Cricket: Australia cut loose in Zimbabwe thrashing

Glenn Maxwell hammered nine fours and five sixes in his knock of 93 off 46 balls. Photo Getty
Glenn Maxwell hammered nine fours and five sixes in his knock of 93 off 46 balls. Photo Getty
Australia have showcased their awesome batting potential ahead of next year's World Cup, with allrounders Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh cutting loose in a one-day thrashing of Zimbabwe in Harare.

The pair piled on a stunning fourth wicket partnership of 109 off 54 balls to catapult Australia to a ground record first innings total of 6-350 and set up a 198-run win.

Scoring at seven an over, Australia went into overdrive when Maxwell came to the crease, smashing 147 runs from the last 10 overs.

A four month break from international cricket did little to curb the momentum of this Australian team, with Mitchell Johnson back striking helpless batsmen in the head, and stars in the making Maxwell and Marsh lashing the boundaries with career-high scores.

Minnows Zimbabwe offered little resistance in being bowled out for 152 - aside from Hamilton Masakadza's 70 - but Australia will face a different level of opposition on Wednesday when they resume hostilities with South Africa in game two of the tri-series.

Marsh, who hasn't played ODI cricket in over 14 months, was elevated to No.3 in the absence of captain Michael Clarke and wasted no time in pressing his claim to become a spearhead of Australia's World Cup campaign on home soil.

The 22-year-old who has endured a checkered run of disciplinary and injury issues, clubbed 89 off 83 balls for a maiden half century which illustrated his devastating potential.

But Maxwell stole the show with his barnstorming knock of 93 off 46 balls, which featured nine fours and five sixes.

Although both men were disappointed at not converting for the first centuries of their international careers, their performances were more than convincing.

Maxwell brought up his 50 in just 28 balls, a snapshot into how quickly he can change the course of a match.

A reverse slog sweep for six over the longest boundary was the highlight, but he was also brilliant square of the wicket, down the ground and even over the head of the wicketkeeper.

Not to be outdone, Marsh cleared the fence four times and even Johnson (20) got in on the act, shattering glass in the commentary box with a thundering straight drive at the death.

Nathan Lyon claimed 2-42 in his first match in one-day gold since 2012.

The wickets held extra significance for the Test spinner, with Australian players wearing back armbands out of respect for the passing of his grandmother.

Fast bowling battalion Johnson, Starc, Faulkner and Marsh all took wickets and Steve Smith chipped in with career-best figures of 3-16.

Even in slow conditions Johnson bowled with searing heat, striking Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura on the badge of his helmet with a vicious blow.

The platform was laid by Aaron Finch (67 off 79) and Brad Haddin (46 off 58) at the top of the order, although both openers would have been disappointed not to go on with the job after carrying Australia to 0-98.

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