Australia and Zimbabwe begin ODI series in Harare

Australia began a three-match one-day international series against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with the first match at the Harare Sports Club. The series marks Australia's first tour of Zimbabwe in eight years and serves as preparation for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, which Zimbabwe will co-host with Namibia and South Africa. Australia's captain Mitchell Marsh and opener Travis Head returned to the squad after missing earlier white-ball assignments this year. The team has excluded frontline fast bowlers Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc to manage their workload ahead of a subsequent tour of South Africa. Selection chief George Bailey stated the series offers valuable opportunities to assign roles and test combinations due to a lack of upcoming ODIs for the team. Zimbabwe's captain Sikandar Raza is leading the side after fast bowler Richard Ngarava suffered a lower-back injury. The hosts have also recalled experienced players Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer to strengthen the squad. Zimbabwe's most recent ODI assignment was a 2-1 series victory over Bangladesh in July 2026. The series is scheduled for three matches, all at the Harare Sports Club.