Amelia Kerr Stars as New Zealand Edge Ireland to Keep World Cup Defence Alive

Amelia Kerr Stars as New Zealand Edge Ireland to Keep World Cup Defence Alive

Defending champions New Zealand kept their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign alive with a thrilling four-run victory over Ireland at the Hampshire Bowl on Friday.

After posting 140/6, New Zealand looked under pressure as Ireland captain Gaby Lewis (58) and Orla Prendergast (59) stitched together a 110-run partnership. However, skipper Amelia Kerr turned the match with two crucial wickets in the 18th over, triggering a collapse.

Earlier, Izzy Sharp scored 36 and Brooke Halliday added 34 to help the White Ferns reach a competitive total and secure their first win of the tournament.