The T20I leg of Zimbabwe Women Tour of New Zealand was completely dominated by the hosts as they outplayed Zimbabwe in all three matches. From the very first ball of the series, New Zealand looked in control and never allowed Zimbabwe to settle, eventually sealing a comprehensive 3-0 clean sweep.
In the opening T20I, New Zealand Women delivered a powerful batting performance, piling up 202/1 in their 20 overs and were clinical with the ball, restricting Zimbabwe to 110/4. In the 2nd match New Zealand once again dominated with the bat, posting 196/1, before their bowlers dismantled Zimbabwe’s line up for just 86 runs. In the third T20I Zimbabwe found it difficult to build partnerships and managed just 64 runs in their allotted overs. New Zealand chased down the modest target in only 5.4 overs without losing a wicket, completing a dominant 10-wicket victory and wrapping up the series in emphatic fashion.
With the T20I chapter now closed, the focus shifts to the ODI series. The first ODI is scheduled for March 5 at University Oval. Zimbabwe Women will be eager to regroup and deliver a much-improved performance in the 50-over format, while New Zealand Women will aim to extend their winning momentum and continue their strong run at home.
Squads:
New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team
Maddy Green, Amelia Kerr (C), Rosemary Mair, Jess Kerr, Brooke Halliday, Nensi Patel, Bella James, Molly Penfold, Izzy Gaze (WK), Breeanne Illing, Izzy Sharp, Emma McLeod
Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket Team
Nomvelo Sibanda (C), 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 brings immense experience into the ODI series, having featured in 84 WODIs, scoring 1,636 runs and picking up 99 wickets. She strikes at 114 with the bat and maintains an economy of 6.04 with the ball, making her one of the most complete all-rounders in the game. Her ability to control the tempo in both departments will once again be crucial for New Zealand.
Isabella Gaze
She is a 21-year-old right-hand batter who has already featured in 30 WODIs for New Zealand. She has scored 348 runs at a strike rate of 76, showing her ability to build innings steadily. Despite her young age, she brings valuable experience to the side and continues to develop as a dependable option in the batting line up.
Nomvelo Sibanda
She is a left-hand batter and a left-arm medium pacer who has played 20 WODIs. She has claimed 16 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 4.26, with best bowling figures of 3/41. Her leadership and discipline with the ball will be key if Zimbabwe are to challenge the hosts.
Modester Mupachikwa
The 29-year-old right-hand batter has played 27 WODIs and scored 625 runs. As one of the more experienced batters in the Zimbabwe line-up, she will carry the responsibility of anchoring the innings and providing stability at the top.
Pitch:
The University Oval in Dunedin is generally considered a batting-friendly surface. It has favored batters, with high scores being a common occurrence. The pitch offers good bounce and carry, allowing stroke-makers to play their shots freely. However, conditions may vary depending on weather, and early movement for seamers cannot be ruled out.
Weather:
The weather is expected to see a maximum temperature of 18°C with around 10% precipitation. Winds are likely to be around 14 km/h, with humidity at approximately 73%. Conditions are expected to remain suitable for a full game without major interruptions.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Amelia Kerr, Isabella Gaze, Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Nomvelo Sibanda, Beloved Biza, Chiedza Dhururu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Loreen Tshuma
Match Details:
Date – March 5, 2026
Time – 03:30 AM IST
Venue – University Oval, Dunedin
Broadcast – The match will be live-streamed on FanCode.
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