Who Will Lead Ireland in the Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ireland's squad for the Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier has been announced.
- Gaby Lewis continues as captain, with Orla Prendergast as vice-captain.
- The team will conduct a training camp in Dubai prior to the tournament.
- Two warm-up matches will be held against Nepal and Zimbabwe.
- The top teams from the Qualifier will advance to the T20 World Cup.
Dublin, Dec 27 (NationPress) Cricket Ireland has unveiled its 15-member squad for the forthcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier set to take place in Kathmandu, Nepal, from January 18 to February 1, 2026. Gaby Lewis will continue her role as team captain, supported by Orla Prendergast as vice-captain.
The Irish team is scheduled to depart on January 6, 2026, for a six-day training camp in Dubai, before heading to Nepal on January 12. They will engage in two official warm-up matches against Nepal and Zimbabwe.
This Qualifier will see participation from teams including Bangladesh, Ireland, the Netherlands, Namibia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand, the USA, and Zimbabwe. The teams are split into two groups of five, with Ireland competing in Group A. Following the group matches, the top three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six stage, where the top four will qualify for the T20 World Cup.
Graeme West, Director of High Performance, remarked, “The recent tour to South Africa illustrated the challenges of international cricket, yet it also highlighted our squad's ability to learn, adapt, and develop from such experiences. The South Africa series was crucial for skill enhancement and pinpointing areas needing improvement, while the upcoming Qualifier will be the moment for the squad to apply that experience on the field.”
“Nepali pitches are typically low and slow, which is why we are including three frontline spinners in the squad, as they are likely to play a pivotal role given the expected conditions. We have no significant injury concerns, as Amy Hunter is anticipated to make a complete recovery from the minor issue that sidelined her during the 3rd ODI against South Africa recently.”
“We wish Lloyd Tennant, our head coach, and the squad the best of luck – and we eagerly anticipate a successful qualifying campaign and another appearance by Ireland at a major event in June 2026.”
Ireland Squad for T20 World Cup Qualifiers: Gaby Lewis (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Sarah Forbes, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Aimee Maguire, Jane Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Orla Prendergast, Rebecca Stokell