Women’s T20 World Cup: West Indies advance to semis despite Ireland defeat

In a dramatic turn of events at the 2026 T20 World Cup, the West Indies snuck into the semi-finals despite suffering a historic six-wicket defeat to Ireland.

Their qualification was sealed later in the day when Danni Wyatt-Hodge delivered another batting masterclass to keep England unbeaten, subsequently knocking defending champions New Zealand out of the tournament in front of a record crowd at The Oval.

It took Ireland 22 attempts across five tournament editions to claim their first-ever T20 World Cup victory. Playing in Bristol, Ireland restricted the West Indies to a modest 128 for 7.

Legspinner Cara Murray (2-13) and left-arm spinner Aimee Maguire (2-22) choked the West Indies’ middle order, ensuring no batter surpassed Chinelle Henry’s 27.

Though West Indies explosive hitters like Qiana Joseph, Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, and Deandra Dottin all found early boundaries, Ireland’s disciplined bowling starved them of momentum, causing them to hole out after slow starts.

Ireland’s chase was anchored by a crucial 62-run second-wicket partnership between Amy Hunter (28) and Orla Prendergast. Hunter was dropped early on 3 by Jannillea Glasgow, a mistake she quickly punished by striking a four and a six off consecutive balls.

Prendergast anchored the rest of the innings, striking her second half-century of the tournament with seven boundaries. Despite a late-innings wobble after Prendergast was caught on the boundary with 21 runs still needed, Rebecca Stokell and Louise Little calmly guided Ireland home.

The monumental victory capped off a historic 24 hours for Irish cricket, following the men’s senior team defeating India for the first time ever in a T20I in Belfast on Friday.