Australia to Face Zimbabwe in ODI Series Ahead of 2027 World Cup

Australia is preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup with a three-match series against Zimbabwe next year. This will be their first visit to Zimbabwe in eight years, following a T20 series in 2018. The series aims to enhance Australia's readiness for the World Cup, as Zimbabwe will co-host the event alongside South Africa and Namibia. Zimbabwe Cricket is also advocating for more Test matches against top teams like Australia and England to boost the format's popularity in the country. Read on for more insights into this exciting cricketing event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 29, 2025, 02:17 IST

Australia's ODI Series Against Zimbabwe

Australia is set to engage in a three-match ODI series with Zimbabwe next year as part of their preparations for the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup. As reported by a leading media outlet and referenced by ESPNcricinfo, the current ODI champions will compete against Zimbabwe before they take on South Africa in an ODI series planned for September to October 2026.

This series is likely to be hosted in Harare, with Bulawayo also being a potential venue. Although Zimbabwe Cricket had proposed the inclusion of a one-off Test match to enhance Australia’s tour, this idea has been shelved due to Australia’s packed Test schedule, which includes at least 19 matches from mid-2026 leading up to the 2027 Ashes. The ODI series is considered crucial for Australia, especially since Zimbabwe will co-host the next 50-over World Cup alongside South Africa and Namibia.

Historically, Zimbabwe and Australia have faced each other in just three Test matches, with the last two occurring in October 2003 in Sydney and Brisbane. The only Test match held in Zimbabwe took place in 1999, where Australia, led by Steve Waugh, triumphed by ten wickets.

This upcoming ODI series will mark Australia’s first visit to Zimbabwe in eight years, with their last trip being for a T20 tri-series against Pakistan in 2018, and their last ODI match there dating back to 2014.

Zimbabwean officials are hopeful that England will agree to a one-off Test during their tour of South Africa in late 2026 to early 2027.

Recently, England and Zimbabwe resumed their Test cricket rivalry after a 22-year gap, with the two teams meeting in a four-day match at Trent Bridge in May, where England secured victory by an innings and 45 runs.

Zimbabwe Cricket has been actively encouraging visiting teams to schedule matches during their travels to South Africa, viewing late 2026 as a prime opportunity to secure rare fixtures against both Australia and England.

“We are a Test nation, so playing against top teams like Australia and England at home will significantly boost the popularity of this format in Zimbabwe,” stated Tavengwa Mukuhlani, chair of Zimbabwe Cricket, in an interview with ESPNcricinfo. “Competing with the best will enhance our players' skills in Test cricket. While we understand Australia’s focus on World Cup preparation, we hope to face them in Test matches in the future,” he added.