Australia is expected to travel to Zimbabwe in September next year for a three-match ODI series as they begin preparations for the 2027 World Cup in Africa. While the official schedule is yet to be announced, Zimbabwe Cricket had hoped the tour would also include a Test match.
According to a report from News Corp, Australia is set to visit Zimbabwe before starting their Test and ODI series in South Africa in September and October 2026.
This will be Australia’s first trip to Zimbabwe since 2018, when they played in a T20 tri-series. In recent years, Zimbabwe has mostly hosted smaller teams.
Zimbabwe Finally Getting More Chances Against Top Teams
For a long time, Zimbabwe mainly played against lower-ranked opponents such as Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Ireland because big cricket nations were not touring regularly. This meant fewer opportunities to challenge themselves at the highest level.
But that has changed over the last two years. In 2024 and 2025, Zimbabwe faced India, South Africa, England, and New Zealand. Playing strong teams consistently gives the Chevrons a much clearer picture of where they stand.
Taking on mid-level sides can sometimes make a team feel like they are progressing faster than they really are. Tough games against elite teams, however, show the real areas that need improvement.
Zimbabwe Preparing to Host Australia in 2026 ODIs
The upcoming ODI series is expected to be played in Harare and possibly Bulawayo. The new 10,000-seat stadium in Victoria Falls is not going to be ready in time for the tour.
ESPNcricinfo reported that Zimbabwe Cricket tried to add a one-off Test to the schedule. Australia, however, could not agree because of their crowded Test calendar. They have at least 19 Test matches between mid-2026 and the 2027 Ashes.
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Despite that, the ODI series remains important, especially since Zimbabwe will co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup with South Africa and Namibia.
Australia and Zimbabwe have played only three Tests against each other. Their last meeting in the format was in 2003, when Matthew Hayden smashed his then world-record 380 at the WACA. The only Test played in Zimbabwe took place in 1999, where Steve Waugh’s side won by ten wickets in Ian Healy’s final Test.
Facing Stronger Teams Is Key to Zimbabwe’s Growth
Zimbabwe Cricket has been working to attract major teams, hoping that tours from Australia and England can become more regular in the coming years.
ZC chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani believes hosting top Test nations is essential for reviving interest in red-ball cricket and helping local players grow by facing world-class opposition.
“We are a Test nation, so playing the top countries like Australia and England at home will go a long way to making this format popular in Zimbabwe,” ZC chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani told ESPNcricinfo.
“Playing against the best teams will help our players develop their skills in Test cricket. Understandably, Australia wants to prepare for the World Cup, but hopefully we can play them in Test cricket in the future.”
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