Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE are set to return to the international cricket arena after a three-month hiatus when they host old rivals Bangladesh in a multi-format tour scheduled for June/July.
According to Zimbabwe Cricket, Bangladesh will visit the country for a full bilateral series comprising one Test match, three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals.
The tour will mark Zimbabwe’s first home international fixtures since their impressive campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where they reached the Super Eight stage for the first time in history and recorded memorable victories over Australia and Sri Lanka.
The visit by Bangladesh opens the gates to a busy period ahead of the Chevrons, who are also set to welcome in Harare India for a three-match T20I series in July, as well as Australia who travel for three ODIs in September.
ZC managing director Givemore Makoni said the Bangladesh tour comes at a pivotal moment for Zimbabwe cricket following the national team’s recent rise on the international stage.
“We are delighted to confirm Bangladesh’s tour of Zimbabwe for what we expect to be a highly competitive and exciting series across all formats,” he said.
“This tour is hugely significant for us as it marks the return of top-level international cricket to our home venues following the team’s outstanding performances at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.
“Our supporters have every reason to be proud of what we have achieved in recent months and we are looking forward to seeing fans once again rally behind the team in Harare and Bulawayo.”
The eagerly awaited tour will get underway with a five-day Test match at Harare Sports Club from June 28 to July 2.
The two teams will remain in Harare for the ODI series, with matches scheduled for July 6, 9 and 11 at the same venue.
The tour will then move to Bulawayo, where Queens Sports Club will host the T20I series on July 15, 17 and 19.
The two sides last met in a two-match Test series in Bangladesh last year, which ended one-all after Zimbabwe secured a memorable three-wicket victory in the opening Test, which was their first win in the format in four years.
Bangladesh’s previous tour of Zimbabwe took place in July and August 2022, when the hosts delivered impressive performances to win both the T20I and ODI series 2-1 at Harare Sports Club.
As part of the preparations for the tour, ZC have invited former South African first-class cricketer Quinton Friend to work with the Zimbabwe senior men’s national team as a consultant bowling coach.
Friend is currently assisting at a training camp underway in Harare under the guidance of head coach Justin Sammons as preparations intensify for the upcoming international assignments.
A former first-class cricketer, Friend currently serves as head coach of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins franchise in South Africa.
He enjoyed a successful 16-year playing career as a robust right-arm fast-medium bowler before transitioning into coaching.
Friend is expected to sharpen Zimbabwe’s bowling unit as the Chevrons seek to maintain the momentum from the T20 World Cup.
Zimbabwe captured global attention during the tournament after reaching the Super Eight stage for the first time in their history, with the team progressing through the group stage unbeaten and recording famous victories over Australia and Sri Lanka.
The performances won fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani a lucrative contract in the Indian Premier League, while rising star Brian Bennett was signed in the Pakistan Super League for the first time, joining compatriots Ryan Burl and Sikandar Raza who had previous experience in the franchise league.
