Southampton, June 20: In a nail-biting encounter in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, New Zealand triumphed over Ireland by just 4 runs. Chasing a target of 141 runs at the Rose Bowl, Ireland managed to score only 136 runs, losing 4 wickets in the process.
This victory marks New Zealand’s first win in the tournament after suffering two consecutive losses. In a tense final over, Ireland needed 15 runs, but experienced bowler Suzie Bates restricted them to just 10 runs. Ireland’s innings got off to a rocky start, with Amy Hunter returning to the pavilion after scoring just 2 runs. However, captain Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast steadied the ship, forming a remarkable partnership of 110 runs for the second wicket off 95 balls.
Captain Gaby played a powerful innings, scoring 58 runs off 53 balls, including 6 boundaries. Orla contributed significantly as well, scoring 59 runs off 53 balls with 5 fours and a six. Rebecca Stokell went out without scoring, while Lewis Little and Leah Paul remained not out at 5 and 8 runs, respectively. On the bowling front, New Zealand’s captain Amelia Kerr shone brightly, taking 2 wickets for just 23 runs in her 4 overs. Rosemary Mair and Bree Elling each claimed one wicket.
Earlier, New Zealand posted a total of 140 runs after losing 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Their innings also started poorly, with Isabella Gaze (1 run) and Georgia Plimmer (4 runs) failing to make an impact. Maddie Green added only 2 runs, leaving New Zealand in a precarious position at 10 runs with 3 wickets down. Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday then rescued the innings, adding a crucial 38 runs for the fourth wicket.
Amelia scored 30 runs off 24 balls before being dismissed, while Halliday contributed 34 runs with the help of 2 fours. Izzy Sharp added 36 runs off 28 balls, hitting 4 boundaries, and Suzie Bates finished the innings with a quick 19 runs off 12 balls. For Ireland, Orla took 2 wickets for 26 runs, and Cara Murray also claimed 2 wickets.
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