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ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand Women vs Ireland Women Prediction & Preview – T20 World Cup 2026

Our verdict

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

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026The Rose Bowl

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.

Probable XIs

New Zealand Women

  1. Izzy Gaze (wk)
  2. Georgia Plimmer
  3. Melie Kerr (c)
  4. Sophie Devine
  5. Brooke Halliday
  6. Maddy Green
  7. Izzy Sharp
  8. Jess Kerr
  9. Nensi Patel
  10. Rosemary Mair
  11. Bree Illing

Ireland Women

  1. Amy Hunter (wk)
  2. Alana Dalzell
  3. Gaby Lewis (c)
  4. Orla Prendergast
  5. Rebecca Stokell
  6. Leah Paul
  7. Alice Tector
  8. Louise Little
  9. Arlene Kelly
  10. Cara Murray
  11. Aimee Maguire

Pitch report

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.

Weather

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.

Frequently asked questions

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.

About ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

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