When two cricket teams meet for the first time on foreign soil, something special happens. The Zimbabwe Women’s cricket team is set to tour New Zealand from February 25 to March 11, 2026, for a thrilling bilateral series.
The tour includes three T20 International matches and three One Day International matches. New Zealand’s cool, swing-friendly conditions will test Zimbabwe’s skills in a big way.
This series is more than just matches; it is a chance for Zimbabwe Women to grow and make a mark on the global stage. Expect passionate cricket, exciting moments, and a real fight between two determined teams.
Zimbabwe Women’s Tour of New Zealand 2026 – Series Schedule
The series runs from February 25 to March 11, 2026. It gives both teams solid preparation time ahead of major international events.
The tour has six matches in total – three T20Is followed by three ODIs – giving fans the chance to enjoy both formats of the game.
T20I Series
Here is a quick look at the T20I schedule for this exciting series.
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) | Time (GMT) | Time (Local) | Match Start (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Wed, Feb 25, 2026 | Hamilton, Seddon Park | 11:45 AM | 6:15 AM | 7:15 PM | Feb 25, 06:15 GMT |
| 2nd T20I | Fri, Feb 27, 2026 | Hamilton, Seddon Park | 11:45 AM | 6:15 AM | 7:15 PM | Feb 27, 06:15 GMT |
| 3rd T20I | Sun, Mar 1, 2026 | Hamilton, Seddon Park | 5:45 AM | 12:15 AM | 1:15 PM | Mar 01, 00:15 GMT |
The T20I leg of the tour is fully hosted at Seddon Park in Hamilton, giving Zimbabwe Women a clear idea of New Zealand conditions from the very start.
ODI Series
The ODI leg of the tour shifts to Dunedin, where the weather and pitch conditions will offer a fresh challenge for both sides.
| Match | Date | Venue | Time (IST) | Time (GMT) | Time (Local) | Match Start (GMT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Thu, Mar 5, 2026 | Dunedin, University Oval | 3:30 AM | 10:00 PM | 11:00 AM | Mar 05, 22:00 GMT |
| 2nd ODI | Sun, Mar 8, 2026 | Dunedin, University Oval | 3:30 AM | 10:00 PM | 11:00 AM | Mar 08, 22:00 GMT |
| 3rd ODI | Wed, Mar 11, 2026 | Dunedin, University Oval | 3:30 AM | 10:00 PM | 11:00 AM | Mar 11, 22:00 GMT |
All three ODIs take place at University Oval in Dunedin, making it a true test of consistency for Zimbabwe Women over the longer format.
Venues For Zimbabwe Women’s Tour of New Zealand 2026
Seddon Park, Hamilton
Seddon Park is one of New Zealand’s best cricket grounds. The pitch here offers pace and bounce, which suits fast bowlers early in the game. As the match goes on, the surface settles, and batters can play their shots freely.
The ground sits right in the heart of Hamilton city, making it easy for fans to reach. It has hosted many big international matches and always provides a lively atmosphere. The outfield is fast, and fielding standards are tested here every time.
University Oval, Dunedin
University Oval in Dunedin is a charming ground surrounded by trees and a university campus. The pitch here tends to help swing bowlers, especially in the morning when the air is cool and humid.
Dunedin is one of the cooler cities in New Zealand, so conditions can change quickly during a match. The ground has a relaxed but passionate fan base that supports women’s cricket with real energy. Batters need to stay patient here before they can open up their game fully.
Zimbabwe Women’s Tour of New Zealand 2026 Squads
Both teams have named strong squads for this series. The selections show a good mix of experience and young talent. Each team has quality players in batting, bowling, and all-round roles who can change a match on their own.
T20I Squads
Here are the full T20I squads for both teams ahead of this exciting series.
| Country | Squad |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Women | Amelia Kerr, Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu, Fran Jonas, Molly Penfold |
| Zimbabwe Women | Mary-Anne Musonda (c), Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa (wk), Josephine Nkomo, Loreen Tshuma, Loryn Phiri, Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Nyasha Gwanzura, Christabel Chatonzwa, Kudzai Chigora, Audrey Mazvishaya, Chiedza Dhururu, Lindokuhle Mabhero, Francesca Chipare |
Note: Suzie Bates is ruled out for the T20I leg due to a quadricep injury. Sophie Devine retired from ODI cricket after the 2025 Women’s World Cup.
ODI Squads
The ODI squads see a few changes, with New Zealand bringing in Flora Devonshire and Zimbabwe adding Precious Marange and Anesu Mushangwe.
| Country | Squad |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Women | Amelia Kerr, Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu, Flora Devonshire, Fran Jonas |
| Zimbabwe Women | Mary-Anne Musonda (c), Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa (wk), Josephine Nkomo, Loreen Tshuma, Loryn Phiri, Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Nyasha Gwanzura, Christabel Chatonzwa, Kudzai Chigora, Audrey Mazvishaya, Chiedza Dhururu, Precious Marange, Anesu Mushangwe |
Note: Squads are subject to official confirmation by respective cricket boards.
Key Players to Watch
There is no head-to-head data available for this series between these two sides. However, several players from both teams are sure to make a big impact throughout the tour.
Here are the key players to watch from both sides in this series.
New Zealand Women
| Player | Role | Why to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Amelia Kerr | All-rounder | A world-class performer with bat and ball who can win matches single-handedly |
| Lea Tahuhu | Fast Bowler | An experienced quick who uses New Zealand conditions better than anyone |
| Eden Carson | Off-spin Bowler | Bowls with great control and takes key wickets in the middle overs |
| Georgia Plimmer | Batter | A young opener who plays fearless cricket and scores at a brisk pace |
Zimbabwe Women
| Player | Role | Why to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Mary-Anne Musonda | Captain / Batter | Leads by example and is Zimbabwe’s most consistent top-order batter |
| Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano | All-rounder | A senior player with good skills in both batting and bowling departments |
| Loryn Phiri | Batter | One of Zimbabwe’s most attacking players who can take the game away quickly |
| Nyasha Gwanzura | Bowler | Picks up wickets with clever variations and puts constant pressure on batters |
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
Fans from around the world can catch all the action from the Zimbabwe Women’s Tour of New Zealand 2026 through various broadcast and streaming platforms.
Here is where you can watch the series live.
| Region | Platform | Type |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | TVNZ 1 | TV Broadcast |
| New Zealand | TVNZ+ | Live Streaming |
| Zimbabwe | ZBC TV | TV Broadcast |
| Zimbabwe | ZBC Online | Live Streaming |
| India | FanCode | Streaming |
| UK | Sky Sports Cricket | TV & Streaming |
| Australia | Fox Cricket / Kayo Sports | TV & Streaming |
| Worldwide | ICC.tv (select territories) | Streaming |
New Zealand Cricket also streams match highlights on its official YouTube channel for fans who cannot watch live.
Match Timings Across Time Zones
The T20I matches start at 6:15 AM GMT, which converts to 11:45 AM in India. The third T20I starts slightly earlier at 12:15 AM GMT due to the time change in New Zealand.
ODI matches begin at 10:00 PM GMT the previous day, which is 3:30 AM IST. These timings allow fans in South Asia and beyond to follow the series without too much difficulty.
Tickets Information
Tickets for the Zimbabwe Women’s Tour of New Zealand 2026 matches are available through New Zealand Cricket’s official website and ticketing partners. Fans can purchase tickets easily online or at the venue on match days.
T20I matches at Hamilton’s Seddon Park have general admission tickets for adults ranging from NZD 15 to 40, with children’s tickets starting at NZD 5. ODI matches at Dunedin’s University Oval follow a similar pricing structure, with family packages available for two adults and two children at a discounted rate.
How to Buy Tickets
Fans can book tickets online at nzc.nz for a smooth and easy experience from home. Box offices at both venues also sell tickets on match days, subject to availability.
Ticket holders are advised to arrive early for security checks. Certain items are not allowed inside the ground, so fans should check the venue guidelines before heading to the match.
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Conclusion: A Tour That Tests Character and Builds Champions
This tour is a real growth opportunity for Zimbabwe Women as they face one of the world’s best sides on their home ground. New Zealand will enter as strong favorites, but Zimbabwe has the talent to compete on its day. Expect exciting cricket, strong performances from both sides, and moments that remind us why women’s cricket continues to grow and inspire fans worldwide.
