Renshaw’s Maiden ODI Hundred Against Zimbabwe Fuels World Cup Hopes
Matt Renshaw hit a record-setting 109 as Australia beat Zimbabwe, and Nathan Ellis took a career-best 5 for 31 in the opening ODI.
By SportCricket Desk · 16 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Renshaw’s first ODI hundred helped Australia take a 1-0 lead over Zimbabwe in the three-match series, and the batter now has an eye on a place at the 2027 World Cup.
A rescue act at No. 6
Australia were struggling at 107 for 4 when Renshaw walked in at number six. He made 109 from 94 balls, with seven fours and three sixes, and guided the visitors to 294 for 8 from their 50 overs.
He reached three figures in 86 balls, the fastest century by an Australian against Zimbabwe. The previous best was Adam Gilchrist’s 89-ball effort in 2004.
Ellis leads the bowlers
Zimbabwe never got their chase going. Nathan Ellis took a career-best 5 for 31 from 9.1 overs, and the hosts were dismissed for 235 in 45.1 overs.
Renshaw’s outlook
Renshaw said he had a tough series with the bat in Bangladesh, though he was still able to contribute with the ball. He described the ODI chance as an amazing opportunity and said playing in the World Cup would be great, noting that he had featured in a T20 World Cup when he did not expect to.
The 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, giving him a clear target as he tries to establish himself in Australia’s one-day side.
