Zimbabwe’s to make Women’s Championship debut during New Zealand tour

Zimbabwe’s national women’s team is set to create history when they debut in the ICC Women’s Championship on a white-ball trip of New Zealand. Notably, the event is expected to take place between February and March 2026.

This accomplishment is a significant step towards their goal of qualifying for the Women’s ODI World Cup for the first time. The ICC Women’s Championship is the primary qualification path for the Women’s ODI World Cup.

Zimbabwe Women’s inclusion has increased the competition from ten to eleven teams in the 2025-29 season. Over the next four years, all participating nations will compete in eight three-match ODI series, four at home and four away, with increasing points determining qualifying for the 2029 World Cup.

Zimbabwe’s Cricket’s MD has strongly endorsed our mission.

Zimbabwe will play their first ODIs in the Championship on March 5, 8, and 11 in Dunedin against hosts New Zealand. Before that, the two teams will play three T20Is in Hamilton on February 25, 27, and March 1, marking another first for Zimbabwe as they prepare to face the White Ferns in both formats for the first time.

“It is a proud and exciting occasion for Zimbabwe Women as they prepare to play at the top level of the international game. This is not just a tribute of how far our women’s cricket has progressed, but also a powerful support of our vision and effort in promoting the women’s game.” Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Managing Director, Givemore Makoni

Until far, the team has only played Women’s One-Day Internationals against six nations, including Full Members Bangladesh, Ireland, and Pakistan. As part of the Championship cycle, they will host South Africa, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Ireland at home, as well as go to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand.