SOUTHAMPTON: New Zealand survived a spirited Ireland chase to claim a tense four-run victory and secure their first win of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the Rose Bowl.
Ireland fell short of 141-run target, ending on 136-4 despite half-centuries from captain Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast.
The pair forged a crucial stand after a steady start and kept their side in the hunt. Prendergast struck 59 from 53 balls, including five fours and a six, while Lewis made 58 from 53 deliveries with six boundaries.
The turning moment of the game was Melie Kerr’s double wicket in the 18th over, in which she removed well-set Prendergast and Rebecca Stokell (0).
Eventually, the match went to the final over, with Ireland needing 15. However, veteran Suzie Bates kept her composure, conceding only 10 runs as two new batters on the crease, Leah Paul and Louise Little, could not clear the fence.
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New Zealand spinner Melie Kerr played a key role in the defense of the total, returning figures of 2-23 from her four overs. Rosemary Mair and Bree Illing claimed a wicket each.
Earlier, New Zealand were restricted to 140-6 in 20 overs after Ireland’s bowlers produced a clinical display.
Izzy Sharp top-scored with 36 from 28 balls, hitting four fours, while Brooke Halliday added 34 from 37 deliveries. Captain Kerr contributed 30 from 24 balls, and Bates remained unbeaten on 19 from 12.
Ireland mounted pressure on Whiteferns with tight bowling, with Orla Prendergast and Cara Murray taking two wickets apiece. Arlene Kelly and Aimee Maguire also chipped in with a wicket each.