New Zealand Women produced a commanding display to secure a 180-run victory over Zimbabwe Women in the first ODI at University Oval in Dunedin. A brilliant 150 from Brooke Halliday, backed by valuable contributions from Maddy Green and Isabella Gaze, lifted the hosts to an imposing 354/3 before the bowlers wrapped up a comfortable win.
Match Details
- Match: New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 1st ODI
- Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
- Venue: University Oval, Dunedin
Match Analysis
The contest was largely shaped by New Zealand’s batting strength and sustained scoring through the middle and final overs. After a measured start during the Powerplay, Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green formed a key partnership that steadied the innings and created the platform for a late surge.
Halliday combined precise shot placement with aggressive boundary hitting, while Green anchored the partnership and ensured stability through the middle phase.
The final ten overs shifted the match firmly in New Zealand’s favour. Halliday and Isabella Gaze added a quickfire 150-run stand that turned an already strong total into a formidable one.
Zimbabwe began their chase cautiously, with Kelis Ndhlovu holding the innings together early on. However, the required run rate soon climbed sharply. Once wickets started to fall during the middle overs, the visitors struggled to maintain momentum and eventually fell well short of the target.
Match Report
After being asked to bat first, New Zealand Women made a solid start, reaching 64/1 during the Powerplay. The innings gained momentum through a productive partnership between Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday, who guided the total past 150 with controlled batting.
Green reached her half-century from 65 balls before Halliday took the lead, bringing up her century in 93 deliveries. Their century stand placed New Zealand firmly in command.
Late in the innings, Halliday and Isabella Gaze accelerated sharply. Gaze struck a brisk 53 from 39 balls, while Halliday finished with an outstanding 150 from 115 deliveries that included 23 fours and a six. Their 150-run partnership helped New Zealand post a daunting 354/3.
Zimbabwe Women began their reply steadily and moved to 39/1 in the Powerplay. Kelis Ndhlovu offered resistance with a composed 52 and shared a steady partnership with Chipo Mugeri Tiripano that carried the score beyond 100.
As the required rate continued to rise, wickets fell at regular intervals. Zimbabwe Women were eventually bowled out for 174 in 47.3 overs, sealing a comprehensive 180-run victory for New Zealand Women.
Match Summary
New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 1st ODI
- New Zealand Women: 354/3 (50 overs)
- Zimbabwe Women: 174 all out (47.3 overs)
Result: New Zealand Women won by 180 runs
Match Stats
New Zealand Women – Fall of Wickets
1-48 (Amelia Kerr, 6.5 ov)
2-81 (Emma McLeod, 15.2 ov)
3-203 (Maddy Green, 33.6 ov)
Zimbabwe Women – Fall of Wickets
1-21 (Modester Mupachikwa, 3.4 ov)
2-114 (Chipo Mugeri Tiripano, 28.4 ov)
3-142 (Kelis Ndhlovu, 35.3 ov)
4-150 (Loreen Tshuma, 38.3 ov)
5-150 (Chiedza Dhururu, 38.5 ov)
6-159 (Christabel Chatonzwa, 42.3 ov)
7-159 (Adel Zimunu, 42.4 ov)
8-170 (Beloved Biza, 46.1 ov)
9-174 (Tendai Makusha, 47.2 ov)
10-174 (Precious Marange, 47.3 ov)
