Zimbabwe to make historic debut in ICC Women's Championship
Zimbabwe women's cricket team is gearing up for an iconic moment early next year, as they are set to make their debut in the ICC Women's Championship. Their first assignment will be a white-ball tour of New Zealand in March 2026. This landmark series will feature three One-Day Internationals, all scheduled to be played at the University of Otago Oval in Dunedin, and will officially kick off their campaign in the 2025-2029 cycle of the ICC Women's Championship.
Before the ODI series kicks off, the two teams will face each other in a three-match T20I series, which will be hosted at Seddon Park in Hamilton, providing crucial preparation for the visitors.
It's a historic moment for Zimbabwe, who have been inducted into the competition for the first time following its expansion from 10 to 11 teams in November 2024. The tournament serves as the primary qualification pathway to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2029.
'It is a proud and exciting moment for us as Zimbabwe Women prepare to compete at the highest level of the global game,' Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said while sharing his view about the team's achievement.
'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."
'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.
'The exposure to top-level cricket, including this inaugural tour to New Zealand, will accelerate our progress and strengthen our global competitiveness.'
The Women's Cricket World Cup is back in India | WWC25
The Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 will be played in India later this year.
Zimbabwe will also take on Ireland next month in a series that consists of three T20 Internationals in Dublin from 20 July, followed by two One-Day Internationals in Belfast on 26 and 28 July.'This tour presents us with an excellent opportunity to challenge ourselves against quality opposition in tough conditions,' Head Coach Walter Chawaguta said.
'Ireland will provide just the right platform to sharpen our skills, build momentum and solidify our combinations.'
1st T20I - 25 February, 2026, Hamilton
2nd T20I - 25 February, 2026, Hamilton
3rd T20I - 25 February, 2026, Hamilton
1st ODI - 5 March, 2026, Dunedin
2nd ODI - 8 March, 2026, Dunedin
3rd ODI - 11 March, 2026, Dunedin NewsICC Women's ChampionshipZimbabwe Women
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