In November 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) revealed plans to expand the Women’s Championship from ten to eleven teams, adding Zimbabwe to the lineup for future editions of the tournament. It was a historic moment for Zimbabwe as they stepped onto the global stage in the ICC Women’s Championship, marking a significant milestone in the development of women’s cricket in the country.
Recently, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced the summer schedule of the White Ferns. The New Zealand women’s cricket team will begin their long home summer season with a series against Zimbabwe as their first assignment.
As the fixtures have been announced, the Zimbabwe women’s cricket team is preparing for a historic milestone early next year, as they are poised to make their debut in the ICC Women’s Championship.
This historic series will comprise three One-Day Internationals, all set to take place in the month of March, at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin, marking the official start of Zimbabwe’s campaign in the 2025–2029 ICC Women’s Championship cycle.
However, prior to the ODI series, the two teams will meet in a three-match T20I series which will be held in February at Seddon Park in Hamilton, offering valuable preparation for the visiting Zimbabwe side.
Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni commented on the historic moment, stating, “It is a proud and exciting moment for us as Zimbabwe Women prepare to compete at the highest level of the global game.”
He further added, “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.” He also mentioned the importance of participating in such a significant event, adding, “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.”
On the significance of the tour to New Zealand, he said, “The exposure to top-level cricket, including this inaugural tour to New Zealand, will accelerate our progress and strengthen our global competitiveness.”
Zimbabwe is also set to face Ireland next month in a series that includes three T20 Internationals in Dublin starting on 20 July, followed by two One-Day Internationals in Belfast on 26 and 28 July.
Regarding the series against Ireland, Head Coach Walter Chawaguta said, “This tour presents us with an excellent opportunity to challenge ourselves against quality opposition in tough conditions.” He further remarked that “Ireland will provide just the right platform to sharpen our skills, build momentum and solidify our combinations.”
This will mark the first time Zimbabwe will face New Zealand in women’s ODIs. To date, Zimbabwe has competed in ODIs against six teams, including three Full Members: Bangladesh, Ireland, and Pakistan. The New Zealand tour will also mark Zimbabwe’s first encounter with a Full Member team other than Ireland.
Zimbabwe boasts a stronger record in T20 Internationals, having secured 50 wins and 21 losses out of 72 matches, with one ending in a tie. However, Zimbabwe has played a total of 24 One-Day International matches, with 8 wins, 15 losses, and one tie. Among those victories, only one has come against a full member, Ireland. With the upcoming New Zealand tour, Zimbabwe will aim to improve their ODI record.
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