Amelia Kerr and Chloe Tryon both scored 61 as New Zealand secured a thrilling chase against South Africa, while Scotland, Ireland, and Sri Lanka all recorded commanding victories in their pre-tournament fixtures. Kathryn Bryce top-scored with 94 for Scotland, Aimee Maguire claimed a four-wicket haul for Ireland, and Hansima Karunaratne anchored Sri Lanka’s chase with an unbeaten 54.
Scotland emerged victorious against Pakistan, defeating the eighth-ranked team by 41 runs under the DLS method after being bowled out for 191 at the County Ground in Derby. Captain Kathryn Bryce delivered a masterful 94 off 43 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes, with Darcey Carter providing solid support at 45 from 36 deliveries. Pakistan managed only 62 for five in their nine overs before rain interrupted their chase. Ireland claimed an 11-run victory over Bangladesh at Loughborough, with Aimee Maguire’s four-wicket spell proving decisive after the ninth-ranked side had been restricted to 143 for nine. Bangladesh’s reply stalled at 132 for six despite Juairiya Ferdous’s 50 off 38 balls. New Zealand successfully chasing 184 against South Africa with two balls to spare, with Amelia Kerr’s 61 off 32 deliveries anchoring the fourth-ranked side’s response. South Africa had posted 183 for five, led by Laura Wolvaardt’s 43 and Nadine de Klerk’s 46, but fell short in the final over. Sri Lanka secured a seven-wicket victory over the Netherlands in Derby’s final over, with stand-in captain Harshitha Samarawickrama scoring 36 not out and sharing an unbeaten 81-run partnership with Hansima Karunaratne for the crucial middle order. The Netherlands had earlier posted 143 for six, with Heather Siegers contributing 48 and Sterre Kalis adding 45.