Kolkata :Zimbabwe Cricket has announced that they will host Australia for a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series this September, having already confirmed a T20I series at home against T20 World Cup winners India in July.
The series will commence on September 15, with the second and third matches scheduled to be played on September 18 and 20.
This tour is particularly significant as it marks Australia’s first ODI visit to the country in more than a decade. The two sides last met on Zimbabwe soil in this format during a triangular series in August and September of 2014, a tournament that also featured South Africa.
For the hosts, this series forms a crucial part of their preparation for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, a marquee tournament that Zimbabwe is set to co-host alongside South Africa and Namibia.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni expressed his excitement, noting that the upcoming series arrives at an important developmental stage for the national team.
“We are delighted to welcome Australia back to Zimbabwe for what promises to be a highly competitive ODI series,” Makoni said.
“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.”
Makoni also welcomed the prospect of treating the local crowds to high-quality international action.
“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 added.
ODI series schedule:
First ODI: 15 September, Harare Sports Club
Second ODI: 18 September, Harare Sports Club
Third ODI: 20 September, Harare Sports Club.
Zimbabwe are also planning to host Bangladesh and Afghanistan in June and October this year.
ZC have been actively encouraging countries to stop over en route to neighbouring South Africa, and have long circled late 2026 as an opportunity to negotiate rare fixtures with Australia and England. They also have plans to host Tests and longer series in the next World Test Championship cycle, doubling down on their commitment to Test cricket.
Zimbabwe are also confident that England will visit for a one-off Test match sometime in 2027. It is hoped the match will be played at Victoria Falls, named the Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, with the 10,000 seater venue expected to be completed later this year.
England and Zimbabwe in May ended a 22-year Test drought with a four-day match at Trent Bridge. The countries have played just seven Test matches against each other, with only two in Zimbabwe – a 0-0 drawn series in December 1996.
