Ireland vice-captain Amy Hunter has expressed confidence that star all-rounder Orla Prendergast's absence from the ICC Women's Emerging Nations Trophy will serve as a springboard for younger players to prove themselves on the international stage. The 10-team tournament is scheduled to be held in the UAE, with Ireland kicking off their campaign against Sri Lanka on Thursday, 12 November.

Opportunity in Prendergast's Absence

Prendergast is currently representing Brisbane Heat in Australia's Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), leaving a gap in Ireland's squad. However, Hunter sees the upside. "It's a relatively inexperienced squad, but that presents some pretty cool opportunities," she told Cricket Ireland.

Among those set to benefit are Abbi Harrison and Zara Craig, both of whom earned their call-ups following standout displays in recent editions of the ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup. The tournament could also witness potential debutants making their mark at senior level.

Experience to Anchor the Youth

Serving as vice-captain to regular skipper Gaby Lewis, Hunter noted that seasoned campaigners Laura Delany and Lara Maritz would provide the backbone around which the younger players can develop. "I think to be able to call on the likes of Laura Delany and Lara Maritz into the team demonstrates the depth that we have," Hunter said.

The wicketkeeper-batter emphasised that the tournament is not merely a development exercise — competitive intent remains paramount. "Every game we go into, we look to compete as best we can and ultimately win, so that will still be our goal for this tournament," she added.

Group Stage Draw and Format

Ireland have been placed in Group A alongside Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Scotland, and hosts UAE. The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, ensuring that every match in the pool phase carries meaningful weight.

Hunter's Return to T20 Cricket

The tournament also marks Hunter's personal return to international T20 cricket since she featured in five matches at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup earlier this year. "I can't wait to get going again in T20 cricket. We've had a bit of a break from it now, since the (T20) World Cup in June," she said.

Ireland will carry the confidence of a morale-boosting win over the West Indies in their final group match of the T20 World Cup, hoping to carry that momentum into the UAE. The full squad is: Gaby Lewis (c), Zara Craig, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Abbi Harrison, Amy Hunter, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara Maritz, Lara McBride, Kia McCartney, Cara Murray.

With a blend of promising youth and reliable experience, Ireland's performance in the UAE could shape the depth of women's cricket in the country for the next cycle.