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Zimbabwe National Cricket Team captain Sikandar Raza has called on the top cricket nations to visit the country to help it grow and improve. With Zimbabwe set to co-host the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 with South Africa and Namibia, Sikandar Raza feels regular matches against big teams could help the country grow further.
Australia is likely to return to Zimbabwe for a full ODI series next year before the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. The possible tour would be a major boost for Zimbabwe, especially after Australia’s recent tour. They recently whitewashed Zimbabwe in a 3-0 ODI series in Harare. Amid this, India script T20I history, become first team to reach 200 wins.
Australia likely to play three ODIs in Zimbabwe
Australia is reportedly planning to play three bilateral ODIs in Zimbabwe next year before the ICC ODI World Cup 2027. The exact schedule is not confirmed yet, but the series could play an important role in both teams' preparation for the mega event in October-November 2027.
The Australian team will have very few ODI matches before the ICC ODI World Cup 2027 because of their busy Test schedule. Apart from the possible Zimbabwe tour, their only other planned 50-over matches in 2027 are three ODIs against New Zealand. Amid this, Mitchell Starc nearly announces retirement on podcast, Alyssa Healy left surprised.
Zimbabwe builds A$16.8 million stadium at Victoria Falls
So, the possible Zimbabwe series could give Australia valuable match practice before the World Cup. Zimbabwe is already preparing a new stadium at Victoria Falls.
The A$16.8 million stadium is being built near the Zambezi River and the famous Victoria Falls, one of Zimbabwe's biggest tourist attractions.
The venue will have around 10,000 seats and is expected to host matches during the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. The ICC has confirmed Victoria Falls as one of three Zimbabwean venues for the tournament, along with Harare and Bulawayo.
Sikandar Raza was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au, “We can't wait for our Vic Falls Stadium to be open and for us to play the first game. Regardless of the opposition, I think it's going to be a great moment for Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Cricket.”
Sikandar Raza wants more matches against top teams to boost Zimbabwe’s growth
The senior all-rounder also believes that Zimbabwe needs more matches against the top teams to continue their development. Despite losing the ODI series 3-0 to Australia, Sikandar Raza feels the team is moving in the right direction, although he is realistic about Australia’s return for Tests, as Zimbabwe are not part of the ICC World Test Championship.
Sikandar Raza shared, “I know we have lost (to Australia)—I know that—but I don't think Zimbabwe has regressed. I do think we have made some great strides and progress. What it is that I have seen is that Zimbabwe is (going) in the right direction, and we are progressing.
He added, “Hopefully, with more ODIs and bigger nations coming to Zimbabwe, our progress will be faster. That's what we're hoping for. People look at the results—and results are important to all of us, to you, to fans, and to the country—but as a captain, with this side we are progressing. If we keep this fight, this hunger, then I genuinely believe we will win more in the near future than lose.”
