Southampton, June 19 -- Defending champions New Zealand kept their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 title defence alive with a narrow four-run victory over Ireland.

After suffering two defeats in their opening matches, the White Ferns produced a much-needed win to revive their campaign, defending a modest total of 140/6 in a tense finish.

A superb 110-run partnership between Ireland captain Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast had put Ireland in a strong position and raised hopes of their first win of the tournament, but they ultimately fell short in a dramatic chase.

Opting to bowl first, Ireland made early inroads as Aimee Maguire removed Georgia Plimmer, while Prendergast struck twice to dismiss Isabella Gaze and Maddy Green, leaving New Z...