England beat Ireland but captain retired out in run chase for 48 as old injury resurfaces

Hosts England registered a comprehensive win by four wickets over Ireland in their second match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. After restricting Ireland to 118/9, England lost three early wickets but skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight took them to the doorstep of victory. In the 16th over, Nat left the field, two runs shy of a fifty as her calf injury resurfaced. Six wickets fell in addition to her retiring out but England got over the line with 15 balls to spare.

"I think it just happened in the moment, felt a bit of tightness in the same calf as before, but that's all we know," Heather said in the post-match press conference.

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"Just a bit of caution from her to get herself off the field and it'll get assessed, I'm sure, over the next few days and fingers crossed she'll be okay."

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Nat had retired hurt but match officials registered her retired out for a 37-ball 48. After the win, Nat jokingly said that she would wait for two more runs the next time.

Will Nat miss the next match? 

England’s next match is against Scotland on June 20. Before the T20 World Cup 2026, Nat had missed a few matches due to injury as well and Charlie Dean led the team in her stead. Heather said that Charlie would do well even if Nat misses the next match. England would need Nat's services against West Indies on June 24 at Lord's. West Indies had beaten defending champions New Zealand in their campaign opener.

Spinners dominate, Little shines with cameo

Earlier, Nat won the toss and opted to bowl first. In-form Linsey Smith struck in her first over, knocking over Amy Hunter. Then, Lauren Bell dismissed skipper Gaby Lewis for a golden duck. Alana Dalzell and Orla Prendergast got starts but weren't able to convert. Ireland lost half the side for 57 in 10th over. The wickets kept falling but Louise Little's unbeaten 15-ball 26 cameo took Ireland to 118/9. Sophie Ecclestone bagged three whereas Charlie and Danielle Gibson picked two wickets each.

Nat plays match-winning knock

In the run chase, England lost both openers — Amy Jones and Dannie Wyatt-Hodge — in the fifth over. Alice Capsey departed for a single digit score in the sixth over. England were 35/3. Nat and Heather shared a 64-run partnership. Heather scored 26 runs from 23 balls. She was dismissed lbw by Orla in the 14th over. When Nat retired out, England were 110/5 from 15.5 overs.  Freya Kemp was run out but Charlie and Gibson took England over the line in the 18th over. England are now at the top of the Group B points table with two wins in a row.