'Pretty amazing opportunity' - Renshaw eyes ODI World Cup after maiden hundred vs Zimbabwe

Matt Renshaw scored his maiden ODI century, making 109 off 94 balls at Harare Sports Club on September 15, 2026, as Australia defeated Zimbabwe by 59 runs in the opening match of a three-game ODI series. Australia posted 294 for 8 in 50 overs before Zimbabwe were bowled out for 235 in 45.1 overs.

Renshaw batted at No. 6 and anchored Australia's innings after the visitors had slipped to 107 for 4. His knock of 109 contained 7 fours and 3 sixes. He reached his hundred in 86 balls, making it the fastest century by an Australian batter against Zimbabwe, going past Adam Gilchrist's 89-ball effort from 2004.

Nathan Ellis was the standout bowler in the chase, finishing with 5 for 31 in 9.1 overs, a career-best ODI haul, as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 235 in 45.1 overs. The 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

What did Renshaw say about his ODI return and World Cup hopes?

After the victory, Renshaw reflected on his white-ball form and the significance of the opportunity. He acknowledged a difficult run in Bangladesh, and also spoke directly about what an ODI World Cup berth would mean to him. The 2027 tournament, co-hosted in southern Africa, gives Renshaw a clear target to aim for over the coming months.

"It's something I've always enjoyed doing. Hopefully it's adding to the team. What I saw in Bangladesh was I had a really tough series (scoring two runs in three innings) with the bat, but I was managing to contribute with the ball. It's a pretty amazing opportunity to play ODI cricket. If I get to play in that World Cup, it'd be great – I played in a T20 World Cup when I wasn't expecting it," Renshaw said, speaking after the match, as quoted by the press.

How did Australia's bowling dismiss Zimbabwe in 45.1 overs?

Zimbabwe's reply never gathered momentum against a disciplined Australian attack. Ellis was the chief destroyer, claiming 5 for 31 in 9.1 overs to record the best bowling figures of his ODI career. His haul ensured Zimbabwe, who needed 295 to win, were bowled out for 235, falling 59 runs short of Australia's total.

The result gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Renshaw's batting contribution from No. 6, combined with Ellis's five-wicket burst, underlined the depth Australia carried into the series opener at Harare Sports Club.