Returning Australia captain Michael Clarke could barely hold himself up with a hamstring concern, but managed to hold his side together on an abrasive Harare surface. Clarke was the top-scorer on the same pitch that took significant turn during the Zimbabwe-South Africa match two days ago.

Zimbabwe's spinners did not allow the batsmen to settle but they were frustrated by their fielders. Five catches went down to undermine what should have been the maiden success in bowling Australia out in an ODI. Still, the visitors were kept to their lowest total against Zimbabwe and all but one of the bowlers enjoyed success on surfaces that are tiring as the tournament plays out.

Elton Chigumbura was content when Australia opted to bat because he expected assistance for the slower bowlers early on and opened with offspinner John Nyumbu. The decision paid off by the fourth over when Aaron Finch, who playing for more turn than was offer, was bowled.

Clarke was back to his usual No.3 spot and set about the repair job, albeit at a slow pace. It took the ninth over for his first boundary, a clip off the pads off Donald Tiripano, the only change to the Zimbabwe team. It was evident pace on the ball would probably work to the batsman's advantage so Zimbabwe went back to spin almost immediately.

Prosper Utseya was used in the powerplay and Sean Williams immediately afterwards as Phillip Hughes struggled to get comfortable. He was uncertain in his footwork, was beaten often and was eventually undone when he tried to sweep Utseya against the turn and edged to Nyumbu at slip. Five deliveries later, Williams bowled George Bailey and Zimbabwe had control of the innings with Australia on 30 for 3.

Glenn Maxwell's aggression made him a good candidate to partner Clarke through the recovery, but Zimbabwe's spinners were relentless. Maxwell was on 13 when edged Malcolm Waller, but Brendan Taylor could not hold on. Fortunately, Waller bowled him with his next delivery to ensure no harm was done from that missed chance.

Soon after, Zimbabwe had their chance to mow into Australia's middle order but they let it go. Mitchell Marsh had not scored when he flicked Nyumbu to short leg but Tino Mawoyo could not hold on. A brief resistance was mounted with Marsh and Clarke adding 40 runs together, but Zimbabwe regained the advantage with some clever captaincy from Chigumbura.

Marsh had been tied down by spin and contributed only 15, but the sight of Tiripano returning made him vent his frustrations. The ball was pitched up, Marsh drove on the up and short cover took the catch. By the time Marsh exited, Clarke had inched his way to five runs short of a half-century and brought it up off 80 deliveries with Brad Haddin at the other end.

Haddin should have been out on 5 but Waller could not hold on to a return catch from a top-edge, on 14 when Chatara fluffed a chance in his followthrough and on 17 when Chatara put down an easier opportunity at short fine leg. After Zimbabwe squandered all those opportunities, they were gifted one when Clarke left the field on 68 in the 43rd over.

Utseya had James Faulkner caught at slip off the first ball he faced and Williams bowled Mitchell Starc through the gate in the next over to leave Australia 150 for 7. A sub-200 total seemed likely but Cutting's cameo at No. 10, Haddin's watchfulness and Chigumbura using the seamers at the end instead of the spinners all contributed to taking Australia over 200 and avoid being bowled out. Clarke returned in the final over to ensure Australia consumed their full quota and denied Zimbabwe a chance to make history.

History still beckons, with Zimbabwe's only victory over Australia in ODIs coming in 1983. Of equal importance is that Zimbabwe have not managed a score of over 200 in their last four ODIs and have been bowled out in all of their last six matches.
(Cricinfo)