Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 32 off 9 not just entertained the fans but also handed a 99 balls remaining win to Australia as the visitors beat Zimbabwe by 5 wickets in the first ODI to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at the Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville.
The target was only 201 in front of star-studded Australian side, but the Zimbabwean side, who last weak lost a series against India by 3-0, tried their best to upset the Aussies after dismissing half of their side for 155, but Maxwell was on field with some other script as he smashed 3 fours and 3 maximums in his short but powerful 32 not out knock.
AUS Vs ZIM 1st ODI Match Highlights
Zimbabwe failed to take the benefit of a steady start their top 3 provided as they bowled out for 200.
When the home side lost their third wicket they’d already crossed the 100-run mark, but their middle and the tail didn’t managed to keep the momentum and they missed the golden opportunity to post huge total in front of visitors.
Wesley Madhevere scored the most runs for Zimbabwe (72). While the all-rounder Cameron Green took the most number of wickets for Australia. He registered a five-wicket haul by giving just 33 in 9 overs.
Australia lost their first wicket when the skipper Aaron Finch played on to Richard Ngarava for 15.
Steve Smith then joined Warner and both then added 65 for the second wicket before the left-hander before Raza bowled him for 57,
Despite a hiccup in which Zimbabwe’s spinners Raza (1-45) and Ryan Burl (3-60) dismissed Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, and Mitchell Marsh, the reliable Smith and merciless Maxwell led their team to victory without further trouble.
Smith played a knock of 48 not out off 80 balls while Maxwell smashed 32 off just nine balls with the help of three fours and three sixes.
The second match of the three-match series will take place on Wednesday at the same venue.
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