Lewis, Prendergast fifties in vain as Melie magic helps NZ win a thriller

New Zealand had another poor day in the field and were nearly embarrassed by Ireland on a glorious sunny day in Southampton before the defending champions held their nerve and kept their semi-final chances alive with their first win of the tournament.

New Zealand Innings

New Zealand were reduced to 10 for 3 and 110 for 5 before the middle-order lifted them to 140. It was far from a convincing day for New Zealand, who struggled to find their rhythm.

Ireland Innings

Ireland also kept New Zealand sweating for much of the 20 overs in the chase until the magic arm of Melie Kerr broke the century stand between Orla Prendergast and Gaby Lewis to bring the equation to 25 needed from 12.

Ireland needed 18 from eight balls once Lewis fell in the penultimate over, and the two new batters found it much tougher to nail the big shots. Louise Little and Leah Paul brought it down to 15 off the last over that was given to Suzie Bates, who was playing her first game of this World Cup, having replaced Sophie Devine, who fell sick just before the game.

The Turning Point

The lack of pace from Bates meant Paul and Little couldn’t find a boundary, and they fell short by four runs when they needed six off the last ball. This narrow victory has given New Zealand a much-needed boost in their pursuit of a semi-final spot.

Orla Prendergast’s Impact

At the helm for Ireland was Prendergast, who first dented New Zealand with her new-ball burst before her 45-ball half-century took Ireland agonisingly close, only three days after they gave England a scare too.

Melie Kerr’s Heroics

New Zealand’s hero also turned out to be their allrounder Melie, who first pulled them out of a hole and picked two crucial wickets in the end. Her performance was instrumental in securing the win for New Zealand.

The Blast from Prendergast

New Zealand were in deep trouble early and lots had to do with Prendergast, who kept going for the top of middle stump and was rewarded twice. Isabella Gaze fell first when she missed a scoop on the first ball of the second over for just 1.

Halliday, Sharp, Bates lift New Zealand

Halliday was largely kept quiet at the start as Ireland bowled smartly to their fields. But Melie perished too, holing out to deep midwicket for 30 off 24 as the Ireland spinners took the pace off considerably to make hitting a lot tougher.