Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Match 8, ENG W vs IRE W Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between England Women vs Ireland Women?

England Women will want to build on their winning start to the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup when they take on Ireland Women in Match 8 in the port city of Southampton. Both sides come into the game on the back of contrasting results in their opening match of the tournament.

The hosts secured an emphatic 87-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first game of the 20-over World Cup after Danni Wyatt-Hodge scored an unbeaten century in the first innings. She was partnered brilliantly by Amy Jones (53) and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (46 not out).

Ireland, on the other hand, suffered defeat at the hands of neighbours Scotland, in Manchester, falling by 40 runs. Ava Canning, however, did have a good game, taking three wickets in the first innings.

The Rose Bowl in Southampton offers a balanced wicket between bat and bowl. Swing is available to the new-ball bowlers during the early stages of the game, while the slower bowlers and spinners make an entry in the backend, thanks to the gripping surface. Though a score nearing 200 is a bit too overambitious, teams batting first can expect to put up totals between 160 and 170.

Amy Jones (WK), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

Alana Dalzell, Amy Hunter (WK), Gaby Lewis (C), Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell, Leah Paul, Alice Tector, Arlene Kelly, Ava Canning, Cara Murray, Aimee Maguire

Danni Wyatt-Hodge is currently enjoying a great time, both personally and professionally. The right-handed batter recently saw the birth of her first child ahead of the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup. She has now returned to national duty grandly, scoring her third T20I century during England's opening game of the tournament against Sri Lanka, hitting an unbeaten 105 off 62 balls.

Freya Kemp has silently become one of England's best players in recent times, thanks to her healthy contributions with both bat and ball. She took a four-wicket haul against Sri Lanka in the game in Birmingham to help her side secure a massive 87-run victory.