Who Will Win New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women 1st ODI 2026 Match Prediction

Welcome to our in-depth New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women prediction for the 1st ODI of the 2026 bilateral series. This New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women prediction covers everything you need — team form, match previews, probable playing XIs, pitch and weather analysis, toss prediction, and our final match winner call. The NZW vs ZIMW 1st ODI is scheduled for Thursday, 5th March 2026 at the iconic University Oval, Dunedin, with play beginning at 3:30 AM GMT.

New Zealand Women enter this ODI series having completely dominated the T20I leg of the tour, whitewashing Zimbabwe Women 3-0 and bowling them out for under 100 runs in two of those three games. The gap in class between the two sides has been stark throughout the tour, and there is little reason to believe the ODIs will offer a different story.

New Zealand Women are returning to ODI cricket after their appearance in the Women’s ODI World Cup, while Zimbabwe Women played their last bilateral ODI series at home against the UAE. Teams bowling first have won 9 of the 17 ODIs played at University Oval — a key stat that could influence the toss decision. Amelia Kerr, who scored 183 runs across two T20I innings, leads the hosts in sensational form.

Our New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women prediction overwhelmingly backs the home side to continue their ruthless dominance and take a 1-0 lead in the ODI series. Cricketwebs provides the best match prediction tips for every cricket match.

Match Details

Team Previews

New Zealand Women Preview

New Zealand Women have been in a class of their own throughout this multi-format series against Zimbabwe Women. Their dominance in the T20I leg of the tour was total and complete — a clean 3-0 whitewash in which they left absolutely no room for the visitors to breathe. In the first two T20Is, New Zealand posted massive totals of 202 and 196 runs while losing just one wicket apiece, demonstrating a batting lineup firing on all cylinders. In the final T20I, they chased down a paltry 65-run target with all 10 wickets to spare, underlining the gulf in quality between the two sides. Now, as they transition into the ODI format, the hosts will be looking to carry that momentum seamlessly and assert their authority from ball one.

The most exciting aspect of New Zealand Women’s setup heading into this ODI series is the sheer depth and balance of their squad. Captain Amelia Kerr was in breathtaking form in the T20Is, scoring 183 runs across two innings — a performance that stamped her authority not just as a leader but as the team’s premier match-winner with the bat. Batting at number 3, Kerr will be the pivot around which New Zealand’s innings is constructed, and she is equally dangerous with her leg-spin bowling. Her ability to contribute in both departments makes her the most valuable player in this series.

At the top of the order, wicket-keeper batter Isabella Gaze was nothing short of extraordinary in the T20I series, accumulating 189 runs across three innings without being dismissed once. Her form has been a revelation, and she gives New Zealand a powerful, composed presence behind the stumps while providing explosive starts with the bat. Georgia Plimmer will partner Gaze at the top, and together they have the potential to make enormous early inroads into Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. The middle order, comprising Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green, provides additional firepower and reliability, ensuring there is no obvious weak link in the batting lineup.

With the ball, Jess Kerr was the standout performer in the T20Is, picking up 5 wickets across the series with consistent and penetrative bowling. Nensi Patel adds an important spin option in the middle overs, while Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, and Flora Devonshire offer excellent variety and depth in the attack. Captain Amelia Kerr’s leg-spin is another critical weapon — she will look to tie down the Zimbabwe batters and force errors. Emma McLeod rounds out a balanced, well-drilled bowling lineup. In every department, New Zealand Women look light-years ahead of the visitors heading into this game.

Zimbabwe Women Preview

Zimbabwe Women arrive at the University Oval for the first ODI having endured a thoroughly difficult tour of New Zealand. The T20I series exposed significant weaknesses across all three departments — batting, bowling, and fielding — and the margin of the defeats left little doubt about the size of the challenge they face in the longer format. Being bowled out for under 100 runs in two of the three T20Is was deeply concerning, and rebuilding confidence ahead of the ODIs will be a significant mental task for captain Nomvelo Sibanda and her coaching staff.

In the batting department, Zimbabwe’s struggles were clear for all to see. Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, their premier all-rounder and one of the team’s most experienced campaigners, had a particularly difficult T20I series. After an encouraging 20 off 19 in the opener, she managed just 7 and a duck in the next two games — a slide that exposed the fragility of Zimbabwe’s middle order. Josephine Nkomo, who had been a key performer in their last ODI series against UAE at home, was left out of the XI in the second and third T20Is, raising questions about squad selection and confidence. Her inclusion in the ODI XI could provide a more stable batting presence in the middle order.

The most reliable batter in Zimbabwe’s ODI plans remains Tiripano, whose record across the last 9 matches shows 303 runs at an average of 37.88 — statistics that highlight her importance as the backbone of the batting lineup. Opening batter Modester Mupachikwa was crucial in their last ODI win over the UAE and must provide a solid start alongside Kelis Ndhlovu. Beloved Biza and Christabel Chatonzwa add batting depth in the lower middle order, but Zimbabwe will need a significant improvement in their ability to build partnerships if they are to post a competitive total.

With the ball, Zimbabwe’s best hope rests with Loreen Tshuma, who has been outstanding in ODI cricket recently — picking up 14 wickets in the last 7 ODIs at a remarkable strike rate of 19.28. If Zimbabwe are to cause any upset, it will largely be Tshuma’s doing with the ball. Tendai Makusha has been another reliable bowling option for Zimbabwe Women. Adel Ziminu and captain Nomvelo Sibanda will also need to contribute meaningful spells. However, the bowling attack struggled badly in the T20Is and will need a dramatic improvement in discipline and execution to challenge a New Zealand batting lineup in the best form of their lives.

Team Squads

New Zealand Women Squad: Isabella Gaze (wk), Georgia Plimmer, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr (c), Emma McLeod, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Flora Devonshire

Zimbabwe Women Squad: Kelis Ndhlovu, Modester Mupachikwa, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Beloved Biza, Chiedza Dhururu (wk), Loreen Tshuma, Christabel Chatonzwa, Adel Zimunu, Audrey Mazvishaya, Tendai Makusha, Nomvelo Sibanda (c)

Probable Playing XI

Favourite Team in Today’s Match – Why New Zealand Women Are Overwhelming Favourites

New Zealand Women are the runaway favourites for this match, and the reasons are overwhelming. Their 3-0 T20I whitewash — including bowling Zimbabwe out for under 100 twice — tells the complete story. Isabella Gaze (189 runs without dismissal) and Amelia Kerr (183 runs in two innings) are in the form of their lives, making New Zealand’s batting lineup practically impenetrable.

The bowling attack, led by Jess Kerr’s 5 T20I wickets and the spin duo of Amelia Kerr and Nensi Patel, is perfectly equipped for ODI conditions. Add in the home advantage at Dunedin, where they know the pitch and conditions intimately, and it is almost impossible to make a case for Zimbabwe Women. New Zealand Women are not just favourites — they are in a completely different league in this series. New Zealand Women will win convincingly.

Pitch Report – University Oval, Dunedin

The University Oval in Dunedin is a beautiful batting venue with a true, even bounce that tends to favour stroke play. However, the overcast Dunedin conditions can offer swing and seam movement to the quicker bowlers early in the innings. As the match progresses, the surface becomes easier to bat on and spinners come into the game in the later stages. Teams bowling first have won 9 of the 17 ODIs at this ground — a strong historical trend that could influence the toss decision. Scores in the range of 240–270 are competitive on this surface, and with New Zealand’s powerful batting lineup, a 280+ total is very much on the cards.

Weather Report – Dunedin, March 5, 2026

The weather forecast for Dunedin on match day looks very promising. With only a 10% chance of precipitation and a pleasant high of around 17.6°C, conditions appear near-perfect for a full 50-over contest. Some cloud cover is expected, which may assist the seamers early, but no significant rain interruptions are anticipated. Fans can look forward to a full, uninterrupted ODI at the University Oval.

Broadcast Details

The NZW vs ZIMW 1st ODI will be streamed live on FanCode for fans in India. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide can follow live ball-by-ball commentary, scores, and match updates on ESPN Cricinfo, CricBuzz, and Sky Sport New Zealand. The match begins at 2:00 PM NZDT (3:30 AM GMT) on Thursday, 5th March 2026. Check local listings for regional broadcast availability.

Toss Prediction

Given that teams bowling first have won 9 of the 17 ODIs at University Oval, New Zealand Women are predicted to win the toss and elect to bowl first. The Dunedin conditions — particularly under cloud cover — tend to assist seamers early, and with a bowling attack as varied and potent as New Zealand’s, putting Zimbabwe in and exploiting the conditions makes tactical sense. A bowling-first approach would also allow their power-packed batting lineup to chase freely.

Toss Winner Prediction: New Zealand Women

Probable Top Batsmen & Bowlers

Probable Top Batsmen: Isabella Gaze is the standout candidate after her extraordinary T20I series where she scored 189 runs in three innings without being dismissed. Her form is unmatched and she enters this ODI as the No.1 batter to watch. Amelia Kerr scored 183 T20I runs and will look to replicate that with the longer format. Georgia Plimmer is a reliable partner at the top. For Zimbabwe, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano is their most consistent ODI batter with 303 runs in 9 recent matches. Modester Mupachikwa and Josephine Nkomo are Zimbabwe’s best hopes in the top and middle order.

Probable Top Bowlers: Jess Kerr is New Zealand’s most potent pace option after her 5-wicket T20I series. Amelia Kerr’s leg-spin is a constant threat and she’s equally effective as a wicket-taker in ODIs. Nensi Patel offers tight control in the middle overs. For Zimbabwe, Loreen Tshuma is the standout performer — 14 wickets in 7 recent ODIs at a strike rate of 19.28 makes her the only genuine wicket-taking threat Zimbabwe possess. Tendai Makusha provides important support in the pace department. Nomvelo Sibanda must lead the bowling effort as captain.

New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women Winning Chances

Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricketwebs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Legal Disclaimer: All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Cricketwebs does not promote betting or gambling.