Zimbabwe will debut in the Women’s Championship while touring New Zealand

During the white-ball tour of New Zealand, Zimbabwe’s national women’s side is anticipated to make their ICC Women’s Championship debut, making history. Interestingly, the event is set for February or March of 2026.

This accomplishment is a significant step in their quest to earn a spot in the Women’s ODI World Cup for the first time. The top qualifying path for the Women’s ODI World Cup is the ICC Women’s Championship.

Due to Zimbabwe Women’s participation, the competition’s 2025–29 cycle now includes 11 teams instead of just 10. All participating countries will play eight three-match ODI series over the following four years, four of which will be played at home and four of which will be played away. Qualifying for the 2029 World Cup will be determined by the accumulation of points.

resounding support for our vision: The MD of Zimbabwe Cricket

On March 5, 8, and 11, Zimbabwe will play their first ODIs in the Championship against the hosts, New Zealand, at Dunedin. Prior to that, the two teams will play three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in Hamilton on February 25, 27, and March 1. This would be Zimbabwe’s first time against the White Ferns in both forms.

“We are happy and excited as Zimbabwe Women get ready to play at the top level of the world game. Givemore Makoni, the managing director of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC), was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying, “This is not only a testament to how far our women’s cricket has come, but it also strongly endorses our vision and investment in developing the women’s game.”

The team has only faced six countries in Women’s ODIs thus far, including Full Members Bangladesh, Ireland, and Pakistan. They will travel to India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and now New Zealand as part of the Championship cycle, while they will host South Africa, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and Ireland at home.