New Zealand Women delivered a commanding performance in the second ODI of the Zimbabwe Women tour of New Zealand 2026, comfortably chasing down a modest target to seal an eight-wicket victory in Dunedin. The match saw a disciplined bowling display led by Amelia Kerr followed by a composed batting effort that ensured the hosts wrapped up the chase with plenty of overs to spare.
Zimbabwe Women began their innings hoping to build a solid foundation, and the opening pair of Kelis Ndlovu and Modester Mupachikwa initially tried to settle into the conditions. However, the partnership was disrupted early when Ndlovu was forced to retire hurt after scoring 12 runs off 27 balls, which halted Zimbabwe’s momentum and forced an early reshuffle in the batting order. Mupachikwa continued to anchor the innings and attempted to stabilise things alongside Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, but the partnership never quite flourished. Mugeri-Tiripano managed only 4 runs from 12 deliveries before falling to Molly Penfold, leaving Zimbabwe at 35/1 in the 10th over.
The wickets continued to tumble as New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their grip on the match. Beloved Biza scored 6 before becoming Penfold’s second wicket, caught behind by Isabella Gaze as Zimbabwe slipped to 48/2. What followed was a remarkable bowling spell from New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr, who dismantled the middle order with a superb display of leg-spin. Loreen Tshuma was dismissed for a first-ball duck, followed quickly by Chiedza Dhururu who also fell cheaply for 0. Kerr’s relentless accuracy meant Zimbabwe struggled to build partnerships, and the scoreboard pressure began to mount.
Nyasha Gwanzura attempted to rebuild the innings and stayed at the crease for 17 balls, scoring 3 runs, but Kerr struck again to remove her with a catch from Maddy Green. Christabel Chatonzwa was next to depart for 0, bowled by Kerr, while Adel Zimunu also fell without scoring, caught and bowled by the New Zealand captain. At one stage Zimbabwe had collapsed to 73/7, highlighting Kerr’s dominance with the ball.
Despite the collapse, Audrey Mazvishaya and Tendai Makusha tried to provide some late resistance. Mazvishaya scored a fighting 13 off 20 balls with two boundaries before she was stumped by Gaze off Kerr’s bowling. Makusha added 12 from 18 balls, but Kerr completed her outstanding spell by removing her as well. Zimbabwe Women were eventually bowled out for 102 in 29.1 overs, with extras contributing 19 runs. Amelia Kerr finished with remarkable figures of 7 wickets for 34 runs in 9.1 overs, the best bowling returns for New Zealand Women in ODIs, and was well supported by Molly Penfold with 3 wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs.
Chasing a target of 103, New Zealand Women started positively through their opening pair. Captain Amelia Kerr, continuing her influence on the game, took charge with the bat as well. She formed a brisk opening partnership of 34 runs with wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze before Gaze was dismissed for 20 off 22 balls by Audrey Mazvishaya. Kerr continued her fluent stroke play, striking six boundaries and a six in a well-compiled 45 from 40 balls, dominating the Zimbabwe bowling attack.
After Kerr’s dismissal at 83/2, caught by Mupachikwa off Christabel Chatonzwa, the match was virtually sealed. Maddy Green ensured there were no further hiccups, calmly guiding the chase with an unbeaten 27 off 29 balls. She was supported by Brooke Halliday, who remained not out on 7 from 7 deliveries. The pair stitched together the final partnership to take New Zealand Women to 106/2 in just 16.2 overs, completing the chase with 202 balls remaining.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled to contain the hosts on a relatively straightforward surface. Audrey Mazvishaya and Christabel Chatonzwa picked up one wicket each, while Nomvelo Sibanda bowled a steady spell of 5 overs for 24 runs. Adel Zimunu, Loreen Tshuma, Nyasha Gwanzura and Beloved Biza also contributed with the ball but were unable to create sustained pressure.
The match was defined by Amelia Kerr’s all-round brilliance. Her sensational seven-wicket haul dismantled Zimbabwe’s batting lineup before her aggressive 45 at the top ensured a smooth chase. The victory underlined New Zealand Women’s dominance in the ODI series as they secured a 2-0 series lead. For Zimbabwe Women, the match highlighted areas to improve, particularly in building partnerships and handling spin bowling in challenging conditions.
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