Ladies’s T20 World Cup, Group 2, Southampton
New Zealand 140-6 (20 overs): Sharp 36; Murray 2-26, Prendergast 2-26
Eire 136-4 (20 overs): Prendergast 59, Lewis 58; M Kerr 2-23
New Zealand received by 4 runs
New Zealand are nonetheless within the combine for a semi-finals spot on the T20 World Cup after an exhilarating four-run win over Eire in Southampton.
It was a must-win encounter for either side after dropping their opening two matches and this defeat successfully ends Eire’s hopes of progressing from the group stage.
A wonderful bowling show from Eire restricted the defending champions to 140-6 from their 20 overs.
Irish skipper Gaby Lewis (58) and Orla Prendergast (59) placed on an excellent 110-run second-wicket partnership to offer Eire an opportunity of securing a primary World Cup win on the twentieth try.
Eire fell simply quick – a six was required off the ultimate ball from Suzie Bates however Louise Little might solely handle a single.
“It is arduous to mirror immediately. There’s a variety of emotion. We wished that first win so badly,” stated Eire captain Gaby Lewis.
“As a workforce, we did a lot proper. It is arduous to sum up proper now.”
New Zealand have been dealt a blow earlier than the sport when star all-rounder Sophie Devine beginning vomiting when she arrived on the floor and was changed by Bates.
They climb to fourth in Group 2 however might have to win their remaining two video games and produce other outcomes go their strategy to progress.
