New Delhi: New Zealand kept their T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final hopes alive with a six-wicket win over Scotland in Bristol on Tuesday, eliminating the Scots from the tournament in the process. The defending champions recovered well after early setbacks to chase down 132 with ten balls to spare.

Scotland had moments of control but could not build enough pressure to defend a modest total of 131 for seven. Their innings was anchored once again by 21-year-old Darcey Carter, who continued her strong tournament form with an unbeaten 72 off 52 balls including eight boundaries and a six while Sarah Bryce supported with 25 but wickets kept falling at regular intervals around them.

Carter holds Scotland together

Carter was the standout performer for Scotland, carrying the innings almost single-handedly after they were asked to bat first. She struck the ball cleanly through the Powerplay, helping Scotland reach 45 without loss despite early struggles at the other end.

However, once New Zealand found breakthroughs through Lea Tahuhu and later Sophie Devine, Scotland lost momentum. Devine made a major impact with the ball, picking up key wickets in the middle overs and breaking any hope of a late surge. Amelia Kerr also bowled tightly and finished with a double-wicket over to restrict Scotland to a below-par total.

New Zealand weather the early storm against Scotland and keep their #T20WorldCup campaign alive 👊

📝: https://t.co/k75GZNjwiU pic.twitter.com/QvYlSdxxFW

— ICC (@ICC) June 23, 2026

New Zealand recovery after early collapse

New Zealand’s chase did not go smoothly early on as they were rocked to 26 for three inside the Powerplay after Kathryn Bryce and Rachel Slater struck crucial blows including the dismissal of skipper Sophie Devine.

Izzy Sharp and Brooke Halliday then steadied the innings with a calm partnership. The pair rotated strike sensibly and picked gaps to rebuild New Zealand’s innings without taking unnecessary risks. Once settled, they began to find boundaries and slowly shifted the pressure back onto Scotland.

Sharp reached her half-century in style and Halliday supported her well as the pair took New Zealand into a commanding position. Despite a few missed chances from Scotland in the field, the defending champions never lost control after the recovery.

Comfortable finish for the champions

As the target came within reach, New Zealand finished the job comfortably. Sharp added a late flourish before being dismissed but the result was already beyond doubt a Maddy Green helped complete the chase as New Zealand reached the target with ease.

The win keeps New Zealand’s semi-final hopes alive, but their qualification now depends on their final group match against England on 27 June, along with other results going their way. Meanwhile, Scotland exited the tournament after another spirited but inconsistent performance.

Women’s T20 World Cup – Group 2 Standings

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semis.

Team	P	W	L	Pts
England	3	3	0	6
West Indies	3	3	0	6
New Zealand	4	2	2	4
Scotland (E)	4	1	3	2
Sri Lanka	3	1	2	2
Ireland (E)	3	0	3	0