Australia have set Zimbabwe a challenging target of 295 runs in the first ODI at Harare Sports Club after a strong batting performance, which resulted in Matt Renshaw's century and a half-century from Cooper Connolly. Zimbabwe now need 295 runs to win, meaning they need just under six runs per over throughout the chase.
The match will take place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, as part of Australia’s three-match ODI tour to Zimbabwe.
Renshaw leads Australia's batting charge
Matt Renshaw was the most important player for Australia and scored a century to put the visitors in position. His innings stabilised Australia in the middle overs and allowed them to accelerate in the end.
Cooper Connolly also played a key role with a half-century. The young Australian all-rounder has been in the limelight lately with his ODI performances and his performance against Zimbabwe helps him make a case for a regular place in Australia’s white-ball team.
Australia's ability to build partnerships meant Zimbabwe were unable to maintain consistent pressure throughout the innings.
Nyamhuri Gives Zimbabwe Hope
Zimbabwe’s bowlers were not completely outplayed. Newman Nyamhuri took five wickets and the home side had an opportunity to restrict Australia to a low total.
Taking five wickets in an ODI match against Australia is a huge achievement for a young Zimbabwean attack. Nyamhuri’s spell kept Australia from going too far too high and kept the total from hitting too high in terms of Zimbabwe’s batsmen’s batting line up.
With Australia finishing around 295 runs down, Zimbabwe will understand they have a realistic opportunity if their top order has a strong start.
Can Zimbabwe Chase 295?
The answer is yes, but Zimbabwe needs a near-complete batting performance.
A target of 295 requires a scoring rate of around 5.90 runs per over. That is achievable in modern ODI cricket, particularly if Zimbabwe keeps wickets in the powerplay and has at least seven or eight wickets available entering the last 15 overs.
The biggest danger will be Australia's pace attack. Zimbabwe cannot afford to lose two or three early wickets because that would put enormous pressure on their middle order.
MAIDEN 💯 FOR MATT RENSHAW!! pic.twitter.com/r0KVG3qg7M
— Malik Hassan. (@hazycraftss) September 15, 2026
Sikandar Raza Holds the Key
Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza could be central to the chase. His experience and ability to contribute with both bat and ball make him one of Zimbabwe’s most important players crucial to the chase.
Craig Ervine, Brian Bennett, Ben Curran and Raza will have to form the backbone of the chase and the lower order will need to provide finishing runs if Zimbabwe will still be within touching distance.
Zimbabwe also have home conditions on their side that could help their batters better understand the pitch as the innings progresses.
Australia Still Favourites
Despite Nyamhuri's five wickets, Australia remain favourites in the end because of their batting depth and bowling resources.
However, 295 is not an impossible target. If Zimbabwe reaches around 60-65 without losing more than one wicket during the opening 10 overs, the pressure could shift back onto Australia.
The middle overs could ultimately decide the contest. Zimbabwe need to keep the scoreboard moving rather than allowing Australia’s spinners and change bowlers to build pressure.
