Dunedin cricket fans have reason to celebrate with the city hosting three top international matches in the next couple of seasons.

New Zealand Cricket announced the ANZ International Series, comprising 98 days of competition involving the Black Caps.

The opening test against South Africa will be played at University Oval in March next year.

The local venue will also host two one-day internationals against Pakistan and England.

They're scheduled for January and March 2018.

The city's allocation is tied in with a new business model for hosting matches, involving Dunedin Venues Management, the Dunedin City Council and the Otago Cricket Association.