New Zealand Women and Zimbabwe Women are all set to script a new chapter as they meet for the first time in a bilateral series. The action begins with the opening T20I at Seddon Park in Hamilton on February 25. The tour includes three T20Is in Hamilton, followed by a three-match ODI series at Dunedin’s University Oval from March 5, giving both teams a valuable stretch of competitive cricket.
For the White Ferns, this series signals the start of a fresh phase under new captain Amelia Kerr, who will be leading the side in a home series for the first time. The squad, however, will be without some familiar faces. Suzie Bates is sidelined with a quadricep injury, Sophie Devine is unavailable for the T20Is, and Lea Tahuhu has been rested. Their absence opens the door for new talent, with uncapped players Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight in line for potential debuts.
For Zimbabwe, the stakes are equally significant. The ODI leg marks their entry into the ICC Women’s Championship cycle, an important pathway towards the 2029 World Cup. Led by Nomvelo Sibanda, Zimbabwe will look to experienced names like Josephine Nkomo, Kelis Ndhlovu and Modester Mupachikwa to rise to the occasion.
Zimbabwe Women tour of New Zealand 2026: Schedule
- 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/ 1:15 pm local)
- 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)
Also READ: ICC confirms fixtures of Women’s T20 World Cup 2026; India and Pakistan to face off in Edgbaston
Squads
New Zealand: 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: 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 and website
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket
Also READ: Australia vs India, Women’s ODI Series: Schedule, Team News, Broadcast and Live Streaming Details
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
