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Defending champions New Zealand kept their T20 World Cup hopes alive with a six-wicket victory over Scotland.

However, reaching the semi-finals remains a tough ask. New Zealand must beat unbeaten England at The Oval next Saturday and hope the West Indies slip up.

New Zealand were reeling at 26-3 in the powerplay before Izzy Sharp and Brooke Halliday staged a stunning rescue act with a 101-run partnership. Sharp, the aggressor, fell for a career-best 62 off 43 balls, while Halliday remained unbeaten on 41 as New Zealand chased down 132 with ten balls to spare.

"Sharp played a special knock," said Captain Melie Kerr. "She has the potential to be one of New Zealand's best, and one of the best in the world."

Scotland, batting first, looked set for 150 after opener Darcey Carter's 72 not out and a flying powerplay of 45-0. But Sophie Devine's breakthrough over, followed by tight bowling from Nensi Patel, Bree Illing, and Kerr (3-17), restricted Scotland to 131-7. New Zealand's fielding woes continued with two more dropped catches, their 13th in four matches, but their bowling pulled things back.

The chase seemed steep at 26-3, but Sharp and Halliday steadied the ship. Halliday survived a sharp chance early on and let Sharp take charge before accelerating late, with three consecutive 12-run overs sealing the win.