New Zealand head into this final T20I with a dominant 2-0 lead, having clinical performances in both the opening games. The first match was defined by Amelia Kerr’s historic captaincy debut, where she smashed an unbeaten 101 to guide the White Ferns to a 92-run win. They didn’t take their foot off the gas in the second outing either, posting a massive 196 before Nensi Patel and the bowling unit dismantled the Zimbabwe chase, bowling them out for just 86. For Zimbabwe, it has been a steep learning curve against world-class opposition, though bright spots like Beloved Biza’s resilient 49 in the opener and Chiedza Dhururu’s steady presence have shown they have the grit to compete if they can find more consistency.
Squads:
New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team
Amelia Kerr, Flora Devonshire, Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Kayley Knight, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp
Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket Team
Nomvelo Sibanda, Beloved Biza, Christabel Chatonzwa, Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Tendai Makusha, Precious Marange, Audrey Mazvishaya, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa, Kelis Ndhlovu, Josephine Nkomo, Loryn Phiri, Loreen Tshuma, Adel Zimunu
Players to watch out:
Amelia Kerr
Amelia has been in incredible form, leading from the front with a massive 183 runs across just two innings. She’s yet to be truly tamed by the bowlers, boasting a strike rate of 177.66 and the highest score of 101 not out. On the bowling side, she’s equally dangerous, having already picked up 3 wickets with a very tidy economy of 4.40.
Chiedza Dhururu
Chiedza has been working hard in the middle-order to steady the ship for Zimbabwe, contributing 28 runs so far in the series. While she hasn’t gone big yet, her ability to stay composed is clear from her 127.27 strike rate and her highest score of 20. She’s shown she can rotate the strike effectively, which will be key for the visitors as the tour progresses.
Nensi Patel
Nensi has been a reliable part of the White Ferns’ bowling attack, consistently building pressure on Zimbabwean batters. She has claimed 2 wickets in her two appearances, maintaining a disciplined economy rate of 3.87 across her 8 overs. Her ability to limit boundaries has been a huge asset, evidenced by the single maiden over she’s already managed to squeeze in.
Nyasha Gwanzura
Nyasha has found it a bit tough with the bat, but she’s been one of the primary threats with the ball for Zimbabwe. She has taken 2 wickets in the series so far, including a best bowling performance of 1/37. While she’s gone for a few runs against a rampant New Zealand lineup, her role as a wicket-taker remains vital for her team’s defensive strategy.
Pitch:
Seddon Park typically features a balanced surface that offers something for both batters and bowlers, with an average score of 136 in recent T20 matches. While the pitch generally favors pace and bounce early on, it remains a reliable track for stroke-makers due to its small boundaries and fast outfield.
Weather:
The conditions in Hamilton are expected to be in a high of 7°C and a low of -3°C. The day will feature a mix of sun and clouds with light winds. Clear skies promise a complete, uninterrupted game of cricket.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Amelia Kerr, Isabella Gaze, Jess Kerr, Kayley Knight, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Nomvelo Sibanda, Beloved Biza, Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Loreen Tshuma
Match Details:
Date – March 1, 2026
Time – 6:45 AM IST
Venue – Seddon Park, Hamilton
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on FanCode and Sony Liv.
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