New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women Prediction, 1st T20I – Who will win today’s match between NZ W vs ZIM W?

Published - 24 Feb 2026, 17:16 IST | Updated - 24 Feb 2026, 18:28 IST

New Zealand Women will take on Zimbabwe Women in the first T20I on February 25 at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

New Zealand Women, led by Amelia Kerr, will look to begin the three-match series on a strong note as they fine-tune their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The squad features experienced and emerging players, including Maddy Green, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Jess Kerr, and Izzy Sharp. This series presents a valuable opportunity for the hosts to test combinations and provide game time to key players ahead of the global tournament.

Zimbabwe Women, meanwhile, will aim to put up a competitive fight under the leadership of Nomvelo Sibanda. The squad includes experienced campaigners such as Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Kelis Ndhlovu, Josephine Nkomo, Christabel Chatonzwa, and Adel Zimunu. Zimbabwe will be eager to showcase their improvement and challenge the hosts by delivering disciplined performances with both bat and ball.

Seddon Park in Hamilton offers a well-balanced pitch where both batters and bowlers can find success. The surface generally provides good value for shots, allowing batters to score freely once they are set. The average first-innings total at the venue usually ranges between 150 and 170. While the pitch supports stroke play, bowlers can also make an impact by maintaining disciplined lines and lengths.

This will be the first-ever T20I meeting between New Zealand Women and Zimbabwe Women. As a result, the head-to-head record between the two sides currently stands at 0-0.

Georgia Plimmer, Maddy Green, Amelia Kerr (c), Brooke Halliday, Polly Inglis (wk), Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing, Nensi Patel, Kayley Knight

Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Modester Mupachikwa, Kelis Ndhlovu, Beloved Biza, Josephine Nkomo, Loreen Tshuma, Chiedza Dhururu (wk), Nomvelo Sibanda (c), Adel Zimunu, Loryn Phiri, Precious Marange

New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr could be the key batter in this match. She has scored 1,453 runs in 88 T20Is, including five half-centuries, highlighting her consistency and experience in the format. Her contribution at the top and middle order will be crucial for New Zealand, especially in setting up or chasing a competitive total.

Right-arm pacer Rosemary Mair could be the key bowler in this clash. She has taken 29 wickets in 36 T20Is at an impressive economy rate of 6.68, underlining her ability to maintain control while striking at important moments. Her role in the powerplay will be particularly crucial, as she has the skill to extract movement with the new ball and apply early pressure on the opposition.