Australia and New Zealand’s Rose Bowl rivalry gets a T20I twist

The Rose Bowl will now include T20Is as well, starting with the upcoming series between Australia women and New Zealand women, beginning on Sunday, October 18 at the North Sydney Oval. Traditionally, the trophy has been awarded to the winner of the ODI series between the women's teams of Australia and New Zealand since 1985.

The upcoming three-match series between the two teams will be the first T20I edition of the Rose Bowl. Both sides will again face off for the trophy in March 2027 when they lock horns for three ODIs, also in Australia.

The team with the most wins overall will win the Rose Bowl series, including matches in both white-ball formats. In case of a drawn series, the current holder will retain the trophy.

New Zealand captain Melie Kerr expressed excitement about the inclusion of T20Is in the Rose Bowl, recalling the rich history of the trophy.

"We're all aware of what the Rose Bowl represents and the importance it holds in the White Ferns whakapapa [genealogy]. Great players and teams have fought for it over the years, and we'd love the opportunity to claim our own piece of that history,” said Kerr.

Australia's domination in Rose Bowl

Australia have dominated the Rose Bowl since reclaiming the trophy from New Zealand with a 3-0 series victory in 2000. Since then, they have won 18 series, with the 2008–09 contest ending in a 2-2 draw. Overall, Australia have claimed 26 of the 31 ODI series played for the Rose Bowl, while New Zealand have won three, with three series ending in draws.

Meanwhile, North Sydney will host all three T20Is of the upcoming Rose Bowl series, scheduled for October 18, 20 and 22.