Mark Waugh leads

The Zimbabwe side is relatively weak, having lost two quick bowlers in Henry Olonga, to South African cricket commitments, and Heath Streak with muscular problems.

Mark Waugh’s century was his 13th in ODIs. He has now scored one against nine different countries. He hit 11 fours and two sixes, never looking in any trouble apart from tardy running which saw him run out.

Damien Martyn’s 57 in 38 balls came on his 28th birthday, and with Ricky Ponting’s 67 earlier, these were the key innings.

The Waugh-Ponting partnership was worth 159 and when Ponting was out, Australia were 198 for two and coasting.

But the loss of middle-order wickets slowed them down somewhat.

Zimbabwe’s prospects of making 304 to win are not high, but the wicket is easy paced and it is not impossible.

SCOREBOARD

Australia (1st innings): Adam Gilchrist c Grant Flower b Mutendera 14, Mark Waugh run out (Rennie) 106, Ricky Ponting st. Andy Flower b G Brent 67, Michael Bevan st Andy Flower b G. Brent 25, Steve Waugh c Johnson b Andy Whittall 14, Damien Martyn not out 57, Andy Symonds c Grant Flower b Blignaut 1, Tom Moody not out 3. Extras: 16.

Total (for 6 wkts in 50 overs): 303

Fall of wickets: 1-39, 2-198, 3-201, 4-225, 5-280, 6-292

Bowling: Mutendera 8-0-42-1, Brent 10-0-63-2, Blignaut 10-0-60-1, Andy Whittall 10-0-57-1, Guy Whittall 5-0-31-0, Grant Flower 7-0-45-0.