New Zealand hope for Irish favour and England scalp to enter semis

When New Zealand take the field at The Oval, their fate may not be in their own hands. If the West Indies beat Ireland in Bristol earlier in the day, New Zealand will already be out, turning this into a dead rubber with England having already sealed a semifinal berth.

New Zealand only find themselves in this quandary after starting their campaign with two uncharacteristic losses to West Indies and Sri Lanka. While the ship was somewhat righted with victories over Ireland and Scotland, they're now left needing a massive favour from Ireland – not a position befitting the defending champions.

A win for Ireland clears a path towards the semifinals, but New Zealand will still need to overcome hosts England who are yet to be beaten in the tournament. Even if Ireland lose and a semifinal spot is out of reach, New Zealand will want to ensure that Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu get a fitting send-off.

For England, it'll be about ticking one final box before the semi finals and proceeding unbeaten. England would, however, welcome a sterner test before the semi-finals, having cruised through all four of their matches.

When: England vs New Zealand, Saturday, June 27, 2026, 6:30 PM Local, 11:00 PM IST

What to expect: This will be the first game of this World Cup at this venue. The Oval recently hosted a high-scoring Test in which more than 1200 runs were scored. The venue generally favours the batters.

Nat Sciver-Brunt, who was ruled out of England's last two games due to a calf injury, has confirmed that she will miss this game too as she continues to recover. With little on the line, England could opt to hand their bench players some match practice.

Probable XI: Amy Jones (wk), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Charlotte Dean (c), Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith/Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Lauren Filer/Issy Wong

New Zealand's XI might be dictated by the result of the game between West Indies and Ireland. Should the West Indies win, New Zealand will ensure all of Bates, Devine and Tahuhu feature in their farewell game. Rosemary Mair missed the previous game due to a rib injury and could return if she recovers.

Probable XI: Isabella Gaze (wk), Amelia Kerr (c), Izzy Sharp, Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Suzie Bates, Jess Kerr, Nensi Patel, Lea Tahuhu/Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing

England lead New Zealand 2-0 in T20 World Cups, the wins coming in the 2009 final and 2012 semis.