Zimbabwe Women to make ICC Women’s Championship debut in New Zealand

Zimbabwe Women’s cricket is on the cusp of a landmark chapter as they gear up for their maiden appearance in the ICC Women’s Championship. Their historic entry into the tournament will begin with a white-ball tour of New Zealand in February-March 2026, marking a major stride in their quest to compete at the top level of the global game.

The three-match ODI series, scheduled for March 5, 8, and 11 at the scenic University of Otago Oval in Dunedin, will mark Zimbabwe’s debut in the ICC Women’s Championship – the premier qualification pathway for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029. This comes after the Championship was expanded from 10 to 11 teams in November 2024, making room for Zimbabwe to join the elite group.

Prior to the ODIs, Zimbabwe will face New Zealand in a three-match T20I series in Hamilton on February 25, 27, and March 1. The T20Is will serve as vital preparation and also represent their first-ever bilateral meetings against the White Ferns in the shortest format.

Zimbabwe Women Embrace Historic ICC Championship Debut with Eye on World Cup Qualification

Zimbabwe’s inclusion is being celebrated as a significant breakthrough, both symbolically and structurally, for the development of women’s cricket in the country. Givemore Makoni, Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket, described the occasion as a “proud and exciting moment”: “This is not only a testament to how far our women’s cricket has come, but also a strong endorsement of our vision and investment in developing the women’s game,” said Makoni. “Being part of such a prestigious competition provides our players with a platform to grow, compete, and ultimately qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.”

ALSO SEE: PCB Begins Talks with Cricket Australia for Tours of Shaheens, U19 & Women’s Teams: Report

Head Coach Walter Chawaguta echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the importance of competitive exposure: “The tour to New Zealand – and before that, the series in Ireland – gives us crucial experience in tough conditions. These are the kinds of opportunities we’ve worked towards for years.”

Zimbabwe’s participation in the 2025-2029 Women’s Championship cycle will see them play eight three-match ODI series – four at home and four away. After New Zealand, they are also set to tour India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, while hosting South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Ireland.

Before their New Zealand tour, Zimbabwe will travel to Ireland for a limited-overs series in July 2025, featuring three T20Is in Dublin (from July 20) and two ODIs in Belfast (July 26 and 28). The series will serve as a vital test run ahead of their Championship debut.

Schedule: Zimbabwe Women’s Tour of New Zealand 2026

T20I Series (Hamilton – Seddon Park)

• 1st T20I – February 25, 2026
• 2nd T20I – February 27, 2026
• 3rd T20I – March 1, 2026

ODI Series (Dunedin – University of Otago Oval)

• 1st ODI – March 5, 2026
• 2nd ODI – March 8, 2026
• 3rd ODI – March 11, 2026

This tour to New Zealand isn’t just about matches it’s about Zimbabwe Women stepping onto the global stage with belief, ambition, and the chance to script history. Their journey toward the 2029 ICC Women’s World Cup begins here.