Matt Renshaw scored his maiden ODI century against Zimbabwe in Harare on September 15, 2026, securing Australia a 59-run victory and a 1-0 series lead. The 109-run innings off 94 balls marked Renshaw’s first international hundred since January 2017, ending a wait of over nine years.
Batting at number six, Renshaw hit seven fours and three sixes to anchor the Australian innings. He shared a 75-run stand with debutant Oliver Peake. The total was defended by Nathan Ellis, who took a career-best 5-31 by dismissing Craig Ervine and cleaning up the Zimbabwe tail. The match also served as captain Mitchell Marsh’s 100th ODI, while Zimbabwe’s Newman Nyamhuri recorded a five-wicket haul.
Renshaw’s performance comes after his inclusion in the 16-player squad for the three-match Test tour of South Africa, which begins in Durban on October 9. This series represents Australia’s first red-ball trip to South Africa since 2018. Analysis of his deployment at number six suggests Australian selectors may be viewing Renshaw as a middle-order option for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“I didn’t think I was going to play one-day cricket [for Australia]. Playing any cricket for Australia is awesome. I’m taking it seriously, obviously, but also trying to enjoy it,” Renshaw said following the win.
Entirely outside the national setup a year ago, Renshaw has now achieved all-format status following his maiden white-ball ton and previous inclusion as a T20 World Cup replacement. The second ODI between Australia and Zimbabwe is scheduled for September 18 at the Harare Sports Club.
