Rose Bowl Trophy Expanded to Include Australia-New Zealand T20I Series

The historic Rose Bowl trophy, which has been awarded to the winners of bilateral ODI series between the women’s teams of Australia and New Zealand since 1985, will now also be contested in T20 internationals. The decision marks a significant development in one of women’s cricket’s longest-running rivalries, bringing the shortest format into the competition for the first time.

New Zealand’s upcoming three-match T20I tour of Australia will be the first series in which the Rose Bowl is contested under the expanded format. The series begins on October 18 at North Sydney Oval, with the second and third matches scheduled for October 20 and 22 respectively. All three T20Is will be played at the same venue.

Under the revised arrangements, the Rose Bowl will be awarded to the team that records the most wins across both white-ball formats when a series includes ODIs and T20Is. If the overall contest ends in a draw, the current holders will retain the trophy. The change is intended to keep the competition relevant as T20I cricket continues to grow in prominence in the international women’s game.

Catherine Campbell, New Zealand Cricket’s chief cricket operations officer and a former New Zealand player, described the Rose Bowl as a prestigious trophy with considerable significance for current and former players. She emphasised the importance of the rivalry between the two teams and welcomed the opportunity to preserve its legacy while adapting to the increasing volume of T20I cricket.

New Zealand captain Melie Kerr also expressed her excitement about the expanded competition. She highlighted the trophy’s importance to the history and identity of the White Ferns, noting that generations of players and teams have competed for it. The revised format will give New Zealand another opportunity to add to its history in the rivalry and challenge Australia for the title.

The two teams are scheduled to meet again in March 2027, when Australia host New Zealand for a three-match ODI series. The encounter will provide another opportunity to compete for the Rose Bowl as the rivalry continues across both white-ball formats.

Australia have dominated the competition in recent decades, holding the Rose Bowl continuously since regaining it from New Zealand in 2000. Following their 3-0 series victory that year, Australia have continued to maintain a strong record, winning 18 subsequent series, while the 2008-09 contest was shared after ending in a 2-2 draw.

Across the 31 ODI series played for the Rose Bowl, Australia have recorded 26 series victories, while New Zealand have won three. Three series have also been recorded as drawn, reflecting the long history of competition between the two sides.

The inclusion of T20Is represents a new chapter for the Rose Bowl, ensuring that the trophy continues to recognise excellence across women’s international white-ball cricket. With Australia aiming to maintain their long-standing dominance and New Zealand looking to challenge the holders, the upcoming T20I series promises to add fresh significance to this historic rivalry.

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