In a big development for Zimbabwe Cricket, the Australian team is set to tour Zimbabwe for a three-match ODI series in September this year. The three games will be played on September 15,18, and 20 at the Harare Sports Club.
Interestingly, this will mark the end of Kangaroos’ eight-year absence from the Zimbabwean shores. Last time they played a game in the nation was in 2018, when Australia, Pakistan and Zimbabwe were part of a T20 tri-series. Whereas the last time Australia played an ODI game in Zimbabwe was in 2014.
Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni emphasised that the series will provide a big boost to their preparations for the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2027.
"We are delighted to welcome Australia back to Zimbabwe for what promises to be a highly competitive ODI series. Fixtures of this calibre are vital for our growth as a team. With the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 on the horizon, this tour provides invaluable preparation as we build towards hosting the tournament alongside South Africa and Namibia,” he was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
"It is also a fantastic opportunity for our fans to experience top-level international cricket at home, and we look forward to strong support at Harare Sports Club," he continued.
It is also understood that the Zimbabwe Cricket is also planning to host Bangladesh and Afghanistan later this year.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have stepped up efforts to bring more international teams into the country, particularly by encouraging sides touring neighbouring South Africa to schedule stopover fixtures. The board has also identified late 2026 as a key window to secure rare bilateral assignments against Australia and England.
In line with their long-term vision, Zimbabwe are keen to host more Tests and extended red-ball series in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle. Meanwhile, there is optimism that England could tour Zimbabwe for a one-off Test in 2027. Notably, the two sides recently ended a 22-year hiatus in Test cricket, having played a four-day encounter at Trent Bridge in May.
Overall, England and Zimbabwe have faced each other in just seven Tests, with only two of those played in Zimbabwe during a drawn series back in December 1996.
Zimbabwe vs Australia 2026 ODI series schedule
- 1st ODI - September 15, Harare Sports Club
- 2nd ODI - September 18, Harare Sports Club
- 3rd ODI - September 20, Harare Sports Club
