New Zealand down Wales to extend winning run and reach semi-finals at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Updated 29/07/2026 at 21:12 GMT+1
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New Zealand booked their place in the netball semi-finals at the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday with a 65-37 victory over spirited Wales.
‘I just need a quick drink’ – Umpire halts netball match in bizarre scenes
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The Silver Ferns maintained their perfect start to the tournament, making it four wins from four to return to the top of Group B.
Martina Salmon (30 goals from 35 attempts) and Amelia Walmsley (28 from 30) led the way for the two-time gold medallists, while Maddy Gordon chipped in with 21 assists.
However, it was not all plain sailing for New Zealand, who lost Georgia Heffernan and Catherine Hall to injury.
Wales did well to stay with their opponents during the second half, with Georgia Rowe (18 from 19) and Zoe Matthewman (nine from nine) keeping the scoreline respectable.
The Feathers, who can no longer win a medal, now switch their focus to securing as high a finish as possible.
Full-time! New Zealand 65-37 Wales
Wales stuck with New Zealand for the final quarter, but the Silver Ferns just edge it 14-12 to ensure they win all four.
More importantly, that's four wins from four games, and they return to the top of Group B.
Q4: New Zealand 61-36 Wales
The Silver Ferns are looking to finish with a flourish, as they pass the 60 mark.
Another injury for New Zealand
There's a concerned hush inside the arena, with Catherine Hall staying down and in need of attention from the physios.
The defender, who has only just recovered from a serious injury, leaves the court via a wheelchair, as her parents watch on from the stands.
Her mother, as all good ones do, quickly makes her way to check on her daughter.
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Catherine Hall
Image credit: Getty Images
Q4: New Zealand 51-25 Wales
We're into the final 15 minutes of this clash.
Q3: New Zealand 51-25 Wales
A better quarter from Wales, who were only outscored 15-10 by their superior opponents.
Sharp shooting from Rowe
Georgia Rowe has been reintroduced to Wales' attack in this quarter.
She's 10 from 10 in this game, and has only missed one attempt all tournament!
Q3: New Zealand 42-17 Wales
The Silver Ferns have passed the 40-point mark, without using their leading scorer as of yet, in Grace Nkewe (95).
She's also recorded 10 rebounds so far at these Games, a tally only bettered by Northern Ireland's Lisa Bowman (11).
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New Zealand Netball
Image credit: Getty Images
Q3: New Zealand 40-16 Wales
Wales were stopped in their tracks by a combination of Catherine Hall and Karin Burger.
Though part of the 2019 World Cup-winning team, the latter is eager to make up for lost time at these Games.
That's because she missed 2022 in Birmingham with a foot injury.
Q3: New Zealand 36-15 Wales
The second half's up and running!
How to watch the 2026 Commonwealth Games
Half-time! New Zealand 36-15 Wales
An improved quarter from Wales on the scoring front.
However, the same can be said for their opponents, who are well on course to making it four wins from four.
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New Zealand Wales
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Q2: New Zealand 30-14 Wales
The Silver Ferns aren't at their free-flowing best.
However, they're too quick for Wales on the whole, and steadily increasing their lead.
Change required
A concern for New Zealand with Georgia Heffernan landing awkwardly, and limping off the court.
Amelia Walmsley, who captained the under-21s at last year's World Youth Cup, comes on in her place in goal attack.
Q2: New Zealand 22-9 Wales
Salmon's unblemished shooting record is no more after a couple of close-range misses.
She's made no mistakes with the rebounds, though, to keep the scoreline ticking over in New Zealand's favour.
Q2: New Zealand 18-8 Wales
A couple of changes from both sides as they commence the second quarter.
Among them, Kate Heffernan is introduced by the Silver Ferns.
Silver Ferns at the Games
1998: Silver
2002: Silver
2006: Gold
2010: Gold
2014: Silver
2018: Fourth
2022: Bronze
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New Zealand 2010
Image credit: Getty Images
End of Q1: New Zealand 17-7 Wales
Phillipa Yarranton pulls one back for Wales after their opponents are penalised with the last action of the opening quarter.
Nevertheless, New Zealand are firmly in control.
Q1: New Zealand 13-5 Wales
New Zealand have recorded the most rebounds on average at these Games.
Their follow-up play is highlighted again, as Georgia Heffernan's initial failed attempt is retrieved and subsequently converted by Salmon.
It runs in the family
Daughters of former New Zealand international Annette, identical twins Kate and Georgia Heffernan are the only sisters to play in the same Silver Ferns side at the same time.
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Georgia Heffernan
Image credit: Getty Images
Q1: New Zealand 6-4 Wales
It hasn't taken long for the Silver Ferns to take control and establish an early lead.
Martina Salmon and Georgia Heffernan have led their charge, though Georgia Rowe is keeping Wales in contention (four from four).
Off we go!
The teams are introduced out into the arena, and we're under way at the Hydro!
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Netball
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Starting sevens
New Zealand: Martina Salmon, Georgia Heffernan, Kimiora Poi, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Karin Burger, Kelly Jackson.
Wales: Georgia Rowe, Phillipa Yarranton, Bethan Dyke, Meg Pilkington, Vicky Booth, Caris Morgan, Leah Middleton.
Head to head
- 1998: New Zealand 94-21 Wales
- 2002: New Zealand 81-23 Wales
- 2018: New Zealand 70-44 Wales
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New Zealand Wales 2018
Image credit: Getty Images
Must-win for Wales
As for Wales, who are huge underdogs for this clash, they must win to stand any chance of keeping their medal hopes alive.
Not only that, but they must also beat current Group B leaders Jamaica, so it's a big ask.
The Feathers opened with defeats against Uganda and Scotland, but bounced back yesterday with a 74-30 victory over Trinidad & Tobago.
Can the Silver Ferns stay perfect?
New Zealand have won each of their opening three matches in Group B, though they haven't been overly convincing thus far.
After opening with a 74-44 victory over Scotland, they battled past Jamaica 53-48 and Uganda 58-50.
Nevertheless, another win here would secure their passage into the semi-finals with a game to spare.
How to watch the 2026 Commonwealth Games
The Commonwealth Games is entering a new era with TNT Sports and HBO Max set to deliver a never-before-seen viewing experience, with every event from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games exclusively live across all HBO Max plans in the UK and Ireland.
Watch and stream every event from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games exclusively live across TNT Sports and all HBO Max plans in the UK and Ireland.
Good evening
Hello everyone and welcome to live text coverage of netball from the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Tonight, our focus is on the Group B clash between New Zealand and Wales.
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The Commonwealth Games is entering a new era with TNT Sports and HBO Max set to deliver a never-before-seen viewing experience, with every event from Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games exclusively live across all HBO Max plans in the UK and Ireland.
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