Zimbabwe wins toss, elects to bat against Australia in third ODI

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza won the toss and opted to bat first, marking a first in the series against Australia. This decision came after Zimbabwe struggled to chase down targets in the previous two matches, finding it difficult to bat against the older ball. Australia entered the match as favorites, having secured a 59-run victory in the first ODI and an 84-run win in the second game on Friday.

Raza expressed the opportunity to try a different strategy in the series, given the challenges Zimbabwe faced in the earlier matches. Australia made two changes for the third game, with Xavier Bartlett returning to the lineup in place of the rested Josh Hazlewood. Spencer Johnson substituted for Billy Stanlake due to a side strain, and Graeme Cremer, who turned 40 on Saturday, reunited with the team after a hiatus of eight years.

Cremer replaced Wellington Masakadza, who was left out due to a minor issue. Fast bowler Newman Nyamhuri, who claimed his first five-wicket haul in the first match, was rested for this game, while Ernest Masuku joined the team for the first time in the series.