Townsville: First five-wicket haul by a seamer Cameron Green On Sunday, Australia were drawn to a five-wicket win in the first one-day international against Zimbabwe in Townsville, which is hosting the first series between Down Under sides since 2004.
The No. 13 tourists, sent to bat in foggy conditions, were bowled out for 200 in 47.3 overs. Overall, Australia’s experienced batting unit was never in danger, reaching 201-05 with 99 balls to spare.
Sloppy fielding allowed Zimbabwe’s fragile top-order to get off to a promising start, going easy 61-1 from the first drinks break with Innocent Kaya caught by Mitchell Marsh for 17 runs.
Adam Zampa (3-57) took two quick wickets, 21-year-old Wesley Madhevere (72) batted cautiously with captain Regis Chakabwa (31) sharing a partnership of 63.
The lower order, however, performed brilliantly, swinging wildly against Green (5-33), whose entire catch came from a catch in the deep while the last four wickets combined for 12 runs.
Tribute to former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds, who died in a car accident outside Townsville in May, ahead of the hosts’ innings, which started off vigorously with a boundary off the first ball.
David Warner and Steve Smith (48 not out) batted with freedom to chase down a low target after Aaron Finch was dismissed for 15.
Warner survived a dropped catch for 36 off Sikandar Raza, and two balls later he went after wicket-keeper Chakabwa promptly reviewed for a catch-back.
However, the review was deemed insufficient evidence to overturn the not-out decision, forcing the opener back into the middle.
The off-spinner soon had his man, however, with Warner clean bowled for 57.
Australia’s middle-order faltered, conceding three wickets in Ryan Burle’s leg-break, but Glenn Maxwell scored 32 off 9 balls to seal the game.
The three-match series continues in Townsville on Wednesday.
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