The reigning women’s cricket one-day-international (ODI) world champions, England, are set to play two warm up games in Queenstown in February ahead of the team’s tour of New Zealand.

The England women’s cricket team will travel to Queenstown and attend a nine-day training camp before the warm-up games against a women’s New Zealand XI at Sir John Davies Oval on February 14 and 16.

The team’s arrival comes in the wake of similar visits from the Pakistan and West Indies men’s cricket teams.

Mayor Jim Boult said the visit would provide a boost to the local economy and would further showcase the district to a global audience.

“These visits have made a welcome impact and have highlighted just how special our district is,” the mayor said. 

“It’s terrific to see cricket being played again at the Sir John Davies Oval, one of the world’s most beautiful cricket grounds.”

England beat India in the women’s ODI World Cup cricket final at Lord’s in 2017.

Like the men’s equivalent, Women’s ODI is limited to 50 overs and New Zealand’s team, the White Ferns, take on England’s women in six matches all over the country from February 23 - March 7.

International women’s cricket is rapidly growing in popularity, particularly its short form T20. 

White Ferns captain Sophie Devine set a new record for the fastest 100 runs in women’s T20 cricket yesterday (January 14) scoring a century off just 36 balls in a match between Wellington Blaze and Otago Sparks.

PHOTO: icc-cricket.com