March 2026 offered a compelling stretch in women’s cricket, featuring closely contested bilateral series, dominant whitewashes, and notable individual performances. From South Africa’s success against Pakistan to New Zealand’s clean sweeps over Zimbabwe, Australia’s commanding run in the Caribbean, and Nigeria’s title-winning campaign, the month also saw the landmark staging of the inaugural Women’s Hundred Auction.
Australia vs India: All-Format Battle Ends in Australia’s Favour
Australia hosted India in a multi-format series that also marked Alyssa Healy’s final international assignment. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, secured a significant 2-1 T20I series victory in Australia, their first since 2016.
However, the momentum shifted in the remaining formats as Healy resumed leadership duties for the final time. Australia responded with a 3-0 ODI whitewash and followed it with a dominant 10-wicket victory in the one-off Pink Ball Test at the W.A.C.A., Perth. The hosts ultimately sealed the series 12-4, recovering after trailing 4-2 following the T20Is.
South Africa vs Pakistan: Hosts Secure 2-1 Series Wins
South Africa, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, hosted Pakistan under Fatima Sana in a white-ball series from February 10 to March 1, 2026. The Proteas claimed both the T20I and ODI series by identical 2-1 margins.
Pakistan showed resilience in the ODI leg, notably securing a 119-run win in the third match on March 1 to avoid a clean sweep. South Africa’s consistency and depth under Wolvaardt proved decisive across the series.
New Zealand Dominate Zimbabwe
New Zealand, led by Amelia Kerr, hosted Zimbabwe from February 25 to March 11, 2026, registering back-to-back 3-0 whitewashes in both T20Is and ODIs. Kerr’s side displayed strong all-round performances throughout, while Zimbabwe, under Nomvelo Sibanda, struggled to keep pace with the hosts.
New Zealand vs South Africa: T20I Success, ODI Series Tight
New Zealand continued their home run by hosting South Africa from March 15 to April 4, 2026, for a series featuring five T20Is and three ODIs. The hosts secured a 4-1 win in the T20I leg.
South Africa edged ahead in the ODI series with a narrow two-wicket victory in the first match, but New Zealand responded on April 1 with a two-wicket win in the second ODI to level the series 1-1, setting up a decisive final game.
Australia’s Dominant Tour of West Indies
Australia, captained by Sophie Molineux, toured the West Indies, led by Hayley Matthews, from March 20 to April 2, 2026. The visitors completed a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series.
They followed this with a commanding ODI performance, sealing the series with a 90-run win in the second match on March 29. Australia’s efficiency across formats highlighted their strength in overseas conditions.
Nigeria Invitational: Hosts Claim Title
The Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament took place in Lagos from March 20 to 28, 2026, featuring Rwanda, Nigeria, South Africa U19, Zimbabwe U19, and Ghana. Nigeria, led by Lucky Piety, emerged as champions after defeating Rwanda, captained by Marie Bimenyimana, by 9 runs in the final at Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval.
Nigeria finished second in the league stage with 6 points (three wins and one loss), while Rwanda topped the standings with 8 points. South Africa U19, under Mieke Van Vroost, secured third place with a 70-run win over Zimbabwe U19, captained by Buhlehbenkosi Maposa. Zimbabwe U19 ended with 2 points, while Ghana, led by Jacqueline Kokam, finished without a win.
Among individual performers, Rwanda’s Fanny Utagushimaninde scored 132 runs in three innings, including the youngest T20I debut century in women’s cricket. Nigeria’s Usean Peace stood out with 7 wickets in three matches.
Landmark Event: Women’s Hundred Auction Debuts
Off the field, March 11 marked a key development with the inaugural Women’s Hundred Auction ahead of the sixth edition of the tournament, scheduled from July 21 to August 16, 2026. The event reflects growing investment and increasing prominence of England’s flagship T20 competition.
