New Zealand will face Ireland in Southampton on Friday at 5.30pm GMT for a pivotal T20 World Cup clash. Both teams remain winless in the tournament, with a third consecutive loss threatening their semi-final hopes. New Zealand and Ireland have met four times in T20 format, with the defending champions securing all victories. However, their last encounter eight years ago at the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup saw Sophie Devine score 67 in 54 balls, including four boundaries, during New Zealand’s 59-run win.
While New Zealand are paper favorites, Ireland – yet to win a single match in 19 World Cup attempts – remain determined to end their winless streak. The host nation’s fielding struggles have been evident, conceding seven catches against West Indies and three against Sri Lanka. Suzie Bates’ absence from the batting lineup continues, raising questions about potential strategic changes for this high-stakes fixture.
New Zealand XI (probable):
1 Georgia Plimmer
2 Izzy Gaze (wk)
3 Melie Kerr (capt)
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, forced into lineup changes against England following Ava Canning’s back injury, are likely to field the same side:
1 Amy Hunter (wk)
2 Alana Dalzell
3 Gaby Lewis (capt)
4 Orla Prendergast
5 Rebecca Stokell
6 Leah Paul
7 Alice Tector
8 Arlene Kelly
9 Louise Little
10 Cara Murray
11 Aimee Maguire
The 19-year-old Aimee Maguire emerges as Ireland’s linchpin, having taken nine T20I wickets this year – half of her career total – since her 2023 debut. Her aggressive opening spells dismantled England’s top order inside the powerplay last week. Meanwhile, Sophie Devine enters this match in remarkable form, averaging 59.19 with a 154.34 strike rate in 2024 while slamming 356 tournament runs including three half-centuries.
Weather forecasts indicate favorable conditions for the Saturday night match at the bunbury club pitch, with dry weather and 24°C temperatures expected. The three-match hybrid turf surface has facilitated successful chases in 100% of decided games at Saint Mary’s stadium this tournament.
