Blackcaps Gear Up for Blockbuster Home Summer Against Cricket Giants

Wednesday - 09/07/2025 03:00

The South Africa leg will see double-headers involving both the men's and women's teams

New Zealand is set to host a series of high-profile international cricket matches during the 2025-26 home summer. According to the NZC, the Blackcaps will face formidable opponents including Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies across various formats. Simultaneously, the White Ferns will engage in a pair of white-ball series against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

New Zealand men's team prepares for a busy season ahead of the T20 World Cup.

The men's team have a packed schedule ahead of the T20 World Cup next year © Getty

The action begins with a three-match T20I series against Australia, starting on October 1st. Following this, England will visit for a white-ball series that includes three T20Is (commencing October 18th) and three ODIs (starting October 26th).

The West Indies will then embark on a comprehensive tour, beginning with a five-match T20I series from November 5th. This will be followed by three ODIs, starting November 16th, and a three-Test series, with the first Test commencing on December 6th.

For the White Ferns, their home season will consist of 14 white-ball games, starting in early 2026, after their participation in the ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka.

Notably, the White Ferns will host Zimbabwe for the first time in a three-match T20I series starting on February 25th, followed by a three-match ODI series as part of the next ICC Women's Championship 2025-29, beginning March 5th.

Their five-match T20I series against South Africa will be played as double-headers alongside the men's fixtures, running concurrently from March 15th to 25th. The White Ferns will also play three ODIs against South Africa between March 29th and April 4th.

Key Highlights from NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink:

"It's great to welcome such a diverse range of opponents for both the Blackcaps and White Ferns, and especially pleasing for NZC to host the first-ever series between Zimbabwe and New Zealand women," said NZC Chief Executive Scott Weenink. "Fans will see top-tier cricket across all our major centers, with the doubleheaders against South Africa offering a chance to watch the very best female and male cricketers in the world on display in a unique day-out experience."

He further added, "We're thrilled to build this exciting home summer around the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and on the back of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, giving our players a chance to shine on the global stage as well as at home in front of their own fans. We've seen fantastic crowds across the country over the past few seasons and are looking forward to that continuing this summer given the strength of the schedule."

Player Perspective: Kyle Jamieson

Pace-bowler Kyle Jamieson shared his excitement, stating, "It feels like a marquee summer. The caliber of opposition means we'll be constantly tested for the duration of the season and that's what you want as a cricketer. It's great to have another three-Test series at home and I'm sure the fans will get in behind the Test team as they have in seasons gone by. It's always special to play in front of a home crowd and we're hoping Kiwis will get out in force to support us once again this summer."

New Zealand's Home Schedule 2025-26

vs Australia