Womens T20 World Cup 2026

Short and on off, Louise Little drills it down to long on for a single. New Zealand Women beat Ireland Women by 4 runs. Heartbreak for Ireland, elation for the White Ferns, who just didn't give up till the end and have ended up on the right side. And for the zillionth time, Bates has rescued her side out of deep trouble. First with a crucial cameo with the bat, and now defending with the ball. And one can clearly spot the sense of relief on Amelia Kerr's face because they were in all sorts of misery, with their title defence on the line. For Ireland, it's a tough one to take after coming so close.

Flatter, outside off, Louise Little chips it over wide of mid off. The fielder dives to her right to take the catch but the ball lands just short. It rolls in the deep as the batters collect two runs. 6 needed off the final ball now.

Tossed up, on off, Leah Paul pulls it over square leg for a single.

Two again! Short and on middle, Leah Paul pulls it through square leg for a couple again. 9 runs needed from 3 balls now.

Two more! Flatter, on off, Leah Paul sweeps it through mid-wicket for two more.

Drops it short and on leg, Leah Paul tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace. Excellent running between the wickets.

Righto, last over coming up. Ireland Women still require 15 runs to win. And surprise, surprise. It's the veteran, Suzie Bates, who will be bowling the final over.

Nice and full, slower one on off, Louise Little lofts it down the ground, wide of long on for a brace.

Hard length, outside off, Leah Paul looks to scoop it but miscues it to the off side for a single.

Smiles are back in the Kiwi camp as 116/1 becomes 123/4 for Ireland. And all of a sudden, they are on the back foot. This is a solid fightback from the White Ferns. Leah Paul is in at number 6.

OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust. That's a brilliant catch from Suzie Bates. Hard length and outside off, slower too. Gaby Lewis steps out and looks to flick it but gets a leading edge. The ball lobs towards cover. Suzie Bates runs forward from mid off and takes a brilliant catch. She loses her balance but manages to keep the ball in her hands. She gets up and punches in the air. The White Ferns can believe now. Gaby Lewis cannot get the job done for her side as Ireland Women still need 18 runs from 8 balls now.

Wide! Down the leg side, Gaby Lewis looks to sweep it but misses. Wide called.

FOUR! Another twist in the tale! Rosemary Mair serves it full, and on middle, Gaby Lewis moves to her off side and sweeps it through fine leg for a boundary.

Full and down leg, Louise Little looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls in front. They collect a quick leg bye.

Full, on off, Gaby Lewis knocks it to mid on for a single.

That was a clutch over from captain Kerr. Just what the doctor ordered for the Kiwis. It has just gotten a lot nervy now for Ireland. They still need 25 from 12 balls. Louise Little is in at number 5.

OUT! TAKEN! Amelia Kerr gets another wicket. A massive moment in the game. Tossed up, on off, with a hint of turn. Rebecca Stokell moves forward and tries to loft it over mid off. She doesn't connect well as the ball lobs straight in the hands of Jess Kerr at mid off, who makes no mistake. 25 runs needed from the final 2 overs now.

Quicker, outside off, Rebecca Stokell looks to sweep it but wears it on her pads. An appeal but turned down. The impact was outside off.

Huge moment in the game as Amelia Kerr breaks the 110-run partnership at a very crucial time. Rebecca Stokell is in at number 4.

OUT! TAKEN! Maddy Green with a simple catch at deep mid-wicket and New Zealand Women are back in the game. Amelia Kerr drops it short and on off, Orla Prendergast moves forward and slogs it but doesn't get the elevation on it. The ball goes towards deep mid-wicket. Maddy Green runs forward and takes a good catch near her head.

Just short! Flatter, on off, Orla Prendergast steps out and chips it over mid on. Georgia Plimmer runs forward from long on and dives but the ball lands just short. She manages to make a good stop. Two more for Ireland Women.

Excellent work in the deep! Flighted and full, angling away outside the off stump. Orla throws her bat at it and sends it racing down the ground. It gets a bit nervy in the deep as Plimmer fumbles running off the ropes from long on, but Jess Kerr is alert at long off, scurrying across to her right and diving to keep it to a couple of runs only. She ensures that no part of her body is in contact with the ropes while holding the ball in hand. The replay shows that Jess has done clean work. Amelia Kerr looked like she aged ten years watching that, but her sister bailed her out beautifully.

Tossed up, on leg, Orla Prendergast taps it to cover.

Final roll on the dice for the Kiwis. Amelia Kerr (3-0-19-0) is back on. Can she produce a breakthrough here? Ireland Women need 29 runs from 18 balls.

Full and on leg, Orla Prendergast flicks it through wide of mid on for a single.

Slightly shorter, on off, Gaby Lewis punches it through covers for a single.

Slower one, on off, Gaby Lewis flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace. The fielder, Plimmer, throws it towards the keeper, who whips the bails off, but Gaby Lewis is well in by then.

Another dot! Back of a length, on leg, Gaby Lewis flicks it but finds the fielder at short fine leg. Jess Kerr gets away with this.

Too full, on off, Gaby Lewis taps it to mid off.

A tad fuller, on leg, Orla Prendergast tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

The game is drifting away from the defending champions rather quickly now. Ireland Women need 34 runs from 24 balls. Jess Kerr to bowl out. 3-0-18-0 to bowl out.

Full and straight, Orla Prendergast taps it to cover for a single. 34 needed from the final 4 overs now.

Fifty up for Gaby Lewis now! A very measured knock from the skipper. And this is her 19th T20I fifty. A low full toss, on leg, Gaby Lewis flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. What a display of batting this has been from these two. The captain has led from the front and she calmly raises her bat to acknowledge all the applause from her teammates and the Irish faithful present at the venue. She will now aim to take her team past the finish line.

Too full, on off, Gaby Lewis drives it to cover for a single. A misfield allows them to collect one more. Two taken.

FOUR! Gaby Lewis moves to 47 now! Full and outside off, Gaby Lewis takes a step forward and holds her shape as she chips it over mid off for a boundary. That's a beautiful cricket shot, right out of the sweet spot. 100 comes up for Ireland Women.

Much fuller, on leg, Orla Prendergast flicks it through mid-wicket for one more.

Slows it up, on off, Gaby Lewis punches it to cover for a single.

FIFTY FOR ORLA PRENDERGAST! Excellent knock from her and that's her 2nd T20 World Cup half century as well. But this has come against the defending champions which makes it more special. She has stepped up when it mattered most and will look to bat throughout. Wickets with the ball, runs with the bat, Prendergast has given a very strong account of herself in this game. This is slanted onto the pads, on a fuller length. Orla Prendergast clips it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Lands it full on middle, Gaby Lewis forces the drive to mid off for a single. The partnership is now worth 89 runs.

Skids through and nips in from middle, on a good length. Orla Prendergast hops a bit and nudges it through mid-wicket for a single.

A smidge fuller, on off. Orla Prendergast stays leg side and taps it to backward point with soft hands.

In-angler on a fuller length. This is flicked away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Curves back on the pads, full in length. Orla Prendergast whips it to deep backward square leg for a single.

DRINKS BREAK! 50 runs needed from the final 6 overs now. Ireland Women are well in control of the chase, and both batters are inching close to their half-century as well. Orla Prendergast is on 47 while the skipper, Gaby Lewis, is supporting her well with 40. Ireland Women will try to keep it simple and chase the total down. New Zealand Women will be desperate for wickets as it is the only way for them to get back into the game. Let's see how it ends...

Loops it above the eyeline, and drops it full, on off. Orla Prendergast carves it to the left of the bowler for a single down to long off. 9 runs off the over. The Irish are in a very comfortable position right now.

Slides it on the stumps, on a good length. Gaby Lewis lets the ball dip and nudges it through square leg for a single.

The googly, short on off. Orla Prendergast chops it wide of backward point for a single.

SIX! CLUBBED! A real drag-downer on middle and leg. Orla Prendergast picks the length very early and pulls it aerially off the back foot. With no intentions to keep it down, she manages to clear the deep square leg fence for a six.

A slider on a length, on middle. Orla Prendergast shimmies down the track and tries to slash it away, but chops it off the inside edge onto the pitch.

Flatter and fuller, on middle, Orla pushes it back to Kerr.

Spins in from middle, on a fuller length. Orla Prendergast goes back in the crease and tucks it to the vacant mid-wicket region. Seeing the batters charge for a single, Nensi moves across to her right and stops it with a dive. She gets rid of the ball, but it is quite wayward to the bowling end.

Full on the pads, this is flicked to wide mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Up and over! Full and on off. Gaby Lewis advances down the track and looks to loft it down the ground, but skews it over mid off and manages to clear the inner ring. The ball teases Amelia Kerr all the way through the ropes and wins the race.

Very full on middle, Orla Prendergast lunges forward and works it to long on for a single.

Excellent piece of running! Floated fuller, on middle. Orla Prendergast clips it through the vacant mid on region and by the time the deep mid-wicket fielder swoops in the throw to the bowler, they complete the second run.

FOUR! Ordinary bowling by Patel! Feeds it on the leg stump line, touch full. Orla Prendergast crouches the back leg a bit and pulls it behind square on the leg side for a boundary at long leg.

72 runs needed from 48 balls now. Nensi Patel returns.

Fuller one, around off, Orla Prendergast creams it through cover for a single. Orla is keen to pinch the second, but the fielder is quick to pick and throw in a motion to the bowler. So they settle down for a single only.

Uses the wider angle and slants it on the pads. Orla Prendergast taps it on the bounce to the bowler.

Bowls a full ball, just outside off. Orla tries to drive it away, only to miss.

Decision overturned! In-angler on a good length, on the leg stump line. Orla Prendergast looks to work it leg side, but she plays all around the line and is beaten on the inside edge before the ball raps the inside half of the front pad. A big appeal for LBW and up goes the finger, but that seemed to be sliding down leg in real time. Orla Prendergast is quick to opt for a review as well. UltrEdge presents a flat line. Ball Tracking saves Prendergast as the ball is projected to miss the leg stump. Review is retained.

Wide full toss, outside off. Gaby Lewis strides across and drives it to deep cover for a single.

Full and tailing in on middle. Orla stays leg side and taps it to the cover region for an easy single.

Slower one, full on off. Orla Prendergast waits for it and dabs it to cover-point for a quick run.

Fractionally fuller, outside off. Gaby Lewis leans on and drives it to deep point for an easy single.

Around off, on a length. Orla Prendergast stabs it to the right of backward point for a single. Smart cricket by these two.

FOUR! Poor ball and it gets the treatment! Short of a good length at the pads. Orla Prendergast pulls it to deep fine leg and picks up another boundary.

Fuller and on off, Gaby Lewis leans on and drives it to Bates at cover for a quick single.

Back of a length, outside off. Orla Prendergast cuts it to deep cover for a run.

Halfway through the chase. Ireland Women are 57/1. At the same stage, New Zealand Women were 59/4. Rosemary Mair (1-0-3-0) returns into the attack, replacing Amelia Kerr. Ireland need 84 runs from 60 balls. Very much doable if any one of these two stay till the end.

Flatter, on off, Gaby Lewis flicks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! A much-needed boundary for Ireland Women. Nensi Patel errs it down leg, Gaby Lewis picks it well and sweeps it through short fine leg for a boundary. 50 partnership comes up between this duo now.

Flatter, outside off, Gaby Lewis eases it to mid off again.

Quicker, on off, Gaby Lewis blocks it to mid off.

Full again, on leg, Orla Prendergast flicks it through square leg for one more.

Too full, on leg, Gaby Lewis digs it to mid on for a single.

Nensi Patel (1-0-10-0) is back on. Ireland Women need 90 runs from 66 balls. The partnership between these two is now worth 45 runs.

Gives it air, on off, Gaby Lewis drives it through covers for a single.

New Zealand lose a review and Gaby can breathe a sigh of relief! Quicker, on middle and leg, Gaby Lewis lunges and looks to block it but plays the wrong line and misses as she wears it on her pads. A loud appeal for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. Kerr has a chat with the keeper and they send it upstairs for a review to have a check. Nothing on Ultra Edge and Ball Tracking shows that it was missing the leg pole. The on-field decision stands NOT OUT.

Much fuller, on leg, Gaby Lewis works it through short fine leg for a brace. 50 comes up for Ireland Women.

Tossed up, on off, Gaby Lewis knocks it to mid off.

Drops it short, on leg, Orla Prendergast pulls it to mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up, on off, Gaby Lewis taps it to cover for a single.

Ireland Women need 95 runs in 72 balls. Amelia Kerr (1-0-5-0) to continue.

FOUR! Excellent from Orla Prendergast! Bree Illing goes short and on leg, Orla Prendergast picks the length, swivels and pulls it powerfully through square leg for a boundary. Illing finishes off her spell with impressive figures reading 4-0-18-1.

Much fuller, outside off, Gaby Lewis drives it through cover-point for a single.

Good length, on leg, Gaby Lewis looks to flick it but wears it on her pads. The ball was pitching outside leg.

Angling in, on middle, Orla Prendergast punches it to cover for a single.

Short and on leg, Orla Prendergast moves forward and looks to pull it but misses.

Beaten! Hard length, outside off, holds the line. Orla Prendergast has a waft at it but misses.

Quicker, on off, Orla Prendergast taps it through covers for a single.

Fired in, on off, Orla Prendergast cuts it to the point fielder.

Too full, on off, Gaby Lewis eases it to cover for a quick single.

Much fuller, on off, Gaby Lewis lunges and blocks it to short cover.

Good work in the deep. Tossed up, outside off, Gaby Lewis slaps it through backward point for a brace. The fielder dives to her left and makes a good stop in the deep.

Short, on off, Orla Prendergast punches it to cover for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. Ireland may not have gone at a good clip, but they are fighting well and are still ahead of their counterparts, New Zealand, who were 31/3 after the Powerplay. Orla Prendergast and Gaby Lewis have nicely steadied things up, though, after Hunter's early dismissal. New Zealand have dropped Prendergast on 10 and only time will tell how costly that will prove. Ireland will look to increase the scoring rate as these two have nicely settled out there. The Kiwis, on the other hand, need wickets and they need them now to put the Irish under pressure. A very interesting phase is coming up, as Amelia Kerr, NZ's trump card, introduces herself into the attack.

Hard length, on leg, Gaby Lewis tucks it through square leg for a brace.

Full and straight, Gaby Lewis eases it to mid off.

In the air, safe! Short, on leg, Orla Prendergast looks to pull it but gets a top edge. The ball lobs and lands safely at square leg. They cross.

Much fuller, on off, Orla Prendergast blocks it to point.

Dropped! A tough chance as it didn't go to the tallest of the fielders out there. Full and outside off, Orla Prendergast advances down the pitch, reaches out to it and slices it uppishly to the off side. The ball lobs towards Nensi Patel at backward point, who leaps but just manages to get her hand to it, and she deflects the ball in the deep as the batters collect two runs.

Angling down the leg side, Orla Prendergast looks to block it but wears it on her pads. A stifled appeal but turned down.

Change? Nope. Bree Illing (2-0-7-1) to continue and will wrap up the Powerplay. Ireland Women need 111 runs to win from 90 balls.

Around off and short. A lot quicker and Orla is rushed on the back foot before she drags it down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Such a glorious shot! Overpitched by Nensi, full on middle. Orla Prendergast shimmies down the track, and lofts it inside out over the cover-point region for a boundary.

Flatter on a fuller length, on middle. Orla Prendergast watchfully blocks it back to Patel.

Much fuller, around off, Lewis drives it to the left of the diving bowler. A single at mid off.

FOUR! Beautifully played! Nensi drops it short and offers width this time, outside off. Gaby Lewis arches back, waits for the ball and cuts it through the cover and backward point gap for a boundary.

A dipping full ball on the pads. Gaby Lewis misses to sweep and the ball rolls off the pads to short fine leg.

Pitched outside leg, and it swings in from a good length. Orla Prendergast is pinned in the crease and plays all around it to work it across. Wears it high on her thigh pad as the ball rolls away to the off side. A slight appeal for LBW, but the voices wane away as the umpire denies.

Good comeback by Bree! Back of a length, angled across the batter, Orla Prendergast tries to glide the ball to short third, but misses.

FOUR! Shot of authority! Serves it fuller and outside off, angling away. Orla Prendergast dances down the track, stays leg side of the ball and belts this to the left of the diving mid off fielder for a cracking boundary. Right out of the middle of the blade.

Skids through, on a length, outside off. Orla Prendergast hangs back and guides it on the bounce to backward point.

Tails on the pads, full in length. Gaby Lewis flicks it off the inner half to deep fine leg for a single.

In and around leg, clipped to short mid-wicket.

Cuts back in from off, on a fuller length. Gaby presses back and dabs it to backward point.

Full on leg, drilled down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Just up and over! Back of a length, on the leg stump, tailing in. Gaby Lewis whips it off her hips. The fielder, Bree Illing, at deep backward square leg is surprisingly miles inside the ropes and she leaps to pluck the ball but it just sails over her and bounces before the ropes for a boundary.

Another one that is angled in and around the leg stump. Orla plays from the crease and nudges it to the right of the mid-wicket fielder for a quick single.

Slants it onto the pads, on a length. Gaby Lewis tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Lands it fuller on the leg stump. Gaby Lewis tilts forward and flicks it to the right of the mid-wicket fielder. Brooke Halliday covers a good ground to her left from deep mid-wicket and slides to stop it. Two taken.

Another one that swings back in, on a fuller length. Orla Prendergast plays off the back foot and taps it out to cover. A successful over for New Zealand.

Bree Illing strikes and gets an early wicket for the New Zealand Women. Orla Prendergast walks in at number 3.

OUT! BOWLED! Top-drawer execution from Bree and the Kiwis have their first wicket. Illing nails the yorker which tails in from the off stump. Amy Hunter brings her bat in front to jam the ball, but plays the wrong line and is beaten on the outside edge. The ball lands at the base of the middle pole and makes an absolute mess of it. Proves to be too good for Hunter and Ireland Women are 6/1, chasing 141.

At 103.4 kph, this is fuller on the pads. Lewis is beaten on the flick shot and the ball rolls off the front pad to square leg for a leg bye.

Just outside off, on a fuller length. Gaby Lewis is drawn forward to drive it away on the off side, but the ball moves away and beats the outside edge.

WIDE! Short of a good length, swinging down leg. Lewis looks to pull but does not connect.

WIDE! Swings one down leg, on a fullish length. Lewis looks to flick but the ball grazes the thigh pad on its way to the keeper.

Pitched short and just outside leg. Hunter moves inside the line, rides the bounce and nudges it to deep square leg for a run.

A tidy start from Rosemary Mair. Bree Illing to share the attack.

Good running! Angled onto the pads, on a good length. Gaby Lewis uses her wrists to flick the ball to deep backward square leg. Izzy Sharp from deep fine leg moves across to her left and mops it up. Two taken. So just 3 runs from the first over.

On a fuller length, outside off and stays low. Lewis tries to drive it through cover, but gets a thick bottom edge and the ball keeps dribbling near the pitch on the off side.

Nip-backer from a good length, with extra bounce. Lewis stabs it away to mid on.

Short of a length, on top of middle, angling in. Lewis presses back and tucks it to short mid-wicket using soft hands.

A touch full and outside off. Gaby Lewis gets on top of the bounce and drives it to backward point.

A bit of an inswinger on a good length, on middle and leg. Amy Hunter hangs across and tucks it through square leg for a single. Ireland and Amy are off the mark.

SIX! That's some shot from the veteran to finish. New Zealand Women post 140/6 on the board. Back of a length, wide outside off. Bates gets inside the line and swivels before she pulls it cleanly over deep backward square leg for a six. So 14 runs from the last over, and 22 from the last 12 balls. The Kiwis finish with a bit of a flourish in the end.

Short of a good length, angling in and around middle and leg. Suzie Bates backs away to make room and heaves it to the right of long on. Gaby Lewis moves across and cuts it off nicely. Two taken.

On a good length, Jess Kerr tucks it towards the right of square leg for a single.

Fantastic running! Fuller in length, slower one on middle. Jess Kerr does not get any power behind her lofted shot over mid on. It goes on the bounce to long on's left and they hustle back for the second run before the throw from Lewis is released to the bowler.

Oh, what happened there? Good length and wide outside the off stump. Bates shuffles across and goes for the ramp, but the ball seems to have clipped the thigh pad, and it balloons just over the keeper. Hunter wanders where the ball is, trying to track it before the ball lands just within reach to her left. A leg bye taken.

Attempted yorker, on middle. Jess drags it down to long on for a single.

New Zealand Women need a big over. Can they get past 140?

WIDE! Dishes out a fuller ball, but far down leg. Jess Kerr misses the flick.

FOUR! Pins the gap! Fuller in length, around the off pole. Suzie reverse sweeps it over and between backward point and short third for a boundary. A four after ages for the White Ferns. Precious one for them.

Fuller outside the off, Jess stretches forward and stabs it to extra cover for a single.

Arlene Kelly gets the big wicket of Izzy Sharp. Jess Kerr walks in to bat now.

OUT! SIMPLE CATCH! Kelly picks up her first wicket, but in the context of the game, this is a huge one. A lot fuller, wide outside off. Izzy Sharp reaches out for it by coming forward and looks to smash it downtown by staying leg side of the ball but does not get under it properly and slices it straight to Orla Prendergast who is stationed a few yards in off the ropes at long off. She has to adjust at the last second, but does well to take it over her head with a reverse cup. Sharp perishes after a fighting knock. New Zealand Women are 121/6, 8 balls left.

Top class bowling! Almost a yorker at the toes. Suzie Bates cannot get under it and drills it off the toe end to long on for a single.

On the fuller length, around middle. Suzie moves across to whip it away to the deep mid-wicket region. They hustle back for the second run as the fielder throws it to the bowler. Kelly collects the ball and whips the bails off but Sharp is quick enough to complete the second run.

Around off, on a fuller length, smashed away by Bates, but she finds the fielder at cover.

Good over from Orla Prendergast. Arlene Kelly to bowl the penultimate.

Slower length ball, Bates comes down the track and flat bats it to long on for a single.

A length ball, on middle, Izzy Sharp jabs it away to wide long on for a single.

Fuller on the pads, Suzie gets inside the line and clips it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

A tailing yorker on the legs. Izzy Sharp's head falls over but she manages to flick it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

DROPPED! A genuine chance goes down. Rebecca Stokell is the guilty party. Shortish delivery on middle and nipping in a touch. Izzy Sharp mistimes her pull shot off the top edge and sails it straight to the deep square leg fielder where Rebecca just makes an absolute meal of it. The ball pops in and out of her palms and drops down. Two taken. Could have been a massive blow for the Kiwis towards the backend, but Sharp gets a slice of luck here.

Back of a length, on the leg stump. Suzie Bates stands tall and whips it to deep square leg for a single.

Last 3 overs to go. Can New Zealand Women get over 140? Orla Prendergast comes into the attack now.

Pitched around the leg stump, full in length. Suzie Bates leans on and chips it to the right of the bowler for a single.

BEATEN! Quicker and shorter, outside off. Suzie stays put and tries to cut it away but misses.

Cara Murray breaks the gritty stand. Suzie Bates walks in to bat now.

OUT! TOP EDGE AND TAKEN! Murray breaks the 62-run partnership. The boundaries have dried up and Brooke tried to up the ante, but falls in the process. Cara flights it up nicely and lands it in front of the sticks on a fuller length. Brooke Halliday gets down on a knee to play the sweep shot, but the ball bounces a bit and takes the top edge. It flies straight into the hands of Lara McBride at short fine leg who takes it with a reverse cup in front of her face. New Zealand Women are 110/5.

Short ball, on middle. Halliday pulls it to the right of the deep square leg for a couple of runs. Halliday has to put in a desperate dive as the throw comes towards the keeper.

Fuller on middle. Sharp advances and whips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Drops it short, outside off. Brooke Halliday moves across and slaps it down to long on for just a single. 19 balls since last boundary for New Zealand, informs Sana Mir on air.

Brooke Halliday is looking in some discomfort here. The physio is out in the middle to have a check. All fine now and we are good to continue. Cara Murray comes into the attack now.

A lot fuller at 93 kph, sliding onto the pads. Brooke Halliday flicks it to deep mid-wicket's left for a single.

Attempted yorker on middle. Sharp flicks it to wide long on for a single.

Overpitched, on middle and leg. Brooke squeezes it through mid on for a run.

A leg cutter, full and just around off. Brooke sits down to slog sweep but misses as she plays all over the line. The ball grazes Amy Hunter's left pad and rolls to the deep third for a couple of byes. That nearly kissed and whistled past the off stump.

Shin high full toss, on the stumps. Izzy Sharp whips it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

100 up for New Zealand Women! Full from Kelly, on middle. Halliday runs it down to long on for a single.

Arlene Kelly is back on. 2-0-12-0 so far. Last 5 overs left in the innings. Still a lot of work to do for the Kiwis.

Much fuller, outside off, Izzy Sharp moves forward and chips it over extra covers for a brace. The 50 partnership comes up between this duo now.

Short and wide, Brooke Halliday cuts it to point for another run.

Fired in, on leg, Izzy Sharp knocks it down to long on for a single.

Short, on off, Brooke Halliday rocks back and punches it to cover for a single.

Tad fullish, looped at the leg stump. Halliday sits on a knee for the slog sweep and gets it spooned off the top edge towards deep backward square leg. The ball trickles away and the pair scamper through for two.

Beaten! Flatter, outside off, holds the line. Brooke Halliday looks to cut it but misses.

DRINKS BREAK. These two have arrested the slide and have brought in a much-needed stability in this Kiwi inning which was in misery early doors. New Zealand have scored 61/1 since the field restrictions have been lifted. And positively, they have squeezed out at least one boundary almost every over to keep the scorecard moving, while also ensuring to keep the dot-ball percentage as low as possible. There's still no panic in the Kiwi dressing room as 140-150 looks very much on cards. And on a slowish wicket like this, that could be a challenging total for the Irish. On the other hand, Ireland will look to break this partnership as soon as possible as it's not easy to attack from the word go. Aimee Maguire will bowl out. 3-0-25-1 so far.

On top of off, Brooke Halliday makes room and cuts it through point for another single.

Slows it up, on leg, Izzy Sharp tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Fired in, on leg, Brooke Halliday flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up, on off, Brooke Halliday looks to slap it but gets a bottom edge. The ball bounces towards the right of the keeper. Dot.

Wide! Down the leg side, Brooke Halliday looks to flick it but misses.

Gives it air, outside off, Brooke Halliday cuts it to point.

Flatter, on leg, Brooke Halliday flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

The partnership between Halliday and Sharp is worth 38 runs now. The last 2 overs have gone for 21 runs. That said, Lara McBride (3-0-21-0) will bowl out.

FOUR! Just short and it races away! Full and on off, Izzy Sharp lofts it over mid off. The ball lands just short of the long off fielder, Orla Prendergast, who runs in off the ropes and dives to take the catch. But the ball dips on her and yorks her fingers before trickling to the fence.

Tossed up, on off, Brooke Halliday taps it to mid on for a single.

Flatter, on leg, Izzy Sharp tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Short and wide, Izzy Sharp slaps it through covers for a brace.

FOUR! That went like a rocket! Full and outside off, Izzy Sharp latches onto it and drills it powerfully through wide mid off for a boundary. So another partnership developing nicely for the Kiwis here.

On the stumps, fuller in length, Izzy Sharp digs it to mid off.

Wide! Sways it down leg, Izzy Sharp looks to flick it but misses.

Aimee Maguire (2-0-12-1) returns, replacing Lara McBride.

Quicker, on leg, Izzy Sharp tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Short, on off, Brooke Halliday pulls it on the bounce towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

On leg, Izzy Sharp flicks it through short fine leg for just a single.

Flatter, on off, Izzy Sharp punches it to cover.

FOUR! That's a poor delivery and gets the treatment! A bit short and on middle, Izzy Sharp clears her front leg and pulls it through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

In the air... safe! Flatter, on off, Brooke Halliday looks to play at reverse sweep but gets a top edge. The ball lobs and lands safely in the gap at backward point. They cross.

Much fuller, outside off, Brooke Halliday gets low and sweeps it through square leg for a single.

Good comeback. Full and on the stumps, Brooke Halliday blocks it to the leg side.

FOUR! Not exactly from the middle, but Brooke will take it! Full and outside off, Brooke Halliday changes her stance and plays a reverse sweep through short fine leg for a boundary.

Past the edge! Flatter, outside off, holds the line. Brooke Halliday looks to cut it but misses.

Short, on off, Izzy Sharp knocks it down to long off for a single.

Full and outside off, Izzy Sharp taps it to cover.

New Zealand Women are 59/4 at the halfway stage of the first innings. They are in some pressure and will hope Brooke Halliday and Izzy Sharp to stitch a gritty stand and get the total over the 140-run mark. Ireland Women will try to keep on taking wickets and put their opponents under more pressure. Let's see how it goes. Cara Murray to continue. 2-0-15-1 so far.

Overpitched on the leg stump. Izzy Sharp flicks it to the left of square leg for a run. At halfway, New Zealand Women are 59/4.

FOUR! Untidy in the field. That's the first blackmark against Ireland in the field today. Fractionally short ball from Lara, on the stumps. Izzy camps back and pulls it hard to the deep mid-wicket region, where Alice Tector runs to her right and lets the ball through her legs for a boundary.

Full and down leg, Sharp gets down on her knee and sweeps it to short fine leg.

Excellent fielding! Dropped fuller, on the leg stump. Brooke Halliday sweeps it on the bounce to the short fine leg region. The fielder there dives to her right and makes a fantastic half-stop. One taken.

Slower through the air, full and on off. Izzy Sharp advances down the track and pushes it through mid off for an easy single.

WIDE! Slides one down leg, full in length. Sharp sits across for the sweep shot, but misses.

Miles outside off, on a length, cut away to the point fielder.

Beaten! Floated up and full, on the off stump line. Brooke Halliday is drawn forward to block, but the ball holds its line and beats the outside edge by a whisker.

Short and outside off. Brooke cuts it hard through backward point. Louise Little runs and slides to her right from deep cover and saves two for her team.

Fuller, around middle and off, Izzy drills it to long off for a single.

Pitched short and on off, Izzy hangs back and bunts it back to the bowler.

Cara Murray gets the big wicket of Amelia Kerr. Izzy Sharp is the next batter.

OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! The partnership was budding along so nicely for the Kiwis, but Kerr falls after such a positive knock. Murray invitingly loops the ball up, full in length, on middle. Amelia Kerr cannot resist her temptation to wham the slot ball and takes the bait to attack. Looks to slog it over deep mid-wicket, but hits it off the inner half of the bat and airs it straight to the deep mid-wicket fielder. Louise Little takes a straightforward catch there. A huge moment in the game. New Zealand Women are 48/4 after 8.2 overs.

Flighted up full and spinning from middle to off. Amelia Kerr leans forward and smothers the spin.

Around off and short, skids through and drifts in. Brooke cuts it straight to the point fielder. Tidy start for McBride. Just 5 runs off her first over.

On a shorter length, on middle. Kerr drags it across off the back foot to long on for the fifth consecutive single in this over.

Back to around the stumps for the left-hander. Short and outside off. Halliday cuts it powerfully to deep point for a single.

Off break from over the stump, short, on off. Amelia Kerr rocks back and pulls it to long on for one more.

Comes from around the stump. Short and around off, Brooke Halliday backs away and punches it to deep cover for an easy run.

Starts from over the stump, does Lara. Too full, looped on the pads, whipped away to deep mid-wicket for an easy single.

Too full, on off, Kerr drags it along the ground to long on for a single to retain her strike. Another profitable over for the White Ferns. 12 runs off it.

FOUR! A gift from Murray and Kerr gleefully accepts it. A juicy full toss, on the pads. Amelia Kerr gets down on her knee and sweeps it over square leg to pick up a boundary. 26 (18) so far for Kerr.

Tossed up, full and around off. Brooke Halliday tries to drive straight, but the ball turns in and squirts off the inside edge to the square leg region for a single.

Outside off on a length. Kerr hangs back and knocks it to deep cover for a single.

Drops fuller, on off, Brooke leans on and drives it inside out through cover for a single.

FOUR! Misfield and it runs away! Shortish ball, outside off. Brooke Halliday goes on the back foot and cuts it to backward point. The fielder is undone by the spin as the ball beats her and rolls to the fence. The deep cover fielder slides to her right, but cannot haul it back in cleanly and crashes with the ropes while holding the ball in hand.

Drinks Break! New Zealand Women are 31/3 at the end of Powerplay. They were in total distress, but a couple of boundaries from Amelia Kerr in the previous over have given them some respite. Ireland Women will try not to lose the momentum they have, and they will target taking quick wickets to put the New Zealand Women under more pressure. Let's see how it pans out...

Full and on middle, angling in. Kerr whips it wide of mid on. The deep mid-wicket fielder cuts it to her left, just before the ropes. Two taken. 10 runs from the over. 17 from the last 2. New Zealand Women end their Powerplay on 31/3.

FOUR MORE! Through the gap! That will bring some relief in the Kiwi camp. A touch shorter and outside off. Amelia Kerr makes use of the width and goes deep into the crease before she cuts it through backward point for a boundary.

FOUR! Clever from the skipper! On middle and leg, fuller in length. Amelia Kerr shuffles across the stumps and laps it over the keeper. There is no protection behind and the ball runs to the deep fine leg fence.

Around off, on a length. Amelia Kerr presses back and punches it to the cover fielder.

Nips in from a good length, on top of off. Kerr hangs back and steers it to cover-point.

Full and straight, on off, Kerr drives it straight to the short cover fielder.

Change? Yes. Switch of ends for Arlene Kelly (1-0-2-0), who will wrap up the Powerplay. She replaces Orla Prendergast.

Fired in, on off, Amelia Kerr drills it down the ground for a single.

Keeps it full, on leg, Amelia Kerr flicks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! A much-needed boundary for New Zealand! A full toss, on off, Amelia Kerr moves forward and drills it powerfully through the mid off and cover gap for a boundary.

Short and wide, Brooke Halliday slaps it to point. A bit of fumble allows the batters to comfortably collect a single.

Quicker, outside off, Brooke Halliday has a waft at it but misses.

Flatter, on off, Amelia Kerr guides it to point for a single.

Aimee Maguire (1-0-5-1) is back on. She replaces Arlene Kelly.

On the stumps, a tad fuller, Brooke Halliday stabs it back to the bowler.

Hard length, just outside off, Brooke Halliday blocks it to backward point.

Slows it up, on off, Amelia Kerr guides it to point for a single.

Angling in, on leg, Amelia Kerr flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Back of a length, on leg, Brooke Halliday looks to flick it but the ball hits her hips and lands towards the leg side. They collect a leg bye.

The defending champions are in all sorts here. The choice of shots has been really ordinary, to say the least. Ireland, on the other hand, have just followed the simple process of keeping the stumps in play and have got the rewards. In walks Brooke Halliday at number 5.

OUT! TIMBER! This is unbelievable stuff from Ireland Women. Orla Prendergast bowls it on a length, on middle, with a hint of movement. Maddy Green skips down the track for a big stroke but the ball nips into her and she is cut in half. Misses to connect the ball completely as it clips the top of middle. Orla Prendergast gets her second wicket, and New Zealand Women are in a real mess, at 10/3 after 3.1 overs.

A tad fuller, on middle, Maddy Green flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. Just two runs off the over.

Brilliant over so far. Good length, on off, Maddy Green punches it to cover.

Slows it up, on off, Maddy Green eases it to short cover.

Nice and full, on leg, Amelia Kerr turns it through mid-wicket for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Amelia Kerr blocks it to cover.

A tad fuller, on off, Amelia Kerr pushes it to mid off.

Bowler number three in the third over for Ireland. Arlene Kelly replaces Aimee Maguire.

Full and straight, Amelia Kerr eases it to cover-point for a quick single.

Good length, on off, Maddy Green slaps it through point for a single.

A mix-up, but Maddy Green is safe! Hard length, on off, Maddy Green taps it to short third and runs for a single but Amelia Kerr sends her back. The fielder throws it to the keeper but Maddy Green makes it just in time to avert the danger.

Angling in, on off, Maddy Green blocks it to cover.

Short and wide, Maddy Green looks to slap it but misses.

Problems already for the Kiwis. That was a needless shot from Gaze and she will be very disappointed. Ireland right on top. Maddy Green is in at number 4.

OUT! TIMBER! Both the New Zealand Women openers are back in the shed now. Orla Prendergast lands it on middle and leg, with a hint of movement. Isabella Gaze premeditates as she moves to her off side and exposes all the stumps. She tries to paddle it over fine leg but misses it completely as the ball rattles over the stumps. A perfect start for the Ireland Women as they get two early wickets.

New Zealand have just not got a strong foundation in this tournament so far. And with Devine absent from this game, a lot of responsibility will lie on the skipper.

Wide! Down the leg side, Isabella Gaze looks to flick it but misses.

Elation for the young Irish bowler. They are up and about as one. Plimmer's struggles continue. 8, 18, and 4 are the scores so far for her this World Cup. Amelia Kerr walks in at number 3.  Orla Prendergast will bowl from the opposite end.

OUT! TAKEN! An early wicket for Ireland Women. Aimee Maguire tosses this up, outside off, Georgia Plimmer moves a bit forward but does not get to the pitch of the ball and looks to loft it. But miscues it off the toe end of her bat. It gets sliced and carries to the left of mid off.  Arlene Kelly moves a bit to her left and takes a good catch with both hands around her face.

Short, turning in, Georgia Plimmer blocks it to cover.

FOUR! Georgia Plimmer gets off the mark in style! Aimee Maguire sees Georgia Plimmer charging forward and bowls it wide outside off, Georgia Plimmer still reaches out to it and slaps it through point for a boundary.

Fired in, on off, Georgia Plimmer leans on and blocks it to mid off.

New Zealand and Gaze are underway. Full and on leg, Isabella Gaze flicks it to fine leg for a single.

Aimee Maguire starts with a dot. She keeps it full and on off, Isabella Gaze digs it to the left of the bowler.

Righto, done with all the pre-match formalities. It's time to get the 13th match of the tournament underway in Southampton. As mentioned earlier, it's bright and sunny out there with no clouds in sight. The two umpires walk out to the middle. Gaby Lewis has her ladies in a final team huddle. Now, they scatter across the park to take their spots on the field. There's the Kiwi opening pair in the form of Georgia Plimmer and Isabella Gaze. And it will be the left-arm spinner, Aimee Maguire, to bowl the first over of the match. Gaze to face. Let's play...

Time for the national anthems - Goosebumps moment, as the giant flags of both countries are unfurled in the middle. Out walk the match officials and right after them, the two captains lead their respective groups out and get lined up for the anthems. It will be the Irish national anthem, followed by New Zealand's.

Who's up next for a chat? Ireland's Louise Little, it is. Louise admits that Ireland have not managed a win yet but there have been some good performances along the way. She notes New Zealand are in a similar position, also searching for their first win, and says she is looking forward to the contest. On her knock of 26 not out off 15 against England, Little says she was happy to contribute with the bat and that it gave the side confidence going into the tournament, even if the total was not enough to defend. On having family in the stands, she says it means a massive amount for her. She adds that her family is very proud and that her parents will be there to watch this game as well.

Coach's word - The assistant coach of New Zealand Women, Craig McMillan, says that there has been plenty of discussion within the group after two disappointing results, and points to the fielding as the standout concern. He accepts that the team has to own that. On the fielding, he says it is not about the volume of work put in at practice, and acknowledges that sometimes this game can just be hard. About their batting approach, McMillan details that the aggression has been there and notes that scores of 170 to 180 are becoming more common in the women's game. Further stresses that New Zealand need to prepare in a way that allows them to go better. He adds that the girls have been trying to do that, calls Ireland a good team, and says the side would love to put up a strong challenge against them. On the pitch at the Hampshire Bowl, he says it has offered good pace and bounce, notes it is a little warmer today, and hopes New Zealand can have a good outing.

PITCH REPORT - Charles Dagnall is pitchside. He starts by pointing that it is a clear and bright day with good conditions on offer. On the dimensions, he notes it is 71 metres to the longer boundary, 70 metres into the V on one side, and 62 and 63 metres to the two square boundaries. Tash Farrant joins him and calls it a good wicket and feels it could be another batter-friendly surface. She says there is a swing in the air but not much off the surface, and the turn has been minimal here. With great conditions and a great pitch, she says she would have loved to bat on it. Charles notes that the average score here sits at 143 and says teams will need to push beyond that to be competitive.

The captain of New Zealand Women - Amelia Kerr says they were looking to bowl as well. She says the key focus for the side is to keep the body language up, adding that there is still a mathematical chance of making it to the semifinals. She feels the team could push a little harder with bat and ball, but says the real change needs to come in the field. Kerr adds that she certainly believes the side can turn things around. On a concerning note, she reveals that Sophie Devine started vomiting upon arriving at the ground and is ruled out of the match, so Suzie Bates comes in for her.

The captain of Ireland Women - Gaby Lewis says that they will bowl first. Adds that it's a new wicket and they will look to chase under the lights. She adds that they have plenty of positives to take from their first two games and mentions the changes in their side. Says that they will try and restrict the opponents to a low score. About the changes, she informs that Alana Dalzell is out and Lara McBride comes in for her.

Ireland Women (Playing XI) - Amy Hunter (WK), Gaby Lewis (C), Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Leah Paul, Alice Tector, Louise Little, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride (In for Alana Dalzell) and Cara Murray.

New Zealand Women (Playing XI) - Georgia Plimmer, Isabella Gaze (WK), Amelia Kerr (C), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Izzy Sharp, Suzie Bates (In for Sophie Devine), Jess Kerr, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair and Bree Illing.

TOSS - It is coming down to toss time at the Hampshire Bowl. Both captains - Amelia Kerr and Gaby Lewis - are in all readiness. Sana Mir leads the proceedings. Kerr flicks the coin, and Lewis calls Heads. It lands as Heads. Ireland Women have opted to BOWL first.

Chasing is the mantra - So far, three matches have been played in this World Cup at Southampton, and the chasing side has won every single one. But here is where it gets interesting. The first innings scores read in descending order, 162, 150, 118. A pattern, or simply proof that bowling has had the upper hand at this venue? We shall find out soon enough. New Zealand have played twice here and lost both times. Will this be the third time lucky for the Kiwis? Ireland, meanwhile, have played once and suffered the same fate. Can they buck the trend today? Stick around as toss is in about a couple of minutes.

Weather watch - For the ones who like to keep an eye on the overhead conditions, and with cricket in the UK... ahem, ahem, you absolutely should. But worry not, folks. Southampton is soaking up the sunshine today, zero rain threat, and pleasingly, the English weather is pleasant here, in the pleasant 20s, and has decided to play along.

A lot to improve on - This is the first time these two sides are meeting in this format in almost eight years. While history heavily favors the Kiwis, tournament pressure changes everything when survival is at stake. For New Zealand, their fielding lapses have haunted them badly. Dropping around seven to eight catches in a couple of games is not acceptable and they know it better than anyone else. Whereas for Ireland, they have shown character with the ball, but it's about getting the pieces together in the batting unit. Because it's about time for both teams. The pitch in Southampton will offer something for everyone and the team that excels in all departments will walk away with two crucial points to keep their campaign alive.

The Irish hunt for a historic breakthrough - Ireland are still searching for their first-ever win in the history of the tournament. After struggling significantly against England's spin attack, the Irish batters need to show better application and build stable partnerships rather than losing wickets in clusters. Gaby Lewis and Amy Hunter hold the key at the top of the order to shield the middle order from early damage. The team will also look to adjust quickly without seamer Ava Canning, meaning new entrant Jane Maguire could be in and will have a massive role to play with the ball.

Kiwis eye a desperate turnaround - Amelia Kerr and Co. need to quickly learn from their narrow loss against Sri Lanka, where they failed to defend a competitive total in the final over. The bowling unit must step up to support Amelia Kerr and Rosemary Mair, who were economical in the last game. New Zealand will also look to strengthen their batting depth and we might finally see the legendary Suzie Bates or Lea Tahuhu, or even both in the playing eleven to give them that much-needed stability and experience at the top of the order and give an extra bite in the bowling unit.

Tournament on the line - Hello, and a very warm welcome to the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. We are in for this crucial Group B clash in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. This is a pure battle for survival. Both teams have lost their opening two matches and another defeat today means their semifinal dreams are effectively over. For the defending champions, New Zealand and the Irish side, everything is on the line in this high-stakes encounter. Sure, the White Ferns arrive as favourites, but you just cannot rule out an upset. So hop along for this exciting ride.

... MATCH DAY ...

Desperation on the south coast - The tournament heads to Southampton with both teams feeling the immense weight of the world stage. New Zealand Women and Ireland Women walk out at the Utilita Bowl knowing that their campaign is hanging by a very thin thread. Neither team has found a win yet in this group stage, turning Match 13 into an absolute must-win encounter for survival. For the defending champions, the tournament has been a sudden nightmare. New Zealand arrived with high hopes but stumbled immediately, dropping their opening match to the West Indies before suffering another painful defeat against Sri Lanka. The White Ferns are currently sitting on zero points and their title defence is in serious danger of crumbling before the knockouts even begin. They need a massive performance to turn their fortunes around and fix their net run rate. Giants under pressure - New Zealand will look to their most trusted legends to pull them out of this deep hole. Sophie Devine carries the experience of a hundred battles and must anchor the batting group. Devine has been a consistent force scoring runs for her side, while Amelia Kerr remains a lethal weapon with both bat and ball. The bowling group will count on Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair to exploit the conditions. Jess Kerr has been reliable with taking wickets in her last outings, and she needs to strike early to put the opposition on the back foot. The green dreamers - Ireland enters this contest after experiencing their own share of heartbreak. An initial loss to Scotland was a bitter pill to swallow, and while they fought much harder against England, they still fell short by four wickets. Led by Gaby Lewis, this young Irish side is desperate to prove they belong among the elite. They possess exciting talent in Amy Hunter, who has scored some runs in her last few outings, and the incredible Orla Prendergast. Prendergast has been a standout all-rounder for Ireland so far, making her the primary threat to the New Zealand plans. The historical trends - History is heavily on the side of the White Ferns, who have won all four previous T20 encounters between these two nations. However, the unique nature of the Utilita Bowl could throw a curveball. The statistics favour the team bowling first, with all three matches won by the side chasing a target so far in this ICC Women's T20 World Cup. The surface usually offers good carry and reliable bounce for the batters, but the initial overs will test the techniques of the openers. Team form (Last 5 completed T20Is, recent first) - NZ-W - LLLWL | IRE-W - LLWWL. Pathways to progress - To turn their tournament around, both teams have clear areas that require immediate elevation. New Zealand must find greater stability in their middle order to prevent the sudden batting collapses and improve in their fielding, which ruined their first two matches. Their bowlers also need to sustain pressure during the middle overs rather than letting opponents recover easily. Ireland must fix their opening partnerships, which have repeatedly crumbled in the powerplay. If the Irish top order can shield their wickets early on and give their aggressive middle order a solid platform, they have a genuine chance to trigger a historic upset.