NZ keep World Cup hopes alive with narrow win over Ireland

Izzy Sharp hit four boundaries as she top-scored for New Zealand with 34

>New Zealand 140-6 (20 overs): Sharp 36; Murray 2-26, Prendergast 2-26

>Ireland 136-4 (20 overs): Prendergast 59, Lewis 58; M Kerr 2-23

>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.

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>Ireland 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 reviewed after being given out leg-before, steered Ireland to 116-1 before two wickets fell in three balls from Melie Kerr.

>Lewis was caught by Bates to leave the Irish on 123-4 and needing 18 runs from eight balls.

>It proved too many for Ireland as they missed out on what would have been a landmark victory.

>Both sides are back in action in Bristol on Tuesday with New Zealand facing Scotland before Ireland take on Sri Lanka.