NZ-W vs ZIM-W Dream11 Prediction: 1st T20I Fantasy Cricket Tips, Pitch Report & Playing XI | Zimbabwe Women tour of New Zealand 2026
Get the best NZ-W vs ZIM-W Dream11 prediction for the 1st T20I at Seddon Park. Find pitch reports, player stats, captaincy picks, and the winning fantasy XI for the Feb 25 clash.
The international cricket summer in New Zealand continues with an intriguing matchup as the New Zealand Women (White Ferns) host Zimbabwe Women for a historic three-match T20I series. The series opener is set to take place at the picturesque Seddon Park in Hamilton on February 25, 2026.
While the White Ferns enter as heavy favorites, this series marks a significant step for Zimbabwe Women, who are looking to gain experience against top-tier opposition. For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, this match presents a clear strategy: banking on New Zealand’s dominant core while identifying high-value “differential” picks from the Zimbabwe squad to stay ahead in the Dream11 rankings.
NZ-W vs ZIM-W Match Details
- Match: New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 1st T20I
- Series: Zimbabwe Women tour of New Zealand, 2026
- Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
- Time: 11:45 AM IST | 07:15 PM Local Time
- Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton
- Live Streaming: FanCode
Seddon Park Pitch Report & Weather Conditions
Pitch Analysis
Seddon Park is known for providing a balanced contest between bat and ball. Traditionally, the surface offers good carry and bounce, which aids New Zealand’s pace attack. However, the boundaries are relatively small, meaning top-order batters can score quickly once they are set.
- Pace vs. Spin: Historically, seamers have been more effective here. In recent matches, pacers have accounted for roughly 60% of the wickets taken.
- Average Score: The average first-innings total at this venue in women’s T20Is ranges between 135 and 145. Anything above 160 will be a match-winning total.
Weather Forecast
The weather in Hamilton is expected to be clear and pleasant for an evening match. Temperatures will hover around 20°C. With low humidity and no rain in the forecast, we should expect a full 40-over game without interruptions.
Team News & Squad Updates
New Zealand Women (White Ferns)
The White Ferns are entering a new era under the leadership of Amelia Kerr, who takes over as permanent captain from Sophie Devine. Interestingly, the squad is missing several veterans:
- Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates are unavailable for this series (rest/injury).
- Eden Carson is sidelined with an elbow injury.
- This gives opportunities to youngsters like Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight, who could make their debuts.
Zimbabwe Women
Zimbabwe arrives with a squad that blends experience with fresh talent. They are now coached by former White Fern Kate Ebrahim, whose inside knowledge of New Zealand conditions will be vital.
- Key players to watch include captain Nomvelo Sibanda and the versatile Kelis Ndhlovu.
- Christabel Chatonzwa remains their primary wicket-taking threat in the spin department.
NZ-W vs ZIM-W Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand Women (NZ-W)
- Georgia Plimmer
- Isabella Gaze (WK)
- Amelia Kerr (C)
- Maddy Green
- Brooke Halliday
- Izzy Sharp
- Nensi Patel
- Jess Kerr
- Rosemary Mair
- Molly Penfold
- Kayley Knight / Bree Illing
Zimbabwe Women (ZIM-W)
- Modester Mupachikwa
- Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano
- Kelis Ndhlovu
- Beloved Biza
- Josephine Nkomo
- Chiedza Dhururu (WK)
- Christabel Chatonzwa
- Precious Marange
- Nomvelo Sibanda (C)
- Audrey Mazvishaya
- Loreen Tshuma
Key Players for Dream11 Top Picks
Must-Have Picks
- Amelia Kerr (NZ-W): The undisputed top pick. As captain, top-order batter, and a world-class leg-spinner, she is the safest choice for Captain. Her recent form in the WPL 2026 has been sensational.
- Jess Kerr (NZ-W): A master of the new ball. Her ability to swing the ball under lights at Seddon Park makes her a primary candidate for multiple wickets.
- Kelis Ndhlovu (ZIM-W): The “Amelia Kerr” of Zimbabwe. She bats in the top three and bowls her full quota of overs. She is Zimbabwe’s best hope for fantasy points.
Budget / Differential Picks
- Isabella Gaze (NZ-W): With Bates and Devine out, Gaze might get a promotion in the batting order. She is safe behind the stumps and offers value at a lower credit cost.
- Christabel Chatonzwa (ZIM-W): Often overlooked, she has a knack for picking up wickets in the middle overs.
- Rosemary Mair (NZ-W): If New Zealand bowls first, Mair’s death-over bowling could result in a heap of wickets against a struggling Zimbabwe lower order.
NZ-W vs ZIM-W Dream11 Prediction: Fantasy Team Suggestion
| Position | Player Name | Team |
| Wicket-Keeper | Isabella Gaze | NZ-W |
| Batters | Maddy Green, Georgia Plimmer, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano | NZ-W / ZIM-W |
| All-Rounders | Amelia Kerr (C), Kelis Ndhlovu, Josephine Nkomo, Brooke Halliday | Mixed |
| Bowlers | Jess Kerr (VC), Rosemary Mair, Nomvelo Sibanda | Mixed |
Captaincy & Vice-Captaincy Choices
- Captain (C): Amelia Kerr. Her dual-role capability makes her the default choice. She can easily cross 100 fantasy points on her day.
- Vice-Captain (VC): Jess Kerr or Georgia Plimmer. If New Zealand bats first, Plimmer could play a big knock. If they bowl first, Jess Kerr is the superior choice.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
New Zealand Women are playing at home and possess a squad with significantly more international experience. Despite missing some big names, the depth of the White Ferns’ domestic structure should be enough to overpower Zimbabwe.
Predicted Winner: New Zealand Women (NZ-W)
FAQs
1. What is the venue for the NZ-W vs ZIM-W 1st T20I?
The match will be held at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
2. Where can I watch the NZ-W vs ZIM-W 2026 series live?
In India, the series is expected to be streamed live on the FanCode app.
3. Who is the captain of New Zealand Women for this series?
Amelia Kerr has been named the permanent captain of the White Ferns.
4. Is Sophie Devine playing today?
No, Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates have been rested/sidelined for this series to manage workload and injuries.
Conclusion
The NZ-W vs ZIM-W Dream11 prediction points toward a dominant performance by the hosts. Focusing your fantasy team on New Zealand’s all-rounders and opening bowlers is the most viable strategy. However, don’t ignore Zimbabwe’s Kelis Ndhlovu or Josephine Nkomo, as they provide the balance needed for a winning XI.
Stay tuned for the toss, as any changes in the playing XI could shift the strategy, especially regarding the debutants Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight!
