Are Zimbabwe Women Poised for a Historic ICC Championship Debut on Their 2026 Tour to New Zealand?
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Synopsis
On June 25, 2023, Zimbabwe's women’s cricket team is set to embark on a groundbreaking journey as they prepare for their debut in the ICC Women’s Championship. This historic moment not only marks their first step towards the Women’s ODI World Cup but also signifies a giant leap for women's cricket in Zimbabwe.
Key Takeaways
- Zimbabwe Women to debut in ICC Women’s Championship in 2026.
- First ODIs against New Zealand scheduled for March 2026.
- Participation marks a significant milestone for women's cricket in Zimbabwe.
- Four home ODI series planned against various teams.
- New Zealand tour opens a new chapter for Zimbabwe Women.
Harare, June 25 (NationPress) The Zimbabwe women's cricket team is gearing up for their long-anticipated debut in the ICC Women’s Championship, signifying the onset of their journey to qualify for the Women’s ODI World Cup for the very first time.
Their campaign is set to kick off with a white-ball tour of New Zealand in February-March 2026, featuring both ODI and T20I series.
This tour will include three ODIs — scheduled for March 5, 8, and 11 in Dunedin — which will officially mark Zimbabwe’s entry into the ICC Women’s Championship. These matches will not only be Zimbabwe’s inaugural Women’s ODIs against New Zealand but also their first foray into the expanded 2025-29 Championship cycle, now encompassing 11 teams instead of 10.
The fourth iteration of the Championship will act as the qualification pathway for the 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup.
Before the ODIs, Zimbabwe will also participate in a three-match T20I series in Hamilton on February 25, 27, and March 1, marking their debut against New Zealand in Women’s T20Is.
Zimbabwe’s inclusion in the ICC Women’s Championship marks a significant advancement for the nation’s women’s cricket program.
On this occasion, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) Managing Director Givemore Makoni praised the development as a historic milestone.
“It is a proud and thrilling moment for us as Zimbabwe Women prepare to compete at the pinnacle of global cricket,” Makoni stated. “This milestone reflects the progress our women's cricket has made and reinforces our commitment to developing the women’s game.”
As part of the Championship cycle, Zimbabwe will host four three-match ODI series at home — against South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Ireland — and travel away to face India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and now New Zealand. This schedule promises both exposure and challenges as the team seeks to establish itself among the elite in women’s cricket.
To date, Zimbabwe Women have played ODIs against only six teams, with Full Member matches restricted to games against Bangladesh, Ireland, and Pakistan. The New Zealand tour will signify a new chapter in their international endeavors.
With Zimbabwe’s inclusion, 11 of the 12 Full Members of the ICC are now part of the Women’s Championship. The only exception is Afghanistan, where the women’s cricket program has faced significant setbacks following the Taliban's return to power in August 2021 and subsequent restrictions on women’s sports.
Point of View
We stand firmly behind the Zimbabwe women's cricket team as they prepare for this monumental opportunity. Their debut in the ICC Women’s Championship not only showcases their hard work and dedication but also highlights the growth of women’s sports in Zimbabwe. We are excited to witness this new chapter in their cricketing journey.
NationPress
25/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Zimbabwe Women play their first ICC Women’s Championship ODIs?
Zimbabwe Women will play their inaugural ICC Women’s Championship ODIs in New Zealand on March 5, 8, and 11, 2026.
What teams will Zimbabwe face during the Championship cycle?
Zimbabwe will host ODI series against South Africa, West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Ireland, and will travel to play against India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand.
What is the significance of this tour for Zimbabwe Women?
This tour marks Zimbabwe Women’s first-ever participation in the ICC Women’s Championship and is a crucial step towards qualifying for the 2029 Women’s ODI World Cup.
