LIVE: New Zealand on road to recovery against Ireland
Both New Zealand and Ireland are looking for their first win of the tournament
The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 continues on Friday with a Group B clash between New Zealand and Ireland at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.
It's a crunch game for defending champions New Zealand, who are still looking for their first win of the tournament. The White Ferns began their title defence with defeats against West Indies and Sri Lanka.
The young Irish team has also lost their opening two matches.
100 up
New Zealand are back on the road to recovery. Brooke Halliday and Izzy Sharp have stemmed the slide with a 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
The White Ferns bring up their 100 in 16th over.
Key wicket
Ireland have made another big dent, by stopping Amelia Kerr in her tracks.
Kerr, who had started turning the tide for her team with some positive cricket, goes, caught at by Louise Little off Cara Murray.
With their captain gone, New Zealand in a spot of bother at 48/4 in 8.2 overs.
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Early damage
Ireland have got the better of the opening exchanges here, restricting New Zealand to 31/3 in powerplay.
Amelia Kerr has just started hitting her stride, and struck back-to-back fours, including a scoop, against Arlene Kelly in the sixth over.
Maddy Green - Wicket - New Zealand vs Ireland
Maddy Green - Wicket - New Zealand vs Ireland
Dream start
Seven balls, two wickets. Ireland have made a dream start to the contest, dismissing both the New Zealand openers inside first two overs.
Aimee Maguire claimed the wicket of Georgia Plimmer while Orla Prendergast castled Isabella Gaze. The White Ferns are 6/2 in 1.1 overs.
Toss update
Ireland captain Gaby Lewis won the toss and elected to field first.
New Zealand stalwart Sophie Devine sits this one out due to illness.
New Zealand playing XI: Georgia Plimmer, Isabella Gaze (wk), Amelia Kerr (c), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Izzy Sharp, Suzie Bates, Jess Kerr, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing
Ireland playing XI: Amy Hunter (wk), Gaby Lewis (c), Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Leah Paul, Alice Tector, Louise Little, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray
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