Australia are set to return to Zimbabwe for the first time in eight years to play a three-match ODI series. The series, scheduled between September 15 and 20, will serve as preparation for the defending ODI World Cup champions.

The last time Australia visited Zimbabwe was for a T20I tri-series, where they took on the hosts and Pakistan. Led by Aaron Finch, Australia lost the final to Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Pakistan by six wickets.

The last time Australia played an ODI in Zimbabwe dates further back to 2014, when they suffered an embarrassing defeat after being restricted to 209/9, a total that the hosts chased down in 48 overs.

Twelve years on, Australia are set to play a three-match series in preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia.

The Zimbabwe tour will be part of a larger African assignment for Australia. The team will also travel to South Africa immediately after the ODI series, where they are scheduled to play three ODIs and three Tests.

“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.”

The series offers Australia a chance to assess themselves in African conditions ahead of their title defence. There is an added layer to this contest as well, with Australia having been knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2026 by a resilient Zimbabwe side after failing to progress beyond the group stage.

AUSTRALIA TOUR OF ZIMBABWE

1st ODI: September 15, Harare, 9:30am local

2nd ODI: September 18, Harare, 9:30am local

3rd ODI: September 20, Harare, 9:30am local

AUSTRALIA ODI TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA

1st ODI: September 24, Durban

2nd ODI: September 27, Johannesburg

3rd ODI: September 30, Potchefstroom

- Ends