New Zealand narrowly beats Ireland by four runs in T20 World Cup
BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 9:17 PM
Last updated Jun 19, 2026
New Zealand defeated Ireland by four runs in a thrilling match on June 19 in Southampton, England. Recovering from a difficult start at 10-3, New Zealand managed to score 140-6, largely due to Suzie Bates' last-ball six in her tournament debut. Ireland, seeking their first World Cup victory, put up a strong fight with a partnership of 110 runs, but ultimately fell short, finishing at 136-4. New Zealand's captain Melie Kerr noted the team's need to improve after a disappointing tournament start, where ten dropped catches previously hindered their performance. The match result keeps New Zealand's hopes alive in the tournament.
- •New Zealand scores 140-6, recovering from 10-3.
- •Suzie Bates hits a decisive last-ball six.
- •Ireland puts up a strong partnership but finishes at 136-4.
- •Melie Kerr is named player of the match.
- •New Zealand stays alive in the Women's T20 World Cup.
- 10:15 PMBBC Sport — New Zealand edge Ireland in thriller
- 9:17 PMYahoo Sports — New Zealand edge Ireland by 4 runs to keep Women's T20 World Cup hopes alive
"Ten dropped catches cost New Zealand its first two games against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, and it faced elimination with two group games remaining if it didn't beat Ireland, also winless. New Zealand recovered from 10-3 to post 140-6 on a last-ball six by Suzie Bates, the storied allrounder making her first appearance in the tournament only after fellow retiree-to-be Sophie Devine became ill.
"Defending champions New Zealand beat Ireland by four runs to keep their ICC Women's T20 World Cup hopes alive in a thriller that went down to the final ball of the match.
"New Zealand beat Ireland by four runs in a match that goes to the final ball at the Women's T20 World Cup.
Sources
External links- BBC SportJun 19, 2026, 10:15 PMNew Zealand edge Ireland in thriller
New Zealand beat Ireland by four runs in a match that goes to the final ball at the Women's T20 World Cup.
- Yahoo SportsJun 19, 2026, 9:17 PMNew Zealand edge Ireland by 4 runs to keep Women's T20 World Cup hopes alive
Ten dropped catches cost New Zealand its first two games against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, and it faced elimination with two group games remaining if it didn't beat Ireland, also winless. New Zealand recovered from 10-3 to post 140-6 on a last-ball six by Suzie Bates, the storied allrounder making her first appearance in the tournament only after fellow retiree-to-be Sophie Devine became ill.
- Sky Sports—New Zealand edge Ireland in thriller to keep World Cup hopes alive
Defending champions New Zealand beat Ireland by four runs to keep their ICC Women's T20 World Cup hopes alive in a thriller that went down to the final ball of the match.
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