Zimbabwe vs Australia 1st ODI Preview & Tips - Australia to pass tricky ODI test against Zimbabwe

By Ben Darvill

11 Sep 2026

Ben Darvill 11 Sep 2026

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The two nations will battle in a three-game ODI series
Australia have won two of their last three ODI's against Zimbabwe (L1)
Preview, stats & head to head

Mitchell Marsh of Australia (Getty Images)

Zimbabwe vs Australia 1st ODI Preview & Tips
Head To Head
Zimbabwe Form
Australia Form

Zimbabwe vs Australia 1st ODI Preview & Tips

Zimbabwe are aiming to make it three ODI wins across their last four outings after they secured a stunning 2-1 series win over Bangladesh back in July.

Australia have been in stuttering form in the 50 over game of late following five defeats across their last seven outings.

Mitchell Marsh averaged 60.80 in ODI's in 2025

Head To Head

Australia have won four of the six previous ODI meetings between the sides with Zimbabwe winning the other two.

Zimbabwe Form

Zimbabwe will likely welcome a return to the 50 over game after a poor run of eight defeats in their last 10 across formats.

In the ODI game, Zimbabwe have won two of their last three while they have three wins in their last six. Victories over Ireland and Bangladesh twice shows Zimbabwe are competing with sides of a similar quality, although they are yet to take that next step.

Indeed, across their last 10 they have lost twice to Afghanistan and twice to Sri Lanka. Both sides have been making improvements across the last few years and are still a few steps ahead of Zimbabwe. This series constitutes a clash against one of the best, although it should be noted the Aussies are not in great form.

The home side will hope to channel memories of their stunning three-wicket win the last time they battled Australia in the ODI game. With two wins in their last four 50 over matches against Australia, Zimbabwe will fancy their chances of running their opponents close.

While this will be a real test for Australia, Zimbabwe will likely still be out of their depth. The Aussies have a number of world class players touring with them and they should have too much for the home team.

Australia Form

Australia are in need of a shot in the arm in the ODI game after struggling to a pair of wins across their last seven outings.

It is worth noting that the Aussie have lost once to a brilliant India outfit, but they then went on to lose twice to a hit-and-miss Pakistan before losing twice to Bangladesh. While Bangladesh are much-improved, Australia would have been shocked to have slumped to a 2-1 series defeat to their opponents.

Mitchell Marsh will captain a side that is sprinkled with youth and experience, and I back him to lead from the front. He scored 304 runs in six innings at 60.80 in ODI's in 2025 in a very impressive run.

Marsh will have a big role in Australia's batting line-up alongside Travis Head, Alex Carey and Cam Green, with the four key in both building scores and cutting loose later on. I predict that Marsh will impress with the bat as Australia begin the series against Zimbabwe with a morale-boosting win.

Verdict

Zimbabwe v Australia 1st ODI

I am backing Australia to secure an important win as Marsh gives Zimbabwe's bowlers some real issues.

Australia

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