Australia to break eight-year drought with ODI series in Zimbabwe

The series will end Australia's eight-year absence from the cricket-starved nation. The men from Down Under last sent a team in 2018 for a T20 tri-series against the hosts and Pakistan.

In terms of ODIs, it's been even longer. Australia played in another triangular series with South Africa in 2014, where Zimbabwe earned a famous three-wicket win over the esteemed visitors.

The series - played on 15, 18 and 20 September at the Harare Sports Club - will help the nation prepare for co-hosting the 2027 World Cup.

"We are delighted to welcome Australia back to Zimbabwe for what promises to be a highly competitive ODI series," said Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni.

"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.

"It is also a fantastic opportunity for our fans to experience top-level international cricket at home, and we look forward to strong support at Harare Sports Club."

The last time the two nations met was at the T20 World Cup in February in Colombo, where Zimbabwe beat Australia by 23 runs, contributing to their early exit.

The news comes just a day after Zimbabwe Cricket revealed they are hosting T20 world champions India in a three-match series in July.

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