NZ-W vs ZIM-W Match Prediction : 1st ODI, Zimbabwe Women tour of New Zealand, 2026
NZ-W vs ZIM-W Win Probability
93%
NZ-W
7%
ZIM-W
New Zealand Women To Win, 1.01
Despite missing a few regular names, the White Ferns possess a formidable and explosive batting lineup.
Zimbabwe Women’s lack of top-level international experience will likely be exposed again in the longer format.
The Kiwi bowling attack proved far too potent for the Zimbabwean batters during the T20I series, and 50 overs will only increase that pressure.
NZ-W vs ZIM-W Betting Tips
Any player to score a half-century
Given the longer format of an ODI and the batting-friendly nature of the University Oval pitch, there is ample time and opportunity for top-order batters from either side to comfortably raise a half-century.
Amelia Kerr to be the top batter for New Zealand Women
The New Zealand skipper is in phenomenal touch, having thoroughly dominated the Zimbabwean bowling attack in the recently concluded T20I series. Expect her to carry that rich vein of form into the ODIs.
Team form (Last 5 matches)
New Zealand Women
N/A
Zimbabwe Women
N/A
New Zealand Women recently wrapped up a dominant 3-0 T20I series sweep against Zimbabwe Women, showcasing their clear superiority. Now, the action shifts to the 50-over format, with the first ODI of the tour set for March 5, 2026, at the University Oval in Dunedin. This article provides an in-depth match prediction, betting tips, and probable playing XIs for this opening clash.
Also Check: Today's Cricket Betting Rates
New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women Head-to-Head Record
This ODI series will not be broadcast on traditional television in India. However, fans can stream the matches live via the FanCode app and website.
New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women Live-streaming and Broadcast
| Country | TV Channel | Live Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| India | Not available | FanCode app/website​ |
| New Zealand | TVNZ 1 | TVNZ+ app/website​ |
| Zimbabwe | ZBC TV | ZBC Online​ |
| Australia | Fox Cricket | Kayo Sports​ |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports Cricket | Sky Go​ |
| Canada | ATN | ATN app​ |
| Rest of World | — | ICC.tv​ |
You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.
NZ-W vs ZIM-W Team Previews
New Zealand Women
New Zealand Women enter this series looking to reset their ODI form after suffering defeats against heavyweights England and India in their recent 50-over outings. However, their confidence will be sky-high following the 3-0 T20I whitewash of Zimbabwe.
In their last ODI match against England, the White Ferns struggled, being bowled out for a modest 168. Georgia Plimmer was the lone bright spot, top-scoring with 43, while Amelia Kerr chipped in with 35. Defending a low total, Leah Tahuhu was the only bowler to make an impact, claiming 1/9 in her four overs before England chased the target down easily in 29.2 overs.
Brooke Halliday will be a key figure in the batting lineup for this series. The stylish southpaw has accumulated 269 runs in her last seven innings at a solid average of 38.42. Right-hander Georgia Plimmer provides steady support, with 248 runs in her last seven outings at 35.42. Furthermore, skipper Amelia Kerr’s current form makes the middle order highly dangerous.
With the ball, medium-pacer Jess Kerr will lead the attack. She has been a consistent wicket-taker, securing 12 scalps in her last ten appearances at an average of 27.00. Bree Illing will provide vital support, having taken eight wickets in her previous six matches.
New Zealand Women Expected Playing 11
Emma McLeod, Isabella Gaze (wk), Amelia Kerr (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing.
Check Out: Best Cricket Betting Sites
Zimbabwe Women
Zimbabwe Women arrive with a mixed bag of recent ODI results, having won two and lost three of their last five matches. Notably, their two victories came against the lower-ranked UAE Women.
In their most recent ODI outing, Zimbabwe suffered a 45-run defeat to the UAE. Chasing a daunting 274, Zimbabwe could only manage 229/7 in their 50 overs. Skipper Josephine Nkomo fought valiantly, top-scoring with a well-made 76, but lacked sufficient support from the rest of the order.
Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano will be tasked with anchoring the Zimbabwean batting effort. She has been their most reliable run-scorer recently, compiling 303 runs in her last nine matches at an average of 37.88. Modester Mupachikwa will also need to contribute heavily; she has 283 runs in her last ten ODIs at an average of 28.30.
The bowling attack will rely heavily on Loreen Tshuma, who has been in excellent wicket-taking form with 14 victims in her last seven games (strike rate of 19.28). Adel Zimunu is another crucial asset, having picked up nine wickets in her last eight ODI appearances.
Zimbabwe Women Expected Playing 11
Kelis Ndhlovu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Beloved Biza, Adel Zimunu, Chiedza Dhururu (wk), Nomvelo Sibanda (c), Christabel Chatonzwa, Loreen Tshuma, Loryn Phiri, Tendai Makusha.
NZ-W vs ZIM-W Toss Prediction
Historically, the University Oval in Dunedin has hosted five Women's ODI matches. The chasing team has won three of those encounters, while the team batting first has won twice. Given this slight edge and the generally excellent batting conditions, the captain winning the toss will likely opt to bowl first and chase a target.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The pitch at the University Oval is widely considered a batting paradise, offering true bounce and excellent value for shots. Batters should thrive here. However, as the 50-over contest progresses and the pitch experiences wear and tear, spinners are expected to come into play during the latter stages.
The weather forecast is ideal for cricket, predicting bright, sunny conditions with a comfortable temperature of around 18°C.
NZ-W vs ZIM-W : Who Will Win?
New Zealand Women thoroughly dismantled Zimbabwe in the T20I series, exposing a significant gap in class between the two sides. While ODIs require a different tempo, it is highly improbable that Zimbabwe Women have the firepower or experience to upset a rampant Kiwi side in their own backyard.
We expect New Zealand Women to dominate this encounter and take an early series lead.
Bet on New Zealand Women to win.
