New Zealand Women Cricket Team: White Ferns History and Titles
A guide to the New Zealand women’s cricket team, the White Ferns, with their 2000 ODI World Cup win, 2024 T20 World Cup title and early Test history.
New Zealand’s women, known as the White Ferns, have a long international history and have produced several of the sport’s finest performers. They have won world titles in both the 50-over and T20 formats.
Early history
The team played its first Test in 1935, against England, in New Zealand. The women’s game grew steadily in the following decades, and the country hosted the 1982 Women’s World Cup. New Zealand Cricket now runs the national side alongside the men’s team.
The 2000 World Cup
The White Ferns won the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2000, a tournament held in New Zealand. They beat Australia by four runs in the final in Lincoln, near Christchurch, in a close contest against the dominant team of that era. It remains the team’s only 50-over world title up to the end of 2024.
T20 World Cup finals
New Zealand reached the first two T20 World Cup finals, in 2009 and 2010, losing to England and Australia respectively. They finally won the competition in 2024 in the United Arab Emirates, defeating South Africa by 32 runs in the final in Dubai, a landmark result for the team.
Hosting and domestic game
New Zealand also hosted the 2022 ODI World Cup, and its domestic competitions, including the Super Smash and the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, provide a stepping stone for new players. The country’s relatively small player pool puts a premium on strong coaching and good use of resources.
This overview does not cover current squads, captaincy, rankings or results after 2024.
Frequently asked questions
What is New Zealand Women’s nickname?
The team is known as the White Ferns.
When did New Zealand Women win the ODI World Cup?
They won it in 2000, beating Australia by four runs in the final.
When did New Zealand Women win the T20 World Cup?
They won the 2024 tournament, beating South Africa in the final in Dubai.