, Oliver Peake pushes it towards cover for a single.

Slows it up, shortish and on off, Matt Renshaw pats it back to the bowler.

Dragged back, around off, Oliver Peake steers it through point for one.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Sikandar Raza bowls this quicker, short and down the leg side. Oliver Peake tickles it away wide of short fine. Blessing Muzarabani chases after but gives up a bit too early os the ball reaches the fence for a boundary. Raza not happy with the effort.

Short again, around off, Matt Renshaw punches it through point for a single.

A bit short, on middle, Matt Renshaw stays back and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Fine shot! Floated, full and on middle and leg. Matt Renshaw goes down on one knee and nails the sweep to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

On a length and on leg, Matt Renshaw clips it through mid-wicket for a run. Just 2 runs off the over!

Dug into the surface, well outside of, Oliver Peake cuts it towards deep point for a single.

Much fuller and just around off, Oliver Peake shuffles across to scoop it away but gets a bottom edge as the ball climbs up on him and goes nowhere.

Just short of a length and on middle and leg, angling away. Oliver Peake looks to play at it but gets an outside edge as the ball rolls towards point.

Hard length, on off, Oliver Peake hops up and pats it in front of short cover.

Back of a length and on middle, Oliver Peake stays back and keeps it out on the off side.

Blessing Muzarabani is back on.

Pitched up, on middle and off, Matt Renshaw blocks it out.

FOUR! Up and over! Brad Evans goes fuller and on middle, angling in. Matt Renshaw gets right under it and pumps it over mid on for a one-bounce four. He is looking really dangerous now. Also, this is now his highest ODI score, his previous best being 61.

Short of a length and on off, Oliver Peake dabs it in front of point for a quick run.

On a length and on off, Matt Renshaw pushes it towards cover for a single. Smart cricket!

FOUR! Put away! Touch fuller and around off. Matt Renshaw extends his arms to reach out and thumps it to the long off fence for a boundary. 200 UP FOR AUSTRALIA!

Bangs this into the pitch, on middle and leg, Matt Renshaw looks to pull it away but misses and takes a blow on his body.

Dragged back, on middle, Matt Renshaw swats it to long on for one more.

SIX! FIFTY FOR RENSHAW! He gets to it with a bang, and this has been a controlled knock from him. Wellington Masakadza gives this one some more air, full and on off. Matt Renshaw hits through the line, tonking it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Flatter, short again and on leg, Matt Renshaw tries to heave it across the line but misses to get hit on the pads.

Drops it a bit short, on middle and leg, Oliver Peake pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Oliver Peake uses his feet and blocks it out.

Floated, full and on off, Matt Renshaw goes down for the reverse paddle, but gloves it past the keeper for a single.

The skipper of Zimbabwe is having a look at the balls that have been used so far and will be selecting just one to carry on for the rest of the innings.

Just short of a length, outside off. Oliver Peake goes for the cut but misses. There is noise but maybe the bat hit the flap of the pads.

Tight leave! Good length, on off, nips back a bit. Oliver Peake trusts his judgement and leaves it on length as the ball goes just over the off pole.

Hard length and around off, angling away, Oliver Peake leaves it alone.

Full again, on the pads, Matt Renshaw flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Goes fuller and on middle, angling in, Matt Renshaw pushes it back to the bowler.

Back of a length and on off, Matt Renshaw rides the bounce and pats it towards mid off.

Quicker, shortish and on off. Oliver Peake waits for it, opens the bat face and steers it towards third man for a brace.

Drops it short, on middle, Matt Renshaw punches it down to long on for another run.

Flatter, full and on leg, Oliver Peake works it through square leg for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Oliver Peake defends on the front foot.

Floated, full and on leg, Oliver Peake moves back and tucks it with soft hands through square leg and calls for the seocnd. Matt Renshaw responds but has to hurry a bit and puts in a dive to make his ground.

Shorter in length, on leg, Matt Renshaw flicks it off the back foot owards deep square leg for a single.

Hits the deck hard, around off, Oliver Peake stabs it out in front of cover.

Dug into the surface, outside off again, Oliver Peake cuts it wide of deep point for a couple of runs.

Short of a length and outside off, angling away, Oliver Peake leaves it alone.

DRINKS! A brewing partnership has been broken again, just in time as Matt Renshaw and Alex Carey were looking to break free. With Carey walking back, Oliver Peake is the next batter in. It is now on Matt and the lower-order batters to help Australia play 20 overs out and score something over 300.

OUT! STRAIGHT TO THE FIELDER! Brad Evans strikes on his return to the attack. He lands this back of a length and outside off, giving width to the batter. Alex Carey frees his arms and tries to cut it away but fails to keep his shot down. It flies wide of backward point, where Ryan Burl (Sub) dives to his left to take a sharp low catch just above the ground. The 72-run stand has now been broken.

Dug into the surface, around off, takes off a bit. Alex Carey has a heave across the line but misses.

Short of a length and on middle, Matt Renshaw gets his hands above his head and controls his pull through square leg for a single.

Pace back on with Brad Evans.

Fuller on middle and leg, Matt Renshaw flicks it away in the gap for one.

SIX! That's been tonked out of the park. Fuller around off, Matt Renshaw gets right close to the pitch of the ball and lofts this up and over the long off fence for a huge six.

Too full, on middle and off, Alex Carey drives this to long off for a single.

Fuller around off, Matt Renshaw plays the reverse sweep through the off side for a single.

Fuller on middle and leg, Alex Carey tucks this to fine leg for a single. A direct hit forces the umpire to send this upstairs and the replay shows that the batter is well in by that time.

Short of a length, on middle and leg, Matt Renshaw rocks back and tucks this through mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller on the pads, Matt Renshaw tucks this through mid on for one run.

SIX! High and handsome. Fuller on middle and off, Matt Renshaw goes down on a knee and slog sweeps this up and over the fielder at the deep mid-wicket fence for a massive biggie. This will ease the pressure on these two.

Pushed through around off, Alex Carey gets onto his back foot and keeps it out.

Quicker one, around off, Alex Carey cuts this to point.

Tossed up, around off, Alex Carey gets onto his front foot and keeps it out.

Full and on the pads, Matt Renshaw sweeps this to deep backward square leg for a single.

Fuller wide outside off, Alex Carey gets on top of the bounce and drives this to the covers fielder for a dot.

Short of a length, around off, Alex Carey cuts this to covers for no run.

Pushed through around off, Alex Carey defends this to the covers fielder for no run.

Short of a length, on middle and off, Matt Renshaw pulls this to deep square leg for a single.

Fuller on the pads, Matt Renshaw gently flicks this through square leg and runs two. That brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.

Quicker one on the pads, Matt Renshaw flicks this to the right of mid-wicket for no run.

Darted onto the pads, Alex Carey flicks this to the mid-wicket fielder.

Too full, around off, Matt Renshaw rolls this to wide off for a run.

Pressure mounting on Matt and Alex. Short and around off, Matt Renshaw punches this to the left of short extra cover for no run.

Quicker one, around off, Matt Renshaw smashes this to the fielder at extra cover.

Tossed up, around off, Alex Carey drives this to long off for a run.

Fuller on the pads, Matt Renshaw flicks this through mid on for a single.

Change of ends for Brian Bennett.

Short of a length, around off, Alex Carey backs away and punches this to the fielder at covers for another dot.

Darted onto the pads, Matt Renshaw drills this to the long on for a single.

Pushed through around off, Matt Renshaw punches this to point for no run.

Fuller on the pads, Matt Renshaw flicks this to square leg for a dot.

Fuller around off, Alex Carey punches this to covers for no run.

Quicker one, on the pads, Alex Carey tucks this to mid-wicket for no run.

Fuller around off, Matt Renshaw punches this to the left of Raza for a dot.

Pushed through on middle and off, Matt Renshaw punches this to mid off for no run.

WIDE! Full and wide down the leg side. Wided. 150 comes up for Matt Renshaw.

Much slower, around the pads, Matt Renshaw gets it edged off the inside edge to short fine leg for a dot.

Fired onto the pads, Sikandar Raza pushes this to long on for a single.

Fuller around off, Matt Renshaw drives this past extra cover for one.

Fired around off, Matt Renshaw dabs this in front of cover and looks for a single but is sent back by Carey. The throw comes in from the fielder to the striker's end and the keeper removes the bails. Appeal for a run-out, and the umpire sends this upstairs. Replay shows Matt was well inside the crease when the bails were dislodged.

Fired around the pads, Alex Carey gets it edged off the inside to the short fine leg for no run.

Low full toss, around off, Matt Renshaw brings out the reverse sweep again and dabs this to short third for one.

Flighted, around off, Alex drives this through mid off for one run.

Short of a length, around the pads, Matt Renshaw insists with the reverse sweep through point for a single.

Tossed up, around off, Matt Renshaw goes for a reverse sweep again but gets it edged onto the pads.

FOUR! Both these batters are peppering this third man region with reverse sweeps. Full toss, around off, Matt Renshaw brings out the reverse sweep and just helps this to the third man fence for a boundary.

Seam up, quicker one, on middle and leg, Alex Carey pushes this back to the bowler.

Too full, around off, Matt Renshaw rolls this to long off for one run.

Fuller around off, Matt Renshaw drives this to the extra cover region for a dot.

Tossed up, on the pads, Matt Renshaw flicks this to mid-wicket for no run.

WIDE! Quicker one, down the leg side. Wided.

Full and around off, Alex Carey brings out the reverse again and guides this through short third for one.

Pushed through on middle and off, Matt Renshaw punches this to long off for a single.

NO BALL! DID THIS CARRY? Yes, it did, but Brian Bennett is late to get low and drops it. Low full toss, around off, Matt Renshaw flicks this towards Brian Bennett at mid-wicket for no run. It wouldn't have mattered as Sikandar Raza has overstepped. Free Hit coming up..

Tossed up, on middle and off, Alex Carey punches this to the left of the bowler for no run.

Fuller on middle and leg, Alex Carey brings out the reverse sweep towards the right of deep point for a couple of runs.

Darted on middle and off, Alex Carey punches this to the silly mid off fielder.

Short of a length, around off, Matt Renshaw cuts this to deep point for a single.

Full toss, around off, Alex Carey brings out the reverse sweep through point for a single.

Tossed up, on the pads, Matt Renshaw flicks this through the mid-wicket region for one. This shpuldn't have been a run but a misfield made it happen.

Pushed through on middle and leg, Matt Renshaw punches this to long on for a run.

Fuller around off, Alex Carey punches this through the mid off region for another single.

Quicker one, on the pads, Alex Carey goes for a flick but misses and gets hit on his front pad.

Tossed up, around middle and off, Matt Renshaw rolls this through mid off for one run.

Short of a length, around off, Alex Carey rocks back and cuts this through point for a single.

Fired into the batter, on the pads, Matt Renshaw punches this through mid on for a single.

Floats it up, full and on off, Matt Renshaw drives it towards long off for one more.

Another shorter one, around off, Matt Renshaw backs away and punches it wide of sweeper cover for a brace.

Dragged back, outside off, Alex Carey cuts it through cover-point for one.

Tossed up, full and on off, Matt Renshaw taps it towards cover for another run.

Short again, on leg, Alex Carey nudges it through mid-wicket for a run.

Short and on middle, Matt Renshaw swats it wide of long on for a single.

Looped up, full and on off, Matt Renshaw eases it to long off for one more.

Good effort! Flatter, short and on leg, Alex Carey glances it wide of short fine. Brad Evans goes down to his left a bit late but gets a hand on it. However, the ball rolls behind him and he has to chase after it and dives to push it back inside. Three taken.

Goes short, outside off, Alex Carey cuts it to point.

Flighted, full and around off, Matt Renshaw pushes it through covers for a single.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Matt Renshaw blocks it out.

Floated, short and on off, Matt Renshaw stabs it down the pitch.

Flatter, full and on middle, Alex Carey connects with the reverse sweep through point for a brace.

Flighted, full and around off, Alex Carey goes for the reverse sweep but misses.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Gives this one some more air, full and around off. Alex Carey gets his hands through the shot and cracks it through covers for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Alex Carey defends it ont he front foot.

Goes short, around off, Alex Carey cuts it to cover-point.

Floated, full and on middle, Alex Carey knocks it back to the bowler.

Short and on off, Matt Renshaw stabs it out to towards cover.

Slows it up, full and on off, Matt Renshaw fends it to the off side.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Sikandar Raza does get his man eventually, and his front foot is fine on this occasion. He tosses it up, full and on off, gets it to turn away a shy bit but that is enough to deceive the batter. Cooper Connolly lunges out to defend but plays down the wrong line as the ball goes past the outside edge and hits the top of off pole. A dream dismissal, and Connolly is gone right after his fifty. Also, Matt Renshaw walks out to bat next.

Drops it short, on leg, Alex Carey punches it to long on for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Cooper Connolly taps it out towards cover.

SIX! FIFTY FOR CONNOLLY! Off 44 balls. This is just his 2nd ODI half-century, and he has played without fear. Sikandar Raza drags his length back a bit, on off. Cooper Connolly stands tall and flat-bats it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Edged and gone? Oh..no! Cooper Connolly has been called back as Sikandar Raza has overstepped here. This is short and outside off. Connolly tries to cut it away but gets a thin outside edge behind, where Brendan Taylor takes a sharp catch, but it will not matter. Cooper is living a charmed life here. It is called a NO BALL. Free Hit coming up.

On a length and on off, Alex Carey pats it towards short cover.

Overpitched delivery, on off, Alex Carey drills it towards mid off.

Pitched up and on off, Cooper Connolly drives it towards sweeper cover for a single.

WIDE! Slower one, full but way outside off, Cooper Connolly leaves it alone. Wided.

DROPPED! Brian Bennett puts one down here! Newman Nyamhuri bangs this into the pitch, around off. Cooper Connolly pulls it from the middle of the bat but does not get enough elevation. It travels quickly towards mid-wicket, where Brian Bennett moves to his right and tries to grab it with both hands above his head but the ball bursts through behind him. Two taken. Connolly gets a life here.

SIX! You cannot bowl there! Full again but drifting into the pads. Cooper Connolly picks it off and whips it over the fine leg fence for a biggie.

Fuller and on off, Cooper Connolly drives it towards mid off.

Dragged back, around off, Alex Carey backs away and punches it away, but the fielder at short cover dives to his left to make a fine stop. Just 2 runs off Raza's first over!

A bit short again, on middle and leg, Cooper Connolly punches it down to long on for a run.

Flatter, short and angling into leg. Cooper Connolly stays back to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Flighted, full and around middle, Alex Carey eases it down to long on for a single.

Floated, full and on middle, Alex Carey knocks it to the right of the bowler, where Raza dives to make the stop.

Arm ball, full and on off, angling in, Alex Carey strides out to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

DRINKS! Australia are 86 for 3 in 15 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat first in the series opener against Zimbabwe. Brad Evans dismissed Travis Head for 4 early in the game. Mitchell Marsh played a solid hand of 36 but departed to a brilliant take by Brian Bennett. Josh Inglis was looking good as well but he departed on a single-digit score. Cooper Connolly is unbeaten in the middle, along with Alex Carey and the Australian dugout will be hoping for these two to continue till the 30th over at least from here on. Also, Sikandar Raza will bowl after the break. First look at spin in this game.

Short of a length and on off, Cooper Connolly dabs it down to point.

Goes fuller and angling into the pads, Alex Carey clips it to the right of mid-wicket and sets off for the run. Cooper Connolly is a bit late to react, but Brian Bennett fails to pick up the ball cleanly or else there could have been a chance of a run out.

Back of a length and around off, Alex Carey reaches out and stabs it out towards mid off.

Bangs in a bouncer now, on middle and leg, Alex Carey ducks under it.

Fuller one, on off, Alex Carey drives it firmly but straight to mid off.

A low full toss, on leg, Cooper Connolly tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Pitched up, on off, Alex Carey drills it towards point.

On a length and on off, Alex Carey pushes it towards cover.

Massive shout LBW, but turned down! Blessing Muzarabani hits the deck hard, on off, nips back in a bit. Alex Carey stays back to flick it away but misses and gets hit on the knee roll of his front pad as the ball carries to the keeper. Sikandar Raza has a chat with his bowler and keeper but does not take the review. Maybe height was the factor here.

Back of a length and on middle, Alex Carey stays back and pats it to the off side. He wants the run but is sent back.

On a length and on off, Alex Carey blocks it out.

Fuller and on off, Cooper Connolly drills it towards long off for a single.

Alex Carey is the next batter in for Australia.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Brendan Taylor proves that age is just a number with a stunning catch. Newman Nyamhuri goes much fuller and just outside off. Sikandar Raza, just before this ball, moved himself to backward point from first slip. Josh Inglis goes for the expansive drive, but maybe he would not have if a slip was in place. He gets a thick outside edge behind, where Taylor dives to his right and takes a one-handed blinder into his right glove. Australia are 83/3 now.

Just short of a length and around off, Josh Inglis punches it away but straight to cover-point.

Goes fuller, but a bit too outside off, Josh Inglis tries to reach out for it but misses. Called a wide.

Hard length and on middle, jags back in and keeps a bit low. Josh Inglis looks to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads.

Back of a length and around off, Josh Inglis stabs it out to the off side.

On a length and around off, Cooper Connolly opens the bat face and guides it towards point, where a fumble allows a single.

Fuller one, on off, shaping away, Cooper Connolly steers it towards point.

Dug into the surface, on middle, Cooper Connolly pulls it towards deep square leg.

Short of a length and on middle, nips back in, Josh Inglis nudges it off his hips towards fine leg for one.

Hits the deck hard, on middl, Josh Inglis stays back and pats it down the pitch.

WIDE! Full but way down the leg side, Josh Inglis leaves it alone. Wided. Blessing Muzarabani has shortened his run up, but is still struggling to find his rhythm.

A quick bouncer, on middle, Josh Inglis ducks under it.

Good length and on middle, angling in, Josh Inglis tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Change of ends for Blessing Muzarabani! Back of a length and on off, Josh Inglis gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.

FOUR! Nicely done! A half-volley, around off, shapes away a bit. Cooper Connolly leans onto his drive and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Touch fuller, on middle, angling in, Cooper Connolly blocks it out as the ball rolls towards mid on.

WIDE! On a length but down the leg side, Cooper Connolly tries to hook it away but misses. Wided.

Hits the deck hard, just outside off, Cooper Connolly cuts it again but finds point on the bounce.

SIX! That is outta here! Just back of a length but angling down the leg side. Cooper Connolly gets inside the line of it and just helps it on its way with the wind as the ball sails over the deep fine leg fence for a biggie.

Good length and around off, Josh Inglis runs it down to deep third for a run.

Shrot of a length and outside off, Cooper Connolly cuts it onto the ground and wide of backward point. Wessly Madhevere dives to his right, gets a hand on it to take the sting out of it. A single taken.

Powerplay 2! Zimbabwe can now have four fielders outside the inner ring till the 40th over. It has been an even contest in the first 10 overs, but the two sides will look to get more control in the middle phase.

Good length, around off, Josh Inglis defends this under his eyeline.

Full and wide of off, Josh Inglis presses onto the front foot and drives this to the deep point region for two more runs.

Short and wide of off, Cooper Connolly cuts this to deep third for one run.

Good length, on off, Cooper Connolly drives this to mid off.

On a length, around middle and off, Cooper Connolly defends this out.

Full and onto the pads, Cooper Connolly tickles this to deep backward square leg for a couple.

Change of bats proves lethal for the Aussie skipper. Josh Inglis comes out to the middle now.

OUT! CAUGHT! Newman Nyamhuri gets the big fish. Good length, wide of off, Mitchell Marsh looks to play the back foot punch again in the gap but finds Brian Bennett at covers. It flies flat and hard, but Brian dives low to his right and takes a superb catch to cut Marsh's innings short. A promising knock from the Aussie skipper comes to an end.

Pitched-up delivery, on middle and leg, Mitchell Marsh punches this to mid on for no run. Marsh has done some damage to his bat and calls for a replacement.

WIDE! Good length, wide outside the tramline on off. Wided.

Full and wide outside off, Mitchell Marsh offers a leave at it.

WIDE! On a length, way too wide of off, outside the tramline. Mitchell Marsh leaves it. Wided.

On a length, at 138 kph, going across the batter. Marsh arches back and loks to cut this late but gets beaten.

FOUR! Marsh is dealing in boundaries. Width on offer as Newman Nyamhuri bowls it on a good length, wide of off, Mitchell Marsh plants his back foot deep inside the crease and punches this in the gap through the covers region for four runs.

Back of a length, around off, Cooper Connolly cuts this to deep third for a single.

Change? Yes, Newman Nyamhuri replaces Blessing Muzarabani.

On a length, around the pads, Cooper Connolly flicks thi to fine leg for a single.

Short and wide of off, Cooper Connolly swivels and leaves it. Cooper was looking for a pull but bails out at the end.

Full and on middle and off, Cooper Connolly blocks this to the leg side.

On a length, around off, Cooper Connolly defends this off his front foot.

Back of a length, around the pads, Cooper Connolly finds the fielder as he flicks this to mid-wicket again.

On a length, around the pads, Cooper Connolly tucks this to the mid-wicket fielder for no run.

Good length, in the channel, Mitchell Marsh offers a leave.

FOUR! Cut away for yet another boundary. Short and wide of off, Mitchell Marsh goes onto his back foot and cuts this through the cover-point region for a boundary. 50 comes up for Australia.

Good length, around off, Mitchell Marsh gets deep inside his crease and keeps it out.

Back of a length, around off, Cooper Connolly plays this late and guides this through the backward point region for one run.

Good length, around off, Cooper Connolly cuts this to point.

Indecision between the batters but Wessly Madhevere fails to hit the stumps and Marsh survives. Back of a length, around off, Cooper Connolly punches this to the left of Wessly Madhevere at cover. The fielder dives and fields it. Marsh was committed on the run but is sent back by Cooper. Wessly Madhevere has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses.

On a length, around off, Cooper Connolly dabs this through backward point for a single.

Good length, on middle and off, Cooper Connolly keeps it out.

FOUR! As gorgeous a boundary as one can hit. Pitched-up delivery, around off, going away from the batter. Cooper Connolly presses onto the front foot, gets right on top of the bounce and drives this past the left of the fielder at covers for four more runs.

Inswinging delivery, off a good length, on middle and off, Cooper Connolly dabs this to point.

Back of a length, on middle and off, Cooper Connolly gets behind the line of the ball and defends this off his back foot.

Brad bowls it around that 6-8 m length, going across the batter. Cooper Connolly punches this to the left of extra cover for no run.

SIX! First biggie of the contest and Marsh is taking a toll on Blessing Muzarabani. Short once again, on middle and off, Mitchell Marsh gets behind the line of the ball and pulls this in front of square for a biggie towards the deep mid-wicket region.

FOUR! This might well be the last over from Blessing Muzarabani in this spell. Short again, on middle and off, Mitchell Marsh gets up on his toes and plays the short-arm jab over mid-wicket for another boundary.

Good length, around off, Mitchell Marsh offers only a leave again.

On a length, wide of off, going away from the batter. Mitchell Marsh plays within the line and gets beaten on the outside.

Back of a length, around off, Mitchell Marsh gets up on his toes and looks to keep it out but misses.

Short and around off, Mitchell Marsh slaps this through the left of the fielder at extra cover for two runs.

FOUR! Driven handsomely again for four. Good length, on middle and off, Cooper Connolly strides onto his front foot and drives this through the covers region for a crisply hit boundary.

FOUR! That's been glanced away for four. Full and on the pads, Cooper Connolly leans inside the line and leg glances this up and just over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Good length, around off, Cooper Connolly keeps it out.

Good length, on the pads, Mitchell Marsh flicks this to the fine leg fielder for one run.

Good length, wide outside off, shaping away from the batter. Mitchell Marsh shoulders his arms at it.

FOUR! Marsh is looking comfortable out in the middle. Pitched-up delivery, around off, Mitchell Marsh leans into the line of the ball and drives this through the covers region for an elegantly hit boundary.

On a length, around off, Cooper Connolly punches this to covers for no run.

Good length, on the pads, Mitchell Marsh tucks this to the left of mid-wicket and takes a single.

Back of a length, wide of off, Mitchell Marsh offers no stroke at it.

Good length, on off, Mitchell Marsh defends this off his front foot.

Short again, on middle and off, Mitchell Marsh miscues the pull and it is aimed straight to Ben Curran at mid-wicket. Ben Curran misfields it and the batters run two.

FOUR! Marsh looks in the mood for a big one. Short again, not short enough for the Bison. Mitchell Marsh swivels and pulls this to the deep square leg region. The ball lands just inside the fence and bounces over for four.

On a length, around middle and off, Cooper Connolly punches this back to the bowler.

Early blow for Australia. Cooper Connolly walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! A massive scalp for Zimbabwe and Brad Evans as they see the back of Travis Head early on in the contest. Good length, just on off, nips back in a bit, Travis Head looks for the square cut but this is too close to his body. He gets an inside edge that uproots the off-pole, and Travis Head has to walk back. This is now becoming a common dismissal for him, as we saw in the Bangladesh Test series as well. Australia are 10/1.

Good length, around off, Travis Head plays within the line and gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a length, around off, going away this time. Travis Head collapses his back knee and looks to play the lofted drive but gets beaten.

FOUR! Just like his skipper, Head is off the mark with a boundary too. Back of a length, around middle and off, Travis Head gets onto his front foot and pulls this over the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary.

No run, the batter has just blocked that from the crease. Good length, on middle and off, Travis Head defends this off his back foot.

WIDE! Good length, wide down the leg side, going further down. Travis Head has a flick at it bu misses. Wided.

Brad Evans will take the other new ball.

Blessing bowls it on a good length, on off, Mitchell Marsh gets onto his back foot and keeps it out.

Will the extra ball cost Blessing Muzarabani?

WIDE! Back of a length, way too wide of off, Mitchell Marsh does have a swing at it but misses. Wided.

Good length, wide of off, Mitchell Marsh has no intentions to have a poke at it and offers a leave.

On a length, wide of off, Mitchell Marsh leaves it all alone.

FOUR! That's been pulled away for a boundary. Short and on middle and off, Mitchell Marsh gets up on his toes and pulls this through the square leg region for a boundary.

Good length, on middle and off, Mitchell Marsh tucks this to mid-wicket for no run.

Beauty first up by Blessing Muzarabani. Back of a length, around middle and off, nipping back into the batter, Mitchell Marsh looks to punch this off his front foot but gets beaten on the inside. THe ball goes to the left of the keeper and he does well to gather it fairly behind the stumps.

Done with the pre-match formalities! The two umpires walk out to the middle, while the Zimbabwe players spread out from the huddle to take their respective field positions. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh are the two openers for Australia, with skipper Marsh playing in his 100th ODI. Blessing Muzarabani has the new ball in his hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

We are moments away from the start of the match, but before the action gets underway, both teams line up for their respective national anthems. Australia's 'Advance Australia Fair' rings out first, followed by Zimbabwe's ' Blessed Be the Land of Zimbabwe', as the players stand proudly for the ceremonial proceedings.

PITCH REPORT - Ed Rainsford is pitchside. He highlights the strong breeze sweeping across the ground at around 15-17 km/h, with the square boundaries particularly large. He says that brings twos and threes into play, making it important for fielders to position themselves well to both hold their catches and cut off the extra runs. The wind could also have an impact on the batters, with left-handers facing it when hitting towards the mountain and right-handers having to contend with it when playing across the line. Rainsford points out that the curator has left a healthy covering of grass across the surface, which is quite hard but could still have some moisture underneath and make the pitch play a touch slower. He adds that the open nature of the stadium often allows the ball to swing early, making the new ball an enticing option for the bowlers. With two new balls available, he feels there is plenty to work with up front, while the fast outfield should help the batters once they find the gaps.

Time to hear from the other camp - Zimbabwe's Brad Evans says on staying competitive across all three formats that not a lot changes between the formats, though obviously in T20 cricket batters are going to come after you a little bit quicker and harder, so you just have to try and be one step ahead but above all have a good war across all three formats. On contributing with the bat, he says it is something he has always been capable of, so he is glad to be contributing and getting those personal milestones, but he is not satisfied and wants to score some more runs. On turning recent wins over Australia into a series win, he says they will just take it one ball at a time, one over at a time, and they have huge belief in the camp that they can turn them over, so they will be looking to do that. On achieving more personal milestones in the series, he says, hopefully, yeah.

Pre-match thoughts - Australia's Cooper Connolly says scoring his maiden international hundred was important for him as he looked to perform consistently for Australia across formats. He adds that reaching the milestone gave him an extra bit of confidence, having now experienced the feeling of scoring a century at this level, and says the focus was on building that consistency going forward. He says there is no added pressure on him to continue producing big performances, insisting that putting more pressure on himself would only lead to unnecessary thoughts. Connolly explains that his priority is to stay focused on the present, enjoy the ebbs and flows of the game and embrace the ups and downs that came with it. Reflecting on the influence of Australia's senior players, Connolly says he has taken plenty of notes from them since his early days, including Steve Smith. He explains that while their methods might not always suit his own game, he has picked out small aspects of their approach and tried to incorporate them into his cricket. He also highlights the importance of learning how to pace an ODI innings, admitting that he has not played much one-day cricket when he first came into the Australian setup and has learned to understand when and how to shift through the gears. Looking ahead to playing in different conditions, Connolly says that is one of the exciting aspects of cricket. He adds that he was particularly looking forward to travelling to Zimbabwe for the first time, embracing the challenge of unfamiliar conditions and hoping to make a strong start.

Skipper of Zimbabwe - Sikandar Raza says they wanted to bowl as they feel the opposition has a lot of senior batters at the top of the order and if they can make early inroads with the new ball it gives them a great chance. He says they have a lot of experience coming back into the ODI series as well, which helps because the presence of senior guys in the team does not just help the guys with their preparation but goes beyond that, bringing a lot more calmness and clarity with the senior guys in the team. Raza also says that, from Namibia, it was hot and cold as when they played well they played really well and when they did not do so well, so what they are looking to do is try to find consistency and fortunately the format they are playing gives them a chance to find that consistency. He says the good thing about Ngarava is that his rehab is going really well and he is ahead of schedule, so they are keeping their fingers crossed for him, but they also do not want to rush him because he is a captain and a fast bowler and injuries among fast bowlers can be slightly niggly at times, so they want to make sure they give him the best care possible so that when he is back he is fit for a long time and can represent and lead Zimbabwe for a longer time as well.

The skipper of Australia - Mitchell Marsh says that it is a lovely day and they are hoping to put up a good score on the board. Adds that it is nice to be back in Zimbabwe, they had lots of fun off the field but it's time to get to work now. Marsh mentions that they have a great mix of youth and experience. Reckons he is looking forward to the youngsters getting some opportunities and enjoying playing cricket out there as they are the future of Australian cricket.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor (WK), Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (C), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza, Blessing Muzarabani.

Australia (Playing XI) - Mitchell Marsh (C), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.

TOSS - Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh has won the toss and elected to BAT first.

The bowling battle at Harare - The tactical battle will ultimately be decided by how both bowling units adapt to the Harare Sports Club surface. Australia's attack relies on the veteran precision of Josh Hazlewood, backed by dynamic quicks Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, and Billy Stanlake all fighting for a World Cup squad spot, while Adam Zampa anchors the spin department. Zimbabwe will counter with the dangerous pace of Blessing Muzarabani and a heavy spin contingent led by Raza and Wellington Masakadza. As both teams finalize their execution, the ultimate question remains, can Zimbabwe pull off another monumental upset in the series opener, or will Australia's youth brigade spoil the party? We will have our answers soon. Toss and team news in a bit.

Zimbabwe bets on veteran heavyweights - Stepping in to lead the side due to Richard Ngarava's unfortunate back injury, the talismanic Sikandar Raza will look to steer Zimbabwe's veteran-heavy roster to glory. The Chevrons have unashamedly prioritized experience for this campaign, with four squad members, Raza, Craig Ervine, the returning Brendan Taylor, and spinner Graeme Cremer, set to hit or clear the age of 40 by the series' end. For Cremer, an appearance would mark a remarkable return to the format after an eight-year absence. Supported by the explosive Ryan Burl, all-rounder Brad Evans, and the prolific top-order form of Ben Curran and Brian Bennett, the hosts boast a heavily balanced lineup.

Australia’s next generation steps up - With regular ODI skipper Pat Cummins and spearhead Mitchell Starc rested ahead of the subsequent South Africa tour, Mitchell Marsh takes the captaincy reins of a transitional Australian squad. The visitors are explicitly using this series to test their depth and audition talent for the ODI World Cup in a year's time. All eyes will be on who fills the crucial No. 3 batting slot left vacant by Steve Smith’s retirement following the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-final exit. Young prospects like Oliver Peake and Joel Davies have been handed call-ups, joining a familiar core featuring Cameron Green, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis as the Aussies hunt for revenge.

Golden opportunity for the Chevrons - Zimbabwe steps into the 3-match ODI series at the Harare Sports Club with a historic opportunity at their fingertips. Riding the momentum of recent series victories against Ireland and Bangladesh, the Chevrons are primed to challenge a formidable Australian side on home soil. The memories of 2014 still linger, marking the last time these two nations locked horns in a 50-over contest in Zimbabwe, a match the hosts famously won. With only Mitchell Marsh, Sikandar Raza, and Brendan Taylor surviving from that fixture, this renewed rivalry carries massive stakes, especially after Zimbabwe famously played their part in knocking Australia out of the recent T20 World Cup group stages.

... MATCHDAY ...

A long awaited reunion - It has been 12 years since Australia last played an ODI in Zimbabwe. Visiting captain Mitchell Marsh is the only Australian remaining from that 2014 encounter. On the other side, Sikandar Raza and the recalled Brendan Taylor are the sole survivors from Zimbabwe's famous win on that day. Australia view this tour as a reconnaissance mission twelve months out from their World Cup defence, but the hosts have their own plans to take down another heavyweight. The underdog bite - Australia might be the reigning World Cup holders, but Zimbabwe have been a thorn in their side lately. Australia have lost only three ODIs to Zimbabwe in their history, yet two of those defeats have come in their last four meetings, with the only other loss dating back to 1983. Zimbabwe shocked Australia at the T20 World Cup earlier this year behind Blessing Muzarabani taking 4 for 17 in Colombo, following Ryan Burl grabbing 5 for 10 during a memorable win in Townsville in 2022. The visitors have been shaky in this format, winning just 7 of their last 19 completed ODIs and coming off series losses in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, beat that same Bangladesh side 2-1 in July. Missing leaders and seasoned warriors - Both teams step onto the park without key leaders and frontline fast bowlers. Australia have rested Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc ahead of their upcoming ODI and Tests tour in South Africa. Zimbabwe are dealing with injuries to Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga, leaving Sikandar Raza in charge. To counter the loss of youth and pace, Zimbabwe have brought back massive experience by recalling Brendan Taylor, Ryan Burl, and leg spinner Graeme Cremer after a long time. By the third match of this series, four Zimbabwean players in Raza, Craig Ervine, Taylor, and Cremer will be 40 or older. Reshuffling the batting order - Australia have major decisions to make in their batting department. Marnus Labuschagne has been dropped on form, while Glenn Maxwell has retired from this format, leaving big gaps in the middle order and the late power hitting roles. Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh reunite at the top of the order, which forces young prodigy Cooper Connolly down the lineup despite his magnificent 149 as an opener against Bangladesh in Mirpur. Whether Connolly slots in at number three or drops deeper to play as a finisher remains the main talking point, with Josh Inglis and Cameron Green also competing for crucial batting positions. Team form (Last 5 completed ODIs, recent first) - ZIM - LWWLL | AUS - WLLLW. Harare morning chills and seam movement - The morning start at Harare Sports Club will ensure early life and movement for the seamers. During the recent series between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, batting was extremely difficult, with 247 being the highest team total across three matches and only two individual scores passing 75. Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans will test Australia's fragile batting with pace and bounce under helpful morning conditions. Australia will lean on Josh Hazlewood, while Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis look to stake a claim for the World Cup squad. Given the lively pitch conditions early on, both captains will be keen to win the toss and bowl first. Let's hope for a cracking contest.