The landscape of international women’s cricket is expanding, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has just signaled a major milestone. On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the BCCI officially confirmed that the India Women’s senior team will host Zimbabwe for their first-ever bilateral series.

Scheduled for October 2026, this historic encounter consists of three T20Is and three ODIs. Beyond the novelty of the opponent, the series carries immense weight as it marks India’s first One-Day International assignment on home soil since their spectacular ODI World Cup victory in November 2025. For the world champions, this is a homecoming celebration and a tactical testing ground combined into one.

Zimbabwe Women to tour India for maiden bilateral series against India Women

The BCCI has strategically selected Raipur and Baroda as the venues for this ground-breaking tour. The action kicks off under the lights in Raipur, which will host all three T20Is. These matches are expected to draw significant crowds, capitalizing on the city’s growing reputation as a hub for high-intensity white-ball cricket.

Following the shortest format, the teams will transition to Baroda for a three-match ODI series. These 50-over games will be pivotal for India as they look to maintain their dominance in the format after reaching the pinnacle of the sport last year.

India vs. Zimbabwe: Full Match Schedule

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BCCI announces robust domestic season: Strengthening the pathway

The Zimbabwe series is just one piece of a massive pathway calendar announced by the BCCI, aimed at fortifying the depth of Indian cricket. Before the senior stars take the field, India A Women will be tested against world-class opposition. They are set to host Australia A in September across the scenic venues of Mohali and Dharamsala, followed by a multi-format clash against England A in Pune and Navi Mumbai.

This A team schedule is designed to ensure that the transition from domestic cricket to the international stage is seamless. By playing three T20s, three ODIs, and a multi-day fixture against top-tier developmental sides, India are building a reservoir of talent that can sustain their World Champion status.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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