NZ keep World Cup hopes alive with narrow win over Irish

NZ keep World Cup hopes alive with narrow win over IrishImage source, GettyImage caption, Izzy Sharp hit four boundaries as she top-scored for New Zealand with 34ByAlvin McCaigBBC Sport NI contributorPublished6 minutes agoWomen's T20 World Cup, Group 2, Southampton New Zealand 140-6 (20 overs): Sharp 36; Murray 2-26, Prendergast 2-26Ireland 136-4 (20 overs): Prendergast 59, Lewis 58; M Kerr 2-23New Zealand won by four runs Scorecard. Tables.New Zealand are still in the mix for a semi-finals spot at the T20 World Cup after a thrilling four-run win over Ireland in Southampton.It was a must-win encounter for both sides after losing their opening two matches and this defeat effectively ends Ireland's hopes of progressing from the group stage. A fine bowling display from Ireland restricted the holders to 140-6 from their 20 overs.Irish skipper Gaby Lewis (58) and Orla Prendergast (59) put on a superb 110-run partnership to give Ireland a chance of securing a first World Cup win at the 20th attempt.Ireland fell just short - a six was required off the final ball from Suzie Bates but Louise Little could only manage a single. New Zealand were dealt a blow before the game when star all-rounder Sophie Devine became ill and was replaced by Bates. New Zealand hold on to deny Ireland first Women's T20 World Cup win - reactionWomen's T20 World Cup top run-scorers & wicket-takersPublished6 hours agoScotland fall short of famous win over WindiesPublished23 hours agoIreland won the toss and they made a superb start at the Hampshire Bowl to leave New Zealand rocking on 10-3.The White Ferns were again in trouble at 48-4 when skipper Melie Kerr (30) sent a Cara Murray delivery into the hands of Little at deep mid-wicket.Brooke Halliday (34) and Izzy Sharp (36) steadied the innings but excellent Irish bowling ensured they would be chasing a modest target of 141.New Zealand struck early to dismiss Amy Hunter before Lewis (58) and Prendergast (59), who successfully...