Matt Renshaw, Nathan Ellis inspire Australia's opening ODI victory over Zimbabwe

Australia posted 294/8 before bowling Zimbabwe out for 235 in 45.1 overs, with Renshaw making his maiden ODI century and Ellis claiming a career-best 5/31.

The tourists endured an uncertain start after Travis Head was bowled by Brad Evans in the second over. Mitch Marsh, playing his 100th ODI, made 36 before becoming one of Newman Nyamhuri's five victims.

Cooper Connolly then made 51 from 46 balls despite surviving two major scares. He was dropped on 41 before being caught behind off Sikandar Raza, only for the delivery to be called a no-ball. Connolly hit the resulting free hit for six but was bowled two balls later.

Renshaw took advantage of his own reprieve, after Craig Ervine dropped him on 12, to anchor Australia's recovery. He eventually reached his century from 87 balls and finished with 109 from 94 deliveries.

Ollie Peake contributed 40 from 30 balls before being dismissed hit wicket, while Nyamhuri completed a maiden ODI five-for with 5/62. At 20 years and 239 days, he became the youngest Zimbabwean to achieve the feat.

Zimbabwe's chase suffered an early setback when Ben Curran fell for a second-ball duck. Ellis then struck twice in his opening spell as the hosts slipped to 46/3.

Ervine and Raza revived Zimbabwe's hopes with a 98-run partnership. Ervine made 59 from 60 balls and Raza 50 before Ellis returned to remove Ervine and end the stand.

Johnson then bowled Raza with a yorker, leaving Zimbabwe 114 runs short with their top six gone.

Ellis completed his five-wicket haul at the death, dismissing Wellington Masakadza before bowling Nyamhuri to seal Australia's victory.

The result gives Australia a 1-0 lead, with the second ODI scheduled for Friday.

The match also saw Brendan Taylor become the player with the longest career in men's ODI cricket at 22 years and 148 days, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar.

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