The Harare Sports Club will play host to a three-match ODI series between Zimbabwe and Australia. This bilateral contest kicks off on September 15, followed by the second encounter on September 18 and the final fixture on September 20. Each of the three matches is slated to begin at 9:30 AM local time in Harare.
This tour represents Australia’s first ODI appearance in Zimbabwe in over a decade, ending a 12-year absence. From Australia’s playing XI during their last ODI match on Zimbabwean soil, only Mitchell Marsh remains active in the squad, whereas Zimbabwe’s lineup features Sikandar Raza alongside the recalled seasoned campaigner Brendan Taylor, both of whom featured in Zimbabwe’s historic victory during that previous clash.
Australia to reform opening partnership of Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh
The visitors are set to reintegrate Travis Head and Marsh back as their opening batting duo in the 50-over format. Nonetheless, uncertainties persist regarding the composition of the middle order, particularly with Marnus Labuschagne omitted due to a dip in form, and Cooper Connolly likely shifting down the order despite a stellar knock of 149 runs at the top against Bangladesh.
For Connolly, this series presents a massive opportunity to solidify his standing. His brilliant hundred in Mirpur has elevated him as a strong candidate for Australia’s primary World Cup roster, and his subsequent selection in the Test squad heading to South Africa highlights his growing importance as an all-format player.
Furthermore, the Australian team management will utilize these fixtures to evaluate their reserve bowling strength. Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett are likely to vie for the fourth fast bowler’s slot, whereas Joel Davies might get a chance to showcase his skills as a spin-bowling all-rounder after a promising display in the preceding T20I series in Bangladesh.
Zimbabwe bring back seasoned campaigners to face Australia
In an effort to put up a strong fight against the touring Australians, Zimbabwe have injected substantial experience back into their ODI squad. The return of Taylor, Ryan Burl, and Graeme Cremer will provide crucial stability to a team that has previously registered some memorable upsets against Australia in the recent past.
Spearheading the home side’s bowling department will be Blessing Muzarabani. The tall speedster, who was instrumental in Zimbabwe’s triumph against Australia in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, has been in fine form, helping his side secure ODI series wins against Ireland and Bangladesh. However, Zimbabwe’s bowling attack will be depleted by the absence of injured duo Richard Ngarava and Tanaka Chivanga. On the other hand, Australia will be missing the services of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, both of whom are rested in preparation for the upcoming white-ball and red-ball tours of South Africa.
Schedule of the Zimbabwe vs Australia ODI series
| Date | Fixture | Venue | Match Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 15, 2026 | 1st ODI | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 9:30 AM Local / 7:30 AM GMT / 1:00 PM IST |
| September 18, 2026 | 2nd ODI | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 9:30 AM Local / 7:30 AM GMT / 1:00 PM IST |
| September 20, 2026 | 3rd ODI | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 9:30 AM Local / 7:30 AM GMT / 1:00 PM IST |
How to watch: Live streaming and broadcast details for Zimbabwe vs Australia ODI series
- India: FanCode application and digital platform
- Zimbabwe: SuperSport network
- Australia: FOX Sports
- USA and Canada: Willow TV (Get subscription here)
- South Africa: SuperSport
- Rest of Africa: SuperSport
