Matt Renshaw struck his maiden ODI century, an impressive 109 runs off 94 balls, against Zimbabwe in the first ODI at Harare Sports Club on 15 September 2026. The innings featured seven fours and three sixes, propelling Australia to a 59‑run victory with a total of 294 for eight wickets, while Zimbabwe were bowled out for 235. Renshaw reached his century in 86 balls, setting a new benchmark as the fastest Australian century against Zimbabwe, surpassing Adam Gilchrist’s previous 89‑ball record from 2004.
Building on this knock, Renshaw earned a recall to the Test squad for the series against Bangladesh in Mackay, where he opened the batting in place of the dropped Jake Weatherald. The left‑handed star also became the first Australian to post an ODI hundred against Zimbabwe since Michael Clarke’s unbeaten 105 at Harare in 2004. Usman Khawaja, who has mentored Renshaw during their spells with the Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat, has spoken highly of the younger player’s Test credentials.
“Absolutely. When he was playing white‑ball cricket for maybe the last year or so – T20 cricket and then into one‑day cricket – I thought there was no better time for him to play Test cricket again. He had the lower gears, but he is a big boy and he can hit a big ball as we saw yesterday,” Khawaja was quoted as saying by The West Australian.
“I have no doubt he will do well. He has done well for Queensland for a long time. Hopefully he will get a pretty good stint at it, and we will see a few more runs from him. It is beautiful when you have a guy coming in at six who can bat normally as a Test opener but also has the power to clear the picket fences,” he added.
Australia and Zimbabwe will clash again on Friday, 18 September, for the second ODI at Harare Sports Club. The hosts will be looking to stay in the series, while Australia aim to secure the win and close out the contest.
Following the Zimbabwe tour, Australia will head to South Africa for a multi‑format series that includes three ODIs and three Tests. The red‑ball encounters will provide a critical evaluation of Renshaw’s abilities as an opener in Test cricket.
