Australia to tour Zimbabwe after 11 years for three ODIs

Australia will tour Zimbabwe for three One-Day Internationals in September, the first time they have played in the African ‌nation since 2014.

Zimbabwe are to co-host the 2027 50-over World Cup with South Africa and Namibia, and this year’s tour provides the Australians with a chance to ⁠familiarise themselves with conditions.

All three ODI fixtures will be played at the Harare Sports Club between 15-20 September.

“We are delighted to welcome Australia back to Zimbabwe for what promises to be a highly competitive ODI series,” Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said in a statement ‌on ⁠Thursday. “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.”

Zimbabwe defeated Australia ⁠by 23 runs in February at the T20 World Cup in a fixture played ⁠in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Fixtures (all Harare Sports Club):

First ODI: 15 September

Second ODI: 18 September

Third ODI: 20 September