New Zealand women refuse to panic as faith in their process is finally paying off
New Zealand could easily find themselves on the brink of an early exit from the 2026 Women’s World T20 Cup when they take on Ireland in Southampton on Friday. However, the defending champions held their nerve to secure a thrilling four-run victory to register their first win of the tournament after defeats against the West Indies and Sri Lanka.
Defending a modest target of 141, New Zealand were put under immense pressure as Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast put on a 110-run partnership for the second wicket. But veteran Suzie Bates used all her experience to defend 15 runs in the final over and lead the White Ferns to victory.
New Zealand vs Ireland Women’s World Cup T20: Highlights | Scorecard
Bates, playing her first match of the tournament, also made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 19 off 12 deliveries, including a six off the last ball of New Zealand’s innings.
The White Ferns took an aggressive approach at the top of the order but it backfired as they slumped to 10 for three in four overs. Captain Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, Izzy Sharp and Bates then combined to steady the innings and take New Zealand to a competitive 140 for six.
‘PLAYING AGGRESSIVELY WAS OUR CHOICE’
After the match, pacer Jess Kerr revealed that New Zealand had deliberately tried to play with positive intent despite their poor start to the tournament. She also praised her teammates for showing tremendous character and composure in the dying moments when Ireland looked poised to steal the game.
“Yeah, look, it wasn’t the start we wanted and it was kind of our choice how we wanted to show up today. And T20 cricket doesn’t always go your way, but I think the character the group showed right up to the last ball speaks volumes for this team and our grit and determination. And yes, we’re really, really happy to have one on board today,” Kermatr said in the post.
‘FIELDING DISAPPOINTED US’
Kerr felt that New Zealand’s batting and bowling performances in the first two matches were not far off the mark, despite the defeats. She admitted fielding was the team’s biggest problem, but stressed the players never lost faith in their approach.
“We created chances and while we would always like to score more runs and take more wickets, it was probably the fielding that let us down. Professional sport is tough and there are always ups and downs, but you have to believe in yourself,” Kerr said.
She added that New Zealand remained committed to their aggressive style of play and had no intention of abandoning it after two losses.
“We’ve always said we want to go out there and attack, and it shouldn’t take two losses to change that method,” she said.
New Zealand, still reeling from early losses, take on Kathryn Bryce’s Scotland at the County Ground in Bristol on Tuesday 23 June. But their biggest game will be against England on June 27, a contest that could ultimately decide whether they progress to the semi-finals or fail to finish in the top four.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
20 Jun 2026 16:14 IST