21-year wait is over: Matt Renshaw hits Australia’s first ODI century against Zimbabwe since 2004

Matt Renshaw (Image credit: Zimbabwe Cricket) Australian batsman Matt Renshaw scored his maiden ODI century in the first match of the three-match series against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Tuesday.Renshaw scored 109 as Australia posted 294 in the series opener. His century was the first by an Australian against Zimbabwe since Michael Clarke scored an unbeaten 105 in 2004.

Renshaw helps Australia recover

Renshaw came to the crease as Australia struggled at 83/3 in 13 overs after opting to bat first. The left-hander took his time and kept the scoreboard moving before ramping up the offense. He brought up his fifty from 55 balls.Renshaw continued to find boundaries and reached his century off just 86 balls. It was the fastest ODI century by an Australian against Zimbabwe. He surpassed Adam Gilchrist’s previous record of 89 balls which came in the 2004 Hobart ODI.

First Australian No. 6 or lower to hit an ODI ton since Maxwell

Renshaw’s century was also the first ODI hundred by an Australian batsman at No. 6 or lower since Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup. His impressive innings ended when he was caught at deep mid-wicket by left-arm fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri.Nyamhuri completed his first five-wicket haul with Renshaw’s wicket.

Australia post 294

Renshaw 109, Cooper Connolly 51, Oliver Peake 30 and Mitchell Marsh 36 were the main contributions as Australia reached 294.Earlier, Cameron Green missed the Playing XI due to shoulder pain, while fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was rested as part of workload management.