Renshaw makes strong World Cup audition with impressive ton
Matthew Renshaw put forward his case for selection at next year's 50-over World Cup with his first international century in almost 10 years.
Australia batter Matthew Renshaw scored his first international century in almost 10 years to help his side cruise to a 59-run victory over a gallant Zimbabwe in Harare on Tuesday.
Renshaw smashed his maiden ODI century as the Aussies amassed 294/8 in the series opener and a five-wicket haul from Nathan Ellis ensured Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 235 in reply at the Harare Sports Club.
It was Renshaw's first international century since his only previous hundred that came against Pakistan in a Test match in Sydney at the start of 2017, breaking a drought of almost 10 years as the left-hander continues his recent renaissance at international level.
Earlier this year Renshaw received a call up to Australia's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup just two days before the tournament commenced and performed admirably with scores of 37 and 65 and looks set to win a place in the Aussies' XI for next month's ICC World Test Championship series in South Africa after he was added to the 16-player squad.
Renshaw's thunderous straight hit | T20WC 2026
Matt Renshaw hits a maximum to bring the 100 up for Australia against Zimbabwe at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
What that means for Renshaw as he tries to win a spot in Australia's plans for next year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup remains to be seen, but the 30-year-old is just happy to be back scoring runs at the highest level and helping the side win games of cricket.
“I wasn’t playing this format this time last year, so I’m just taking everything as it comes,” Renshaw said.
“Trying to plan for my life at the moment is interesting. I don’t really know where I’m going to be. Especially, with the call-up to the Test side last month.
“But yeah, just enjoying it. It’s a pretty amazing opportunity to play in ODI cricket, playing any cricket for Australia is awesome, and trying to enjoy that.
“Taking it seriously, obviously, but I know that I play my best when I’m nice and relaxed.
“Whatever happens, happens. If I get to play in that (50-over) World Cup, great, but played in the T20 (World Cup) now when I wasn’t expecting it. Got called two days out.
“Yeah, just enjoying it as much as I can.”
Renshaw's century saw him become the first Aussie batting at No.6 or lower to score an ODI century since Glenn Maxwell's unforgettable unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup, as the left-hander attempts to make himself a three-format player in the latter stages of his career.
Epic montage of Glenn Maxwell's incredible double hundred | CWC23
Glenn Maxwell blasted an astonishing double century to guide Australia to a stirring triumph over Afghanistan at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
The Aussies were actually in a spot of bother at 107/4 when Renshaw arrived at the crease, but looked well in control when he was dismissed in the final over of their innings with a big score on the board.
"I just tried to rebuild the innings. We lost a few wickets (after) the boys started really well," Renshaw said.
"I did not feel under any scoring pressure. It was really nice. Pitch was nice. Ten years between international hundreds was not something I was expecting."
The series continues in Harare on Friday.
Series schedule:
First ODI: Australia won by 59 runs
Second ODI: September 18, Harare
Third ODI: September 20, Harare