The Rose Bowl, one of the longest-running rivalries in women’s international cricket, will now include T20I matches between Australia and New Zealand.
Since its introduction in 1985, the trophy has been awarded to the winner of bilateral ODI series between the two countries. The expansion means both white-ball formats will now contribute to the competition.
The three-match T20I series in North Sydney will become the first Rose Bowl contest played in the shortest international format.
Australia vs New Zealand T20I Series to Begin New Rose Bowl Era
Australia and New Zealand compete for the Rose Bowl during their three-match T20I series at North Sydney. The expansion reflects the growing importance of T20 cricket in the women’s international calendar while maintaining the trophy’s established history.
The two teams will meet again in March 2027 for a three-match ODI series in Australia, providing another opportunity to compete for the trophy.
Under the revised rules, Rose Bowl contests featuring both ODIs and T20Is will be decided by the total number of victories across the two formats. If a series finishes level, the current trophy holder will retain the Rose Bowl.
New Zealand Cricket Welcomes Rose Bowl Expansion
New Zealand Cricket chief cricket operations officer Catherine Campbell, a former international player, welcomed the decision to include T20Is.
“The Rose Bowl is a prestigious trophy that holds a lot of meaning to current and past players, and it’s a series we’ve always taken a lot of pride in competing in,” Campbell said.
“With so much T20I cricket now being played, this is a brilliant opportunity to keep the Rose Bowl relevant and to build on the history between us and our Australian rivals.”
The change gives both teams additional opportunities to compete for a trophy that has been part of their international rivalry for more than four decades.
Melie Kerr Eager to Challenge Australia’s Rose Bowl Dominance
New Zealand captain Melie Kerr also expressed enthusiasm about the expanded competition.
“We’re all aware of what the Rose Bowl represents and the importance it holds in the White Ferns whakapapa [genealogy],” said Kerr.
“Great players and teams have fought for it over the years and we’d love the opportunity to claim our own piece of that history.”
New Zealand will be looking to end Australia’s lengthy hold on the trophy, which dates back to 2000.
Australia Have Held the Rose Bowl Since 2000
Australia regained the Rose Bowl from New Zealand with a 3-0 series victory in 2000 and have retained it ever since.
The Australian women’s team have won 18 Rose Bowl series since that triumph, with the 2008-09 contest ending in a 2-2 draw.
Across the competition’s history, Australia have dominated the ODI rivalry, winning 26 of the 31 series played for the trophy.
New Zealand have recorded three series victories, while three contests have ended level.
The addition of T20Is gives the White Ferns more opportunities to challenge Australia’s dominance while adding a new dimension to the historic rivalry.
With the first T20I edition taking place in North Sydney and another ODI contest scheduled for March 2027, the Rose Bowl is entering a new chapter in women’s international cricket.
