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NZW vs ZIMW Live 2nd T20 – Sony LIV Live Match – New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 2nd T20I Live Online

saqlain By saqlain February 27, 2026

The second T20 International between New Zealand women’s national cricket team and Zimbabwe women’s national cricket team forms a crucial chapter in the Zimbabwe Women’s Tour of New Zealand, 2026. After a dominant performance in the series opener, the hosts now stand on the brink of sealing the series 2-0. Scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026, at Seddon Park in Hamilton, this fixture offers New Zealand an opportunity to consolidate their superiority, while Zimbabwe seek redemption and valuable international experience.

The match will begin at 11:45 AM local time (NZDT), which corresponds to 4:15 AM IST and 2:45 AM PKT. With clear summer conditions forecast, fans can expect a full contest without weather interruptions.

First T20I Recap: Kerr’s Statement Performance

The opening match at Seddon Park unfolded as a one-sided display of New Zealand’s batting firepower. The White Ferns posted a mammoth 202/1, powered by a sensational unbeaten century from Amelia Kerr. Her 101* marked her maiden T20I hundred and was an innings of authority, composure, and acceleration. Kerr paced her knock brilliantly—rotating strike early before launching into controlled aggression during the latter half of the innings.

Izzy Gaze complemented Kerr’s brilliance with a well-constructed 66, forming a partnership that dismantled Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. The duo’s synergy ensured that New Zealand lost just one wicket across 20 overs, a testament to both discipline and shot selection.

Zimbabwe’s response never truly gathered momentum. Despite a spirited unbeaten 49 from Beloved Biza and 25 from Josephine Nkomo, the visitors struggled to form sustained partnerships. Early wickets dented their chase, and they ultimately fell well short, handing New Zealand a commanding 92-run victory.

Kerr further stamped her authority by contributing with the ball, returning figures of 2-14, underlining her all-round dominance and leadership credentials in her early days as full-time captain.

Match Overview

  • Match: New Zealand Women vs Zimbabwe Women, 2nd T20I
  • Series: Zimbabwe Women tour of New Zealand, 2026
  • Date: February 27, 2026
  • Time: 11:45 AM NZDT / 4:15 AM IST
  • Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton

Venue Insight: Seddon Park, Hamilton

Seddon Park is widely recognized as a batting-friendly ground, particularly in limited-overs formats. The venue’s relatively short boundaries and flat surfaces often produce high-scoring encounters. The first T20I reaffirmed that reputation, with New Zealand comfortably surpassing the 200-run mark.

Fast bowlers can extract some movement early in the innings, especially under mild cloud cover, but once the ball softens, batters tend to dominate. Spinners may come into play in the middle overs, as the surface occasionally offers grip, though containing runs remains a challenge.

Historically, chasing sides have enjoyed moderate success at this venue. The dew factor, though not always significant in Hamilton, can occasionally influence bowling conditions in the second innings.

Weather predictions indicate a pleasant summer day with temperatures peaking around 24°C. Partial cloud cover and light winds are expected, with minimal chance of rain—ideal conditions for a high-scoring contest.

What’s at Stake

For New Zealand, a win would secure the series with a game to spare and reinforce their home dominance. The White Ferns entered this series looking to regain momentum after mixed performances in recent ICC tournaments. The commanding display in the first T20I has set a strong tone, and another emphatic result would boost confidence heading into future international commitments.

For Zimbabwe, the match represents more than just leveling the series. Touring a strong cricketing nation like New Zealand provides invaluable exposure for a developing squad. A competitive showing—or even a surprise win—would significantly elevate team morale and mark progress in their growth journey.

New Zealand Women: Team Analysis

New Zealand’s greatest strength lies in their batting depth and flexibility. With Amelia Kerr leading from the front, the lineup appears settled and balanced. Kerr’s dual role as captain and premier all-rounder adds strategic cohesion. Her ability to control the game with both bat and ball provides New Zealand with a crucial edge.

Izzy Gaze’s consistency at the top has offered stability, allowing power-hitters to express themselves later in the innings. Georgia Plimmer, Brooke Halliday, and Maddy Green further strengthen the middle order, capable of accelerating during death overs.

In the bowling department, New Zealand possess a versatile mix of pace and spin. Bree Illing showcased her control with the new ball in the opener, while Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair add seam variety. Spin options, led by Amelia Kerr and Nensi Patel, offer control in middle overs.

The only potential concern might be over-reliance on Amelia Kerr for breakthroughs and batting impetus. However, the depth surrounding her suggests this dependency is more a luxury than a vulnerability.

Probable XI: Izzy Gaze (wk), Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Polly Inglis, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing.

Zimbabwe Women: Team Analysis

Zimbabwe’s squad is in a developmental phase, with several young players gaining exposure at the international level. Despite the heavy loss in the opener, there were glimpses of promise.

Beloved Biza’s unbeaten 49 demonstrated resilience under pressure. Her ability to anchor the innings could become central to Zimbabwe’s strategy in the second match. Captain Josephine Nkomo also showed fight, and experienced campaigner Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano offers leadership stability.

However, the top order requires urgent improvement. Early dismissals in the first T20I put the team on the back foot from the outset. Kelis Ndhlovu and Nyasha Gwanzura must aim for greater composure during the powerplay overs.

Bowling remains an area needing refinement. Nomvelo Sibanda’s seam movement showed potential, but sustained pressure and disciplined lines will be essential against New Zealand’s aggressive batting order.

Probable XI: Kelis Ndhlovu, Nyasha Gwanzura, Chipo Mugeri-Tiripano, Beloved Biza, Josephine Nkomo (c), Chiedza Dhururu (wk), Nomvelo Sibanda, Christabel Chatonzwa, Loreen Tshuma, Loryn Phiri, Tendai Makusha.

Head-to-Head Record

The two sides had never met in T20I cricket before this series. With the opening victory, New Zealand now lead the head-to-head record 1-0. The limited history underscores Zimbabwe’s inexperience at this level, especially against established cricketing nations.

Key Tactical Battles

1. Amelia Kerr vs Zimbabwe Spin: If Zimbabwe’s spinners can disrupt Kerr early, they may restrict New Zealand’s scoring rate.

2. Powerplay Discipline: Zimbabwe’s top order must survive the first six overs without heavy losses to remain competitive.

3. Death Overs Execution: New Zealand excelled in accelerating during the final overs of the first T20I. Zimbabwe must tighten their lines and vary pace to limit late-innings damage.

4. Middle-Order Partnerships: Sustained partnerships will be critical for Zimbabwe to post or chase competitive totals.

Broadcast and Streaming Information

Fans in New Zealand can watch the match live on TVNZ 1 and stream via TVNZ+. In India and South Asia, coverage is available on SonyLIV and FanCode. Zimbabwean viewers can tune into ZBC TV and its online platforms. In Australia, Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports provide coverage, while viewers in the UK can follow the action on Sky Sports Cricket. Live scores and ball-by-ball commentary will be available on ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz.

Match Outlook and Prediction

Given New Zealand’s commanding performance in the first T20I, home advantage, and superior squad depth, they enter the second match as overwhelming favorites. The batting-friendly conditions at Seddon Park further amplify their strength, particularly with players like Amelia Kerr and Izzy Gaze in top form.

Zimbabwe will aim to compete more effectively, focusing on improved powerplay batting and disciplined bowling. However, bridging the gap in experience and execution remains a significant challenge.

If New Zealand bat first, another total exceeding 180 appears plausible. Zimbabwe’s path to competitiveness lies in early breakthroughs and constructing longer batting partnerships. Nonetheless, based on current form and conditions, New Zealand hold a strong advantage and are likely to clinch the series with a comprehensive victory—potentially by 50 to 70 runs or via a dominant chase.

With momentum firmly in their favor, the White Ferns appear poised to assert their authority once more in Hamilton.

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