New Zealand have kept alive their slim hopes of defending the Women's Twenty20 World Cup title by beating Ireland by four runs in a last-ball thriller.
Ten dropped catches cost New Zealand their first two games against the West Indies and Sri Lanka, and they faced elimination with two group games remaining if they hadn't beaten Ireland, who are also winless.
The Kiwis recovered from 3-10 to post 6-140 on a last-ball six by Suzie Bates, the storied allrounder making her first appearance in the tournament only after fellow retiree-to-be Sophie Devine became ill.
New Zealand pacer Bree Illing bowled out with a sterling 1-18 but Ireland captain Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast played around her and Jess Kerr (0-23) in a partnership of 110 into the 18th over.
