Zimbabwe’s women’s cricket team is poised to mark a major milestone as they prepare to make their debut in the ICC Women’s Championship during a landmark white-ball tour of New Zealand in February-March 2026.
The tour, officially confirmed in the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, will see Zimbabwe compete in a three-match T20I series on February 25 and 27 and March 1 at Hamilton’s Seddon Park. These games will serve as crucial preparation ahead of their official entry into the ICC Women’s Championship, a first in the country’s cricketing history.
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The historic debut in the prestigious global competition will take place in a three-match ODI series against the White Ferns, scheduled for March 5, 8, and 11 at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin. These fixtures will not only mark Zimbabwe’s maiden participation in the ICC Women’s Championship but also signal the start of their journey toward qualification for the Women’s ODI World Cup.
Zimbabwe’s inclusion in the Championship came after the tournament expanded from 10 to 11 teams in November 2024, granting the African side a seat at the top table of women’s cricket for the first time.
According to the ICC’s schedule, Zimbabwe women are set to tour New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, while they will host fixtures against South Africa, Sri Lanka, Ireland, and West Indies as part of their Championship commitments.
Reacting to the development, Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Givemore Makoni hailed the announcement as a transformative moment for the sport in the country. “It is a proud and exciting moment for us as Zimbabwe Women prepare to compete at the highest level of the global game. 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,” Makoni stated.
He further noted that the opportunity to play in the ICC Women’s Championship would be instrumental in inspiring the next generation of female cricketers across Zimbabwe. “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,” he added.
Makoni emphasized that the tour to New Zealand would be invaluable in helping the squad gain exposure to elite competition. “The exposure to top-level cricket, including this inaugural tour to New Zealand, will accelerate our progress and strengthen our global competitiveness,” he concluded.
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