Survival mode on for New Zealand against spirited Scotland

Fighting to stay afloat, current title-holders New Zealand take on Scotland in their Group B Women's T20 World Cup clash, aiming for a big win to keep qualification hopes alive.

The two teams haven't yet met in Women's T20Is. On paper, New Zealand (ranked 4th) should comfortably beat Scotland (11th), but this has been a difficult campaign for the holders. They failed to defend 162 and 150 against West Indies and Sri Lanka in their first two games, two crucial losses that sent their campaign into a tizzy. They were nearly shaken by Ireland too but managed a four-run win. Unlike Ireland, Scotland aren't yet eliminated and will aim to play killjoys.

New Zealand's lack of wickets has been an issue: their bowlers have taken a combined nine wickets, the least among all 12 teams. For context, England have 25. They are yet to cross 162 in three attempts, and none of their batters have gone past 45. They would be relieved to leave Southampton, venue of their first three contests.

After their win over Ireland, Scotland came close to upsetting West Indies, losing by seven runs. A bitter defeat to England followed, but they have shown they can push good teams. The contributions of their top four have been encouraging, but they need to tighten their fielding. Scotland's Hannah Rainey admitted it cost them "at least 20 runs."

When: Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 10:30 AM Local / 3:00 PM IST

Where: County Ground, Bristol

What to expect: Excessive heat alert with temperatures up to 36°C, no rain predicted. Average first-innings score in the last 11 matches at the venue is 152. The surface had grass when West Indies bowled out Sri Lanka for 98.

New Zealand: Sophie Devine missed the Ireland fixture due to illness, swapping with Suzie Bates who hit a vital unbeaten 19 and bowled the final over defending 15 runs. New Zealand may keep Bates's experience as Devine returns.

Predicted XI: Isabella Gaze (wk), Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr (c), Sophie Devine (if fit), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Izzy Sharp/Suzie Bates, Jess Kerr, Nensi Patel, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing

Scotland: Made changes last game with Pippa Sproul and Hannah Rainey replacing Ailsa Lister and Rachel Slater. Final combination depends on fitness.

Predicted XI: Darcey Carter, Katherine Fraser, Kathryn Bryce (c), Sarah Bryce (wk), Megan McColl, Pippa Sproul/Ailsa Lister, Priyanaz Chatterji, Kirstie Gordon, Chloe Abel, Hannah Rainey/Rachel Slater, Gabriella Fontenla

• Sophie Devine has hit more sixes this year (17) than anyone, despite missing four of New Zealand's 14 T20Is
• Scotland and New Zealand have the same win/loss ratio (1.8) this year (9 wins, 5 losses)
• Bristol County Ground has the lowest run-rate in the first six overs (6.62) among all seven venues of this World Cup

Quotes:

"Yeah, there's still mathematically an opportunity. We win three games and need other results to go our way. Any team can beat anyone. The standard of this pool, especially Ireland and Scotland, has been brilliant." – New Zealand's Amelia Kerr

"We've had cool games against West Indies and played good cricket against England. If we go out with the same intent and do a few things better, we'll hopefully get one on the board." – Scotland's Kathryn Bryce