New Zealand's women and Zimbabwe's women's cricket teams are making history by meeting for the first time in a series of bilateral matches. The opening match of the T20I series will take place at Seddon Park, Hamilton on the 25th of February, adding another element to the beginning of a new chapter for both teams as they compete against each other.
The series contains a total of three T20Is throughout Hamilton and then followed by three ODIs at University Oval in Dunedin starting on March 5. The series is not only about wins and losses but also about both teams experiencing transformation, seizing opportunities and achieving their respective long-term goals.
A New Era for the White Ferns Under Amelia Kerr
First time Amelia Kerr will be leading the White Ferns at home. The home series for New Zealand women, is a new leadership cycle under captain Amelia Kerr. Known for her calm presence and all, round excellence, Kerrs captaincy will be closely watched by New Zealand as they try to build strength for future world tournaments.
Nevertheless, the hosts will be without some of their most seasoned campaigners. Suzie Bates is out with a quadricep injury, Sophie Devine is not available for the T20Is, and Lea Tahuhu has been rested. Their absence will give the chance of debut to Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight the two uncapped players.
Thus the series will probably be equal parts of experiment and performance, with New Zealand most likely to try out their bench strength in home conditions that they know very well.
Zimbabwe Women Eye a Statement Start in ICC Women’s Championship
For Zimbabwe Women, the tour is also historically significant. The T20Is are useful exposure for Zimbabwe Women to a top-tier side and the ODI leg constitutes Zimbabwe’s first entry into the ICC Women’s Championship cycle leading to the pathway for the 2029 Women’s World Cup qualification.
Zimbabwe led by their captain Nomvelo Sibanda is heavily dependent on experienced players like Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu, and Modester Mupachikwa to take charge against a strong New Zealand side.
For a developing side like Zimbabwe, it is important to play regularly against superior teams, and this tour is a rare opportunity to see how well Zimbabwe’s skills, temperament, and tactical awareness stand up to the test at the highest level.
Zimbabwe Women Tour of New Zealand 2026: Full Schedule
T20I Series (Hamilton)
1st T20I: February 25 – Seddon Park (11:45 am IST / 6:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm local)
2nd T20I: February 27 – Seddon Park (11:45 am IST / 6:15 am GMT / 7:15 pm local)
3rd T20I: March 1 – Seddon Park (5:45 am IST / 12:15 am GMT / 1:15 pm local)
ODI Series (Dunedin)
1st ODI: March 5 – University Oval (03:30 am IST / 10:00 am GMT / 11:00 am local)
2nd ODI: March 8 – University Oval (03:30 am IST / 10:00 am GMT / 11:00 am local)
3rd ODI: March 11 – University Oval (03:30 am IST / 10:00 am GMT / 11:00 am local)
Squads at a Glance
New Zealand Women Squad
Amelia Kerr (c), Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Kayley Knight (T20I only), Emma McLeod (ODI only), Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp
Zimbabwe Women Squad
Nomvelo Sibanda (c), Modester Mupachikwa, Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Loreen Tshuma, Josephine Nkomo, Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Audrey Mazvishaya, Adel Zimunu, Precious Marange, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Loryn Phiri, Christabel Chatonzwa, Tendai Makusha
Broadcast & Live Streaming Details
New Zealand: TVNZ 1, TVNZ+
Zimbabwe: ZBC TV, ZBC Online
Australia: Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports
India: SonyLIV, FanCode (app & website)
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket
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