New Zealand kept their Women’s T20 World Cup defence alive with a four-run win over Ireland at the Hampshire Bowl on Friday. Amelia Kerr and Suzie Bates dragged the White Ferns through a match that looked dangerously close to slipping away in Southampton.
New Zealand were restricted to 140 for six after Ireland’s bowlers made early inroads, with Orla Prendergast taking two for 26 and later threatening to complete a famous all-round rescue act. But the defending champions found just enough late control, with Bates making 19 not out and then holding her nerve with the ball at the death.
Kerr Changes The Match As Ireland Fall Just Short
Ireland’s chase was built around a 110-run second-wicket stand between Prendergast and Gaby Lewis, who made 59 and 58 respectively. That partnership left Ireland eyeing a first Women’s T20 World Cup win, only for Kerr to strike twice in the 18th over and halt the momentum.
Bates then defended 15 from the final over as New Zealand closed out a 140 for six to 136 for four victory, according to the ICC’s match report from Southampton.
The result gives New Zealand their first win of the tournament and keeps them alive in Group B. Ireland, meanwhile, remain bottom after three defeats, despite producing one of the most spirited chases of the competition so far.
