Australia will play a three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe in 2026, marking their return to the country after eight years.
The series will take place just before Australia’s Test and ODI tour of South Africa in September–October 2026. All matches are expected to be held in Harare, with Bulawayo also a possible venue, while the new Victoria Falls Stadium is unlikely to be ready in time.
Zimbabwe Cricket had pushed for a historic one-off Test as part of the tour, but Australia’s packed schedule, which includes at least 19 Tests from mid-2026 to the 2027 Ashes ruled out the possibility. The ODIs will serve as important preparation for the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia.
Australia and Zimbabwe have met in only three Tests overall, with the last encounters dating back to 2003. Their only Test in Zimbabwe was played in 1999, remembered as Ian Healy’s final appearance. Australia last played ODIs in Zimbabwe in 2014 and featured in a T20 tri-series there in 2018.
Despite the missed Test opportunity, Zimbabwe Cricket remains hopeful of hosting major Test nations soon, with strong expectations that England will visit for a one-off Test in late 2026, early 2027, potentially at the picturesque Victoria Falls venue.
