Australia to play three ODIs in Zimbabwe in September

Representational photo. REUTERS

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 Sept 15-20.

“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: Sept 15

Second ODI: Sept 18

Third ODI: Sept 20