New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has released its much-anticipated home international schedule for the 2025-26 season, and for fans of women’s cricket, there’s plenty to celebrate.
The White Ferns are set to host a record 14-game home summer, featuring a tantalising mix of historic firsts and blockbuster doubleheaders against high-profile visiting sides, including first-timers Zimbabwe and the formidable South Africa, who’ll be visiting the nation after February 2020 for a bilateral series.
For the first time in their cricketing history, the White Ferns will play Zimbabwe at the international level in a bilateral series, signalling a new era of global growth and engagement in women’s cricket. This will be quickly followed by a high-stakes five-match T20I series against South Africa, played in the popular doubleheader format alongside the Black Caps, offering a unique opportunity for fans to witness the best of both men’s and women’s cricket on the same day.
NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink was quick to highlight the significance of this summer, stating, “It’s especially pleasing for NZC to host the first-ever series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand women. Fans will see top-tier cricket across all our major centres, with the doubleheaders against South Africa offering a chance to watch the very best female and male cricketers in the world in a unique day-out experience.”
The White Ferns’ home season is brilliantly structured to bring elite cricketing action to fans across New Zealand’s iconic venues. From the electric energy of Eden Park to the picturesque University of Otago Oval, the schedule is a testament to the growing popularity and professionalism of the women’s game.
New Zealand Women v Zimbabwe Women
1st T20I – Seddon Park, 25 February 2026 (19:15)
2nd T20I – Seddon Park, 27 February 2026 (19:15)
3rd T20I – Seddon Park, 1 March 2026 (13:15)
1st ODI – University of Otago Oval, 5 March 2026 (11:00)
2nd ODI – University of Otago Oval, 8 March 2026 (11:00)
3rd ODI – University of Otago Oval, 11 March 2026 (11:00)
New Zealand Women v South Africa Women
1st T20I – Bay Oval, 15 March 2026
2nd T20I – Seddon Park, 17 March 2026
3rd T20I – Eden Park, 20 March 2026
4th T20I – Sky Stadium, 22 March 2026
5th T20I – Hagley Oval, 25 March 2026
*All games have a start time of 14:45
1st ODI – Hagley Oval, 29 March 2026 (14:00)
2nd ODI – Cello Basin Reserve, 1 April 2026 (11:00)
3rd ODI – Cello Basin Reserve, 4 April 2026 (11:00)
A major highlight of the season is the continuation of the highly successful T20I doubleheader format, where both the White Ferns and Black Caps will play South Africa on the same day at the same venue. This is not just a treat for fans but also a unique opportunity for the women’s team to share the spotlight and enjoy increased exposure.
With the Black Caps’ home season also packed with high-profile series against Australia, England, West Indies, and South Africa, the doubleheaders ensure that New Zealand’s cricketing summer will be one to remember, showcasing the very best of both the men’s and women’s game.
White Ferns’ rising star Georgia Plimmer expressed her excitement and anticipation for the season ahead, “We can’t wait for the international season and the chance to play in another ICC Cricket World Cup. We want to play as much cricket as we can, especially in front of our home fans, and it’s exciting to have a 14-game home summer to prepare for. It’s great to see more T20I doubleheaders as they are such a great experience for teams and fans alike.”
Tickets for the NZC home international summer will go on sale in August and will be available at nzc.nz. With NZC expecting strong crowds, fans are encouraged to secure their seats early.
New Zealand’s women’s cricket team is set for a landmark season, with a blend of historic firsts and electrifying doubleheaders promising to captivate fans across the country. The White Ferns are ready to take centre stage, and with the backing of a passionate home crowd, the 2025-26 season looks set to be a true celebration of women’s cricket in New Zealand.
(Quotes sourced from New Zealand Cricket Press Release)
