New Zealand Women vs Ireland Women Prediction & Preview – T20 World Cup 2026
Match summary
Both sides come in after two defeats. Our 13th match preview from the Rose Bowl covers form, key players, likely XIs, pitch, weather and expected scores.
Match details
| Match | New Zealand Women vs Ireland Women, 13th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | 19 Jun 2026 |
| Start time | 5:30 pm GMT / 6:30 pm local |
| Venue | The Rose Bowl, Southampton |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | New Zealand Women |
| Toss pick | New Zealand Women |
Matches in this series
Match preview
New Zealand are under pressure after two defeats in a row, with their inability to defend competitive totals a major worry. Sophie Devine has scored 67 runs at a strike rate of 148.88, Melie Kerr has 50 runs, and Brooke Halliday has 47 at a slower-than-ideal rate. Isabella Gaze and Maddy Green have shown promise, with Green unbeaten in both innings, but clusters of early wickets have stopped them building big totals.
The bowling has struggled too. Jess Kerr has two wickets and Bree Illing one, though expensively, while Rosemary Mair is still waiting for her first wicket and Devine has been unable to make an impact with the ball. The seven dropped catches in two matches have also been costly, so fielding is the clearest area to fix.
Ireland have shown flashes but lost convincingly to England and Scotland. Orla Prendergast has been their best all-rounder, Amy Hunter has added useful runs, and Gaby Lewis has found it hard at the top. Ava Canning bowled well against Scotland and Aimee Maguire has taken wickets regularly. They need a stronger top order and early breakthroughs to end the losing run.
The Rose Bowl normally offers a balanced pitch for batters and bowlers. Seamers get swing and seam early, especially in overcast or humid weather, so the powerplay matters. As the match goes on, the surface settles and batting becomes easier, though it is never a very simple wicket. Spinners can be useful in the middle overs if it dries out.
Close to ideal conditions are forecast, with temperatures of 23–25°C, mostly sunny skies and a very small chance of rain. Light winds and a dry outfield should allow uninterrupted play.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 145–160 | – |
| Second innings | 140–150 | – |
New Zealand Women
New Zealand have more batting depth and bowling experience, and Ireland’s top order has struggled for runs.
Toss pick: New Zealand Women
FAQ
Who is expected to win New Zealand Women vs Ireland Women?
Our preview picks New Zealand, who hold the advantage in batting depth and bowling experience.
What has gone wrong for New Zealand so far?
They have lost twice, failed to defend competitive totals and dropped seven catches in two matches.
How have Ireland fared?
They lost to England and Scotland. Captain Gaby Lewis has scored just 11 runs in two innings.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
New Zealand Women
- Izzy Gazewk
- Georgia Plimmer
- Melie Kerrc
- Sophie Devine
- Brooke Halliday
- Maddy Green
- Izzy Sharp
- Jess Kerr
- Nensi Patel
- Rosemary Mair
- Bree Illing
Ireland Women
- Amy Hunterwk
- Alana Dalzell
- Gaby Lewisc
- Orla Prendergast
- Rebecca Stokell
- Leah Paul
- Alice Tector
- Louise Little
- Arlene Kelly
- Cara Murray
- Aimee Maguire