Sloppy fielding allowed Zimbabwe’s fragile top-order to make a promising start, easing to 61-1 by the first drinks break with Innocent Kaia caught and bowled for 17 by Mitchell Marsh. After Adam Zampa (3-57) spun two quick wickets, 21-year-old Wesley Madhevere (72) batted cautiously with skipper Regis Chakabva (31), sharing in a partnership of 63.

The lower-order capitulated spectacularly though, swinging wildly against Green (5-33), whose entire haul came from catches in the deep while the final four wickets combined for 12 runs.

A tribute to former Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds, who died in a car accident outside Townsville in May, preceded the hosts’ innings, which started emphatically with a boundary from the first ball.

David Warner and Steve Smith (48 not out) batted with freedom in the pursuit of a low target after Aaron Finch departed for 15.
Warner survived a dropped catch on 36 off Sikandar Raza, and two balls later he walked after wicketkeeper Chakabva immediately reviewed for caught-behind.

However, the review was deemed to have insufficient evidence to overturn the not-out decision, causing the opener to trudge back out to the middle. The off-spinner soon had his man though, clean bowling Warner for 57. Australia’s middle-order faltered, conceding three wickets to Ryan Burl’s leg-breaks, but Glenn Maxwell bludgeoned 32 from 9 balls to seal the game.

The three-match series continues in Townsville on Wednesday.