Women’s T20 World Cup, Group 2, Southampton
New Zealand140-6 (20 overs): Sharp 36; Murray 2-26, Prendergast 2-26
Ireland136-4 (20 overs): Prendergast 59, Lewis 58; M Kerr 2-23
New Zealand won by four runs
New Zealand are still in the mix for a semi-finals spot at the T20 World Cup after a thrilling four-run win over Ireland in Southampton.
It was a must-win encounter for both sides after losing their opening two matches and this defeat effectively ends Ireland’s hopes of progressing from the group stage.
A fine bowling display from Ireland restricted the defending champions to 140-6 from their 20 overs.
Irish skipper Gaby Lewis (58) and Orla Prendergast (59) put on a superb 110-run second-wicket partnership to give Ireland a chance of securing a first World Cup win at the 20th attempt.
Ireland fell just short – a six was required off the final ball from Suzie Bates but Louise Little could only manage a single.
“It’s hard to reflect straight away. There’s a lot of emotion. We wanted that first win so badly,” said Ireland captain Gaby Lewis.
“As a team, we did so much right. It’s hard to sum up right now.”
New Zealand were dealt a blow before the game when star all-rounder Sophie Devine starting vomiting when she arrived at the ground and was replaced by Bates.
They climb to fourth in Group 2 but may need to win their final two games and have other results go their way to progress.
Ireland won the toss and they made a superb start at the Hampshire Bowl to leave New Zealand rocking on 10-3.
The White Ferns were again in trouble at 48-4 when skipper Melie Kerr (30) sent a Cara Murray delivery into the hands of Little at deep mid-wicket.
Brooke Halliday (34) and Izzy Sharp (36) steadied the innings but excellent Irish bowling ensured they would be chasing a modest target of 141.
New Zealand struck early to dismiss Amy Hunter before Lewis and Prendergast, who successfully reviewed after being given out lbw, shared Ireland’s first World Cup century stand.
They steered them to 116-1 before two wickets fell in three balls from Melie Kerr.
Lewis was caught by Bates to leave the Irish on 123-4 and needing 18 runs from eight balls.
It proved too many for Ireland as they missed out on what would have been a landmark victory.
Both sides are back in action in Bristol on Tuesday with New Zealand facing Scotland before Ireland take on Sri Lanka.
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