South Africa have scheduled an extra one-day international against Zimbabwe in mid-September. Following their withdrawal from the tri-series involving Sri Lanka and India, South Africa had agreed to host Zimbabwe for two one-day internationals and a Twenty20 match.
However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) decided the national team's early return from Sri Lanka had forced a rethink, with a third fixture being slotted in on September 20 at Potchefstroom. When the tour was originally negotiated, only two ODIs were scheduled," Gerald Majola, the CSA chief executive, told reporters. "With the Proteas tour to Sri Lanka cut short, CSA made every effort to heed Proteas coach Mickey Arthur's request to get as much cricket in as possible."
Arthur expressed his pleasure at the decision. "I am happy that CSA secured another game for the Proteas," he said. "This will certainly help in the preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy in India in October. The more cricket, the better."
The matches will be the only preparation for both sides ahead of October's Champions Trophy in India. The Twenty20 match, against the Eagles, will be played on September 13 at Kimberly, followed by the one-day internationals.
Zimbabwe in South Africa
Wednesday, Sept 13 - Twenty20 Tour Match - Eagles v Zimbabweans
Friday, Sept 15 - 1st ODI, Goodyear Park, Bloemfontein
Sunday, Sept 17 - 2nd ODI, Buffalo Park, East London
September 20 - 3rd ODI, Potchefstroom