Clinical Australia roll over Zimbabwe to go 1-0 up

Australia won by five wickets against Zimbabwe in the first ODI of the three-match series in Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville. It was all-rounder Cameron Green’s five-wicket haul that put the hosts in the driver’s seat. And it was teed off by star opener David Warner, who scored a fifty during the chase.

Australia captain Aaron Finch won the toss and put Zimbabwe to bat first and the visitors were off to a slow start, scoring 36 runs in the powerplay. In the next 30 overs, the African side gathered 131 runs for the loss of four wickets but courtesy of pacer Green (5/33), they were bowled out by 47.3 overs for 200.

Wessly Madhevere was the top scorer with 72 runs off 91, while opener Tadiwanashe Marumani also contributed with 45 off 61. For the Aussies, leg-spinner Adam Zampa also chipped in with three wickets, while pacers Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Marsh picked up a wicket each.

In the chase, Australia started off scoring 50 runs in the first 10 overs for the loss of one wicket. Finch was the first one to depart, scoring 15 off 21 before the second-wicket partnership of Warner and Steve Smith, who added 65. Warner was the second one to depart, scoring 57 off 66 balls.

Australia, although looked well on course to the finishing line, had a few hiccups in the middle losing Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis and Marsh early on. But Smith, who remained unbeaten on 48 off 80, and Glenn Maxwell, who scored 32 off nine balls, saw off the chase in 33.3 overs.

The pick of Zimbabwean bowlers was Ryan Burl, who scalped three wickets for 60 runs. Unsurprisingly, Green was given the Player of the Match for his performance with the ball. “The wicket was tricky early on and boys did well to soak up pressure and score,” said the visiting skipper, Regis Chakabva, during the post-match presentation.