Zimbabwe Women’s cricket is poised to make a significant leap forward with their upcoming, historic debut in the ICC Women’s Championship.
This landmark moment will see them tour New Zealand for a white-ball series in early 2026, marking their first inclusion in the prestigious global competition.
The tour kicks off with a three-match T20 International series on February 25 and 27, and March 1, 2026, at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
These matches will provide a crucial opportunity for the team to acclimatize to the New Zealand conditions before their championship debut.Following the T20Is, the focus shifts to the three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), scheduled for March 5, 8, and 11, 2026, at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin.
These ODIs are an integral part of the 2025-2029 cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship.
A New Era for Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket
Zimbabwe Women’s inclusion in the ICC Women’s Championship comes after the competition’s expansion from 10 to 11 teams in November 2024.
Now in its fourth edition, the championship serves as the primary qualification pathway to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2029.
Under the current cycle, each of the 11 participating teams will compete in eight three-match ODI series – four at home and four away – against selected opponents.
According to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, Zimbabwe Women will travel to face New Zealand Women, India Women, Bangladesh Women, and Pakistan Women.
They will also host South Africa Women, West Indies Women, Sri Lanka Women, and Ireland Women.
A Testament to Growth and Future Aspirations
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni emphasized the significance of this milestone.
“It is a proud and exciting moment for us as Zimbabwe Women prepare to compete at the highest level of the global game. 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,” he said.
“The exposure to top-level cricket, including this inaugural tour to New Zealand, will accelerate our progress and strengthen our global competitiveness,”Makoni added.
This momentous step highlights the growing stature of Zimbabwe Women’s cricket on the international stage, paving the way for exciting times ahead for the team and the sport in the country.
