Australia is set to play a two-match limited-over exhibition series in Canberra next year to celebrate the capital’s 100th birthday.

It will be the first time Canberra has hosted the Australian cricket team in its 100-year history.

The ACT government said negotiations were still underway but close to being finalised, hopefully pitting Australia against New Zealand in either Twenty20 or 50-over games in early April at Manuka Oval.

The ground plays host to the annual Prime Minister’s XI, but has never managed to entice the national squad.

While the exact details couldn’t be confirmed, a spokesman for ACT sports minister Andrew Barr said a formal announcement was likely to be made in the next few weeks.