Published on: Sep 14, 2026 12:48 pm IST | Updated on: Sep 14, 2026 12:48 pm IST
Zimbabwe is all set to host Australia after 12 long years in the ODI format. They will be hosting the defending ODI World Champions in a 3-match series set to get underway on September 15 in the nation’s capital, Harare. Australia has been suffering a lot in recent times across formats, and they would want to perform better against Zimbabwe in this series. Meanwhile, the hosts would want to start off the series with a win and put pressure on Australia straightaway. Expect a good contest between the two sides in the opening game of the series. In this post, we have compiled free expert tips for the 1st ODI, ZIM vs AUS, at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.
The Australian team, despite their recent torrid run, should have the upper hand heading into this contest. The reason is their phenomenal head-to-head ODI record against the African nation. The Aussies have always dominated Zimbabwe in ODI cricket and will be looking to do the same when the two sides meet in the first game of the three-match series at Harare. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to lean in favor of the visitors, Australia. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st ODI, ZIM vs AUS, at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.
ZIM: 31% win chance BAN: 69% win chance
Brian, in his last international meeting against Australia, scored a valuable fifty to take his team home in the famous T20 World Cup 2026 group game. He will look to do the same this time in the ODI format.
Veteran Brendan will be one of the key batters in the middle order for Zimbabwe. The right-hander should be on the money in this game.
In his last ODI innings, Cooper scored his maiden ton batting against Bangladesh. Expect him to continue from where he left off in his last ODI appearance.
The Aussie skipper will be a key bet at the top for the visitors. He will be responsible for providing Australia with a quick start in the first 10 overs.
Check out our prediction for the ZIM vs AUS 1st ODI match at the Harare Sports Club in Harare.
Zimbabwe will welcome Australia back to ODI cricket after 12 long years, with a three‑match series set to begin on September 15 in Harare. The hosts face a stern challenge against the defending ODI World Champions, who despite recent struggles across formats, remain a formidable force. Australia arrive on the back of a 1–2 series defeat to Bangladesh, and will be determined to bounce back strongly against Zimbabwe.
Skipper Mitchell Marsh will be tasked with leading from the front, while Alex Carey’s wicketkeeping stability and Cooper Connolly’s youthful energy add depth to the batting order. In the bowling department, Nathan Ellis and Xavier Bartlett bring pace and control, while Adam Zampa’s spin remains a proven weapon in subcontinental and African conditions. Travis Head’s aggressive batting at the top further strengthens Australia’s chances of dictating terms.
Zimbabwe, playing at home, will look to exploit familiar conditions, but Australia’s experience and balance across departments make them the natural favorites. For the visitors, this series is not just about winning, but also about regaining rhythm and confidence ahead of tougher assignments.
Zimbabwe will be eager to make the most of home advantage when they take on Australia in a three‑match ODI series beginning on September 15 in Harare. Led by Sikandar Raza, who steps in for regular captain Richard Ngarava as he recovers from a lower‑back injury, the hosts will look to build on their encouraging record against the Aussies. Having defeated Australia twice in their last five ODI meetings, Zimbabwe have reason to believe they can push the defending World Champions hard in familiar conditions.
Raza’s leadership and all‑round brilliance will be central to Zimbabwe’s chances, while Ben Curran’s batting, Blessing Muzarabani’s pace, and Brad Evans’ control provide balance. Veterans like Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine bring experience, and the emergence of Brian Bennett adds youthful energy to the lineup. Together, this mix of seasoned campaigners and promising talent gives Zimbabwe a fighting unit capable of exploiting home conditions.
Australia, struggling for rhythm across formats, arrive under pressure, and Zimbabwe should back themselves to deliver a spirited performance. With the crowd behind them and a proven record against the Aussies, the hosts have every reason to fancy their chances of making an impact. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 33 BAN won: 29 ZIM won: 4 No Result: 0 RECENT form AUSTRALIA: W L L L W RECENT form ZIMBABWE: L L W W L
In 33 ODI meetups between the two sides, Australia have had the upper hand, as they have won 29 games. The remaining 4 fixtures have been won by Zimbabwe. Interestingly, Zimbabwe have registered two of their four wins in the last five meetings between the two sides.
How will the two teams, i.e., Zimbabwe and Australia, fare in the 1st ODI? Let’s take a look.
Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (C), Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Joel Davis/Xavier Bartlett, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa, Nathan Ellis
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st ODI between Australia and Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club, Harare:
At Harare Sports Club, batting first has often proven advantageous as the pitch slows down later in the day. Captains may prefer to set a target around 260–280, forcing the chasing side into pressure. Expect the toss winner to lean toward batting first for control.
The online live streaming of the 1st ODI match of the Bangladesh Tour of Zimbabwe 2026 will take place live on the FANCODE app. The live TV coverage for this series won’t be available in India.
Zimbabwe and Australia are all set tp lock horns in an ODI after 12 long years. Zimbabwe, playing at home, should fancy their chances, but Australia’s overall dominance over the hosts makes them the firm favorites for this game. Australia should have their noses ahead in this contest. Therefore, as per our prediction, the visitors, Australia, are expected to win the ZIM vs AUS 1st ODI match.
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