The race for the final semi-final place from Group B intensified on the last triple-header day of the league stage at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with both New Zealand and West Indies still in contention.
Earlier in the day, tournament debutants Netherlands produced another competitive performance but fell short against Pakistan. Ireland then created history by defeating Hayley Matthews’ West Indies by six wickets in Bristol, securing their first-ever victory at a Women’s T20 World Cup since making their debut in 2014.
That result handed defending champions New Zealand a fresh opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals as Amelia Kerr’s side faced Charlie Dean’s unbeaten England at the Kennington Oval in London. Both teams fielded unchanged XIs.
Winning the toss, New Zealand elected to bat first.
Amelia Kerr and wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze provided a solid platform with an opening partnership of 70 runs. Gaze contributed 28 from 27 balls, while Kerr led from the front with 42 from 34 deliveries as the White Ferns scored at seven runs per over during the first half of the innings.
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England struck back immediately after the partnership, removing both openers on successive deliveries. New Zealand slipped to 70 for 3 in the 11th over, placing pressure on the middle order.
Brooke Halliday joined former captain Sophie Devine, who responded with a rapid counterattack. Devine blasted 30 from only 14 balls, including three sixes and a boundary, as the pair added 54 runs for the fourth wicket to push the total beyond 120. Lauren Bell eventually ended Devine’s innings in the 16th over.
Late contributions from Suzie Bates, who scored 19 from 13 balls, and Maddy Green, who remained unbeaten on 17 from 13 deliveries, added another 37 runs for the sixth wicket as New Zealand closed on 163 for 6 from their 20 overs.
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Lauren Bell finished with 1 for 24, while Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith each conceded 24 runs in their four-over spells. Danielle Gibson claimed two wickets, with Freya Kemp also taking one.
Wyatt-Hodge Punishes Early Miss
New Zealand had an immediate opportunity to seize control of the chase when Danielle Wyatt-Hodge offered a chance in the opening over. However, wicketkeeper Isabella Gaze was unable to complete the difficult catch, and the delivery also ran away for five wides.
England quickly capitalised on the reprieve. Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones added 36 runs for the opening wicket before Nensi Patel dismissed Jones for 17 from 13 balls in the fourth over.
Sophia Dunkley then joined Wyatt-Hodge as England steadily tightened their grip on the contest.
Record Partnership Seals Semi-Final Spot
A brief rain interruption failed to disrupt England’s momentum. Wyatt-Hodge continued to dominate the bowling attack, while Dunkley provided excellent support at the other end.
The pair shared an unbeaten 128-run partnership for the second wicket, the highest second-wicket stand in a successful chase in Women’s T20 World Cup history.
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Wyatt-Hodge finished unbeaten on 89 from 53 balls, striking 15 fours and one six, while Dunkley remained not out on 49 from 38 deliveries as England completed the chase with nine wickets in hand and 16 balls remaining.
Nensi Patel was New Zealand’s only successful bowler, taking 1 for 22 from her three overs.
England Stay Perfect as New Zealand Bow Out
The defeat ended New Zealand’s title defence and confirmed their exit from the tournament. It also marked the final international appearances of Lea Tahuhu, Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, bringing the international careers of three experienced White Ferns players to a close after helping guide the next generation of the side.
Wyatt-Hodge was named Player of the Match for her unbeaten 89, an innings that also took her beyond Beth Mooney’s record of 259 runs in a single edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set in 2020.
England advanced to the knockout stage with an unbeaten record, while their victory also kept West Indies’ hopes alive by confirming the second semi-final place from Group B.
