HARARE: Zimbabwe beat Australia for the first time in 31 years on Sunday as captain Elton Chigumbura’s unbeaten half-century led his team to a famous victory in the triangular series one-day international.

Chigumbura was 52 not out to take Zimbabwe to 211-7 and its second ever win over the top-ranked Australians and first since they met in ODIs for the first time at the 1983 World Cup.

Chigumbura had valuable help from Prosper Utseya, who was 30 not out in the match-winning partnership chasing Australia’s below-par 209-9.

Zimbabwe’s win was built on its spin bowling effort as the Australian batsmen struggled on a slow pitch.

Australia captain Michael Clarke led his team with an unbeaten 68 but re-injured his hamstring and had to retire hurt.