Australia to Tour Zimbabwe for Pivotal ODI Series Ahead of 2027 World Cup

Cricket Australia has confirmed a three-match One Day International (ODI) tour of Zimbabwe this September, marking a critical preparation phase for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

All three fixtures will be held at the Harare Sports Club, providing the Australian squad with essential intelligence on local conditions as Zimbabwe prepares to co-host the next 50-over showpiece alongside South Africa and Namibia.

Despite Australia’s status as the reigning ODI World Champions following their 2023 victory in Ahmedabad, Zimbabwe has recently emerged as a significant “banana skin” for Australian outfits across both white-ball formats.

Strategic Context and Recent Rivalry

The “Chevrons” have proven to be a formidable opponent for Australia in recent encounters, most notably during the T20 World Cup in February 2026. Zimbabwe handed Australia a “chastened” 23-run defeat, contributing to Australia’s embarrassing group-stage exit.

Zimbabwe’s undefeated run in that tournament—which included victories over Sri Lanka, Ireland, and Oman, has solidified their reputation as a rising power in limited-overs cricket.

Historically, Zimbabwe has also held its own in the 50-over format:

• September 2022: Zimbabwe defeated Australia by three wickets in Townsville.
• August 2014: In their last meeting on Zimbabwean soil, the hosts beat a Michael Clarke-led side by three wickets in a result described by then-coach Darren Lehmann as “embarrassing.”

Qantas Tour of Zimbabwe Schedule

• First ODI: 15 September, Harare Sports Club (5:30 pm AEST)
• Second ODI: 18 September, Harare Sports Club (5:30 pm AEST)
• Third ODI: 20 September, Harare Sports Club (5:30 pm AEST)

National Selection and “Bilateral” Reflection

National selector, George Bailey, noted that this tour is part of a broader effort to solve Australia’s recent “World Cup disconnect.” Despite high win percentages in bilateral series, Australia has struggled to translate that form into recent T20 World Cup success.

“I think the big reflection is that’s a couple of World Cups now where our performances in bilateral (series) leading up to it have been incredibly strong… and then that hasn’t quite translated,” Bailey told reporters.

A Hectic 2026 Calendar

The Zimbabwe tour is a linchpin in a congested international schedule for Australia. Following the three ODIs in Harare, the team will travel to South Africa for three ODIs (Durban, Johannesburg, and Potchefstroom) and a highly anticipated three-match Test series.

This will mark Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since the 2018 ball-tampering crisis and serves as a rematch of the 2025 World Test Championship Final, which the Proteas won at Lord’s.

Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today!.