AUS vs ZIM, 1st ODI: Cameron Green inspires Australia to a clinical victory

Green took his career-best figures [PC: Twitter]

Australia (AUS) secured a five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe (ZIM) in the first fixture of the three-match ODI series on Sunday (28 August) at Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville. 

Cameron Green produces his best to restrict Zimbabwe

Invited to bat first, Zimbabwe got off to a stable start with the opening pair of Innocent Kaia and Tadiwanashe Marumani. However, Mitchell Marsh's terrific follow-through catch to dismiss Kaia helped the hosts to break the stand, which added 42 runs. 

Marumani looked confident in his entire stay to accumulate 45 off 61, before being bowled to Adam Zampa. Afterwards, Wesley Madhevere continued his bright form in international cricket to steer the team at a brisk rate. 

Madhevere top-scored for Zimbabwe (PC: Twitter)

Madhevere (72 off 91) got the support from Regis Chakabva (31 off 33) to stabilize the team's innings. 

However, rest of the lineup fell prey to Cameron Green as the lanky pacer dismantled the Zimbabwe batting lineup, and grabbed his career-best ODI figures of 5/33.

Warner, Smith guide Australia to a victory

In response to the chase, Aaron Finch started well, but was cleaned up by Richard Ngarava in the eighth over. At the other end, Warner was successful to pierce the gaps in the powerplay overs. 

Steve Smith notched up a quality stand with the southpaw to keep up with the momentum for the hosts. 

The skilful spinner Ryan Burl wreaked havoc to take three quick wickets to put Australia under the pump. 

However, the ice-cool Glenn Maxwell smoked three fours and as many maximums to score 32* off 9 and finish off the chase in 33.3 overs. Smith remained unbeaten on 48 off 80 balls. 

Brief Scores: 

Zimbabwe- 200/10 (47.3)

Wesley Madhevere 72 (91), Tadiwanashe Marumani 45 (61);
Cameron Green 5/33

Australia- 201/5 (33.3)

David Warner 57 (66),  Steve Smith 48* (80);
Ryan Burl 3/60

Result: Australia won by 5 wickets

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