SOUTHAMPTON: Defending champions New Zealand overcame Ireland’s scare to register their first win of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Rose Bowl on Friday.
Chasing 141, Ireland were restricted to 136-4 in their full 20 overs despite brave half-centuries from captain Gabby Lewis and Arla Prendergast.
Prendergast top-scored with 59 off 53 balls with 5 fours and a six, while Lewis scored 58 off 53 balls with 6 fours.
With 15 needed off the final over, Susie Bates conceded 10 runs as Lee Ball and Louise Little reached the target unbeaten on eight and five respectively.
Mellie Kerr struggled for her side, returning figures of 2/23 from four overs, with Rosemary Mair and Bree Illing picking up a wicket each.
Batting first, reigning champions Ireland were restricted to 140-6 in the allotted 20 overs as they failed to secure the series’ total due to limited bowling.
Middle-order batsman Izzy Sharp top-scored with 36 off 28 balls including 4 fours, while Brooke Holliday added 34 off 37 balls with 2 fours.
Captain Mellie Kerr scored 30 off 24 balls with 4 fours while Susie Bates remained unbeaten with a four and a six.
Meanwhile, the opening pair failed to make a significant impact, with Isabella Gass dismissed for one run, followed by Georgia Plimmer for a boundary off one ball.
Maddy Green struggled fluently and was dismissed for two off eight balls, while Jess Kerr remained unbeaten after adding five runs.
Arla Prendergast and Cara Murray took two wickets each for Ireland, while Arlene Kelly and Aimee Maguire took one each.