LONDON: Defending champions New Zealand are in serious danger of being knocked out of the Women's T20 World Cup following a surprising five-wicket loss to Sri Lanka on Tuesday. The White Ferns had already lost their opening match against the West Indies, and Sri Lanka handed them a second consecutive defeat with two balls to spare in Southampton.
New Zealand's Innings
New Zealand managed only 150-6 from their 20 overs, with Melie Kerr and Sophie Devine both scoring 45 runs. Despite a solid start, they failed to post a more challenging total.
Sri Lanka's Chase
Sri Lanka's run chase faltered early as they slumped to 55-4. However, Nilakshi de Silva's unbeaten 54 off 37 balls and Kaushini Nuthyangana's 24 not out guided them to victory. New Zealand's fielding woes continued, with several dropped catches, most notably when de Silva, on just one run, top-edged a sweep that Bree Illing fumbled.
England's Win Over Ireland
Hosts England defeated Ireland by four wickets, but the victory was overshadowed by an injury to Nat Sciver-Brunt. The England captain was forced to retire on 48 due to tightness in her calf. Sciver-Brunt had only recently returned from a torn left calf but limped off with nine runs needed to win. England chased down Ireland's 119-run target with 15 balls to spare, moving to four points in Group B and placing themselves in a strong position to reach the semi-finals.
England's Charlie Dean commented: "I think it was just tightness. Credit to Nat, she just took herself off as a precaution to avoid any further damage." Sciver-Brunt has four days to recover before England's next match against Scotland at Headingley. England bowler Sophie Ecclestone was named player of the match for her impressive spell of 3-22.
