New Zealand kept their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 title defence alive with a thrilling four-run win over Ireland at the Hampshire Bowl on Friday.
ScorecardHaving lost their first two matches of the tournament, the White Ferns were in desperate need of a win to get their campaign back on track.
Restricted to 140/6 in their 20 overs, New Zealand held their nerve at the end to survive a spirited challenge from Ireland.
A 110-run partnership between captain Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast had raised Ireland's hopes of a first Women's T20 World Cup win, but they fell agonisingly short of history.
With the defeat, Ireland are virtually knocked out of the tournament while New Zealand live to fight another day.
New Zealand kept their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 title defence alive with a thrilling four-run win over Ireland at the Hampshire Bowl on Friday.
Scorecard
Having lost their first two matches of the tournament, the White Ferns were in desperate need of a win to get their campaign back on track. Restricted to 140/6 in their 20 overs, New Zealand held their nerve at the end to survive a spirited challenge from Ireland.
A 110-run partnership between captain Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast had raised Ireland's hopes of a first Women's T20 World Cup win, but they fell agonisingly short of history.
With the defeat, Ireland are virtually knocked out of the tournament while New Zealand live to fight another day.
