By Victoria Hamilton 
New Zealand cricket fans are showing immense enthusiasm for the upcoming T20I double-headers, featuring New Zealand Men and Women, with tickets selling out at a record pace. With more than a month to go before the series kicks off, several venues are on the brink of reaching full capacity, promising an electric atmosphere for this much-anticipated cricketing spectacle.
Blockbuster T20 Action Draws Fans in Record Numbers
The double-header series will see New Zealand Men take on Pakistan in a five-match T20I series, while New Zealand Women will battle it out against Sri Lanka and arch-rivals Australia at the same venues on the same days. This marks the return of double-header fixtures to New Zealand’s international cricket calendar for the first time since 2019, offering fans a unique chance to watch back-to-back matches featuring the nation’s top men’s and women’s cricketers.
The demand for tickets has been overwhelming, with Dunedin’s University of Otago Oval set to be the first venue to sell out. Fewer than 500 tickets remain for the March 18 clash, while the opening fixtures at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on March 16 are also nearing capacity.
New Zealand’s Cricket Boom Continues
The surge in ticket sales follows a trend of sold-out cricket matches across New Zealand in recent seasons. New Zealand Men played to packed stadiums during their Test series against England and the T20I series against Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, New Zealand Women were on track to break attendance records for their Rose Bowl series against Australia, only for the opening match to be washed out.
With cricket’s growing popularity in New Zealand, fans are expected to fill the stands at the remaining venues:
- Eden Park, Auckland (March 21)
- Sky Stadium, Wellington (March 23)
- Bay Oval, Tauranga (March 26)
NZC Encourages Fans to Secure Tickets Early
New Zealand Cricket’s Head of Marketing, Esther Lawrence, urged fans to purchase tickets before they sell out.
“Sell-outs have become a real feature over the past couple of summers. Following last year’s full houses for Pakistan’s T20I tour, we anticipated strong demand again, especially with our world champion New Zealand Women also in action. The series against Australia, in particular, promises to be a thrilling contest.”
She also highlighted the appeal of the double-header format:
“Fans get the chance to watch their favorite players from both the men’s and women’s teams on the same day, creating an unforgettable match-day experience.”
Affordable Tickets for an Unmissable Cricket Experience
Tickets are competitively priced, ensuring accessibility for fans of all ages:
- Adults: $40
- Juniors: $10
- Discounts available for students, seniors, families, and groups.
Fans can purchase tickets at tickets.nzc.nz, with Cricket Nation members eligible for a 15% discount on adult and family tickets.
Live Broadcast & Coverage
For those unable to attend in person, all five double-headers will be broadcast live and free in New Zealand on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, with radio commentary available via Sport Nation.
T20I Double-Header Schedule
📍 1st T20I – Sunday, March 16 – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka – 10:15 AM
- New Zealand Men vs Pakistan – 2:15 PM
📍 2nd T20I – Tuesday, March 18 – University of Otago Oval, Dunedin
- New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka – 10:15 AM
- New Zealand Men vs Pakistan – 2:15 PM
📍 3rd T20I – Friday, March 21 – Eden Park, Auckland
- New Zealand Women vs Australia – 2:45 PM
- New Zealand Men vs Pakistan – 7:15 PM
📍 4th T20I – Sunday, March 23 – Sky Stadium, Wellington
- New Zealand Women vs Australia – 2:45 PM
- New Zealand Men vs Pakistan – 7:15 PM
📍 5th T20I – Wednesday, March 26 – Bay Oval, Tauranga
- New Zealand Women vs Australia – 2:45 PM
- New Zealand Men vs Pakistan – 7:15 PM
Zainab Shafiq