Following disappointing losses to the West Indies and Sri Lanka, the defending champion New Zealanders had to pull out all stops to keep their lowly rivals from making history in Southampton.
Ireland had never won a game in 18 attempts at the 20-over global showpiece but they came within sight in a tense fixture before the White Ferns held their nerve over the closing stages.
The result keeps New Zealand’s hopes alive with games remaining against Scotland and England.
They will need to win both of them and will probably rely on other results going their way if they are to finish in the top two in their group and advance to the semifinals.
They saw off the Irish without veteran allrounder Sophie Devine, who was ruled out on the morning of the game with illness and replaced by fellow veteran Susie Bates.
It was Bates whose experience came into play when asked to bowl the final over with Ireland needing 15 to win.
They needed eight off the last two balls but were unable to find the boundary and complete the chase for the 141 needed, finishing at 136 for four.
New Zealand’s batting was again a mixed bag, forced to recover after slumping to 10 for three, eventually reaching 140 for six.
Ireland appeared to be pacing their chase well as Gaby Lewis (58) and Orla Prendergast (59) put on 110 for the second wicket.
However, just 25 runs short of victory, wickets tumbled as the heat went on, player of the match Kerr taking two of them to finish with two for 23.
She was relieved New Zealand were on the board at the tournament.
‘‘It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, having started the tournament badly and now being challenged by Ireland,’’ she said.
‘‘I’m happy to be on the winning side.’’
• Beth Mooney scored 74 and Ashleigh Gardner 58 to power Australia to a tournament record-equalling score of 219 for six against the Netherlands.
Babette de Leede then scored an unbeaten 56 as the Dutch batted out their 20 overs to finish at 121 for three.
Bangladesh’s spinners dominated in a 23-run win over Pakistan, and England rattled up 200 for five before beating Scotland by 38 runs. — RNZ/Allied Media
