The cricket rivalry between the New Zealand Women and Ireland Women may not be among the most frequently contested in global women’s cricket; however, the encounters between these sides have yielded significant statistics and memorable displays.
Historically, New Zealand has proven to be the more formidable team, boasting skilled athletes, top-notch all-rounders, and a lengthy record of achievements in international competitions. In contrast, Ireland has gradually improved and increasingly demonstrated their ability to compete against well-established teams, notably in T20 formats.
Their timeline features events such as the 2014 Women’s World Twenty20, an exciting tour of Ireland in 2018 that resulted in numerous record-setting scores, and a thrilling clash during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, in which New Zealand secured a tight win by just four runs.
Below is the extensive timeline, showcasing key scores, top run-scorers, and significant occurrences.
New Zealand Women vs Ireland Women Head-to-Head History
The initial notable encounter between these two teams took place during the 2014 Women’s World Twenty20 in Sylhet. New Zealand triumphed in that match by 42 runs, having set a score of 171/3 while limiting Ireland to 129/6.
The rivalry intensified in 2018 when New Zealand visited Ireland for a T20I and a trio of ODIs. New Zealand claimed victory in all four games, with the ODI series gaining recognition due to remarkable high scores.
In 2026, the teams faced each other once more at the Women’s T20 World Cup. During this match, Ireland came very close to achieving an upset, with New Zealand winning narrowly by four runs.
Thus, the timeline reflects two distinct eras: early matches dominated by New Zealand and a more competitive Ireland in their most recent encounter.
2014: First Major World Cup Meeting
New Zealand Women 171/3 vs Ireland Women 129/6
The 2014 Women’s World Twenty20 match was held in Sylhet on March 25, 2014.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first. They accumulated a score of 171/3 in 20 overs, led by captain Suzie Bates, who played a remarkable innings of 68 runs off 51 balls. Frances Mackay added a significant 51 runs, while Sophie Devine and the rest of the batting lineup concluded the innings effectively.
Ireland’s response yielded 129/6, resulting in a 42-run victory for New Zealand.
Isobel Joyce was the standout performer for Ireland, remaining unbeaten with a score of 39.
Important 2014 Scores
New Zealand Women
- Suzie Bates – 68
- Frances Mackay – 51
- Team total – 171/3
Ireland Women
- Isobel Joyce – 39
- Team total – 129/6
This outcome set New Zealand ahead early on but also provided Ireland with a valuable experience at a significant international event.
2018: The Most Extraordinary Series
The most notable chapter in the rivalry between New Zealand Women and Ireland Women unfolded in June 2018.
From June 6 to June 13, New Zealand competed in one T20I and three ODIs on Irish soil, claiming victory in all matches. The ODI series was particularly remarkable as New Zealand posted scores of 491/4, 418, and 440/3 across the three games.
2018 Only T20I: Ireland 136/8 vs New Zealand 142/0
The series commenced with a T20I match at the YMCA Cricket Club in Dublin on June 6.
Ireland batted first, finishing with a score of 136 runs for 8 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. New Zealand showcased a formidable performance in their chase, achieving a score of 142 runs without losing any wickets in just 11 overs, thereby winning by 10 wickets.
Jess Watkin delivered an exceptional performance, making 77 not out, while Suzie Bates rounded off the innings with 63 not out.
The notable scores from the match were:
- Ireland – 136/8
- Gaby Lewis – 61
- New Zealand – 142/0
- Jess Watkin – 77
- Suzie Bates – 63
The outcome served as a precursor to what would unfold later in the ODI series.
2018 First ODI: New Zealand Score 491/4
The first ODI on June 8 became one of the landmark matches in the history of women’s cricket.
New Zealand posted an incredible total of 491 runs for 4 wickets across 50 overs, while Ireland was bowled out for 144 runs in 35.3 overs. New Zealand triumphed by a staggering 347 runs. The Guinness World Records recognizes New Zealand’s score of 491/4 against Ireland as the highest team total in women’s ODI history.
Who Scored How Many Runs?
Suzie Bates spearheaded the batting assault with a remarkable 151 runs off just 94 deliveries.
Maddy Green contributed 121 from 77 balls, whereas Amelia Kerr added an unbeaten 81. Debutant Jess Watkin also provided a score of 62.
The top New Zealand scores included:
- Suzie Bates – 151
- Maddy Green – 121
- Amelia Kerr – 81
- Jess Watkin – 62
- New Zealand – 491/4
Ireland managed 144 runs, leading to New Zealand’s remarkable 347-run victory.
This match stands out as a pivotal moment in the history of these encounters.
2018 Second ODI: New Zealand 418 All Out
On June 10, just two days later, New Zealand recorded another formidable score.
They amassed a total of 418 runs all out in 49.5 overs. Ireland was bowled out for a mere 112 runs in 35.3 overs, culminating in a 306-run win for New Zealand.
Sophie Devine took the spotlight with her batting performance.
New Zealand Batting Scores
- Sophie Devine – 108
- Maddy Green – 50
- Amy Satterthwaite – 48
- Anna Peterson – 46
- Bernadine Bezuidenhout – 43
- Amelia Kerr – 29
For Ireland, Cecelia Joyce was the highest scorer with 26 runs, and Laura Delany made 33 runs.
Lara Maritz emerged as Ireland’s leading bowler, achieving figures of 4 wickets for 58 runs.
New Zealand secured victory by 306 runs, marking two significant wins in the two ODIs.
2018 Third ODI: Amelia Kerr Makes 232
The third ODI on June 13 featured possibly the most iconic individual performance in the entire series.
New Zealand tallied 440 runs for 3 wickets, with the young Amelia Kerr scoring an unbeaten 232. Ireland was dismissed for 135 runs, granting New Zealand a win by 305 runs.
Amelia Kerr’s Historic 232
Kerr’s innings of 232 runs not out came off 145 balls, including 31 fours and two sixes.
It was an exceptional match as she became the youngest athlete to achieve a double century in women’s ODIs, establishing a new record for the highest individual score in the women’s ODI format at that point in time.
Leigh Kasperek also played a significant role, contributing 113 runs.
The primary batting scores for New Zealand were:
- Amelia Kerr – 232
- Leigh Kasperek – 113
- Amy Satterthwaite – 61
Ireland’s highest score came from Cecelia Joyce, who made 42, while the team was all out for 135 runs.
Kerr also excelled with the ball, claiming figures of 5/17.
This marked the third successive massive total for New Zealand in the series.
2018 ODI Series Summary
The three-match ODI series concluded with New Zealand winning 3–0.
The outcomes were as follows:
- 1st ODI: New Zealand 491/4, Ireland 144 – New Zealand emerged victorious by 347 runs.
- 2nd ODI: New Zealand 418, Ireland 112 – New Zealand secured a win by 306 runs.
- 3rd ODI: New Zealand 440/3, Ireland 135 – New Zealand triumphed by 305 runs.
Over the three encounters, New Zealand amassed a total of 1,349 runs, whereas Ireland could only score 391 runs.
This indicates that the overall winning margin for New Zealand was substantial, yet the series is mainly noted for the historic batting feats rather than the specific margins of victory.
2018 T20 World Cup Meeting
In 2018, the teams faced off again during the Women’s World T20 held in Guyana.
Ireland found it challenging to set up a competitive score, concluding with 79 runs for 9 wickets. New Zealand quickly pursued the target.
Sophie Devine delivered an outstanding performance, securing her fifty in merely 21 deliveries as New Zealand achieved another emphatic win.
This encounter reinforced New Zealand’s dominance in the match.
2026: Ireland Finally Push New Zealand to the Limit
A significant new chapter unfolded during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026.
New Zealand approached this game with considerable stress after suffering defeats in their initial matches. Ireland was also eager to secure their first victory in the World Cup.
Batting first, New Zealand accumulated 140 runs for 6 wickets over 20 overs. Ireland managed to score 136 runs for 4 wickets, falling a mere four runs short.
New Zealand Women’s Batting in 2026
Izzy Sharp was the leading scorer for New Zealand, making 36 runs off 28 balls.
Brooke Halliday added 34 runs from 37 balls, while Melie Kerr contributed 30 runs from 24 balls.
The final total for New Zealand was:
- 140 runs for 6 wickets in 20 overs
Notable individual runs included:
- Izzy Sharp – 36
- Brooke Halliday – 34
- Melie Kerr – 30
- Suzie Bates – 19 not out
Amelia Kerr was named Player of the Match, contributing 30 runs along with figures of 2 wickets for 23 runs.
Ireland Women’s Chase in 2026
Ireland’s pursuit appeared highly optimistic.
Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast formed a significant partnership, putting Ireland in a robust position to win.
Prendergast scored 59 runs off 53 balls, while Gaby Lewis amassed 58 runs. Their collaboration surpassed 100 runs, giving Ireland control for a substantial portion of the innings.
Ireland ultimately concluded with:
- 136 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs
They required only five runs in the last over, but New Zealand’s bowlers remained composed.
The Final Turning Point
Amelia Kerr played a pivotal role in the closing moments.
She ended a crucial partnership in the 18th over, allowing New Zealand to regain momentum. Later, Gaby Lewis was dismissed by Rosemary Mair.
Ireland struggled to find the required boundaries in the final over, resulting in a narrow four-run loss to New Zealand.
This defeat was particularly heartbreaking for Ireland, as they were so close to achieving their inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup triumph.
Major Run Scorers in the Rivalry
Numerous batters have delivered memorable performances throughout this competition.
New Zealand’s Leading Individual Performances
Amelia Kerr – 232 runs
The most remarkable individual score recorded in the rivalry, achieved during the third ODI in 2018.
Suzie Bates – 151 runs
An exceptional century scored during the first ODI in 2018, significantly contributing to New Zealand’s total of 491 runs for 4 wickets.
Leigh Kasperek – 113 runs
A substantial impact made in the third ODI of 2018.
Sophie Devine – 108 runs
A powerful innings of 108 runs off 61 balls in the second ODI.
Maddy Green – 121 runs
Another remarkable century in the record-setting first ODI.
Ireland’s Important Scores
Ireland has also had its share of significant batting achievements.
- Orla Prendergast – 59 runs in 2026 stands out as one of the most significant innings for Ireland in this fixture, as it nearly led to an unexpected victory.
- Gaby Lewis – 58 in 2026 played a crucial part in Ireland’s efforts to chase down the target.
- Gaby Lewis – 61 in the 2018 T20I demonstrated her capacity to perform against a formidable New Zealand bowling line-up.
- Isobel Joyce – 39 in the 2014 World Twenty20 represented Ireland’s highest score during their initial significant encounter with New Zealand.
Complete Match Timeline
The key contests can be summarized as follows:
- 2014 Women’s World Twenty20: New Zealand 171/3 defeated Ireland 129/6 by a margin of 42 runs.
- 2018 T20I: Ireland 136/8, New Zealand 142/0; New Zealand triumphed by 10 wickets.
- 2018 1st ODI: New Zealand 491/4, Ireland 144; New Zealand emerged victorious by 347 runs.
- 2018 2nd ODI: New Zealand 418, Ireland 112; New Zealand won by 306 runs.
- 2018 3rd ODI: New Zealand 440/3, Ireland 135; New Zealand secured victory by 305 runs.
- 2018 Women’s World T20: New Zealand overcame Ireland after limiting them to 79/9.
- 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup: New Zealand 140/6, Ireland 136/4; New Zealand won by just 4 runs.
What the 2026 Match Says About the Future
The primary distinction between prior contests and the 2026 match lies in the level of competition.
In 2018, New Zealand consistently prevailed by margins exceeding 300 runs during the ODI series. Their batting order achieved remarkable scoring rates, while Ireland found it difficult to match that pace.
The game in 2026 showcased a stark contrast.
Ireland’s leading batsmen constructed a formidable chase, compelling New Zealand to defend an achievable total under significant strain. The narrow four-run result illustrated that Ireland has the capability to challenge a historically stronger rival deeply into a game.
This does not diminish New Zealand’s historical supremacy, yet it indicates that forthcoming encounters might be much more competitive.
Conclusion
The entire timeline of New Zealand Women versus Ireland Women tells a tale filled with records, impressive scores, and evolving progress.
New Zealand has triumphed in the crucial battles, including the 2014 World Cup clash, the four-match series in 2018, and the thrilling 2026 T20 World Cup encounter. Nevertheless, the nature of these outcomes has transformed.
The 2018 series was characterized by unparalleled batting performances from New Zealand. They achieved scores of 491/4, 418, and 440/3, with Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Sophie Devine, Leigh Kasperek, and Amelia Kerr contributing significantly.
The 2026 contest told an entirely different story. New Zealand only managed 140/6 while Ireland reached 136/4, with the defending champions narrowly escaping by merely four runs.
For New Zealand, the outcome revolved around enduring pressure. For Ireland, it signified tangible advancement.
This dynamic is what renders the upcoming chapter of this rivalry so captivating: the historical data heavily favors New Zealand, though Ireland has demonstrated that they can approach the occasion without trepidation.
