Mitchell Marsh wins toss and opts to bat in 1st ODI at Harare

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to bat in the first One-Day International against Zimbabwe in Harare on September 15, 2026.

Zimbabwe named Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine, Sikandar Raza (capt), Wessly Madhevere, Brad Evans, Newman Nyamhuri, Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Murazabani; Australia’s XI was Mitch Marsh (capt), Travis Head, Cooper Connolly, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Matt Renshaw, Oliver Peake, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson. Mitchell Marsh and Cooper Connolly were at the crease during the innings.

Brad Evans struck early for Zimbabwe, bowling Travis Head with an inside edge that uprooted the off stump in a delivery described in the coverage as "OUT! DRAGGED ON!" The dismissal left Australia 10/1.

Mitchell Marsh scored freely against Blessing Muzarabani, striking multiple boundaries and clearing for a six when he pulled a short delivery in front of square towards deep mid-wicket. During Marsh’s scoring sequence, Australia reached the 50-run mark.

Cooper Connolly contributed with a series of crisp shots off Brad Evans, including drives through the covers and a leg-glanced boundary over mid-wicket; he had also come in to bat at number three. There was a moment of confusion on a quick single when Marsh was sent back by Connolly and Wessly Madhevere’s attempted run-out at the non-striker’s end missed the stumps.

Ben Curran misfielded when Marsh miscued a pull to mid-wicket, allowing two runs to be taken. Several overs saw careful leaves and defended balls from Marsh interspersed with those attacking strokes off Muzarabani.

Brad Evans will take the other new ball as the innings continues.