SOUTHAMPTON, England – In their third match at 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World, Ireland Women were defeated by the defending champions New Zealand after a thrilling finish under lights at the Utilita Bowl.
Having won the toss, Ireland had a remarkable start to what was effectively a must-win game for both sides when Aimee Maguire had Georgia Plimmer caught by Orla Prendergast at mid off.
With her bowling speeds up, Prendergast then wasted no time to have New Zealand 6-2 when she bowled Isabella Gaze with her second delivery of the match.
Ireland had to wait until just the fourth over to claim their third wicket as Prendergast bowled Maddy Green, then Cara Murray picked up the crucial wicket Kiwi skipper Melia Kerr who was now beginning to look dangerous at the crease.
Murray picked up her second when Brooke Halliday was caught smartly by Lara McBride at short fine leg. Arlene Kelly also claimed the important wicket of Izzy Sharp (36) to cap a strong collective performance by the Irish bowlers.
Chasing 141 against the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was always going to be challenging and the chasing side had a set back early on when Amy Hunter was bowled by left-arm-quick Bree Illing who was now finding late swing.
Captain Gaby Lewis and vice-captain Orla Prendergast then put on a sublime partnership of 110 from 95 deliveries to swing momentum Ireland’s way and have the defending champions searching for wickets.
At the halfway stage, 84 runs were still needed but Prendergast registered her half-century in the 15th over (her second in T20I World Cups) while Lewis managed to reach hers in the 16th.
Melia Kerr’s final over, however, proved to be the most crucial of the match as she picked up Prendergast and then also Rebecca Stokell off the final delivery of her spell.
Lewis looked to bravely continue the fight but was eventually prised out by Rosemary Mair with Suzie Bates holding onto the important catch for her side.
Leah Paul and Louise Little now needed 15 from 6 to help Ireland Women achieve their first win at a T20 World Cup.
The pair began the challenge well running three twos to start the over, Bates used all of her experience to get her side over the line.
Ireland Women next play Sri Lanka in Bristol at 14:30 on Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland Women v New Zealand Women, 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup , Southampton, 19 June 2026
NEW ZEALAND 140-6 (20 overs; I Sharp 36; O Prendergast 2-26, C Murray 2-26)
IRELAND 136-4 (20 overs; O Prendergast 59, G Lewis 58; M Kerr 2-23)
New Zealand won by 4 runs
Scorecard here
