Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
Zimbabwe lost to Australia by 59 runs in the first One-Day International at Harare Sports Club today after they collapsed to 235 all out in 45.1 overs while chasing a target of 295.
Zimbabwe’s hopes of pulling off a successful chase were revived by a 98-run fifth-wicket partnership between Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza, but the experienced pair could not carry the hosts over the line.
Earlier, fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri produced a career-best performance, claiming his maiden ODI five-wicket haul as Zimbabwe restricted Australia to 294 for eight in their 50 overs.
Nyamhuri finished with five wickets, providing Zimbabwe with a major positive on a day when their batting once again failed to sustain a challenging chase.
Matt Renshaw was the cornerstone of Australia’s innings, scoring a maiden ODI century — 109 off 94 balls — while Cooper Connolly chipped in with 51 off 46 balls.
Australia appeared set for a bigger total after making a brisk start, but Nyamhuri repeatedly struck at crucial moments.
He removed captain Mitchell Marsh for 36 and Josh Inglis for four before returning late in the innings to dismiss Renshaw, Oliver Peake and Xavier Bartlett.
Renshaw’s dismissal in the final over ended an innings that had provided Australia with the platform to post a competitive total.
Brad Evans claimed two wickets for Zimbabwe, with Raza taking the other.
Zimbabwe’s chase, however, got off to a disastrous start.
Ben Curran fell for one before Innocent Kaia and Brian Bennett were dismissed in quick succession, leaving the hosts 46 for three.
Brendan Taylor’s early departure for one made matters worse, with Zimbabwe slipping to 62 for four.
Ervine and Raza then combined to give the hosts a realistic chance of chasing down the target.
The pair added 98 runs from 104 balls, with Ervine anchoring the recovery and Raza providing support as Zimbabwe moved to 160 for five.
Ervine reached his half-century from 51 balls, including five fours and a six, while Raza also later brought up his fifty from 61 deliveries.
Their partnership ended when Ervine was dismissed for 59, and Raza followed soon afterwards for 57, leaving Zimbabwe 181 for six and the chase effectively slipping away.
Wessly Madhevere added 21, while Wellington Masakadza made 14 and Evans contributed 18, but Australia continued to pick up wickets at regular intervals to dismantle the Zimbabwe batting order.
Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 235, handing Australia a 59-run victory.
