Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Scotland exit after beating New Zealand

Women’s T20 World Cup, Group 2, Bristol

Scotland 131-7 (20 overs): Carter 72* (52); Kerr 3-17

New Zealand 132-4 (18.2 overs): Sharpe 62 (43), Halliday 41* (38)

New Zealand won by six wickets

Scorecard, table

Defending champions New Zealand kept their hopes of a Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final alive with a superb display in Bristol to beat Scotland.

The White Ferns appeared in control at the halfway point as Scotland struggled to just 131-7.

Scotland were once again indebted to 21-year-old Darcy Carter, one of the tournament’s breakout stars, to hold their innings together.

The opening batsman, who also scored a half-century against the West Indies, scored an unbeaten 72 off 52 balls that included eight fours and a six.

Sarah Bryce was the only Scotland batsman to provide real support with 25 off 22 balls.

Both New Zealand openers were caught at mid-on off the bowling of Kathryn Bryce and Sophie Devine was bowled by Rachel Slater to find them 26-3.

However, with Scotland feeling an upset, Izzy Sharpe and Brook Halliday settled New Zealand’s nerves and slowly wrestled back control.

Sharpe accelerated after reaching his half-century – blasting Slater for a straight six – before his side’s maximum bowled one from victory.

Maddy Green reverse-swept to face a first-ball four and a leg-by sealed a six-wicket victory with 10 balls to spare.

New Zealand’s final group game is against hosts England on 27 June (18:30 BST). They must win to advance to the semi-finals and hope other results go their way.