NZ-W vs IRE-W – Women's T20 World Cup 2026 19 June, Group 2- Ireland Women Fall Just Short as New Zealand Women Secure Crucial 4-Run Victory

New Zealand Recover After Early Collapse

New Zealand's innings got off to a disastrous start as Ireland's bowlers struck early. Isabella Gaze, Georgia Plimmer, and Maddy Green were dismissed within the first four overs, leaving New Zealand struggling at 10/3.

Captain Melie Kerr steadied the innings with a valuable 30 runs from 24 balls, while Brooke Halliday played a composed knock of 34 from 37 deliveries. The turning point came through Izzy Sharp, whose aggressive 36 off 28 balls helped rebuild the innings.

Veteran Suzie Bates provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 19 from just 12 balls, including a six, while Jess Kerr added a quick 5* as New Zealand reached a competitive 140/6 in 20 overs.

Top Scorers for New Zealand
Izzy Sharp – 36 (28)
Brooke Halliday – 34 (37)
Melie Kerr – 30 (24)
Suzie Bates – 19* (12)
Ireland Bowlers Impress

Ireland's bowling attack maintained pressure throughout the innings.

Orla Prendergast: 2/26
Cara Murray: 2/26
Aimee Maguire: 1/32
Arlene Kelly: 1/25

Their disciplined bowling restricted New Zealand from posting a bigger total.

Ireland's Chase Begins Positively

Chasing 141, Ireland lost Amy Hunter early, but captain Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast produced a magnificent partnership that put New Zealand under immense pressure.

Gaby Lewis anchored the innings brilliantly with 58 runs from 53 balls, while Orla Prendergast matched her effort with 59 from 53 deliveries, including five boundaries and a six.

The pair added over 100 runs and kept Ireland firmly in control for most of the chase.

Late Twist from Melie Kerr

Just when Ireland appeared set for victory, New Zealand captain Melie Kerr delivered with the ball. She dismissed Orla Prendergast and Rebecca Stokell in the same over, shifting momentum back toward New Zealand.

Ireland needed 18 runs from the final two overs but struggled to find boundaries. Despite late efforts from Louise Little and Leah Paul, Ireland finished on 136/4, falling agonizingly short by just four runs.

Top Scorers for Ireland
Orla Prendergast – 59 (53)
Gaby Lewis – 58 (53)
Leah Paul – 8* (5)
Louise Little – 5* (4)
Best Bowlers for New Zealand
Melie Kerr – 2/23
Rosemary Mair – 1/31
Bree Illing – 1/18

Melie Kerr's all-round performance proved decisive, contributing with both bat and ball when her team needed her most.

Player of the Match
Melie Kerr (New Zealand)
30 runs off 24 balls
2 wickets for 23 runs

The captain led from the front and played a crucial role in New Zealand's narrow victory.

Match Summary

New Zealand Women: 140/6 (20 overs)
Ireland Women: 136/4 (20 overs)

New Zealand Women won by 4 runs.

The result strengthens New Zealand's position in Group 2, while Ireland can take plenty of positives from a spirited performance that pushed one of the tournament favorites to the very end.