Black Caps to host four nations in packed summer of cricket

Cricket’s Home Run: New Zealand’s Blockbuster Summer Schedule Unveiled

Get ready, cricket fans! New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced a jam-packed home schedule for the upcoming summer, promising a feast of international cricket featuring some of the world’s best teams. From Australia to England, the West Indies to South Africa, the Black Caps and White Ferns are set for an exciting season.

A Summer of Cricket Excellence

The schedule kicks off with the Black Caps taking on Australia in a T20I series in early October. This will be a fantastic early test for the home side. Following that, England arrives for a series of T20Is and ODIs. Then, the West Indies will come to New Zealand for another set of T20Is and ODIs, setting the stage for the Test season.

The White Ferns also have a busy schedule, including a historic first-ever series against Zimbabwe. Plus, they’ll face South Africa in a thrilling five-match T20I series, with doubleheaders alongside the Black Caps-South Africa T20s, providing cricket lovers with more for their viewing pleasure.


TVNZ+, TVNZ 1 and TVNZ DUKE will broadcast all home international matches. Matches will take place at nine venues around the country, including Eden Park (Auckland), Bay Oval (Tauranga), and Hagley Oval (Christchurch).

Did you know? The upcoming season will feature 46 days of international cricket, providing ample opportunities for fans to experience the sport live!

Key Highlights and Series Breakdown

The schedule is packed with exciting matchups. Here’s a quick overview of the key series:

  • Black Caps vs. Australia: Three T20Is in early October.
  • Black Caps vs. England: Three T20Is and three ODIs.
  • Black Caps vs. West Indies: Five T20Is and three ODIs.
  • White Ferns vs. Zimbabwe: Six matches across all formats.
  • White Ferns & Black Caps vs. South Africa: T20I doubleheaders.

Player Perspectives and Anticipation

The anticipation is building among players and fans. Black Caps pace bowler Kyle Jamieson has expressed his excitement, calling it a “marquee summer.” White Ferns rising star Georgia Plimmer is equally enthusiastic, highlighting the team’s eagerness to play in front of home crowds.

“It’s great to see more T20I doubleheaders as they are such a great experience for teams and fans alike and it was awesome to see such strong crowds last season,” Plimmer said.

The opportunity to host such high-profile teams underscores the growing prestige of New Zealand cricket on the global stage. This season is set to be a significant milestone, with the Black Caps looking to challenge some of the sport’s leading nations.

A Comprehensive Schedule

Here is the full schedule of matches:

Black Caps v Australia

1st T20I, Bay Oval, Wednesday, 1 October 2025, 19:15

2nd T20I, Bay Oval, Friday, 3 October 2025, 19:15

3rd T20I, Bay Oval, Saturday, 4 October 2025, 19:15

Black Caps v England

1st T20I, Hagley Oval, Saturday, 18 October 2025, 19:15

2nd T20I, Hagley Oval, Monday, 20 October 2025, 19:15

3rd T20I, Eden Park, Thursday, 23 October 2025, 19:15

1st ODI, Bay Oval, Sunday, 26 October 2025, 14:00

2nd ODI, Seddon Park, Wednesday, 29 October 2025, 14:00

3rd ODI, Sky Stadium, Saturday, 1 November 2025, 14:00

Black Caps v West Indies

1st T20I, Eden Park, Wednesday, 5 November 2025, 19:15

2nd T20I, Eden Park, Thursday, 6 November 2025, 19:15

3rd T20I, Saxton Oval, Sunday, 9 November 2025, 13:15

4th T20I, Saxton Oval, Monday, 10 November 2025, 13:15

5th T20I, University of Otago Oval, Thursday, 13 November 2025, 13:15

1st ODI, Hagley Oval, Sunday, 16 November 2025, 14:00

2nd ODI, McLean Park, Wednesday, 19 November 2025, 14:00

3rd ODI, Seddon Park, Saturday, 22 November 2025, 14:00

3-dayer, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Wednesday, 26 – Friday, 28 November 2025, 11:00

1st Test, Hagley Oval, Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 December 2025, 11:00

2nd Test, Cello Basin Reserve, Wednesday 10 – Sunday 14 December 2025, 11:00

3rd Test, Bay Oval, Thursday 18 – Monday 22 December 2025, 11:00

White Ferns v Zimbabwe

1st T20I, Seddon Park, Wednesday 25 February 2026, 19:15

2nd T20I, Seddon Park, Friday 27 February 2026, 19:15

3rd T20I, Seddon Park, Sunday, 1 March 2026, 13:15

1st ODI, University of Otago Oval, Thursday, 5 March 2026, 11:00

2nd ODI, University of Otago Oval, Sunday, 8 March 2026, 11:00

3rd ODI, University of Otago Oval, Wednesday, 11 March 2026, 11:00

White Ferns & Black Caps v South Africa – T20I Doubleheaders

1st T20I, Bay Oval, Sunday, 15 March 2026, 14:45 & 19:15

2nd T20I, Seddon Park, Tuesday, 17 March 2026, 14:45 & 19:15

3rd T20I, Eden Park, Friday, 20 March 2026, 14:45 & 19:15

4th T20I, Sky Stadium, Sunday, 22 March 2026, 14:45 & 19:15

5th T20I, Hagley Oval, Wednesday, 25 March 2026, 14:45 & 19:15

White Ferns v South Africa

1st ODI, Hagley Oval, Sunday, 29 March 2026, 14:00

2nd ODI, Cello Basin Reserve, Wednesday, 1 April 2026, 11:00

3rd ODI, Cello Basin Reserve, Saturday, 4 April 2026, 11:00

Tickets and Further Information

Tickets for the home international summer will go on sale in August and will be available at nzc.nz. Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to support the Black Caps and White Ferns in what promises to be a memorable season!

Pro tip: Sign up for the NZC newsletter to receive early notifications on ticket sales and match updates.

What are you most looking forward to this cricket season? Let us know in the comments below!

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