Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga
Online Writer
Zimbabwe fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in One-Day International cricket as Australia posted 294 for eight in their allotted 50 overs, setting the Chevrons a target of 295.
Nyamhuri was the pick of the Zimbabwe attack, finishing with five wickets as Australia recovered from early setbacks to post a competitive total.
Matt Renshaw anchored the Australian innings with his maiden century, scoring 109 off 94 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, while Cooper Connolly contributed 51 off 46 deliveries, with four fours and three sixes.
Australia made a brisk start, reaching 50 in 6.5 overs before losing Travis Head for four, caught by Evans off his own bowling.
Captain Mitchell Marsh then put on 50 with Connolly before falling for 36 off 28 balls to Nyamhuri, who had him caught by Brian Bennett.
Nyamhuri struck again to remove Josh Inglis for four, leaving Australia 83 for three before Connolly became Sikandar Raza’s only wicket of the innings at 107.
Alex Carey and Renshaw attempted to rebuild the innings, adding 72 for the fifth wicket before Carey was dismissed for 27 by Evans.
Renshaw reached his century from 86 balls, having struck six fours and three sixes, but his innings ended at 109 in the 50th over when he was caught by Madhevere off Nyamhuri.
Nyamhuri completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Oliver Peake for 30 and Xavier Bartlett for five, with Peake departing hit wicket.
Evans finished with two wickets, while Raza took one.
Australia accelerated in the final Powerplay, passing 250 in 42.2 overs before finishing on 294 for eight.
The game is still underway.
