Market Research Record – In an action-packed home summer schedule for 2023-24, cricket fans can look forward to the highly anticipated return of the New Zealand vs Australia Test series. It has been seven years since these two Trans-Tasman rivals faced off in Tests on New Zealand soil, and the upcoming matches promise to be thrilling. The Basin Reserve in Wellington and Christchurch’s Hagley Oval will be the venues for the two games scheduled in February and March.
Adding to the excitement, New Zealand’s men’s team will also be hosting South Africa in the same month for two Tests. These matches will take place at Bay Oval in Tauranga and Seddon Park in Hamilton. It is a significant opportunity for New Zealand to conquer the South African challenge, as they have never managed to defeat them in Test cricket, either at home or away.
The cricketing action kicks off on December 17 with an ODI and T20I series against Bangladesh, followed by a series of five T20Is against Pakistan from January 12 to 21. These fixtures will serve as crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The matches against Bangladesh will be held at four different venues: Dunedin, Nelson, Napier, and Tauranga. The Pakistan fixtures, on the other hand, will take place in Auckland, Hamilton, Dunedin, and Christchurch.
New Zealand’s home summer includes a total of 32 international fixtures. The women’s team, led by Sophie Devine, will begin with a T20I series against Pakistan on December 3 in Dunedin, followed by a series of ODIs until December 18, contributing to the ICC Women’s Championship. The women’s team will then have a break until March 19, when they face England in five T20Is and three ODIs across Dunedin, Nelson, Wellington, and Hamilton.
“We are incredibly excited about the upcoming cricket season in New Zealand, with a fantastic lineup of series and teams. Fans will have the opportunity to witness the matches live or enjoy them on television without any charge,” expressed David White, the CEO of New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
In creating the schedule, NZC has implemented an innovative approach, incorporating 10 double-headers to attract diverse audiences and enhance the efficiency of the fixtures, considering the growing importance of climate change awareness. “By scheduling back-to-back night matches and day matches at venues with lights, we can cater to both families and adult spectators while prioritizing energy efficiency. As a responsible sports organization, it is essential for us to address the challenges posed by climate change,” explained White.
Prepare for an exhilarating cricket summer in New Zealand as the long-awaited Test series between New Zealand and Australia returns after a gap of seven years. Stay tuned for exciting contests, passionate rivalries, and unforgettable moments on the cricket field.
