Amelia Kerr was named player of the match as New Zealand beat Ireland by four runs at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, keeping the White Ferns alive in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
New Zealand made 140 for six from their 20 overs before Ireland finished on 136 for four, falling just short after a chase that had looked under control for long spells. Cricbuzz’s match centre recorded Kerr as player of the match, with Ireland captain Gaby Lewis making 58 and Orla Prendergast adding 59 in a stand that dragged Ireland to the brink of a historic win.
The game turned late. Ireland needed 34 from the final four overs with nine wickets in hand, but Kerr removed Prendergast in the 18th over before Rosemary Mair dismissed Lewis in the penultimate over.
Suzie Bates Holds Nerve At The Death
With Ireland needing 15 from the last over, Kerr handed the ball to Suzie Bates, who had not bowled all match. Bates conceded 10, forcing Ireland to settle for singles and twos when only a boundary could break the game open.
The result gives New Zealand a route back into the tournament after a poor start, while Ireland are left with another painful near-miss. The performance still underlined Ireland’s progress, but New Zealand’s senior players found just enough composure when the match tightened.
