Kapp and Wolvaardt guide South Africa past Ireland in Women's T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up

South Africa restricted Ireland to 120 in the warm-up, defending 136 with Kapp's four wickets and Wolvaardt's 65-run knock.

South Africa's strong start South Africa held firm after being asked to bat first, compiling 136 runs for eight wickets in their 18-over innings. Laura Wolvaardt anchored the chase with a captain's innings of 65 off 37 deliveries, striking seven fours and three sixes. Her aggressive approach set the pace early in the warm-up fixture played in Loughborough. The remaining batters contributed modestly, leaving South Africa at 136/8 when their innings concluded. ## Ireland's batting struggle Ireland's batting lineup crumbled under South Africa's bowling pressure, dismissed for 120 runs in 17.4 overs. Only Leah Paul managed to reach 20 or more, finishing with the highest score of the innings. Four other batters managed double figures, while the rest failed to make an impact against the hosts. Marizanne Kapp led the bowling attack with four wickets for 24 runs in her four overs, proving decisive in the outcome. ## Kapp and Ismail shine with ball Marizanne Kapp's spell of 4/24 dismantled Ireland's middle order, her figures the best among South Africa's bowlers. Shabnim Ismail, who had recently reversed her retirement, contributed with one wicket for 25 runs in her four overs. The duo combined to restrict Ireland's scoring, ensuring South Africa's total stood up in the chase. Their efforts were crucial in securing the 16-run victory in the warm-up game. ## New Zealand dominates Bangladesh easily New Zealand posted a commanding 193 for three wickets in their warm-up clash against Bangladesh in Loughborough. Captain Melie Kerr led from the front with an unbeaten 51 off 28 balls, while Izzy Sharp added 46 runs. Nensi Patel starred with both bat and ball, contributing four wickets and reinforcing her case for selection. Bangladesh, chasing 194, managed only 125 for eight, falling short by 68 runs. ## Partnerships and Patel's all-round show New Zealand's openers Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates laid a solid foundation with a 68-run stand. Plimmer fell in the eighth over, but Bates and Sharp continued with fifties, guiding the team to a strong total. Amelia Kerr's unbeaten half-century added momentum, pushing New Zealand past 190. Patel's four-wicket haul, supported by Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, and Flora Devonshire, ensured Bangladesh's chase never gained traction. ## Sri Lanka cruises past Pakistan with ease Sri Lanka sealed a nine-wicket victory over Pakistan, chasing down 169 in a dominant display in their warm-up match. Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with a fluent 94 off 56 balls, striking nine fours and five sixes. She combined with Vishmi Gunaratne for a 159-run partnership, leaving Sri Lanka well ahead of the target. Pakistan's innings ended at 168 for eight, with Chethana Vimukthi's 4/31 proving pivotal in restricting their total. ## Athapaththu and Vimukthi star for Sri Lanka Athapaththu's explosive batting dismantled Pakistan's bowling, as she raced to 94 before Sri Lanka reached the target. Vimukthi, brought in as a replacement, took four wickets for 31 runs, including breaking a crucial 60-run opening stand. Fatima Sana's 37 from number seven kept Pakistan above 150, but it wasn't enough to prevent defeat. The win came with eight balls remaining, showcasing Sri Lanka's dominance. ## Scotland edges Netherlands in competitive clash Scotland bowled out Netherlands for 105 in pursuit of 164, securing a 58-run victory in their warm-up fixture at Derby. Katherine Fraser, Gabriella Fontenla, and Abtaha Maqsood shared seven wickets between them, applying relentless pressure. Only Frederique Overdijk reached 25 for Netherlands, highlighting their batting collapse. Earlier, Scotland put up 163 for five, with Darcey Carter and Kathryn Bryce both scoring thirties. ## Scotland's middle order powers total Scotland's top order laid the groundwork with Carter and Bryce, both contributing 33 and 32 respectively. Priyanz Chatterji added stability from number five, finishing with an unbeaten 32, while Fontenla contributed 20 runs. Their collective effort ensured Scotland reached a competitive 163 for five. The bowlers then capitalized in the chase, with Fraser taking three wickets to lead the attack.