Zimbabwe created history and set a unique world record during the third ODI of a three-match series against Australia on Sunday (September 20) at the Harare Sports Club.
The African nation lost the game by one wicket as the world champions held their nerve to seal a thrilling one-wicket victory with just one ball to spare and completed a 3-0 whitewash.
The hosts put up a respectable total of 271 on the board, with skipper Sikandar Raza (81) top-scoring. In reply, Josh Inglis (103) scored a century for the visitors. However, Nathan Ellis (36 of 44) was the star of the show as he put up an unbeaten 27-run partnership for the 10th wicket.
Zimbabwe Creates History
Zimbabwe’s playing XI had four players over the age of 40 as Graeme Cremer came into the playing XI just a day after his birthday. This marked the all-rounder’s first appearance for the African nation in an ODI in over eight years. His last outing was against UAE in 2018.
40+ Players in Zimbabwe’s Playing XI vs Australia In 3rd ODI
| Player | Age |
| Craig Ervine | 41 years, 32 days |
| Brendon Taylor | 40 years, 266 days |
| Sikandar Raza | 40 years, 149 days |
| Greame Cremer | 40 years, 1 day |
As a result, Zimbabwe has become the first-ever Test-playing nation to field four players over the age of 40 in the playing XI of an ODI. Overall, it is only the third instance of the same happening in the format’s history.
Teams To Field Four 40+ Players In Playing XI Of An ODI
| Team | Opponent | Venue | Year |
| USA | New Zealand | Oval | 2004 |
| USA | Australia | Southampton | 2004 |
| Zimbabwe | Australia | Harare | 2026 |
Earlier, Zimbabwe became the first full-member nation team to field three 40+ players in the playing XI of an ODI in the first ODI of the series. Among countries that play Test cricket, there has been no instance of four players in their 40s playing in a T20I. While there have been multiple instances of four or more players featuring in the playing XI for a team in Test cricket, the last was in 1951.